Although January is the coldest month in the northern part of India, winter is actually starting to make its way out in the better part of the subcontinent, making the weather in India in January just about perfect to plan your trip. And, if you’re not averse to the cold, that leaves you with even more options to choose from. Here are some of our top picks for things to do in India in January.
Walk on a river of ice
Despite its incredibly harsh climate, Ladakh is home to a number of indigenous people. Over centuries, they have adapted to this unique cold desert environment. The landscape is dotted with numerous, far-flung villages deep within the Himalayas. Many of these are cut off from the rest of civilisation during the winter months. One such place is Zanskar. But the locals, driven by practical considerations, have devised a novel way of commuting when the snow has cut off the passes. They simply walk on the frozen river. And thrill seekers from around the world now emulate them. Late January, being the coldest time of the year, is when the Zanskar river has frozen solid, making it the safest time to traverse. So, if you like adventure, the Chadar, as the frozen Zanskar is called, is arguably the best place to visit in India in January.
Go skiing
Although India is not really known to be a winter sports destination, the weather in India in January makes the snow-covered slopes of the Himalayan ranges great for a skiing holiday. Places like Gulmarg and Auli have well-developed facilities to cater to powder snow enthusiasts and definitely warrant consideration. For more information on skiing in India, check out our blog!
Dive Deeper: Discovering North India’s Top Attractions
Go Birding
Apart from the North, winter in the rest of India is largely pleasant. This means that birds migrating South for the winters find the weather in India in January just about perfect. Come January, national parks like Jim Corbett, Keoladeo Ghana, Nameri, and Kaziranga are a paradise for birders from all over the world.
Read Further: Discover the Best Things to Do in India
Hit the beach
The most popular beaches on the west coast of India can get quite balmy in summer. But the weather in India in January is just perfect. Additionally, the rush of tourists leading to new year’s has abated considerably by then, making this one of the best places to visit in India in January. Goa, Gokarna, and Diu are good options to explore.
Explore the Rann of Kutch
The great and little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat are vast expanses of almost completely flat land that are inundated by saline water every monsoon. By mid-winter, this water has either receded or evaporated, leaving vast tracts that have an astounding number of species inhabiting them. Additionally, summers can get quite harsh here. So, the weather in India in January makes it the perfect time to visit. And then there’s the Rann Utsav, an annual cultural festival attracting visitors from around the globe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for many travelers, January is an excellent time to visit India. The weather across most of the country is pleasant, with cool, sunny days. It falls within the peak tourist season for many regions.
Yes, January is a vibrant month for festivals in India: Makar Sankranti/Pongal (mid-January): A major harvest festival celebrated with kite flying (especially in Gujarat), bonfires (Lohri in North India), and special dishes (Pongal in South India). Republic Day (January 26th): A national holiday with parades and cultural events across the country, most notably in Delhi. International Kite Festival (Gujarat): Usually coincides with Makar Sankranti. Jaipur Literature Festival (late January): A renowned literary event attracting authors and enthusiasts from around the world. Bikaner Camel Festival (Rajasthan): Showcases camel races and cultural performances.
Pack a mix of clothing depending on the regions you plan to visit: For North India: Warm layers like sweaters, jackets, scarves, and even a light hat and gloves for the evenings and early mornings. For South and Central India: Light, breathable clothing like cottons and linens. You might need a light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings, especially in hillier areas. For all regions: Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
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