Family Vacations in India

This magical country can be overwhelming with its sheer number of activities available, but this guide will help you plan the best spots to visit on your getaway.

India is a magical destination to head off to on a family vacation and will no doubt be one of the most remarkable destinations you will have visited. We know the kids might not want to trudge around countless temples and forts, so we blend experiences which children will find interesting. We also know that a balance between seeing things and dedicated pool time is a must! Here is our little guide to help answer some of your questions about a family vacation to India, but the best plan is to give us a call and we can help customize a trip to your family.

Which place is the best for a family trip in India?

When it comes to choosing the best places in India to visit with kids, the country's vast diversity offers fantastic options both in the northern and southern regions. Each area boasts its unique charm and array of experiences suitable for families. Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or relaxation, India's varied landscapes ensure that every family trip is memorable and enriching.

Is Goa good for a family trip?

Goa can be a good destination for a family trip to India, especially if your family enjoys beaches and Portuguese cultural heritage. Imagine building sandcastles with your kids on serene beaches like Palolem or taking a leisurely boat ride to spot dolphins. For a dash of culture and history, the churches of Old Goa, with their stunning architecture, are a must-visit. And let's not forget the spice plantations where you can take a guided tour, inhaling the aroma of fresh spices and learning about their cultivation. Whether it's the mouthwatering seafood, the picturesque sunsets, or the warm, welcoming locals, Goa is one of the best places to visit in India with kids since it offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural learning that's perfect for a family getaway.

Best Places to Visit in India With Kids

Wondering about the best things to do in India with kids? Well, there's plenty. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the serene backwaters of Kerala, India is a playground of wonders for families. In this guide, we'll explore the best spots that are not just kid-friendly but are also packed with fun, learning, and endless excitement. Whether spotting tigers in the wild, flying kites on a breezy beach, or marveling at majestic palaces, India promises a journey that your family will treasure forever. Here are some of our top picks.

South India with Kids

Southern India is an absolute treasure for families, where every day is an adventure. Imagine this: you're all on a houseboat, cruising through Kerala's lush backwaters. It's stunning, and also an incredible nature lesson for older kids. Then, there are the beaches. Goa, for example, is a hit with its friendly waves, perfect for some family time and those with little ones. Think flying kites and building sandcastles. When to go? November to March is your sweet spot – the weather is just perfect.

Now, let's not forget about Karnataka. It's a quieter spot, ideal for soaking up the local culture. Picture your family wandering through Munnar's tea estates or cozying up on a houseboat under the stars. The hotels? They're charming and boutique, offering a real taste of the place. It's quite a different vibe from the grand palaces of North India, but just as special.

North India with Kids

Heading north, you'll find a world brimming with history and natural splendor. The Himalayas are a must-visit, especially if you want adventurous family vacations in India. You could be trekking in Himachal Pradesh one day and skiing in Uttarakhand the next, all while soaking in the grandeur of these majestic mountains. Of course, that’s better suited for those traveling with teens. And Rajasthan – it's like a chapter from a storybook. Cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur bring India's regal history to life with their stunning palaces and forts. And it’s more manageable for those with school-aged kids. The stories you'll come home with will be magical.

The ideal time for this northern escapade is from October to March when the weather's just right for exploring. Imagine the excitement of spotting a tiger in the wild, say, in Ranthambore National Park – it's an unforgettable experience for the whole family and one of the best places to visit in India with kids.

Things to Do in India With Kids

Embarking on a family vacation to India opens up a world of vibrant and enriching experiences, especially for kids. As experts in crafting memorable journeys, we recommend activities that blend learning with fun, and adventure with relaxation, making every family trip in India uniquely fulfilling.

Visit the Taj Mahal

Delhi's rickshaw rides through old streets and a visit to the Taj Mahal (especially at sunrise) are ideal for families with older children, who can appreciate the cultural and historical depth. This combination of urban exploration in Delhi and the serene grandeur of the Taj Mahal offers an enriching experience, blending lively city life with a world-renowned architectural marvel, perfect for families interested in a diverse and educational journey.

