India with kids: Planning a family vacation to India

If you are thinking of visiting India with kids or planning a family vacation to India, read this article first. Planning a family holiday, especially if you’re travelling with younger children, can be very stressful. There are so many factors that you have to consider, like transit times, food preferences, activities and sightseeing options. It can seem pretty overwhelming, especially when planning a family getaway to India, which is such a large, diverse country. While our country is definitely wonderful to travel through, we’re the first to acknowledge that it can be intimidating and often difficult. In fact, the very things that make India such an intriguing option for some travellers – her vivaciousness, the surprises she throws – can make it seem like it’s not the best option to travel to India with kids.

But India actually has so much to offer to families! You can read more about some of our favourite family travel destinations in this article. And, to make the rest of it easier, we’ve put together this guide on some things to consider while planning a family vacation to India.

Travelling to India with kids is not as difficult as one might believe (Photo Credits – ybenyaacov)

Where should you stay on a family vacation to India?

Picking the right hotels can make or break a family vacation. In India, you’ll find that some destinations have more of a range to pick from than others, but most places that attract tourists will have stay options that work well for children. Depending on how old your kids are, homestays can be a great choice, especially if the host family also lives on site or close by.

If you’re travelling with really young kids, you might need access to a kitchen, for which homestays work well. On the other hand, if you have slightly older kids, homestays will give your young ones a chance to interact with local children and make new friends to play with. This can make the experience a whole lot more relaxing and enjoyable for all of you! Most hosts are very accommodating and will be happy to help you take care of the little ones’ needs! And, they’ll also be full of suggestions of what you can do with the kids to make sure that the holiday doesn’t get boring or full of adult experiences.

And, of course, you will find many family-friendly resorts and hotels in major cities and destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa. These hotels often have entertainment areas for children, and some even offer babysitting services if you need a bit of a break. A high-end hotel or a resort will often have a swimming pool as well, which is perfect if  you have older children who want to burn off some energy. India is quite prepared to welcome families to her beauty, so read on.

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Homestays can make travelling to India with kids a great, warm experience (Photo Credits – travelwayoflife)

Is Indian cuisine child friendly?

The cuisine is definitely a big point when it comes to a family trip in India or elsewhere. Children can be extremely fussy about food, and the new smells and flavours might make them reluctant to try anything. A good way to get around this is to try and introduce them to some Indian foods if you have access to any in your home country before you travel.

However, you will also find international staples in almost all cities and towns across India so you don’t have to panic. Additionally, because there’s such a large variety of flavours in Indian food, you’ll surely come across something that they’ll enjoy eating as well. Milder flavoured dishes like South Indian idlis and dosas are a great choice for those that aren’t familiar with too much spice. Additionally, these are dishes that are easily available in most parts of the country. And, of course, if you’re staying at a homestay, you could make special requests and they’d be happy to help out.

Another concern is also making sure that none of you fall sick from the new food that you’re going to be trying here. We’ve got a blog on avoiding Delhi Belly that you can check out for some tips and tricks. Some basic things to keep in mind include being careful of the water that you drink, and eating only hot food that’s prepared fresh, and avoiding street food that has been standing out for a long time. Having said that, it’s also important to remember to stay hydrated, as being out and about and sightseeing can drain you faster than you think, especially in a new environment!

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Delicious idlis are a great food option when travelling to India with kids (Photo Credits – mcthrissu)

Getting around India with kids

This is one of the biggest things to consider while charting out your family trip to India. Distances in this country are large, and getting from one place to the other can be cumbersome, especially if you’ve got kids with you. And some regions, like Rajasthan, will often involve long road journeys between stops, and others, like the mountainous regions up North, will mean spending time on winding roads.

You can plan your route carefully to make sure that you aren’t going to be spending more time in transit than you and your children will be able to handle, as being on the road for extended periods can get boring. A good alternative is to mix in train journeys with the drives. There are many overnight train journeys you can opt for, to get a different experience. Plus, this is a fantastic way to meet other travelers, both Indian and international!

