Best Places To Visit in India with Family

A country as spectacular and diverse as India would be impossible to cover in a single article. So, let’s take a look at this amazing land through the eyes of some of its best sites for family vacations. From beautiful beaches to ancient temples to mystical forests—India is filled with sights that will entrance your children and delight your senses.

Ready to head out? Well, you may want to start by checking out these best places to visit in India with family.

1. Jaipur

Located in northern India, Jaipur is a fine example of a Mughal city—the style of architecture that flourished under the emperor Akbar. The city’s wonderful structures are a treat to the eyes, especially on mornings when they catch the first light. Some of these eye-pleasing monuments include:

Amber Fort:

This pink sandstone structure was built by Raja Man Singh as an elaborate tribute to his family’s guru, Guru Dev. The fort is considered to be the first royal residence in Rajasthan.

City Palace:

This impressive palace was once home to the Maharaja of Jaipur. You’ll still find the marble chambers, which were restored by the former Shah of Iran, and several other fine artifacts from its heyday.

Jantar Mantar:

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II during the 1850s, this observatory contains a carpenter’s shop and a lookout.

2. Kashmir

This beautiful, landlocked region is one of the most popular places to visit in  India with family. Tourists from all over the world flock here each year to see the spectacular landscape and go on adventurous treks, hiking trails and water sports. To truly grasp Kashmir’s wonder, you must watch, experience and enjoy its natural beauty—it’s best to visit this place during the autumn months of September and October when the weather is conducive for sightseeing.

3. Ooty

Ooty, also called Udhagamandalam, is a lovely hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. This is a favorite with families and honeymooners alike. Known for its natural beauty and romantic getaways, this place is also popular among adventure seekers who visit to ski or go on treks through the surrounding wilderness.

4. Shimla

The state of Himachal Pradesh is home to the lovely town of Shimla, an extremely popular destination for weekend getaways. The town offers a range of family activities and adventures, such as boating in the summer and skiing in the winter. Shimla is also a great place for shopping—you’ll find countless tiny stores there, offering everything from woolen clothing to local crafts.

5. Shillong

Shillong, known as the Tiger capital of India, is a city in the state of Meghalaya. The area is an extremely beautiful place filled with old-world charm, offering an abundance of adventures for young and old alike. Families will enjoy trips to the nearby Hill Tracts National Park where they’ll see glimpses of the surrounding jungle and be amazed at some of its natural beauty. Other family favorites will be tours through tea estates (tea workers tend to live there) and beaches near the city.

Cheapest places to visit in India

1. Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a union territory in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This charming port city was a major French colony during the 17th and 18th centuries. It still has plenty of French influences, and beautiful sights to delight your senses. Enjoy an evening on sandy beaches surrounded by glorious sea views—or enjoy a stroll through its pretty streets lined with colonial-era buildings.

2. Kodaikanal

Located in the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is a famous hill station in Tamil Nadu. The city offers plenty to see and do during your family vacation—the area is dotted with lovely waterfalls, Ayurvedic massage centers, boating options for kids and plenty of trails for hiking and trekking. Travelers will also enjoy visiting its Kodai Lake, as well as the dam that borders it. This lovely location is one of India’s top destinations for family vacations.

3. Darjeeling

Darjeeling, in the West Bengal state, is a wonderful town to visit in India. The town lays claim to being the “Queen of Hill Stations” which means that it has plenty of natural beauty and attractions. It’s also a great place to vacation with your family because of its stunning tea gardens. Travelers will enjoy their visit to this cool and temperate region during the spring and summer months when they can go boating on Teesta River or trek through some of the green hills nearby.

4. Mcleodganj

This small town, located in the Dharamsala district of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the cheapest places to visit in India. You can stay at some of the best luxury hotels in Mcleodganj and enjoy a range of family-friendly adventures, including going on treks or exploring surrounding areas. One popular attraction is Triund Hill—a nearby mountain that rises up to a height of 5,627 feet.

5. Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the most sacred cities in India, and to this day has thousands of visitors from all corners of the world. It is estimated that over five million people come here each year—there are too many to fully describe in one article. If you are looking for a unique place to visit in India, then Varanasi can’t be beat. The holy city is located on the banks of the Ganges River and has a number of historic sights that you can explore with your family.

Things to Carry When Visit to India

1. Loose fitting and breathable clothing

This is a very important item to pack! If you’re visiting a major city during the summer, then having loose clothes that breathe freely is essential, as the heat and pollution can be stifling in some places. For overnight train rides and bus trips, you’ll want clothing that is comfortable.

2. Small backpack

You will want something to carry all of your belongings in and keep them organized. You might not need this for every outing, but it’s good to have just in case…

3. Camera

India is an awesome place to explore with a camera! You’ll need something that has a wide-angle lens, so you’ll have room to capture everything.

4. Good shoes and socks…or sandals!

India is flat and hot, so you don’t want to wear any fancy footwear if you’re not doing something active–pack the sandals or the sneakers to wear for sleeping or around town for an easy and comfortable experience. Don’t forget the socks, they’ll be useful on the train!

5. Bug spray

India has everything you could imagine in the bug department and quite a few you can’t. If you’re going to be doing some outdoorsy things, like walking through the jungle or sitting around a fire at night, douse yourself with bug spray to keep away mosquitoes and particularly aggressive biting flies.

6. Sunscreen and sunglasses 

India is a lot like the rest of the planet. It has beautiful sunsets and dramatic sunrises, but it’s also sunny and hot. You’ll need to wear some sort of sunscreen and strap on those sunglasses to prevent sun damage on your precious skin.

Final words

India is a place where you can find many things to do for your family and at a very affordable price. Whether you’re looking for a city to visit, a beach resort or the mountains, there’s something there for everyone. If you’re looking for more insight into what India has to offer, then check out some of our articles!