Best Places To Visit In February In India

Winters in India are not harsh everywhere. But some months are more difficult than the others. Like December and January. They are considered to be the peak of Indian winters. But then breezing comes February, the month that is quintessentially winter, but much milder in its effect, even on some of the northernmost parts of the subcontinent. This is the month of Valentines, the month of a lot of weddings, hence honeymooners are to be abound at destinations that promise beauty and privacy. But otherwise this month is a great travel time, with places like the Golden Triangle, Varanasi, Jodhpur, Goa, Kodaikanal and Andaman Nicobar Islands welcoming tourists with their hospitality and special festivals. To know about more places to visit in India in February, read on.

Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is a significant and famous tourist circuit in the Northern part of India. It is formed by three major cities, i.e. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, which when plotted on a map, form a triangle of sorts. This circuit is highly coveted by the foreign tourists as its gives a great feel of the Indian history, culture, politics and food; all in one route. Winter is the best time to do this circuit and February the most ideal among those months. With temperatures between 22°C and 32°C in all three places, you are bound to make the most of dry, cool sunny days for outdoor trips. The Taj Mahal is also at its best on winter afternoons. 

Things to Do:

In Delhi, visit the famous Qutub Minar, Red Fort, take a walk down Janpath and India Gate, tour Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid and, eat some delicious fare at Chandni Chowk. Shop at Sarojini Nagar. Take a car to Agra for the marvellous Taj Mahal, which is best visited on winter afternoons. Go to Fatehpur Sikri Fort too, located a few miles away. Then, in Jaipur, take a tour of the pink Hawk Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Amer Fort. Taking elephants rides up the ramparts of Amer Fort is a great way to feel like a royal. Shopping for handicrafts, jootis, semi-precious stones will be great at Johri Bazar. 

How to Reach:

You can fly to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport of Delhi, from where you can take the taxi to your hotel. You can also take a train to one of Delhi’s many railway stations. Local buses, metro, auto rickshaws and taxis can be used to commute in Delhi. Delhi to Agra is best travelled by car and is a drive of 233 km. Delhi to Jaipur is 281 km. You can either take the road to traverse this circuit (recommended) or the train or flights. Jaipur and Agra both boast of an airport each.

Varanasi

The ancient city of India, Varanasi or Benaras is also called the city of lights. A coming together of so much rich history on the ghats of the Ganges, this is a city where souls come to find peace as well as death. Because it is said that those who die here attain moksh. Varanasi has its roots going back to 11th Century BC and has been famously called the city of Rudra. Today it makes for a spiritual retreat as well as a pilgrimage. February is cool and dry in Varanasi, with daytime temperature anywhere between 22℃ and 28℃. The best weather to roam around the ghats, go boating in Ganga as well as take a dip in its holy lap. The great festival of Mahashivratri also falls in this month and is touted as one of the biggest in the city.

Things to Do:

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the oldest temples, dating back 3500 years. You must also visit Tulsi Manas and the Alamgir Mosque if you want to tour the shrines. What stands out though are the ghats of Varanasi. Visit Dasaswamedh Ghat, a landmark, known as the abode of sanyasis and yogis. Light earthen lamps and release them in the flow of Ganga at the time of Ganga aarti. Also visit the Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. Manikarnika is the ghat where dead bodies are cremated to help them attain liberation or moksh. This places makes for a very surreal experience as you meet life as well as death and feel apathetic to both.

How to Reach:

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport of Varanasi is 54 km away from the city centre and is the destination of flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow etc. Trains from almost all over India stop to Varanasi Junction, including those from Delhi, Lucknow, Haridwar and Indore. You can also board the Uttar Pradesh state run buses or hire a private cab from anywhere nearby like Lucknow (334 km) to Varanasi.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur is a desert city, famously called the gateway into the Thar desert. It is renowned for the Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhavan Palace, its bright blue coloured houses, and unending aridity of its land. While summers here are scorching, the winters are freezing. Though February brings amicable weather. The worst of winter is over and temperatures prevail between 12°C to 28°C. This makes February the best time to visit Jodhpur. Jodhpur also hosts the World Sufi Festival in February, bringing together Sufi singers, dancers and artists from all over the world.

