15 Best Family Holiday Destinations in India

With a varying topography and vibrant culture, there are many family holiday destinations in India. Perhaps no other country in the world can offer the range of things to do and places to see that India does. Here are some of the best family holiday destinations in India.

Agra Taj Mahal (Photo credit Rool Paap)

Jammu and Kashmir

A paradise on Earth, Jammu and Kashmir is the perfect destination for a family holiday. Kashmir is well known for the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Shalimar Bagh and other Mughal gardens, and the picturesque Gulmarg, home to the highest golf course in the world.

Stay in a houseboat in Dal Lake or take a leisurely shikara ride. There are many sightseeing options in Kashmir, such as Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, or the Shankaracharya Hill Temple. You can take a gondola ride in the snowy landscape of Gulmarg, and during winters, you can enjoy snow activities like skiing and sledding.

Kashmir shows a different kind of beauty in every season – the lush greenery and vibrant blooms of flowers can be experienced in spring from April to June. you can see the browns and oranges of the leaves during autumn in October and November, while if you want to enjoy the snow and skiing, December to March is the perfect time.

Gulmarg, Kashmir

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state to visit for a family holiday, with places like Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, and Kasauli. The state has many outdoor activities and stunning trekking trails, not all of which are suitable for children or senior citizens.

Shimla, formerly the Summer Capital of the British, is one of the best family destinations, pictured in many Bollywood movies. The popular attractions of Shimla are the Mall Road, Tibetan markets, Christ Church, and Jakhu Temple. You can also take a train ride in Shimla, or for a more unique experience, a yak ride in Kufri.

Khajjiar, often called mini-Switzerland of India, is known for the serene Khajjiar Lake and adventure activities like horse riding and paragliding.

Visit Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, or McLeodganj in Manali for sightseeing and adventure activities like trekking, skiing, paragliding, mountaineering, water crossing, river rafting, and ice skating. McLeodganj, home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, offers a glimpse of Tibetan culture amidst views of the scenic mountains. You can find many ancient monasteries of India in McLeodganj and the surrounding towns of Dharamshala, Dharamkot, Bhagsu Nag, and Kangra.

You can plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh from February to June.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Nainital

The Lake District of India, Nainital is one of the best family holiday destinations in India. Since the British era, the city has been a popular tourist destination. There are many family activities in Nainital, such as sightseeing the serene lakes all over the city, short treks, horse rides, and lakeside activities such as boating, yachting, and paddling. You can take a cable car ride up to Snow View Point, which offers panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, the Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most famous wildlife attractions in India. Located a few kilometers away from Nainital, people from all over the world come for the wildlife safaris at this national park.

You can go on a jeep safari at Jim Corbett National Park, nature walks in some areas, boating at Naini Lake, or tiger-spotting at Govind Ballabh Zoo. From Tiffin Top, you can get a gorgeous view of the Kumaon Himalayas. The best time to visit Nainital is from June to November.

Nainital

North-East India

The lesser explored Seven sisters, Northeast India is a treasure trove of beautiful spots for family members seeking quality time amidst nature. From mighty peaks and lush valleys, expansive tea plantations, verdant meadows, and lush forests, the North East has a lot to explore.

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, has some amazing panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range, which you can see from Tashi Viewpoint and Ganesh Tok. You can visit the Enchey and Pemayangtse monasteries, and Chogyal’s Palace.

If you want to be at the heart of nature, head to Shillong, with lush green hills, pine forests, waterfalls, and many adventure activities you can try.

The living root bridges in Meghalaya are a must-visit if you are in North East in India. Some major attractions in North East India are Kaziranga National Park, Teesta River, Cherrapunji, Nathula Pass, Tawang Monastery, Tsogmo Lake, Loktak Lake, Gorichen Peak, Elephant Falls, and Lachung.

The best time to visit the North East is from March to June.

View of Kanchenjunga from Gangtok

The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is one of the most traveled tourist routes in India, and for good reason. Including a large part of North India with cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, which form a triangular shape on the map of India. With famous historical sites like the Taj Mahal, India Gate, Red Fort, Hawa Mahal, Qutub Minar, and more, this route is an amalgamation of different cultures and traditions.

New Delhi

The capital city of India, Delhi is a blend of the old and new. Explore the narrow, crowded streets of Old Delhi, or go shopping at the posh malls in Saket. Visit the India Gate, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Lodhi Gardens, and the National Rail Museum, some of the major attractions of Delhi. Indulge in some street food at Chandni Chowk, or go street shopping at Sarojini Nagar and Delhi Haat.