Go on a Tiger Safari

Embark on an exhilarating tiger safari at Ranthambore National Park, a thrilling adventure for families with older children. This renowned park, a five-hour drive from Agra and Jaipur, offers a unique opportunity to witness majestic tigers in their natural habitat. The excitement of spotting these magnificent animals in the wild, coupled with the park's rich biodiversity, makes for an unforgettable experience. Ranthambore, celebrated for its successful tiger conservation efforts, not only promises great wildlife sightings but also educates families about the importance of protecting these majestic creatures.

Explore the Himalayas

For mountain lovers, the Himalayan regions are a wonderland of discovery. We suggest and organize treks through picturesque villages and exhilarating rafting adventures. Our specially crafted Nepal itinerary is perfect for family winter vacations in India, featuring a blend of Kathmandu's urban exploration, trekking adventures, and wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park.

Explore Markets and Visit Elephants

In Kerala and Karnataka, we guide you towards a serene and culturally rich experience. We can help you explore the markets of Cochin, arrange for a day with elephants on a rubber plantation, and ensure a night of tranquility on a houseboat. These are just a few of the immersive experiences we recommend as the best places to visit in India with kids.

Relax on the Beach

Concluding your journey on the beaches of Goa and Kerala offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration, with activities like exploring historic sites and scenic bike rides – all part of the unique experiences we can arrange for your luxury family vacation in India.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? With our expertise in arranging a tapestry of activities and experiences, your family trip to India promises not just a vacation, but a treasure trove of memories that your family will cherish for years to come.

Where to stay in India on a Family Vacation

When planning a family vacation in India, finding the right hotel is crucial for an unforgettable experience. Here are our top picks.

For Younger kids

India's best hotels for families with young kids offer superb service, kid-friendly amenities, and cultural experiences. With spacious rooms, babysitting services, and various activities, these hotels ensure a comfortable, enjoyable stay for a family trip to India.

Taj Lake Palace

The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is an exceptional choice for families with young children seeking a blend of luxury and cultural immersion. Being accessible only by boat, it offers a magical arrival experience that is sure to captivate young kids. The hotel's majestic structure and stunning surroundings, set against the backdrop of the Aravalli mountains, create a fairy-tale-like setting. Although it's celebrated as one of the world's most romantic hotels, its small size and popularity make it a cozy and intimate family destination. Despite being on its own small island, the hotel has plenty of facilities such as a beautiful swimming pool, Jiva spa, and two restaurants offering both Indian and international cuisine.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Goa

The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Goa is a magnificent destination for your family vacation to India. The magical resort is set in 56 picturesque acres of landscaped lawns and tropical gardens along a 700-meter stretch of Benaulim beach. It’s a wonderland ripe with possibilities for awe and exploration. Younger kids will love the activity center, while parents have access to the resort's very own babysitting service making the resort one of the best places to visit in India with kids. There’s a dedicated children's pool, plus (for the adventurous family) bikes for hire, two pool tables, and even a putting green. With a wide range of cuisine from Mediterranean to Chinese, even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied. The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Goa makes traveling to India with kids a true breeze.

For Older Kids

India's top hotels for families with older children blend adventure, culture, and relaxation. They provide engaging activities like guided tours, sports facilities, and interactive cultural experiences. These hotels, known for their spacious accommodations and exceptional service, cater to the dynamic interests of teenagers, ensuring a family vacation in India is both enjoyable and enriching.

The Oberoi Amarvilas

The Oberoi Amarvilas makes a luxury family vacation in India possible. With spellbinding views of the timeless monument to love, the Taj Mahal, the Oberoi Amarvilas is the perfect place to inspire wanderlust for your whole family in India. The hotel’s mystical rooms feature teak flooring, teak furniture and wondrous marble bathrooms with both a bathtub and a separate shower cubicle. Offering two restaurants, one specializing in authentic Indian dishes, as well as a terrace bar with mesmerizing views of the Taj, the Oberoi Amarvilas is worthy of a family vacation to India.

