February is an exceptional time to explore India. Beyond stunning landscapes and pleasant weather, this month offers unique experiences such as cultural festivals, wildlife safaris, and adventure sports that are best enjoyed during this season.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, adventure seeker, or honeymooner, read on for some of the best places to visit in India in February. From the snow-capped peaks of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the south, here are 20 must-visit destinations to consider for your February travels.
Best Places to Visit in February in North India
1. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Photo by Andrey X.
Rajasthan’s capital shines brightest in February when the Jaipur Literature Festival transforms Diggi Palace into a global literary salon. The Oberoi Rajvilas, set in a restored fort, offers the city’s most memorable stays, but savvy travelers prefer the intimate 47 Jobner Bagh for its rooftop views of Nahargarh Fort.
Skip the typical palace tours and book a heritage expert for hidden haveli walks. Café Palladio serves the city’s finest fusion cuisine in Instagram-worthy surroundings, while Bar Palladio offers aperitifs in sapphire-blue rooms. For shopping, bypass the tourist-heavy Johari Bazaar for the quiet lanes of Chameliwala Market, where local artisans still craft traditional lac jewelry.
Getting There:
- By Air: Daily flights from major cities
- By Train: Palace on Wheels luxury train or regular trains from Delhi
- By Bus: Volvo AC buses from Delhi
2. Udaipur, Rajasthan
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Often called the ‘Venice of the East,’ Udaipur is a beautiful and romantic destination. It’s known for its breathtaking lakes and palaces, making it a great choice for couples and history lovers. Visit the City Palace, Jag Mandir, Saheliyon ki Bari, and Fateh Sagar Lake.
Stay at a Taj Lake Palace to enjoy amazing sunset views, and take a boat cruise on Lake Pichola to see the illuminated palaces at night. The Bagore Ki Haveli Museum is another must-visit, showcasing royal costumes, traditional Rajasthani art, and evening cultural performances.
Getting There:
- By Air: Direct flights from major cities
- By Train: Overnight trains from Delhi/Mumbai
- By Bus: Luxury buses from major Rajasthan cities
3. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
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The city of eternal love deserves more than a day trip. February’s cool weather is perfect for exploring this iconic landmark. Other attractions include Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh. The Oberoi Amarvilas’s Taj-facing rooms offer unparalleled dawn views, but the boutique Coral Court provides more atmospheric stays in the colonial quarter.
For a different perspective, explore the Baby Taj (Itmad-ud-Daulah), a lesser-known but equally impressive monument. If time permits, take a short trip to Fatehpur Sikri, an ancient Mughal city known for its striking architecture and historical significance. Local favorite Joney’s Place makes the city’s best street-style paranthas.
Getting There:
- By Train: Gatimaan Express from Delhi
- By Car: 4-hour drive from Delhi
- By Bus: AC Volvo from Delhi
4. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
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Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ Rishikesh is a great place for adventure seekers and spiritual travelers. For a more relaxed getaway, check out Anand Lok Resort, tucked away in peaceful forests above the Ganges. The Beatles Ashram, hauntingly beautiful in the morning light, offers a glimpse into the city’s counterculture history.
Book whitewater rafting with Himalayan River Runners—their guides navigate lesser-known rapids past hidden beaches. For yoga, the morning classes at Parmarth Niketan provide authentic instruction without the crowds. After dark, join locals at the German Bakery’s riverside location for exceptional mountain honey cake and Ganga views.
Getting There:
- By Train: To Haridwar, then a 1-hour taxi
- By Bus: Overnight Volvo from Delhi
- By Taxi: 6-hour drive from Delhi
5. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
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If you love snow, Gulmarg is the place to be in February. It’s one of India’s top destinations for skiing and snowboarding. The Khyber Himalayan Resort, resembling a European ski lodge, offers ski-in-ski-out access to Asia’s highest gondola. Adventure enthusiasts can also try heli-skiing, an extreme sport that involves being dropped from a helicopter onto remote mountain slopes.
