Best Places to Visit in January: India and Abroad (2027)
Ten Indian picks and eight countries that are genuinely at their best in January, built around the Uttarayan, Pongal and Republic Day long weekends – with weather, visa status and a budget table from Ahmedabad.
January is the most rewarding month of the year to travel – if you skip its first five days. Once the New Year crowd heads home, hotel rates in Goa, Kerala and Rajasthan fall back from their December peak while the weather stays at its best. The Himalaya has its deepest snow of the season, the deserts are crisp and sunny, and across South-East Asia and the Gulf the dry, cool season is in full swing. India also packs three of its biggest winter festivals into a fortnight: Uttarayan with the kite festival in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Lohri in Punjab, followed by the Republic Day long weekend.
This guide is split into two halves. The first covers the best places to visit in India in January, each with a reason the month matters, the weather and who it suits. The second covers the best countries to visit in January for Indian travellers, with weather, the visa position as of October 2026, flight times from Ahmedabad and an honest note on places that are not good in January. There is a calendar of the 2027 long weekends, a budget table that includes flights, and practical notes on Uttarayan and the Rann Utsav from our team, who live with both every year in Ahmedabad.
Updated October 2026 by the Vibrant Holidays team, Ahmedabad.
Holiday packages for the places in this guide
Our latest matching packages on Vibrant Holidays — 3 to 14 nights. Every package can be customised for departure from your city.
January 2027 calendar: festivals and long weekends
Festival dates follow the lunar or solar calendar and can shift by a day; office holidays differ by state and employer. Use this as a planning frame and check your own leave calendar.
| Dates (2027) | What happens | Travel angle |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 1 – Sun 3 Jan | New Year weekend | Still peak pricing; from 6 January rates drop sharply |
| Usually the days before 14 Jan | International Kite Festival, Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad (Gujarat Tourism) | Kite flyers from many countries; free to watch |
| Wed 13 Jan | Lohri in Punjab and north India | Bonfire evenings in Amritsar and Chandigarh |
| Thu 14 – Fri 15 Jan | Uttarayan and Vasi Uttarayan in Gujarat; Makar Sankranti (the Sankranti moment falls late on 14 January, so many calendars mark the 15th) | With the weekend, a possible four-day break from 14 to 17 January |
| Fri 15 Jan | Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu (Bhogi on the 14th, Mattu Pongal on the 16th) | Village Pongal celebrations; Jallikattu near Madurai |
| Around 22 Jan | Full moon over the White Rann of Kutch | Most requested Rann Utsav nights of the month |
| Usually late January | Jaipur Literature Festival; Bikaner Camel Festival is also usually held in January | Rajasthan city hotels busier on festival dates |
| Sat 23 – Tue 26 Jan | Republic Day falls on a Tuesday | Take Monday 25 off for a four-day trip; book by early December |
| Sat 6 Feb | Lunar New Year (Tet in Vietnam, Chinese New Year in Singapore and Malaysia) | Late-January fares to Vietnam and Singapore start climbing |
Best places to visit in India in January
1. Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam, Kashmir – deepest snow of the year
January is the heart of Chillai Kalan, the harshest part of the Kashmir winter, and Gulmarg has the thickest, most dependable snow cover of the season. The ski slopes at Kongdori and, conditions permitting, Apharwat via Gondola Phase 2 are fully operational, and short beginner ski courses with instructors are easy to arrange. Sonamarg's Thajiwas glacier area and Pahalgam's Betaab Valley are white too, though roads beyond some points can close after heavy falls. Daytime temperatures in Gulmarg stay near or below freezing, often −8 to 2°C.
Who it suits: honeymoon couples, snow-first families and anyone wanting to learn skiing. Ideal length: 5–6 nights. Tip: fly into Srinagar rather than driving from Jammu – the highway is prone to closures in January.
2. Auli, Uttarakhand – India's other ski slope
Auli is at its most reliable for snow from January to early March. The slopes face Nanda Devi and Dronagiri, and the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and private operators run ski courses of a few days to two weeks. Accommodation is limited, so it stays quieter than Kashmir. Recent seasons have seen the Joshimath–Auli ropeway out of service, so you reach Auli by road; we check its status before quoting.
Who it suits: learners and adventure-minded couples. Ideal length: 5–6 nights from Dehradun or Rishikesh.