Things to Do:

Jodhpur entails long desert safaris, historical visits and a fine experience in Rajasthani culture. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in the country. Also visit Jaswant Thada, which is a marble memorial in the memory of King Jaswant. Explore the grandeur of Umaid Bhavan Palace, while drinking in the royal life. Visit Ghanta Ghar and Janta Sweet House to savour traditional Pyaaz ki kachori, samose and chai. At this time of the year, Jodhpur comes alive with the 4 day World Sufi Festival where elaborate shows are held to commemorate the pious Sufi art. Dancers, dervishes, singers, musicians all flock to Jodhpur from all over the world (China, Mongolia, Eqypt, Pakistan) for mehfils, concerts, qawallis and yoga workshops; showcasing the blending Indian culture. Local Rajasthani musicians and folk singers like Manganiyars also participate with great enthusiasm. 

How to Reach: 

The Jodhpur Domestic Airport is located 5 km away from the city centre and is a relatively big one. Flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad etc are regular here. You can take local taxis and auto-rickshaws to travel internally in the city. There is also the Jodhpur Railway Station that is served by the Western Railways. The state run RSRTC buses are a cheaper option to reach Jodhpur from other Rajasthani cities.

Coorg

Coorg has often been referred to as the Scotland of India. The hill station holiday destination is filled with glens and green hills, lush lands and misty waterfalls, rolls of coffee plantations and orange orchards. The thick, dense foliage of forests in Coorg only adds to its green charm, especially in February, with light mist hanging over it. The average range at this time is 8-10°C, which makes your getaway a truly chill and relaxing one.

Things to Do:

You must go visiting the Abbey and Iruppu Falls in Coorg, for their lyrical landscape and peace. Take a picnic basket along and enjoy some leisurely time. Nature lovers, your go-to place is the Nagarhole National Park, as well as Dubare Elephant Camp. Raja’s seat is another tourist spot, known for its awesome views. For trekkers, some famous trails are Tadiandamol, Kumara Parvatha, Kodachadri, Mullayanagiri, and Brahmagiri. Explore the Namdroling Monastery, locally called the Golden Temple, which is a beautiful Tibetan monastery. You must also take a walk through the coffee plantations. February is also the time when these coffee plantations blossom and you get to see them in all whites.

How to Reach: 

The nearest domestic airport to Coorg is in Mangalore, located 160 km away. Taxis are available from Mangalore Airport to Coorg and make for a memorable drive. The Mysore Railway Station is 95 km away from Coorg and most trains from South India and some from major North Indian cities like Mumbai reach here. You can also choose to take the state-run buses or hire a taxi or drive up to Coorg from Bangalore or Mysore.

Kerala

Kerala is the land of backwaters, beaches, houseboats and Ayurveda. No doubt it is called God’s own country. From Kochi’s forts to Kozhikode’s backwaters, Wayanad’s hills to Kumarakom’s beaches, Kerala bursts at the seams with tourism and revelry. February is one of the best winter months to visit Kerala, making for a dry, cool climate with temperature range of 23-33°C. It may be a year-round destination but most of the outdoor activities, especially the water sports and backwater rides are best experienced in winter.

Things to Do:

When in Kerala, float the backwaters. Hire houseboats, go fishing, swim in the currents and get yourself Ayurvedic massages. Kerala is a huge state and is filled with many cities that each allure with its charm. Head to Alapuzha for backwater delight, Kumarakom and Kozhikode for idyllic holidays in a village-like setup. For a hill-station like retreat, head to Wayanad, while Periyar National Park and Bandipur National Park are must-visit destinations for animal and nature lovers. Kozhikode and Kollam are renowned for their pristine beaches and shorelines, while Kochi has its forts, Colonial charm and the big port. Also, if you want to do a temple run, explore Thiruvananthapuram with its palaces, temples and museums. 

How to Reach:

Kerala boasts of three major International Airports, namely, Kochi, Calicut and Trivandrum. The state also boasts of good roads so you can hire taxis or board state-run buses for internal transportation. The Southern wing of Indian Railways runs trains in Kerala and has a very well connected rail system in place, with stations in most towns and even some villages. With all the lushness and streams in Kerala, the train journeys are pretty scenic too.

Goa

Goa has been on the map of International tourist destinations, one of the best places to visit in India for foreigners and citizens alike. With its beautiful beaches that come alive with shacks, bonfires and parties, old Portuguese architecture, line of churches and flea markets, Goa becomes extremely coveted in its tourist season, i.e. the winter time. In February, the temperature in this Union Territory is anywhere between 20°- 32°C and the place is painted in vivid colours as the Goa Carnival or pre Mardi Gras Festival kickstarts. This is a great time to see the inherent culture of Goa come to life.