We can help you plan both your chauffeur-driven trips and train journeys across India. Let us know what you’re looking for!

The famous tuk-tuks are an Indian mode of transport your kids are sure to enjoy!

How to plan your days

As tempting as it is to do as much as you can while you’re on holiday, packing too much into the schedule isn’t a great idea when you’re toting tots about. Try to keep things slower-paced, and include at least one thing a day that will be of interest to your children. And that doesn’t mean that you won’t be having fun, either. Forts can be exciting for kids to play explorers in, for example, and wildlife experiences are always a big hit. And, of course, you can spend some time on the beach as well – who doesn’t love the sea?

Our wonderful guest Shawna Brashears & her family had a great time on the Kerala houseboats

Read on: Unearth the Excitement of Things to Do in India

Best Family Vacation Destinations in India

No matter which part of India you visit, you will always find an ideal destination for a family trip. There are many things to do for families in India – trying out adventure activities in the mountains, visiting the Taj Mahal in the North, spotting tigers in the national parks in Central India, trekking in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats, or enjoying the pleasant weather of the hill stations in South India.

The Mountains

The mighty Himalayan foothills are home to many beautiful regions perfect for a family vacation. Explore the beautiful states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand – you will find many family-friendly treks and trails here, with views of the gorgeous snow-capped peaks in the distance. You can also have a glamping experience in the forests of this region.

If you visit during the winter months from December to March, you could try adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, and paragliding. In the spiritual city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, you could try river rafting!

Ladakh is a beautiful family destination in the northernmost part of India. While most of India witnesses the monsoon season from June to September, Ladakh actually opens up for tourism in June.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can visit the renowned Jim Corbett National Park, where you can spot a variety of flora and fauna in an exciting jeep safari!

The Himalayas

The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur) is one of the most popular routes in India, and ideal for a family vacation. This route covers the popular destinations in North India while providing varied cultural experiences.

Begin your journey by landing in New Delhi. Visit the India Gate, the Red Fort, and the Lotus Temple. If you love shopping, you have to visit Sarojini Market, where you can get great deals on clothing and accessories. Stroll through the lanes and markets of Old Delhi to get a completely different vibe.

Then make your way to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. This majestic monument was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The white marble had an inlay work of precious and semi precious stones, and is considered a symbol of love.

The last stop of the Golden Triangle route is Jaipur, the Pink City. Visit the Hawa Mahal and the City Palace in this beautiful city. If you have more time, you can also extend the Golden Triangle route to Rajasthan or Varanasi, both family-friendly destinations.

Taj Mahal, Agra

North India

If you want to visit some more offbeat places in North India than the Golden Triangle has to offer, there are many other places in North India. For a spiritual experience, visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The temple has the largest free kitchen (langar) in the world and serves food to up to 3,00,000 people every day! Do not miss a meal here, and if you wish to, you can also volunteer to serve meals at the temple. You could also visit Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in the North.

Golden Temple, Amritsar

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is one of the most beautiful family destinations in India, and is steeped in culture and tradition. Mighty forts and majestic palaces adorn this historic city, making it a perfect place for a grand family vacation. Visit the Amber Fort in Jaipur, the Pink City. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the Blue City, or relax at Udaipur, the City of Lakes, with many grand palaces and lakes surrounding you. You can even take a serene boat ride in the lake in Udaipur. If you want a luxury family vacation, you can even stay in one of the many royal palaces that have been converted into hotels and resorts. The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is a luxury hotel, a part of which is still home to the royal family of Jodhpur! Take a camel safari in the Thar desert and sleep under the stars while camping in the desert!

If you are interested in national parks or are a wildlife lover, you must plan a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, one of the largest habitats of the Royal Bengal Tiger in the world.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is India’s oldest city to be continually inhabited, and a religious site. The holy River Ganges flows through this city. Walk through the bylanes of Varanasi, with temples on every street, and participate in the aarti (chants) at the Ganga ghats in the morning and evening – it will be a surreal experience unlike anything you have experienced.