3. Ahmedabad and Gujarat for Uttarayan
On 14 January the whole of Ahmedabad moves to its rooftops. The pols of the old city – Khadia, Raipur, Shahpur – are the best place to experience it, with music, undhiyu and jalebi, and paper lanterns (tukkal) floating up after dark. The International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront in the days before brings flyers from across the world. Details follow in a separate section below.
Who it suits: visitors from other states and NRIs who want the festival at home. Ideal length: 2–3 nights, extendable to Kutch or Saurashtra.
4. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The White Rann is at its brightest and coldest in January – nights on the salt flat can dip to about 4–6°C. Kutch combines well with Uttarayan: fly a kite in Ahmedabad on the 14th and drive to Dhordo the next morning. Craft villages, Kala Dungar and the Harappan site of Dholavira are easy add-ons.
Who it suits: families, senior citizens and photographers. Ideal length: 3–4 nights.
5. Kerala – dry, green and back to normal prices
January gives Kerala its driest, sunniest weather: 22–32°C on the coast, crisp mornings of 8–12°C in Munnar, calm seas at Kovalam and Varkala. After the first week, houseboat and resort rates fall noticeably from their Christmas peak. It is also a good month to start an Ayurveda programme at a beach resort before the heat builds.
Who it suits: seniors, honeymooners and vegetarian families. Ideal length: 5–7 nights. See our Kerala planning page.
6. Goa after the New Year rush
Goa from 6 to 31 January is the same sunshine as New Year week for perhaps half the price, with uncrowded beaches and easier restaurant bookings. Nights are cool enough for a light jacket on a scooter. The sea is calm for water sports and dolphin trips.
Who it suits: couples, friends and families who want a short, easy beach break. Ideal length: 3–4 nights.
7. Jaipur and Bikaner, Rajasthan
Rajasthan's forts and palaces are best seen in January sun at 20–24°C by day. Jaipur hosts the Literature Festival, usually in the second half of the month, and Bikaner's Camel Festival is usually held in January too, with camel decoration contests, folk dance and a fire dance at Ladera dunes. Evenings fall to 5–8°C.
Who it suits: families, culture lovers and multi-generation trips. Ideal length: 5–6 nights (Jaipur, Bikaner, possibly Mandawa in Shekhawati).
8. Andaman Islands
Calm seas, clear water and dry weather make January one of the best months for Havelock's Radhanagar beach, snorkelling at Elephant Beach and scuba at Neil. Once the New Year week passes, ferries and hotels become much easier to book.
Who it suits: honeymooners and families with children. Ideal length: 5–6 nights.
9. Madurai, Thanjavur and Tamil Nadu for Pongal
Pongal is Tamil Nadu's harvest festival: kolam patterns outside every home, pots of sweet pongal boiling over at dawn, cattle decorated for Mattu Pongal. The well-known Jallikattu events near Madurai (Avanapuram, Palamedu, Alanganallur) are usually held on the days around Pongal. Combine with the Meenakshi Temple, the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur and Rameshwaram. Weather is warm but dry, about 21–30°C.
Who it suits: culture-focused travellers and pilgrims. Ideal length: 5–6 nights.
10. Coorg and Chikmagalur, Karnataka
The coffee harvest runs through winter, so January plantation stays let you watch picking, pulping and drying. Mornings are misty at 12–15°C and afternoons pleasant. Abbey Falls is thin at this time of year, but the estates are at their most fragrant.
Who it suits: couples and families who want a slow, green weekend; easy with Mysuru. Ideal length: 3–4 nights.
Also good in January: Ranthambore and Kaziranga for wildlife, Varanasi (dense fog in early mornings), Hampi, Puducherry, Mount Abu and the Saurashtra temple circuit. For snow without flying, Manali and Narkanda in Himachal are options when the roads are open.
Best countries to visit in January from India
January is dry season across most of mainland South-East Asia, cool in the Gulf and peak season in the Indian Ocean islands. Visa notes below are as of October 2026; rules change – we check before you book. For every visa we prepare and submit your application; approval is at the embassy's or authority's discretion.
Thailand
The cool, dry season: Bangkok about 22–32°C, the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) with flat, clear seas, and Chiang Mai fresh at 14°C in the mornings. Indian passport holders get visa-free entry for tourist stays of up to 30 days (reduced from 60 days in September 2026), plus the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival. One of the best value-for-money January trips. See our Thailand planning page.