Things to Do: 

Anjuna is the best area to find some amazing beaches, while if you are here for peace retreat then Arambol is the place for yoga and meditation. You must also explore Goa’s architecture and heritage in terms of the churches and streets and houses of Old Goa, the town of Vasco Da Gama, Palolem and Calangute. For some romantic time, there is Dona Paula. Goa is also peppered with many hostels and bed-and-breakfasts to give you that truly hippie feel. Especially in February, that feeling is deeply rooted with the carnival parades of the pre Mardi Gras, a revelry that dates back to 1510. There is food, lots of dinking, dances and costumed parades for one and all, making for a great celebratory mood for your holiday.

How to Reach: 

Goa has its own International Airport - Dabolim Airport, which is 45 km away from the city centre. Regular flights from Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Gulf countries land here. Seasonally, flights from Birmingham and London are also operated. Madgaon and Thivim serve as the two railway stations in Goa and trains come in from almost all over. You can also drive to Goa from Andhra, Karnataka or Maharashtra. Or board state-run or private luxurious buses.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Erstwhile named ‘Shaheed’ and ‘Swarajya’ by Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, Andaman And Nicobar Islands served as an exile and prison for Indian freedom fighters for the longest time during the British Colonial rule. Today they have become synonymous with holiday, scuba diving, luxury beaches and relaxation. With all the natural beauty, Andaman Nicobar pops out on the map during the month of February as the weather is just perfect, especially for honeymooning couples. With a temperature range of 22-30°C, the islands see almost no rain and long, cool sunny days by the shore.

Things to Do:

You are in for a treat because these two islands have various other smaller ones accompanying them. From Ross Island to Havelock to Neil Island. You have a lot to do here, from coral reefs to water-sports (snorkelling, rafting, deep water diving, paddling). Havelock is the more happening island with great nightlife and lots of crowd while Neil Island is relatively peaceful, tranquil and has that close-knit quality to its settlement. Baratang Island is full of mangrove creeks and breath-taking beaches, with a network of backwater rides. Viper Island is home to ruins and narrates the haunted history of being a jail. Port Blair, the capital of Andaman is another major attraction here and boasts of the Cellular Jail, a prison of Indian freedom fighters. It is home to museums and light-and-sound shows today that tell the tale of India’s freedom struggle.

How to Reach:

Veer Savarkar International Airport of Port Blair is the main airport of Andaman Nicobar Islands. Regular flights from Indian mainland cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi etc fly here. You can also choose to travel by ships that leave Kolkata, Chennai or Visakhapatnam ports. For getting by on the islands, there are boats, hired cars, hired bikes and auto rickshaws for commute. For smaller distances, walking is the best.

Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a small town located in Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, It has been a world renowned sight for its temples, the second most visited UNESCO World Heritage Site in India after the Taj Mahal. Its detailed carvings and statues, tall pillars and engraved walls make this place a history and architecture nerd’s paradise. February is a special month to visit Khajuraho as the temperatures are pretty cool, sometimes going down to almost 4°C, with pleasant sunny days for exploration, while the Dance Festival is scheduled in this month too. Amazing dance performances are held with the backdrop of the beautifully lit Khajuraho Temple.

Things to Do:

Khajuraho temple sculptures are so intimate and yet so revealing in nature that they tell the tale of what India’s open-minded ancestors must have been like, to be able to create such art. The erotic sculptures with varied sexual positions, men and women lost in the throes of passion, lyrical stories being told only in stone, all exemplify the rich heritage of Indian civilisation and its advancement in understanding the human body and psyche. The main temple is divided into three parts - Western Group, Eastern group and Southern Group. The Western group is the largest as well as the richest. It also hosts a light and sound show every evening, with a pre-recorded voice over of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for Indian tourists and $5 for foreigners. Other famous temples in this area are Devi Jagadambi Temple, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Nandi Temple and Vishvanatha Temple.

How to Reach:

Khajuraho has an airport that is only 5 km from the city centre. The town also has a railway station that is well connected to other major destinations of India and MP. UP Sampark Kranti is said to be one of the best and fastest trains to reach Khajuraho. You can also hire a taxi or board a bus to Khajuraho from Indore, Bhopal etc.

Corbett National Park

India is a land of jungles and animals and rivers. Among the many reserved forests and national parks, India is renowned for this one national park in the upper reaches of Himalayas, the one named after the hunter and conversationist Jim Corbett. It was India’s first wildlife sanctuary and also mainland Asia’s first national park, making it a landmark in history. The park is known for its royal inhabitants, i.e. the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephants. February is one of the best times to visit Corbett National Park as the temperatures are nice and pleasant, anywhere between 5-25°C, and also, this is the tiger mating season, which means sighting of tigers becomes much better and easier.