The river Chambal flows through the tripoint of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. The National Chambal Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh is home to the endangered gharial (small crocodile), red-crowned roof turtle, and the Ganges river dolphin.

Ganga Aarti, Varanasi

North east India

The North east part of India is a lesser-frequented tourist destination, with untouched landscapes and magical forests. Visit the live root bridges and the cleanest village in Meghalaya, encounter rhinos in Kaziranga National Park in Assam, and explore tea gardens in the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling.

Living root bridges, Meghalaya

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers, with many national parks like Panna Tiger Reserve, Kanha National Park, and Pench National Park. You can take wildlife safaris here and you will have a great chance of spotting Bengal tigers and other wildlife in these sanctuaries. You can also visit the ancient temples of Khajuraho, dating back to the 10th century.

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Western India

Visit Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, in Maharashtra in Western India. This financial capital of Mumbai is famous for its stunning architecture of the British era, Marine Drive, and Bollywood, one of the major film industries in India. You can go to art galleries, museums, and beautiful cafes here – there is always something happening in this vibrant city.

The Western Ghats have many easy to moderate treks perfect for families interested in trekking.

Goa may be renowned as a party destination, but it has many family friendly places you can visit. The clean beaches of Goa are amazing for beach activities, such as swimming, building sandcastles, parasailing, and indulging in other water sports. Old Goa has many historic sites such as churches, temples, and forts that you can visit.

Western Ghats

South India

South India has some stunning destinations you can visit with your family. Visit the ancient temples and ruins of Hampi, a kingdom dating back to the 14th century, in Karnataka, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you love animals, you can also visit the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary in this state.

If you want to witness the traditions of South India, Tamil Nadu is full of ancient temples, museums, and historical monuments, perfect for families. Visit Marina Beach, the longest in India and the second-longest in the world!

Kerala, God’s Own Country, is the perfect tranquil escape from the chaos of the cities. The natural beauty, lush greenery, cultural experiences, and the Backwaters of Kerala make this state a must visit in India. Kerala is also home to national parks like Periyar National Park, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Visit the tea estates of Munnar, relax at Marari Beach, or stay on a houseboat in the backwaters in Alleppey.

The hill stations in South India have their own charm – visit the tea estates of Munnar in Kerala, the coffee plantations of Coorg in Karnataka, and the lush landscapes of Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu.

Kerala Backwaters

Islands of India

India has some beautiful islands that are a perfect destination for families. The Lakshadweep Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Arabian Sea offer a relaxing vacation with beautiful beaches, historic sites, and many water sports and outdoor activities. Swim with elephants, try snorkeling, and see the coral reefs from glass-bottomed boats! Learn about India’s freedom struggle in Port Blair.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Things to Remember while traveling to India with kids

• India is a very chaotic country, and you will find it crowded with citizens and tourists alike, especially if you are visiting during peak season. So make sure to stay safe and cautious during a trip to the country. That being said, India is a treasure trove of different cultures, traditions, local life, and cuisines. If you have never visited an Asian country before, you may get a culture shock, but try to go with the flow and enjoy every moment.
• While authentic Indian cuisine is something you should not miss, keep in mind that India is not the most hygienic country. India is home to some of the best street food in the world, but only consume food that is prepared fresh and hot in front of you. Similarly, tap water in India is not potable. Only drink packaged, bottled water, or purified water. If at all you do not have access to bottled water, try boiling water before drinking it.
• In India, you will often find multigenerational families all under one roof – joint families are quite common in India. If you do get a chance to interact with such families, don’t miss it. You will learn a lot about vastly different customs and traditional practices.
• The Indian rupee cannot be taken out of India, so make sure you spend all your currency before leaving.

So, parents, if you find this article helpful, it is time to start planning your family trip to India! Although putting together a family vacation in India can seem daunting, our team of travel specialists is here to help, and we’ve got plenty of ideas for great family getaways. Get in touch and we’ll help you plan the perfect vacation in India for you and your family!