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Dawki, Shillong: Where beauty hangs by the living root

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100 km to the south of Guwahati lies Shillong- the capital city of Meghalaya, nurtured and groomed by the rain Gods. The mild smoky environs sprinkled air carrying beads of mist, fluttering leaves and minimalistic way of life make Dawki a unique place to begin your quest for happiness and life. Brace yourself for a cozy sojourn as you plan to explore the wide riches of the North East with your perfect travel companion. I’d recommend one because North East is certainly among the warm places to visit in January in India. Places to visit in Shillong:  Barapani, Cherrapunji, Dawki Umngot river, Elephant falls, Nohkalikai falls, Shillong peak Things to do in Shillong:  Walk Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong and Double Decker Root Bridge entirely made up of tangled roots, offer prayers to the almighty at Kamakhya Temple, boat ride, trekking, and camping How to reach Shillong By air:  Guwahati Airport is the closest airstrip to Shillong By train:  There’s no railway station in Dawki

Kolkata, West Bengal: Where joy is eminent in everything

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India’s only metro city with a great mix of lifestyle and infrastructure from yesteryears and the current era, Kolkata holds the distinction of being another top-notch place to visit in India in January. It is around this time that colorful Poush Mela is celebrated in Santiniketan. At Eden Gardens, experience the echo and thrill of numerous chants that still reside in the premises of the 2nd largest cricket stadium in the world, only after Melbourne Cricket Ground. Places to visit in Kolkata:  Nicco Park, Eden Gardens, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Science City, and Howrah Bridge Things to do in Kolkata:  Explore the flora and fauna of Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, offer prayers at Adi Brahmo Samaj Prayer Hall, lots of water activities at Aquatica Water Park How to reach Kolkata By air:  Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport is at a distance of 18 km from the city. By train:  Howrah and Sealdah are the two major railheads that connect most of the Indian cities with Kolkata By road:  

Puri, Bhubaneshwar: Natural habitat of the migratory birds

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Popular worldwide for the Jagannath temple, Puri has plenty of treasures that catch the fancy of most of the discerned travelers and puts it on the list of best places to visit in India in December-January.   Chilka lake   is a popular tourist attraction for nature enthusiasts sees a large number of footfall especially in the month of January. Thanks to the pleasant weather and the birds flocking to the place during winters. Puri also boasts of plenty of marvel from the medieval era which allows the visitors a surreal view of fine architecture and craftsmanship. Places to visit in Puri:  Puri beach, Konark beach, Chilka lake, Chilka Wildlife Sanctuary, Things to do in Puri:  Bird watching, private tours to sanctuaries and temples, cruising in lake, and fishing How to reach Puri By air:  Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport at a distance of 60 km from the city By train:  Puri Railway Station is in the heart of the city By road:  Regular buses from the neighboring city freq

Sirpur, Chhattisgarh: In the lap of nature

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The historical town of Sirpur is an amazing blend of nature and monuments. The nonchalant charm of this relatively quiet sojourn makes it an ideal holiday destination in India in January. Come January, and the Sirpur National Dance and  Music Festival  enthrall and leave you mesmerized. The place basks in the festivities and the electric atmosphere leaves visitors enchanted. Places to visit in Sirpur:  Urja park, Iskcon temple, Madku Dweep, Nandanvan garden, Mahant Ghasidas memorial Things to do in Sirpur:  Explore the temples, go for nature walks, go beach camping, and enjoy spectacular nature view at Takmak Tok How to reach Sirpur By air:  Sonegaon Airport in Nagpur is the nearest airstrip located at a distance of 194 km By train:  There are trains running from other major cities to Sirpur Town Railway Station By road:  Nearest bus stand is Kagaznagar at a distance of 16 km

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh: Mecca of street food!

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Holding the prestigious distinction of being home to the Mecca of India, Hyderabad turns into an allure for travelers. The pleasant weather conditions in the month of January, which is neither hot and nor too cold, makes Hyderabad one of the warm places to visit in India in January. Golconda Fort, Madina, and lip-smacking Mughlai food are key attractions of your holiday to the city of Nizams. Places to visit in Hyderabad:  Charminar, Golconda Fort, Mecca Masjid, Ramoji film city, Hussain Sagar lake Things to do in Hyderabad:  City detours, heritage walks, try street food in Charminar area, take a ferry ride in Hussain Sagar lake, explore Birla Science Centre How to reach Hyderabad By air:  Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is located in Begumpet area By train:  Hyderabad Railway Station connects the city with all the major location of the country By road:  Hyderabad has a huge bus terminus which well connected with almost all the neighboring cities and other major cities li

Mamallapuram-Madurai, Tamil Nadu: The charm of down south

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January is the time when Tamil Nadu is at its best. The place exhibits a myriad of colors offered by nature. Also, January is the time for   Mamallapuram Dance festival,   which is an absolute treat for culture lovers. Around the same time,   Pongal   calls for a statewide celebration, making Madurai and Mamallapuram the best places to visit in South India in January. Madurai celebrates  Float Festival  with huge processions that are carried out from Meenakshi temple. While the tempting aroma of crisp vada and dosa permeate the air around; the chanting of mantras cleanse the atmosphere, and to top it all the exciting designs of rangoli adorn the households immaculately. Places to visit in Mamallapuram-Madurai:  Meenakshi Temple, Gandhi Museum, Samanar Hills, Shore temple, Panch Rathas, Descent of the Ganges, and Tiger Caves Things to do in Mamallapuram-Madurai:  Try moving Krishna’s Butterball, go surfing, explore the lighthouse, watch crocodiles move around in their natural hab

Andaman & Nicobar: A honeymooner’s first love!

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This out-of-the-world place by far remains the most preferred honeymoon destination for most of the couples worldwide. Turquoise water, silky sand, quaint beaches – the breathtaking spectacle of nature makes Andaman one of the best places to visit in India in December-January with family and loved ones. Havelock island being the best of them all calls out the seekers of peace and retreat. Unblemished and spotless as it is, the place definitely has plenty of wonderful things to offer. With temperature continuously hovering between 20 and 28 degrees, nothing matches the beauty and charm of Andamans. Places to visit in Andaman & Nicobar:  Radhanagar, Neil, Elephant and Kalapathar beach, Venom Bar, Cellular jail Things to do in Andaman & Nicobar:  Try the lip-smacking delicacies at Full Moon Cafe, snorkeling, Scuba diving, enjoy light and sound show at the Cellular Jail How to reach Andaman & Nicobar By air:  Port Blair is well connected with Chennai and Kolkata By