Lotus Temple, Delhi

Agra

The beauty of the Taj Mahal is talked about all over the world. One of the wonders of the world, this majestic monument is located in Agra. The Taj Mahal was built from white marble by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in honor of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Apart from the Taj Mahal, nearby attractions include the Agra Fort, the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, the tomb of Idmat-ud-Daulah and Akbar, and Mehtab Bagh.

Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

Jaipur

The vibrant culture and royalty exuded by Jaipur, the Pink City, will leave you mesmerized. Explore the magnificent Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort, go on elephant rides, and shop at the colorful bazaars full of indigenous textiles, handicrafts, and delicious street food.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

The best time to visit the Golden Triangle is from October to March. Keep in mind that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Don’t forget to try some authentic Indian food on your trip. If you don’t want to risk eating street food, there are also many upscale restaurants, especially in New Delhi, that you can try.

Rajasthan

One of the best family vacation spots in India, Rajasthan offers grandeur and a rich cultural heritage.  Palaces, forts, temples, deserts, wildlife – Rajasthan has it all. Apart from the Pink City of Jaipur, a part of the Golden Triangle tour, there is much to explore in Rajasthan.

The city of lakes, Udaipur, is a wonderful blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty. Visit the grand City Palace, or take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, with the stunning Taj Lake Palace floating in the middle of the lake.  Check out some traditional puppet shows, explore the local markets, and enjoy some authentic Rajasthani cuisine.

Visit Jaisalmer, the Golden City of Rajasthan, with its beautiful sandstone architecture and the vast expanse of Thar desert. Go on a camel safari across the golden sand dunes, or spend the night under the stars in a desert camp.

Visit the Mehrangarh Fort in the Blue City, Jodhpur. The city of Pushkar is renowned for the iconic Pushkar Camel Fair, with camel trade, races, and folk performances. Visit the sacred Pushkar Lake and the ancient temples such as the Brahma Temple.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, do not miss the Ranthambore National Park, where you can take a wildlife safari to spot tigers, leopards, deer, exotic birds, and other rich flora and fauna.

If it gets too hot for you, visit Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan. With a pleasant climate and lush greenery, you can explore the Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, and vibrant markets. Go boating on Nakki Lake and watch a sunset at Sunset Point.

The best time to visit Rajasthan is from November to February, when the climate is comparatively cooler.

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Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Varanasi

The oldest city in the world, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is a cultural experience like no other. Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga, the holy city gives you a glimpse of spirituality with the ringing temple bells and the morning and evening aartis (chants) at the ghats.

Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dhamek Stupa, and Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. Experience an aarti at the ghats and take a boat ride in the Ganges.

The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Darjeeling

Located at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level, Darjeeling in West Bengal is a beautiful holiday destination, especially for a family vacation. With a mesmerizing view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and the Himalayas, this tranquil retreat has many family friendly activities. Kids will love the toy train of iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which takes you from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. You can visit the lush tea gardens of Darjeeling, Rangit Valley, visit Buddhist monasteries such as the Ghoom monastery and Bhutia Busty monastery, or watch a sunrise at Tiger Hill.

While Darjeeling is a great destination throughout the year, the best time to visit is from October to March.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Gujarat

Gujarat is a beautiful destination, brimming with fascinating history, culture, tradition, wildlife sanctuaries, and picturesque landscapes, offering something for the whole family.

Visit the Rann of Kutch, a white salt desert. The unique landscape turns ethereal on a full moon night. You can experience this during the Rann Utsav, a cultural festival that takes place from the end of November up until February.

There are many tourist places in Gujarat, such as the Gandhi Ashram, Sabarmati Riverfront, the Statue of Unity, Somnath, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Adalaj Step-well, Kankaria Lake, and Dwarka. Some other tourist attractions include the ancient sites of Lothal, Dholavira, Patan, and Modhera, and the Auto World Vintage Car Museum, a museum displaying vintage cars.

The best time to visit Gujarat is from November to February.

Adalaj Stepwell, Gujarat

Mumbai

The financial capital of India and the heart of Bollywood, Mumbai is the city that never sleeps. There are many things to do in this metropolitan city. Take a ferry ride at the famous Gateway of India and visit the Elephanta Caves, seek blessings at Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, or explore the Buddhist sanctums at Kanheri Caves. Catch a sunset at Marine Drive, Juhu Beach, or Band Stand, and if you are a wildlife enthusiast, visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park or the Byculla Zoo. Gorge on some delicious food at the many, many food joints, or go street shopping at Colaba Causeway or Hill Road.