Things to Do:

You should start by booking yourself a Jeep Safari through the National Park Core Zone, a 2.5-3 hour safari. You can also choose the Elephant Safari that starts from Dhikala, twice a day. Or, if you are in a bigger group, take the Canter Safari (18 seater per bus) which starts from Ramnagar and Dhangari gate, lasting for almost 6 hours. You can also visit some other tourist attractions here later, including the Corbett Jungle Museum in Kaladhungi, Corbett Water Falls in Ramnagar, Dhikala in Patil Dun Valley (amazing views) and Garjia Temple. You can also go fishing through Pancheshwar, Ramgarh or Binsar. River rafting is also quite famous in the Kosi River, through Class II and Class III rapids to fuel the adrenaline in your body. 

Make sure you do not smoke in the forest area, don not carry alcohol or non-vegetarian food, do not play loud music and abide by the Park rules for a safe and happy trip.

How to Reach: 

Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to Corbett, only 50 km away. Delhi is the closest International Airport. For trains, your last stop will be Ramnagar, 60 km away from the National Park, from where you will have to take a taxi or car. Ramnagar is well connected to Delhi and other Uttarakhand towns. Deluxe and state-run buses are also available from Delhi and Dehradun to Corbett National Park.

Puri

Puri is an ancient city in Odisha in eastern India, known for the great Jagannath Puri Temple. It makes for one of the most holy pilgrimages and puts Jagannath Temple at the helm of most Sanatan Dharm shrines. The Rath Yatra is very famous here. Along with religion, Puri is also famous for its pristine beaches, the ones which cool down to 10-18°C in the month of February and offer great relaxation to the tourists. The resorts, masseurs, breaking waves of Bay of Bengal and a holy fragrance in the air have made Puri a coveted tourist destination scouting some unique holiday ideas.

Things to Do:

The Jagannath Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is sitting in the form of the Stuart of Dwarka with his elder brother Balram and sister Subhadhra. These sibling idols and their companionship are unique to this shrine and only found in this place in India. It is a 12th-century temple which was made by Chodaganga, and stands in a compound in the Nilgiri Hills. The temple, unfortunately, is not open for non-Hindu visitors. But there are a lot of other places to explore here, including the Ananda Bazar (the largest food market of the world), Gundicha Mandir, Balighai Beach (a picnic place with loads of Casuarina trees), Atharnala Bridge (a 13th Century bridge) etc. You can also head to the Chilka Lake which is the largest brackish water lake in Asia and explore Balighai, which is a sea turtle research centre. If you are looking for souvenirs, head to the village of Pipli near Puri, known for its appliqué work.

How to Reach:

The nearest airport to Puri is located in the city of Bhubaneshwar, around 60 km away. Puri does have its own railway station and it is well connected to other cities of Orissa, Central India and South India. You can take the bus or drive down to Puri from Bhubaneshwar, Berhampur, Konark, Sambalpur or Kolkata.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a hill station in Tamil Nadu, a beautiful getaway set in granite cliffs, thickets of jungles, lakes, falls and lush green hills. The place boasts of two man-made lakes and an evergreen forest, filled with hikers, rowers of boats, cyclists and explorers out for a nice, hilltop holiday. Winter here is very pleasant and the temperature in February can be a little better than the harsher December or January months. With a range of 8°C to 30°C, you might need some wool clothes, but the days are always warmer and that’s the time you will be out sightseeing.

Things to Do:

Visit the Kodai lake and the virgin forests on the surrounding Palani hills. There is the Coaker’s Walk, constructed on the mountain slope, one that rewards you with views of the lakes, mountains, valleys and waterfalls. You will also see other attractions from here on a clear day, namely, Pambar river valley, Dolphin’s nose, Pillar Rocks and the city of Madurai. Another amazing expedition in Kodaikanal takes you exploring the plantations here, including those of orange, coffee, pine, pear, pepper, avocado, cardamom and passion fruit. Also visit the Kovilaaru waterfalls, Silver Falls, Saamal Kaadu, Echo Point etc. If you want a more rustic experience, choose a homestay at Cinnabar Farm and partake in the daily activities of farming, horticulture, cheese making, bread making etc. The place also boasts of some amazing trekking routes, like Kodai-Munnar trail, Kodai-Ooty trail and Kodai-Berijam trail. 

How to Reach:

Madurai, which is 120 km away from Kodaikanal, boasts of the nearest airport. Trichy Airport is 150 km away while the Coimbatore International Airport is 175 km away. You can take a taxi or board a state-run bus from these airports to Kodaikanal. Bus services are also available from Chennai, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Madurai etc. Kodai Road, 100 km away from the main town is the nearest railway station.