January brings a lot of opportunities for travel enthusiasts. With the upcoming long weekend around Republic Day 2023, you can plan a short getaway to various destinations in India.
This year, Republic Day (January 26) is falling on Thursday. You can take the Friday off and build a four-day itinerary to either a mountain or beach destination. We have picked seven hot spots for you so that you do not have to search a lot.
Auli, Uttarakhand
If you are sailing effortlessly through the cold wave and want to witness snowfall, Auli is your destination. It is also ideal for adventure buffs who would like to explore the white landscape of the hill station via skiing.
A holiday here will allow you to capture the stunning view of the Nandan Devi range. Places to visit here include Trishul peak, Chenab lake, Kwani Bugyal, Joshimath and Rudraprayag.
Kutch, Gujarat
Kutch is the right destination to pick if you are tired of the cold wave in North India and want to witness a bright shining sun. This is also the best time to visit the city because Rann Utsav is in its full fervour.
Apart from exploring the vibrant shops and sumptuous cuisines at the festival, you can explore the White Desert, museum, Aina Mahal, Darbargadh and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Munnar-Alleppey, Kerala
If you want to keep it a mix of hill station and beach, plan your holiday in Kerala. Book itineraries for Munnar, hill station, and Alleppey, beach destination. You can cover the two in the span of four days.
You can keep a day aside to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala in a houseboat. It is a one-of-a-kind experience. Apart from it, you can explore tea estates in Munnar, Mattupetty Dam and Alappuzha Lighthouse.
Puri, Odisha
Travel and mythology enthusiasts would find Puri an intriguing destination because of Jagannath Temple. There are many tales associated with its structure, and it is one of the crucial spots among Char Dham destinations.
Other places to visit in Puri include Konark Beach, Puri Beach, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary and Chilka Lake. Fishing, cruising and birdwatching are some of the activities you can participate in.
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Dawki-Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, and Dawki lies near it. It is where you can spot nature at its best. Fluttering leaves, natural bridges and cascading rivers create a mesmerising landscape that will help you forget the concrete jungles of metropolitan cities.
Places to visit near Shillong include Cherrapunji, Barapani, Elephant Falls, Dawki Umngot River, Shillong Peak and Nohkalikai Falls.
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Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer remains warmer in January compared to other parts of North India and some areas in Rajasthan. It is known for its golden dunes and forts with striking architecture.
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Jaisalmer Fort is the highlight of the city and a must-visit spot. You can also add Gadisagar Lake, Patwon Ki Haweli and Salam Singh Ki Haweli to your itinerary. Indulge in adventures of desert safaris and camel safaris to make the most of your vacation in the Golden City of Rajasthan.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is a quaint hill station nestled in West Bengal. Its lush greenery, tea estates and Buddhist monasteries attract a footfall of tourists from around the world. January is the best time to hit the hill station and go sightseeing around it.
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