Vietnam
Vietnam has three climates in January. The south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) is dry and sunny at 23–32°C; the centre (Da Nang, Hoi An) is cooler with some showers; the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa) is cool and misty at 14–20°C. Indians apply for an online e-visa. Watch out for Tet on 6 February 2027 – fares rise from late January and many businesses close for the holiday week.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The most pleasant time of year: 14–24°C, ideal for desert safaris, the beaches and outdoor parks. The Dubai Shopping Festival usually runs from early December into mid-January (the 2025–26 edition ended on 11 January), and Global Village is open through the winter. A UAE e-visa is needed. About 3 hours non-stop from Ahmedabad.
Singapore
Warm at 24–30°C with short tropical showers from the north-east monsoon – carry an umbrella, plan indoor attractions for afternoons. Chinatown lights up for Chinese New Year from about mid-January. A Singapore e-visa is applied for through an authorised agent.
Maldives
Peak season: dry, sunny, 26–31°C and excellent underwater visibility. Prices are highest over Christmas–New Year and stay high through January, so book early for overwater villas. Indians receive a free 30-day visa on arrival with a confirmed resort booking and return ticket.
Sri Lanka
The west and south coasts (Bentota, Galle, Mirissa) are in their dry season, whale watching off Mirissa is good, and the hill country (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella) is cool and green. The east coast is the wet side in January. An online ETA is required; it has been free for Indians under recent schemes, and we confirm the current position when quoting.
Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi)
Langkawi and the west coast are dry and calm; Kuala Lumpur has passing showers; the east-coast islands are closed for the monsoon. Malaysia's visa exemption for Indians was extended to 31 December 2026 – check with us for January 2027 travel.
Europe in winter
Cold (often −5 to 8°C) with short days, but the Swiss Alps and Austria are covered in snow, winter sales are on and city hotels are cheaper than in summer. Ski resorts are the exception and stay expensive. Apply for the Schengen visa at least six to eight weeks ahead.
Where not to go in January
- Bali: mid-wet season, with heavy afternoon rain and rough seas on some beaches. Still possible for villa-and-spa honeymoons at discounted rates, but not for beach-first trips.
- Mauritius: hot and humid summer with cyclone risk from January to March; better from May to December.
- East-coast Malaysia and Thailand's Gulf islands: Koh Samui and Perhentian get the tail of the monsoon; stick to the Andaman Sea side.
Browse Thailand, Vietnam, Dubai, Singapore and Maldives packages.
January budget table: India vs abroad (from Ahmedabad)
To compare like with like, the figures below are rough per-person totals including return economy flights from Ahmedabad (or the train/drive where flying makes no sense), on twin sharing with standard-to-deluxe hotels, for travel between 6 and 31 January. New Year week costs more; the Republic Day weekend adds 10–20%.
| Destination | January weather | Typical trip | Approx. total per person | Visa / entry (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goa | Sunny, 20–32°C | 4 nights | ₹20,000 – 38,000 | – |
| Rann of Kutch (by road) | Cold nights, sunny days | 3 nights | ₹15,000 – 32,000 | White Rann permit |
| Rajasthan (Jaipur, Bikaner) | 8–24°C | 5 nights | ₹20,000 – 36,000 | – |
| Kerala | Dry, 22–32°C | 5 nights | ₹30,000 – 48,000 | – |
| Kashmir (Gulmarg) | Snow, −8 to 6°C | 5 nights | ₹28,000 – 48,000 | – |
| Auli | Snow, −6 to 7°C | 5 nights | ₹28,000 – 45,000 | – |
| Tamil Nadu (Pongal) | Dry, 21–30°C | 5 nights | ₹26,000 – 42,000 | – |
| Andaman | Dry, 23–30°C | 5 nights | ₹42,000 – 65,000 | – |
| Thailand | Dry, 22–32°C | 5 nights | ₹45,000 – 72,000 | Visa-free up to 30 days |
| Dubai | Mild, 14–24°C | 4 nights | ₹55,000 – 85,000 | E-visa (included in package) |
| Sri Lanka | West/south dry | 5 nights | ₹50,000 – 85,000 | Online ETA |
| Malaysia | West coast dry | 5 nights | ₹55,000 – 90,000 | Exemption to 31 Dec 2026; check |
| Vietnam | South dry, north cool | 6 nights | ₹60,000 – 95,000 | E-visa |
| Singapore | Warm, showers | 4 nights | ₹75,000 – 1,20,000 | E-visa via agent |
| Maldives | Dry, 26–31°C | 4 nights | ₹1,10,000 – 2,50,000+ | Free visa on arrival |
| Switzerland & Austria | Snow, −5 to 8°C | 7–8 nights | ₹1,90,000 – 2,90,000 | Schengen visa |
A short Thailand trip often costs about the same as the Andamans or a deluxe Kerala trip, which surprises many first-time travellers. The difference is usually decided by airfare: book international flights for January before mid-November for the better fares.