Rambagh Palace

The Rambagh Palace in Jaipur offers a magnificent family getaway with its rich history as the Maharaja's residence and stunning 47-acre grounds. Children will be enchanted by the regal surroundings and family-friendly activities like mini-golf and polo watching. The palace's Survarna Mahal restaurant provides an unforgettable dining experience, complete with royal decor and fine cuisine.

For Multigenerational families

Bringing the whole family along? These properties offer spacious accommodations, including expansive villas, ensuring comfort for every family member from children to seniors.

The Oberoi Rajvilas

When Bill Clinton visited Jaipur, he stayed in the Kohinoor Villa at the famed Oberoi Rajvilas. This pristine palace is the perfect place for your multigenerational family trip to India. Everyone will appreciate the villas majestic atmosphere set in extensive landscaped gardens all within easy reach of the famous city of Jaipur and Amber Fort. The more extravagant villas even have private pools, making it a luxurious destination for the whole family.

RAAS Jodhpur

RAAS Jodhpur is the ideal destination for an adventurous family vacation in India. Using stylish contemporary design with traditional, restored palace architecture, RAAS Jodhpur is a modern marvel set within the heart of the walled city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan and at the foot of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. Kids will love being so close to magical views of Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort which no other hotel in Jodhpur can offer.

For Relaxation

If you want to just relax on your family trip to India, these serene destinations offer spacious accommodations, including peaceful villas, set in tranquil environments. With amenities like luxurious spas, quiet gardens, and leisurely activities, they cater to families looking to unwind and disconnect.

Jalakara

Tucked in a tropical rainforest on Havelock Island, Jalakara is a serene and rejuvenating boutique hotel ripe with opportunities for relaxation. If your ideal family vacation in India includes morning yoga classes, a range of amenities at a world-class spa, or lounging by the pool, Jalakara is for you. Consider a family winter vacation in India, escaping the cold, going on boat trips and jungle walks. Plus, the resort is owned by British chef Mark Hill, so guests can expect the most excellent cuisine.

Marari Beach Resort

Traveling to South India with kids has never been more desirable when staying at Marari Beach Resort. Set in 36 acres of parkland, Marari Beach Resort is set on the golden shores of the Spice Coast. Beautiful views, perfect weather, and a secluded long beach make this the pinnacle of Christmas with kids in India. If your family vacation in India includes doing nothing but listening to gentle waves crashing on a shore then Marari Beach Resort is for you.

For Adventure

For adventurous family vacations in India, the destination's top hotels and resorts provide thrilling experiences amidst diverse landscapes. These properties offer an array of outdoor activities like trekking, wildlife safaris, and water sports.

Outdoor fireplace with tents in the background

Aman-i-Khas

What makes Aman-i-Khas one of the best places to visit in India with kids? Easy. One word: safari. Your adventurous family vacation in India should include spotting tigers in Ranthambore National Park during the day while resting in between games in a luxurious spacious tent. With the Aravali Hills as its backdrop, Aman-i-Khas’s tents feature permanent air-conditioning, living, sleeping, and luxurious bathing areas. The property even features its own full spa. Kids will love looking for leopard, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose, crocodile, many varieties of deer and a plethora of birdlife within the safety of the safari.

RAAS Chhatra Sagar

India for kids doesn’t have to be boring. RAAS Chhatra Sagar is a glamping experience for the whole family in India. Situated two and a half hours east of Jodhpur and 3 hours north of Deogarh on the banks of a picturesque dam, a visit to Chhatra Sagar means ample opportunities for kids to explore unique wildlife. The property serves up homestyle Indian food using old family recipes made from vegetables which are mostly grown in the farm around the camp. But no adventurous family vacation in India could be complete without a jeep safari (complimentary at RAAS Chhatra Sagar). Travel here before March though, as the dam dries up, especially if the Moonsoon has been light.

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Lili LeBaron

Asia Specialist

My first memories are filled with the desire to explore. From watching Anthony Bourdain and Samantha Brown as a kid to being enamored with seeing and experiencing the world, travel has been my happy place.

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