January is always a special month. The month of new hopes and beginnings. And this year January is even more special. We all needed a break from 2020 and it would not be wrong to say that 2020 has been a real eye-opener to many of us. So, with new expectations and anticipations, 2021 has a huge shoe to fill. Which better month than January to have a beautiful start? With three long weekends, January 2021 is a welcome hug to many. So here are our picks for the long weekend getaways.
The New Year Weekend (Jan 1st, Friday to Jan 3rd, Sunday)
Start your year waking up to a snow-clad secluded paradise in the midst of the majestic Himalayas. Auli is a mesmerizing Himalayan ski resort and hill station in Uttarakhand. Anyone who has been to this alluring state can vouch for their tourism tagline “The Land of Gods”, as the beauty of the place. Located in the Chamoli district, this meadow of snow is at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level which makes it a dream destination for many of the hikers and trekkers.
Image courtesy Amit Shetty
How to reach Auli?
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun | Local Transport: Continuous service of Railways, buses and local cabs.
Expected Temperature Range in January: Minimum average -8 °C – Maximum average 20°C
Recommended travel wear: Snowproof & wind resistant lightweight Ski Jackets & pants for the winter wonderland that is Auli. Available for adults in regular & plus sizes. Kid’s winter jackets also available for boys & girls.
Bhogi Makar Sankranti/Pongal Weekend ( Jan14th, Thursday to Jan 17th, Sunday)
It’s always special when you get a chance to celebrate the festivities in its truest form. So, this weekend our suggestion is to take a trip to “The Queen of Hills”, Ooty. Pongal is one of the biggest celebrations in Tamil Nadu and Pongal in Ooty could be a unique and memorable experience. Traditionally a harvest festival, you get to see the locals decorating their houses in beautiful Rangolis and flowers. You also get to experience the delicious rice pudding, also called Pongal as part of the celebrations. So, make this weekend special with the traditions of the misty Ooty hills.
Image courtesy Vishal Anand
How to reach Ooty?
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport | Local Transport: Well connected through rail and road.
Expected Temperature Range in January: Minimum average 8°C – Maximum average 23°C
Recommended travel wear: Warm and cozy thermal sets for ladies and gents are a must. Make sure you include your woolen mufflers and scarves to protect your ears and throat.
Bonus: While you are there, do travel in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway System, the only rack Railtrack in India!
The Republic Day Weekend( Jan 23rd, Saturday to Jan 26th, Tuesday)
With two beautiful hill stations already recommended, how can we end the month without recommending this majestic desert? Kutch in Gujarat is the perfect visit for this weekend. With the proud white desert that forms the backdrop for the Rann Festival that started from Nov 2020 and will last till Feb 2020, Kutch is a must-visit for all those lovers of sand, desert, and of course, camels!!!
Image courtesy Rann Utsav
How to reach Kutch?
Nearest Airport: Bhuj Airport | Local Transport: There is no dedicated railway system and the best way to reach Kutch is by road.
Expected Temperature Range in January: Minimum average 10°C – Maximum average 27.4 °C
Recommended travel wear: Anything comfortable and breathable. The nights get especially windy & cold, so remember to carry colourful scarves and woolen socks to stay cozy.
Did you like our weekend suggestions? Think we miss something? Let us know in the comments…
Article written by Kosha Team Member : Reshma Rajendran
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