Making the most of January long weekends
2027 gives Gujarat-based travellers three clean opportunities in January without much leave. Matched to the time you have:
- Three days (1–3 January): the New Year weekend is still peak season, so stay close – Udaipur, Mount Abu, Diu or a night at the Rann. Internationally, Dubai is the only realistic three-day option.
- Four days (14–17 January, if your office gives both Uttarayan days): many Ahmedabad families fly out to avoid the kite crowd – Goa, Jaipur, Dubai or a short Kashmir trip fit well. Others stay for the terraces and drive to Kutch on the 15th.
- Four days (23–26 January, with Monday 25 as leave): Gulmarg, Goa, Kerala's Munnar–Alleppey loop, Thailand's Bangkok–Pattaya or Dubai. Fares jump for this weekend, so book in the first half of December.
- A week or more: combine a long weekend with five leave days for Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the Andamans or a complete Kerala trip.
Each trip is private and built around your own dates, with your own car and driver; extended families and friends travel together as a private group, never mixed with strangers.
Uttarayan in Ahmedabad: a visitor's guide
If you are travelling to Gujarat for the kite festival, these points will help you plan the visit like a local.
- Where to watch: a terrace in the old-city pols is the real experience. Some heritage homes and pol houses rent out terraces with lunch; book well in advance. The Riverfront kite festival is better for watching international flyers and giant display kites.
- Food: undhiyu with puri, jalebi, chikki of til and peanut, and sugarcane – shops near the pols sell out by mid-morning on 14 January, so order the day before.
- Night sky: after sunset the sky fills with tukkal (paper lanterns) and fireworks.
- Safety: kite string (manja) can cut. Keep children supervised on terraces without parapets, and if you ride a two-wheeler, use a neck guard. Many volunteer bird-rescue camps operate across the city.
- Stay: hotels near C G Road, Ashram Road and the Riverfront are convenient for both the old city and the festival grounds.
- Extend the trip: Kutch, Gir with Somnath, Statue of Unity, or Modhera's Sun Temple and Rani ki Vav in Patan (both day trips).
Rann Utsav in January: what is different
The Dhordo Tent City season announced for 2026–27 runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027. In January the Rann is colder than in November, so the afternoons are lovely and the nights are sharp; carry thermals for the moonlit walk on the salt. January's full moon falls around 22 January, and that week overlaps the Republic Day weekend – expect both to sell out together. Mid-January weekdays, just after Uttarayan, are among the calmest dates of the whole season. A three-night trip by road from Ahmedabad (around 6–8 hours to Dhordo) works well with one night in Bhuj for its museums and Aina Mahal.
See our Gujarat packages for Kutch, Gir and Saurashtra itineraries.
Snow trip tips for January
- Clothing: thermal base layers, fleece, a down or padded outer jacket, waterproof boots with grip, gloves and a woollen cap. Snow boots and long coats can be hired in Gulmarg and Auli.
- Altitude and cold: Gulmarg (about 2,650 m) and Auli (about 2,800 m) are fine for most healthy travellers, but seniors with heart or breathing conditions should check with their doctor first.
- Heating: ask whether rooms are centrally heated or rely on electric heaters – power cuts happen in heavy snow. We choose hotels with backup.
- Flexibility: keep a spare day. Flights into Srinagar and roads up to Gulmarg or Auli can be held up by snowfall.
- Skiing: beginners need two to three days of lessons; book an instructor through the hotel or a licensed operator rather than touts on the slope.
See our snow packages and Kashmir packages.
Why plan your January trip with Vibrant Holidays
- India and abroad under one roof: we compare a Kerala week with a Thailand week on the same basis – including flights – so the choice is clear.
- Visa handled for you: we prepare and submit UAE, Singapore, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Schengen applications; approval rests with the authority.
- Long-weekend planning: itineraries timed to the Uttarayan and Republic Day breaks, with flights picked to waste as little leave as possible.
- Food sorted: pure-veg and Jain meals arranged on request and confirmed in writing; we tell you plainly where choices are limited, such as Vietnam's smaller towns.