The Highlands Park slope-side restaurant serves warm Kashmiri kehwa tea between runs. Non-skiers shouldn’t miss the horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-laden pine forests, ending at the historic St. Mary’s Church. For dinner, the resort’s Cloves restaurant serves traditional wazwan in intimate wooden booths.
Getting There:
- By Air: Fly to Srinagar, then a 2-hour drive
- By Taxi: From Srinagar
- By Shared Taxi: Budget option
6. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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February’s mild weather makes exploring this ancient city a pleasure. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world and a major spiritual center in India. The newly restored BrijRama Palace, a former maharaja’s residence, offers front-row seats to the morning aarti ceremonies.
Book local guide Sanjay for dawn boat rides—he’ll take you to lesser-known ghats where priests perform private pujas. The renowned Bread of Life Bakery serves the city’s finest lassis. For a more immersive experience, you can attend a classical music performance or explore the numerous ancient temples dotted throughout the city.
Getting There:
- By Air: Direct flights from major cities
- By Train: Overnight from Delhi
- By Bus: AC sleeper from Delhi
Best Places to Visit in February in South India
7. Munnar, Kerala
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Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers with its lush green tea plantations and rolling hills. The town is famous for its tea estates, where you can take guided tours and learn about tea production. Windermere Estate, a converted planter’s home, offers the most atmospheric stays amid working tea gardens. The estate’s home-style meals showcase local spices and produce.
Popular attractions include Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and Mattupetty Dam, which offers scenic views and boat rides. February’s cool weather makes it an excellent time for trekking and sightseeing, with options like the Anamudi Peak trek providing breathtaking panoramic views.
Getting There:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin, then a 4-hour drive
- By Bus: Regular services from major Kerala cities
- By Taxi: From Cochin airport
8. Coorg, Karnataka
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Coorg, often referred to as the “Scotland of India,” is known for its picturesque coffee plantations and misty hills. The Tamara Coorg, nestled in a 180-acre coffee plantation, offers luxury treehouses with valley views.
Abbey Falls is a must-visit in the daytime, while the lesser-visited Mandalpatti Peak offers crowd-free sunset views. Another top attraction is Dubare Elephant Camp, where you can interact with and even bathe elephants. Get a taste of Coorg’s famous pandi bharthad at Tiger Tiger restaurant, housed in a colonial bungalow.
Getting There:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore, then a 4-hour drive
- By Bus: Overnight from Bangalore
- By Train: To Mysore, plus a 3-hour taxi
9. Pondicherry
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The former French colony sparkles in February’s gentle sea breeze. Rock Beach is a great spot for relaxing by the sea, while Auroville, an experimental township, offers meditation and holistic healing experiences. La Villa, in the heart of White Town, captures French colonial charm perfectly.
The town’s charming streets, lined with colorful colonial buildings, are best explored on foot or by bicycle. Cycle through the French Quarter at dawn, then breakfast on perfect croissants at Bread & Chocolate. In between cafe-hopping, you might want to visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, an important spiritual site.
Getting There:
- By Air: Fly to Chennai, then a 3-hour drive
- By Bus: AC sleeper from Chennai
- By Train: From Chennai
10. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
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Ooty, a serene hill station in Tamil Nadu, is known for its stunning landscapes and cool climate. The colonial-era Savoy Hotel offers classic hill station ambiance, while King’s Cliff, a converted mansion, provides more intimate stays. Book the first-morning train on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway for spectacular valley views.
The town is also home to the Government Botanical Gardens, which showcase a wide variety of exotic plants and flowers. Buddies Cafe, near the 150-year-old Botanical Gardens, serves Ooty ginger tea and onion rolls. Evening horse rides around Ooty Lake end with spectacular sunset views of the Doddabetta Peak, or boat rides and picnics by the waters.
Getting There:
- By Train: Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam
- By Bus: From Coimbatore/Mysore
- By Taxi: From Coimbatore
11. Hampi, Karnataka
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Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a paradise for history and architecture enthusiasts. Its ancient temples and ruins from the Vijayanagara Empire, including Virupaksha and Vittala Temples, are must-see attractions. For the best accommodation, opt for Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, offering luxury amid the ruins.
