Taking a vacation in January is the perfect way to get out of the post-holiday slump, and you have a vast choice of destinations. Avid skiers can visit resorts in the U.S. and across Europe. Those looking to relax on the beach can enjoy the Caribbean’s balmy winter weather. But if you want to combine warm weather with sightseeing and a cultural experience like no other, India is a wonderful January travel destination.
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India is vast, so where is the best place to go on your January trip? We vote for the vibrant city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Known as the “pink city,” Jaipur is full of brightly colored buildings, delicious food, and centuries of history. It’s the perfect place to sweep away the winter cobwebs. Jaipur is so brightly colored that it’s become known as a “dopamine travel” destination. You can reach Jaipur easily from Delhi, where many travelers land in India. The fastest train from Delhi to Jaipur takes under 3.5 hours while driving takes around 5.5 hours. Consider following the “Golden Triangle” route that includes Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, where you can see the bucket list-worthy Taj Mahal.
Jaipur’s architectural sights are one of the main draws for visitors to the city, and there are three top stops in the center. You can wander a series of beautiful courtyards in the City Palace and see collections of royal saris and Rajput weaponry. The magnificent five-story, pink sandstone facade of Hawa Mahal is very photogenic, and several TripAdvisor visitors say the palace looks best at night. The UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar is a fascinating astronomical observation site dating back to the 18th century.
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One of the best-loved sights in Jaipur is the Amber Palace, which overlooks the city from a hilltop around seven miles away. The palace’s interior is a striking blend of red sandstone and marble, and the views back over Jaipur are sweeping and breathtaking. Several reviewers on Google recommend taking a guide to learn about the history of the palace.
After you’ve toured the architecture, it’s time to visit Jaipur’s bazaars. There are several, but the main ones are within the old walled city. Check out Johori Bazaar for local jewelry and Bapu Bazaar for colorful textiles. While wandering the bazaars, make sure to try Jaipur’s street food. Lassiwala is a top-rated stop to get India’s famous lassi yogurt drink. Get your fix of fried food with pyaz kachori (deep-fried pastry filled with onions), and be sure to try laal maans, a local mutton curry.
What To Know Before You Go
Visiting Jaipur or India for the first time can be overwhelming. While most visits go off without a hitch, there are some things to be aware of to make your trip to Jaipur go smoothly. First, choose a safe neighborhood to stay in. Many locals and travelers recommend the Bani Park area, where you’ll find various accommodation options close to the center.
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Next, choose the right clothing. January in Jaipur sees highs of around 72 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 45, so pack some warmer clothes for the cool evenings. You’ll also want to respect local customs and cover your shoulders, chest, and knees when traveling in Rajasthan. People in India don’t tend to wear tight and revealing clothing, so it’s better to avoid this, too.
Prepare to haggle in the bazaars — it’s a local custom, so embrace it! Consider visiting a couple of shops with fixed prices first to know what items should cost. There are some health risks to be aware of before visiting India, but don’t be scared of street food. The best advice is to eat only piping hot food from places where there is a long line of locals.