- Local office, 24×7 on trip: C G Road, Ahmedabad, since 2014, open Monday to Saturday; IATA-accredited; member of TAAI, TAFI, ADTOI and IATO; recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Travelling earlier? See our December guide for India, or browse honeymoon packages and all packages from Ahmedabad.
Plan your trip with Vibrant Holidays
Tell us your dates, budget and who is travelling. We reply with a day-wise plan and a clear price, usually the same day.
Get a Free Quote WhatsApp 9089090790Best Places to Visit in January: FAQs
Which is the best place to visit in January in India?
For snow, Gulmarg in Kashmir has its most reliable cover and full skiing season in January. For sunshine, Kerala, Goa and the Andaman Islands are dry and calmer once the New Year week ends. For festivals, Ahmedabad for Uttarayan, the Rann of Kutch and Tamil Nadu for Pongal are unique to the month.
Which countries are best to visit in January from India?
Thailand, Vietnam's south, Dubai, Sri Lanka's west and south coasts and the Maldives all have dry, comfortable weather in January. Singapore is warm with short showers. Europe is cold but snowy and good value outside ski resorts. Bali and Mauritius are in their wet or cyclone season, so they are weaker January choices.
Is January a good time to visit Kashmir?
Yes, if you want snow. January is the coldest part of the Kashmir winter, with Gulmarg often between −8°C and 2°C and thick snow on the slopes. Skiing, the Gondola and sledging are in full swing. Fly into Srinagar instead of driving, keep a spare day for weather and choose hotels with good heating.
When is Uttarayan in 2027?
Gujarat celebrates Uttarayan on 14 January and Vasi Uttarayan on 15 January. In 2027 the Sankranti moment falls late on 14 January, so many calendars list Makar Sankranti on Friday 15 January. The International Kite Festival at Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Riverfront is usually held in the days leading up to the festival.
Is Goa good in January?
January is one of the best months for Goa. The weather is sunny and dry at around 20–32°C, the sea is calm, and after about 5 January hotel rates fall well below the Christmas–New Year peak. Beaches and restaurants are noticeably less crowded, which makes it a good choice for families and couples.
Do Indians need a visa for Thailand in January 2027?
As of October 2026, Indian tourists can enter Thailand visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, after the permitted stay was reduced from 60 days in September 2026. You need a passport valid for six months, a return ticket, hotel bookings and the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Rules change, so we re-check before you travel.
Is Bali a good destination in January?
January is the middle of Bali's rainy season, with heavy afternoon showers and rougher seas on some beaches. Mornings are often clear, villas offer discounts and the rice terraces are very green, so it can still work for a relaxed honeymoon. For a beach-focused trip, Thailand's Andaman coast or the Maldives are more reliable in January.
What is the cheapest international trip in January from India?
Thailand is usually the best value, with visa-free entry and 5-night trips from about ₹45,000 per person including flights from Ahmedabad. Sri Lanka and Malaysia come next. Dubai is short and easy but costs more because of the visa and hotel rates in peak season. Booking flights before mid-November makes the biggest difference.
Where can I go for the Republic Day long weekend in 2027?
Republic Day falls on Tuesday 26 January 2027, so taking Monday 25 off gives four days from 23 to 26 January. From Ahmedabad, Goa, Udaipur, the Rann of Kutch, Gulmarg, Munnar with Alleppey, Dubai or Bangkok–Pattaya all fit. Fares jump for this weekend, so book by early December.
When is Pongal in 2027 and where should I see it?
Thai Pongal falls on Friday 15 January 2027, with Bhogi on the 14th and Mattu Pongal on the 16th. Villages around Madurai, Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli celebrate it best, and Jallikattu events near Madurai are usually held over the Pongal days. Combine it with the Meenakshi and Brihadeeswarar temples and Rameshwaram.
Is the Rann of Kutch open in January?
Yes. The Dhordo Tent City runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027, and January brings clear skies with cold nights of around 4–6°C on the salt flat. The full moon falls around 22 January 2027, close to the Republic Day weekend, so book early for those dates. Mid-January weekdays are the quietest time.
How early should I book a January trip?
For the first week of January and the Republic Day weekend, book 8–10 weeks ahead. For the rest of the month, 4–6 weeks is usually enough within India. For international trips, book flights by mid-November and allow at least three weeks for e-visas and six to eight weeks for a Schengen visa.
