What better to start the new year with travel plans in January? Rajasthan is among the best holiday destinations in India. January’s first month of the Gregorian calendar is very special for travel plans in Rajasthan. It is not just because of pleasant weather, the month of January also brings a bundle of fairs & festivals. These popular cultural events in Rajasthan start in January and continue for the upcoming months.
If you plan a Rajasthan tour in January, you will bask in pleasant weather, beautiful sights, colorful festivals, and various activities to participate in.
Festivals in January
Rajasthan, the ‘land of colors,’ is truly blessed with a vibrant history, culture & heritage, and colorful festivals. These Rajasthani fairs & festivals are, in essence, a profusion of vibrant and colorful attire, the foot-tapping ballads of heroism, romance, and the tragedies of yore, delicious food, and thrilling experiences, as a result of which Rajasthan is one of the best winter destinations in India.
Several festivals in Rajasthan are celebrated in various cities and locations. In addition, each festival and town has its vibrant history, culture, and heritage sites. So you need not get confused when deciding which city is the best in Rajasthan for a trip in January, as we are here to guide you. Read on to know more.
Bikaner Camel Festival
The most awaited festival of Rajasthan, the Bikaner camel festival, is celebrated every year in January, organized by the Department of Tourism as an attribute to Rajasthan’s favorite animal. The location of the Bikaner Camel Festival is the red backdrop of Junagarh Fort.
The main highlights of the Bikaner festival are camel races, camel acrobatics, camel beauty pageants, camel milking, fur-cutting design, best breed competitions, etc. These are some main highlights, but here you could go for treating yourself to delicious food eating, souvenir shopping, and exciting photography.
While the Bikaner camel festival’s specialty comprises all the pleasures of Rajasthan, the celebration of the Bikaner camel festival includes many exciting activities like camel racing, turban tying, and the longest mustache competition to its name.
Camel Festival Dates: 13th and 15th January 2024
Jaipur International Kite Festival
The Day of Makar Sankranti (A famous festival) is considered the starting date of the International Kite Festival in most Indian states, including Jaipur. The festival brings great enthusiasm in Rajasthan but especially in Jaipur. On this day, the Pink city (Jaipur) skies are full of colorful and incredible designs of kites. Domestic and international kite flyers gather at dazzling Jal Mahal (A Popular attraction in Jaipur).
There is much more for participants and visitors. You will enjoy delicious food and drinks as well. So, take up the kite-flying challenge until the last one is left.
International Kite Festival Dates: 14th – 16th January 2024
Jaipur Literature Festival
A literary fiesta, the Jaipur Literature Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who swears by the rare magic of books. The annual literary Festival has made the Pink City of Jaipur its home since 2006. The Diggi Palace in Jaipur is the address where Jaipur Literature Festival happens every year. It would not be wrong to say that Jaipur Literature Festival is Asia’s biggest literary Festival. The Festival hosts some of the world’s best magicians of words.
The 2017 edition of the Festival is the 10th edition. The celebrations bring together a dizzying array of voices and cerebral conversations.
Jaipur Literature Festival Dates: 05th March – 14th March 2024
Adventures Activities in Rajasthan January
Not just for festivals & events, January month is also the best time for adventure activities in Rajasthan. The desert landscapes of Rajasthan offer the stark beauty of nature. Would you not love to experience the golden sands, open skies, and rural villages? Jaisalmer (A famous city) offers the thrill of camping in the desert, and you could go to Sam’s sand dunes to experience it. Sam sand dunes is the best to experience the beauty of desert camping in Rajasthan.
Wildlife Tour
Wildlife adventures are also relatively abundant in Rajasthan, although nature is sparse. There are many wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan abounding with the unexploited blessings of nature. These are some most famous national parks & wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan, including Ranthambore National Park, Desert National Park, Sariska National Park, Bharatpur National Park, and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. All these parks & sanctuaries are the home of Royal Bengal Tigers, Lions, Camels, Blackbuck, Wild Asses, Peacocks, and many more.
There is also a famous bird sanctuary in Rajasthan, Bharatpur. It is also a favorite among foreign tourists for Siberian cranes that migrate to Bharatpur during the winter.
Some of the wildlife sanctuaries of Rajasthan include –
- Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Kota
- Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, Bundi
- Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, Churu
- Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary, Chittorgarh
- Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur
- Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur
- Sariska Tiger Reserve, Alwar
Hot air ballooning
Still, need more reasons to make travel plans for Rajasthan in January? We want to suggest Hot air Ballooning in Rajasthan during this time. There are two most famous cities in Rajasthan where you could enjoy Hot air ballooning at its best! One is Jaipur, and the second is Pushkar. The ride lasts for approximately one hour. You should not miss it if you love adventure and want to make your trip mesmerizing and unforgettable.
Hot Air Ballooning Location – Jaipur’s Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Shiv Vilas, and Delhi-Jaipur Road
Hot Air Ballooning Cost –
- Adult: INR 7500-12000
- Child: INR 6000
Hot Air Ballooning Timings –
- 5.30 AM (April-June)
- 6.15 AM – 4 PM (September-November)
- 6.45 AM – 3.30 PM (December-March)
Hot Air Ballooning Duration – 3 hours
Maximum Altitude – 1200 feet (approx.)
Number of people – 4 to 8 people
Age required – 5 years and above (1.5 meters in height). No pregnant women are allowed in the hot air balloon ride for safety.
Stay in Heritage Hotels
How can we forget about heritage hotels when we talk about Rajasthan? These heritage hotels of Rajasthan are an unmatched way to experience luxury. Stay at the elegant homes of royalty which, in essence, still retain their elegant charm. Wake up in the early morning with fine amenities and a lavish lifestyle—Marvel at the ancient structure, décor, furniture, and furnishings.
Then, dine like kings, savoring every flavor of sumptuous meals. Then, be ready to indulge in the traditional pampering hospitality of the Rajputs. What makes your stay in heritage hotels so special is that Rajasthan has plenty of them, which you can book according to your interest and budget.
Some of the Heritage Hotels in Rajasthan:
- Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur
- Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
- Samode Haveli, Jaipur
- Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur
- Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer
- Pal Haveli, Jodhpur
Vintage Car Rally
A Rajasthan trip in January becomes more special with a spectacular event, the Vintage car rally. The ‘Land of Royals’ celebrates the memories of the bygone era. Automobiles used to be a source of pride among the rich and the royals. This one – of – its – kind of Vintage Car Rally, held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, attracts several tourists, paramours of vintage beauty, and enthusiastic sports lovers.
In this Rally, vintage cars ride at high speed while maintaining utmost safety on the roads of Rajasthan. Apart from Jaipur, Jodhpur also hosts such a rally.
Hopefully, you never want to miss this golden chance! Go ahead and book your holiday trip to Rajasthan now!!!
Akansha Negi
A soul bred in the mountains, Akansha Negi doles out travel inspiration from solo wandering, exploring heritage and culture, hill stations, beaches, adventures and experiences of her travels.
Thanks so much for the post.
Very nice write up.
Hey Vikash,
Thank you for your kind words. You can follow us for more interesting posts.