From Kochi to Ahmedabad and Jaipur to Hampi: here are the 10 places you should be visiting in January.
Come January 4 and all the excitement
that has led up to the New Year’s Eve comes crashing down. But don’t
let the lack of parties discourage you from traveling the country. India
with its varied cultures and religions has enough and more to do every
month and January is no different. So get rid of your January blues and
head out to these ten places to experience something new.
Kochi
Kochi Carnival may well be drawing to a close on
January 1 but that doesn’t mean you don’t have reasons to visit Kochi.
The Kochi Muziris Biennale that had its inaugural edition in 2012 is
underway even as you read this and quite frankly is reason enough to
visit the coastal town of Kerala. Witness groundbreaking work of art or
take a walk in Kochi’s old Jewish Town or simply shop till you drop for
gold and clothes, Kochi has a way of keeping you occupied in a way that
will drive your blues away. And if you’ve just got married, we’ve even
planned out this Kerala honeymoon package just for you!
Kochi- Muziriz Biennale was started in 2012 when
the Government of Kerala approached artists like Bose Krishnamachari and
Riyaz Komu to promote contemporary art in the state. Kochi- Muziriz
Biennale 2016 will have an array of global artists who will be
addressing the audiences at the third edition of the Biennale.
Goa
You don’t need a reason to visit Goa really but
India’s favorite beach state has a lot going for it even after the wild
31st parties have wound down. Take a walk along the beaches or simply
detox yourself by participating in the India Yoga Festival (January 4 to
January 8) where 25 renowned yoga teachers will teach you to be one
with yourself.
Ahmedabad
The city may not be on your list of places to visit
in January (or really any other month of the year) but Ahmedabad throws a
pretty awesome kite flying party each year around Makar Sankranti. The
festival marks the end of winter and the city comes alive as do its
skies that are dotted by kites of all shapes, sizes and colors. Salman
Khan couldn’t resist the temptation of visiting it a few years ago, we
don’t see how mere mortals such as us can! Visit it already!
Kovalam
The tiny town of Kovalam that is more a suburb of
Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram has more than its share of five star
hotels and should most definitely be on your list of places to visit in
January for several reasons. For one the weather is great as are its
beaches that are also surfing friendly. But come mid-January and Kovalam
will host Gramam, an annual festival whose aim it is to revive the
cultural traditions of Kerala. Partake in traditional Keralan cuisine
and watch the locals who step out in their ethnic best during this time
if the year.
Jaipur
There is something quite overwhelming to find a
well-preserved historic monument at every turn or 19th century havelis
dotting the landscape or a fort that stands on the outskirts of the
city, almost as if guarding it against an impending invasion. Jaipur is
one of our favorite destinations in India but January really is the best
time to visit it since you will be in good company of authors —
everyone from bestselling ones to Nobel Laureates and Man Booker Prize
winners among others address the audience will be attending the Jaipur
Literature Festival from January 21 to January 25.
Sirpur
Chhattisgarh has only recently begun to open up to
tourists and is becoming more and more savvy with the ways of the
Internet. Sirpur in Chattisgarh is one such place that is embracing
tourists more warmly than ever before. The archaeological remains of
Sirpur are the state’s pride and its Buddha Viharas are older than those
in Nalanda. If history doesn’t interest you, you also have the
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary that will keep your little ones
interested. But the one big reason you should visit Sirpur is its
National Dance and Music Festival that was started in 2013 as part of
promotion for tourism in Chhattisgarh. The festival is expected to host
several legends including Pt Birju Maharaj and Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia
among several others.
Madurai
You don’t necessarily have to be religious to visit
Madurai. It is, of course, a center of pilgrimage but even the atheist
in you would stop to admire the very impressive Meenakshi temple that
lies at the heart of the towns’ economy. Madurai itself is some 4,000
years old and has several temples and buildings whose architecture
reminds you that it has always been an important town for several
millennia. Take a walk through the old city that offers a glimpse into
life in another era but also time your visit so you can witness
Teppothsavam, the festival during which Meenakshi, along with her
consort, Sundareshwarar is taken out on a grand procession in the lake
Teppakolam.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
India’s latest sweethearts, Andaman and Nicobar
islands are a must-visit especially in January. Most of the New Year’s
Eve crowd would have dispersed by now and you will be free to witness
the varied cultures of the archipelago. A part of this experience is the
10-day Island Tourism Festival that will start on January 5 and will
feature exhibitions, dances and song performances as well as adventure
sports like parasailing and surfing among others.
Bhubaneshwar
One of the first few planned cities of India along
with Chandigarh and Jamshedpur, Bhubaneshwar is one of India’s most
underrated travel destinations. Famous for its architecture and ancient
temples, Bhubaneshwar forms an integral part of the Golden Triangle that
includes the holy city of Puri (Jagannath Temple) and Konark (Sun
temple). Bhubaneshwar is also hosting the Mukteshwar Dance Festival from
January 14 to January 16 that promotes talented Odissi performers from
around the country.
Diu
The tiny union territory has been on our radar for
some years now and we are quite thrilled to see it embracing tourism
like few other states have. It is currently hosting Asia’s longest beach
festival that will go on till February 15. But there’s a lot more to do
in Diu besides the festival. Diu has some pretty outstanding beaches
and forts that you must absolutely visit as well as churches that will
keep you busy for a good few days. And if the video below doesn’t make
you want to visit it, we really don’t know what will!
Contact Details.
Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)
Address : Grounf Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road,
Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602,
India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com
