Is January a good time to visit India?

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

Phuktal, Zanskar valley, India. Credit: sandeepachetan.com travel photography

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.

Go Birding

Kaziranga National Park

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.

Hit the beach

Goa, India

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.

Thinking of heading to India soon? Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you chart out your holiday!