The cool February weather makes it the perfect time to explore these remarkable sites on foot or by bicycle. Mango Tree restaurant, set among banana plantations, serves traditional thalis on banana leaves. Boulder-top sunsets at Matanga Hill provide the perfect end to each day, while the hidden Sanapur Lake offers peaceful coracle rides away from the crowds.
Getting There:
- By Train: To Hospet Junction, then a 30-min taxi
- By Bus: Overnight from Bangalore/Goa
- By Taxi: Private transfer from Bangalore
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12. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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A paradise located in the Bay of Bengal, where the Andamans rival the Maldives with far fewer crowds. Barefoot at Havelock is the perfect base, offering the archipelago’s most atmospheric beachfront villas. Seasoned divers recommend Dixon’s Point for its pristine reefs, while photographers shouldn’t miss the golden hour at Radhanagar Beach.
The most memorable experience? Night kayaking through bioluminescent waters with marine biologist-led tours. For dinner, Something Different serves the island’s freshest grilled catch just steps from the beach, best enjoyed at their coveted corner table overlooking the water.
Getting There:
- By Air: Direct flights from Chennai/Kolkata
- By Ship: From Chennai/Kolkata (3 to 4 days journey)
13. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
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This mountain hamlet transforms into India’s answer to the Swiss Alps come February. The Himalayan, a fairytale castle perched above Old Manali, offers the town’s most dramatic views from its sought-after tower suite. Veteran paragliding guide Raj leads sunrise flights over snow-dusted peaks, followed perfectly by warm croissants at the charming Café 1947.
The 450-year-old Hadimba Temple captivates during morning prayers, while hidden gem Chopsticks serves the valley’s most authentic thukpa in a cozy timber house. For an off-the-beaten-path afternoon, the lesser-known Van Vihar National Park offers serene cedar-lined trails away from the typical tourist crowds.
Getting There:
- By Air: Fly to Bhuntar Airport, then a 1-hour drive
- By Bus: Volvo from Delhi (overnight)
- By Private Taxi: From Delhi
14. Darjeeling, West Bengal
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The grande dame of India’s hill stations still captivates with its colonial charm and Himalayan vistas. The Windemere Hotel, occupying a converted boarding school, offers the quintessential Darjeeling experience with its afternoon high tea ritual and crackling fireplaces. Early risers are rewarded at Tiger Hill, where the sun paints Kanchenjunga in ethereal hues.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO treasure, winds through mist-shrouded tea gardens, with the first-class cabin offering the journey’s best views. Glenary’s, a colonial-era bakery, serves the town’s finest Yorkshire pudding, while Happy Valley Tea Estate offers private tastings of their premium first flush.
Getting There:
- By Air: Bagdogra Airport, then a 3-hour scenic drive
- By Train: New Jalpaiguri, plus toy train ride
- By Shared Jeep: From Siliguri
15. Goa
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February brings Goa‘s perfect weather without peak season crowds. Skip the obvious beach spots for Assagao, the new cultural heart of North Goa. The charming Botanique, tucked away in a restored Portuguese villa, offers the area’s most stylish rooms. Begin mornings at Ruta’s Roadhouse, known for exceptional coffee and homemade sourdough, before exploring the quiet lanes of Fontainhas, Goa’s Latin Quarter.
Join locals at the secret Ashwem Beach stretch for sunset. Then, for dinner, visit Edible Archives, where Chef Anumitra transforms local ingredients into modern masterpieces. The Goa Carnival, celebrated mid-February, offers a rare glimpse into authentic Goan culture.