There are many amusement parks around Mumbai for all age groups, including Essel World, Adlabs Imagicaa and Aqua Imagicaa, and Della Adventure Park.

The best way to experience Mumbai is during festivals, but the city is even more crowded during this time, so if you are traveling with small children, you may want to avoid festivals.

Mumbai is hot and humid for most of the year. You can visit this beautiful city between November and March, when the weather is relatively pleasant as you take in the city life.

Mumbai skyline

Goa

Goa may be renowned as a party destination, but it is a beautiful location for a family vacation as well! The state displays a strong Portuguese influence in its colonial architecture, especially the churches, the delectable cuisine, and the laid back vibe of the locals.

There are many water sports and activities you can do along the rivers and on the beaches of Goa, such as boating, fishing, water skiing, and parasailing. Dig into some fresh seafood at the shacks along the beach, or at local seafood restaurants.

Apart from its beaches, Goa has many other things to explore – forts, wildlife and bird sanctuaries, and many lagoons and waterfalls. Visit the beautiful churches, go on a jungle safari, shop at the flea market in Anjuna, and cycle through the interiors of Goa.

You can visit Goa from November to February, when the weather is pleasant.

Goa

Hampi

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi in Karnataka is steeped in history, perfect for a family vacation. Visit the temples and ruins of what was once a majestic medieval city. Some of the main attractions are the Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Palace, and the Elephant Stables and Queen’s Bath.

Just ten kilometers away from Hampi is the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, where you may be able to spot rare sloth bears.

The best time to visit Hampi is between October and March.

Hampi

Hill Stations of South India

South India has some beautiful hill stations, such as Ooty, Coorg, Munnar, Kodaikanal, and Arakku Hills, offering stunning vistas of the Western Ghats and the Himalayas.

Visit the beautiful tea gardens and the famous tea museum in Munnar. With scenic beauty and lush greenery, Munnar also has many camps and hikes.

Kodaikanal, known as the Princess of Hill Stations, is famous for its lakes, especially its star-shaped lake, Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s walk, Telescope House, and Rose Garden.

Coorg, a hill station in Karnataka, is renowned as “The Scotland of India”. With lush greenery and pleasant climate. There are many activities for adventure lovers, like rafting, trekking, and camping. You can visit the Nagarhole National Park, Dubare Elephant Camp, Nagarhole National Park, Raja’s Seat, and Abbey Falls in Coorg.

In Ooty, you can take a toy train ride, courtesy of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, from Mettupalayam to Ooty. some other attractions are the botanical garden, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Pykara Lake and Fall, deer park, and more.

Arakku Hills are famous for coffee plantations, lakes, and the panoramic views from the peaks.

Nilgiri Mountains

Kerala

Tucked away in the southern part of India, Kerala is often referred to as “God’s Own Country”. With abundant natural beauty, this narrow strip of land along the Arabian Sea is one of the best holiday destinations in India. With pristine beaches, backwaters, spice gardens, coffee plantations, and tea estates, Kerala is a haven for nature lovers.

Kerala also has a rich wildlife, beautiful temples, ayurvedic treatments, vibrant festivals, and delectable cuisine, making it an ideal destination for a great family trip.

Go on a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey, or relax on the Kovalam beach. You can bathe, feed, and ride on elephants at Elephant camp, or spot tigers at Periyar Lake and Tiger Reserve in Thekkady. Nearby places include Echo Point, Lakkam Waterfalls, Wayanad, and Thekkady tree house.

The best time to visit Kerala is from September to March.

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Backwaters of Kerala

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Go island hopping at Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a collection of 300 islands in the Indian Ocean. The perfect relaxing vacation spot, this tropical paradise has rainforests, white sandy beaches, lagoons, coral reefs, the sun, sea, and sand – a nature lover’s paradise.

Visit the famous Cellular Jail, where you can watch a light and sound show in the evenings. Explore Elephant Beach, Limestone Cave, Ross Island, and Havelock Islands, or have a picnic at any of the beaches. You can go scuba diving at Neil Island, watch a sunset at Chidiya Tapu, or chill at Radhanagar Beach. Visit Port Blair, located at the juncture of Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is from October to May.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

India is a diverse country, with a varying geography and unique cultures as you go from one region to another, making it the perfect place to spend your family holidays. With such a large variety, there is something for everyone in this family friendly country. As you spend time in different parts of India, you will realize that all the regions, cultures, and locals of India offer families an unforgettable experience.

Book a trip with us to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime! At India Someday, we can curate personalized trips for you based on your requirements. Get in touch with us, and let’s plan your next adventure to India with your family!