Getting There:
- By Air: Bagdogra Airport, then a 3-hour scenic drive
- By Train: New Jalpaigur, plus a toy train ride
- By Shared Jeep: From Siliguri
16. Gokarna, Karnataka
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This temple town-turned bohemian hideaway offers the perfect alternative to Goa’s bustle. The newly opened Kahani Paradise, perched on a cliff, provides spectacular sunset views over Om Beach. Trek the hidden path connecting Paradise Beach to Half Moon Beach, stopping at nameless shacks serving fresh catch.
The SwaSwara wellness retreat offers exclusive Ayurvedic treatments, while Mantra Café serves the coast’s best smoothie bowls. For cultural immersion, visit the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple during morning rituals, when the air fills with sandalwood incense and Vedic chants.
Getting There:
- By Train: Gokarna Road station
- By Bus: Overnight from Bangalore/Goa
- By Taxi: From Goa airport
Best Place to Visit in India in February with Family
17. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
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February’s clear skies make this former hunting ground of maharajas ideal for wildlife spotting. Book the Oberoi Vanyavilas for unparalleled luxury at the park’s edge, where private guides know where to spot the famous tigress Krishna and her cubs.
Zone 6 offers the park’s most dramatic landscapes, while the lesser-visited Malik Talao zone provides intimate bird-watching opportunities. The restored Ranthambore Fort, overlooking the reserve, offers spectacular sunset views. Dastkar Ranthambore showcases local women’s craft collectives, perfect for authentic souvenirs.
Getting There:
- By Train: Sawai Madhopur is the nearest station
- By Car: 4-hour drive from Jaipur
18. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
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India’s oldest national park reveals its secrets to patient observers. The Taj Corbett Resort‘s riverside location offers encounters with wild elephants from private balconies. Book veteran naturalist Ramesh for game drives – his decades of experience ensure the best sightings of the park’s elusive tigers.
The Bijrani zone provides the most photogenic landscapes, while the Dhikala zone’s grasslands recall Africa’s savannas. Between safaris, the resort’s infinity pool overlooks the Kosi River, where kingfishers dive for dinner.
Getting There:
- By Train: Ramnagar station
- By Bus: AC Volvo from Delhi
- By Taxi: 6-hour drive from Delhi
19. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
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Assam’s crown jewel offers India’s most exclusive safari experience. The Diphlu River Lodge, with its elevated cottages overlooking the park, provides front-row seats to grazing rhinoceros. Morning elephant safaris offer close encounters with the park’s famous one-horned residents, while afternoon jeep drives reveal wild buffalo and swamp deer.
The Western Range harbors the highest concentration of rhinoceros, while the Agoratoli Range attracts countless migratory birds. The lodge’s kitchen serves traditional Assamese thalis, featuring herbs from their organic garden.
Getting There:
- By Air: Jorhat Airport, then a 2-hour drive
- By Train: Furkating Junction, plus a taxi ride
- By Bus: From Guwahati
20. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Photo by Dmitry Rukhlenko from Canva
This coastal temple town springs to life in February’s gentle weather. The newly renovated InterContinental Resort offers rooms with direct views of the Shore Temple, spectacular at sunrise. Unravel the mysteries behind the rock-cut sculptures, including the magnificent Arjuna’s Penance.
Moonrakers serves the coast’s freshest seafood, while the hidden Lighthouse Café offers perfect sunset views. Between temple visits, the experimental art space Cholamandal Artists’ Village showcases contemporary South Indian artists. Don’t miss the evening dance performances at Mamalla Heritage Resort, where classical dancers perform against ancient temple backdrops.
Getting There:
- By Air: Chennai Airport, then a 1-hour drive
- By Bus: From Chennai
- By Taxi: From Chennai
Takeaway
February is an amazing time to travel across India, offering a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, an adrenaline-pumping vacation, or a spiritual retreat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this month. With pleasant weather and the chance to partake in various festivals and experiences, these 20 places to travel in February in India are worth the trip.
For the best travel deals on flights and hotels, sign up for OneAir. Don’t miss out on exclusive savings and unbeatable prices on accommodations and airfare. With countless options for sightseeing, relaxation, and adventure, February is the ideal month to experience India’s incredible diversity.
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