Posted by: Rupali
Teeming with a wealth of incredible places to see with family, rich history, intriguing culture, charming traditions, and mouthwatering food, India is certainly a magical land to discover on a vacation. Owing it its sheer vastness, finding the best destination for a family trip in India is paramount, ensuring you enjoy unforgettable experiences and make memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you plan a trip to gawk at the unmatched architectural magnificence of the Taj Mahal or unwind on sun-soaked sandy beaches in South India, rest assured that your vacation with the family here will truly be one of a kind! Additionally, you can pick from the best places to visit in India with family in low budget, too, saving a massive amount of money while basking in diverse travel delights unlike any other.
So, this vacation, forgo the best places to visit with family outside India and look for remarkable holiday destinations within national boundaries. See why this multicultural country attracts millions of tourists to even its remotest corners each year!
Best Places to Visit with Family in India
If you're short in time, you can book a 3 days family trip in India for a quick getaway. But to truly experience the colors, sights, and sounds of this beautiful destination, it's best to plan a staycation of at least 7 days or more. Browse the ensuing list of the topmost and best places in India for family tour, each offering unique attractions and authentic Indian charm.
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Consistently ranked among the top 5 holiday destinations in India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a dreamy escape for water lovers everywhere. Teeming with unspoiled landscapes and abundant marine life, these islands are among the best places to go with family, as they cater to diverse holiday tastes. Scuba dive for a first-hand look at colorful coral reefs, beautiful fishes, mysterious shipwrecks, and pristine sands reflecting the sunlight. History lovers will enjoy tours of the Cellular Jail, ambling traditional areas to learn more about the indigenous tribes, and sampling the local cuisine. Scenic hikes make these stunning islands among the top family travel places for adventure and activity-loving vacationers.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 Days
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Top Attractions and Activities: Cellular Jail, Forest Museum, Havelock Islands, Scuba Diving, Viper Island, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Elephant Beach, and Chatham Saw Mill
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ)
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Those on the lookout for the best family vacation destinations in India in summer will find that Manali answers the call with a resounding thump! It's the perfect spot to escape the scorching summer heat, serving up a platter of thrilling activities like adventure sports, hiking, and picnicking in serene landscapes. Culture vultures will find Manali to be one of the topmost places to go with family for a traditional getaway as well, its rich traditional tapestry highlighted by archaic temples, tranquil monasteries, and age-old shopping markets. It's among the top places for families to go in the winter, too, as there are ample skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 Days
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Top Attractions and Activities: Rohtang Pass, Adventure Sports (paragliding), Old Manali, Solan Valley, Hidimba Devi Temple, Naggar Castle, and Great Himalayan National Park
Nearest Airport: Kullu–Manali Airport (KUU)
3. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Boasting a majestic backdrop of Himalayan Mountains and also ranked among the top 5 holiday destinations in India, Darjeeling is a paradise for nature lovers and tranquility seekers alike. Amble its sprawling tea gardens for a refreshing escape from noisy city life, experience a toy train ride at Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - an iconic UNESCO-stamped heritage site, and explore colonial-era architecture in monasteries and temples at the best destination for family trip in India. Darjeeling is also one of the best places to visit with family in India for panoramic sunset and sunrise views, especially from one-of-a-kind viewpoints like Tiger Hill. Don’t forget to enjoy the food! Authentic Nepali desserts and Tibetan cuisine are a must-try here.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 Days
Best Time to Visit: February to April and September to November
Top Attractions and Activities: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (toy train), Rock Garden, Tiger Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tenzing & Gombu Rock, and Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra International Airport (IXB)
4. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
India's very own City of Love rivalling Paris, Agra is undoubtedly among the best places in India for family trip and a couples' break alike. Marvel at the ethereal marble Taj Mahal, soaking in its unmatched beauty amid landscaped gardens and a peaceful ambiance. It's best to plan for a 3 days family trip in India when it comes to Agra, as there's more to see than just this iconic monument. Exploring the impressive Agra Fort and the grandeur of the ancient wonder of Fatehpur Sikri will satiate the cravings of ardent history lovers. Moreover, Agra is also among the top family tourist places for bargain shopping, boasting colorful street markets selling a range of traditional clothes, stylish footwear, handmade jewelry, handbags, ceramics, and other souvenirs.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Top Attractions and Activities: The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's Tomb, Agra Fort, Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal, Moti Masjid, and Wildlife SOS
Nearest Airport: Agra Airport (AGR)
5. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Those with kids will find this fantastic reserve among the best family vacation destinations in India in summer, when the beautiful and exotic wildlife come out of slumber to explore their surroundings. The park's rich biodiversity makes it among the best places in India for family tour, promising exciting jeep and bus safaris that will take you to your favorite animals up close. Travelers can click a lot of videos and images to document their one-of-a-kind journey. Besides viewing majestic wildlife and learning about conservation efforts, Jim Corbett Park is also the best destination for family trip in India for exploring ancient temples like Hanumandham Mandir and Garjia Temple, each offering a peek into the region's mesmerizing culture and traditions.
Ideal Duration: 2 Nights
Best Time to Visit: September to June
Top Attractions and Activities: Sitabani Forest Reserve, Garjiya Devi Temple, Corbett Museum, Hanumandham Mandir (Temple), Corbett Waterfalls, and the Corbett Tiger Reserve
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH)
6. Leh Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Featuring unparalleled beauty, Leh Ladakh guarantees unforgettable vacation experiences to everyone who steps within its scenic borders. Among the best places to go on a family trip for unique outdoor adventures, Leh Ladakh offers historic monasteries, beautiful lakes, picturesque hikes, and peaceful surroundings. Embarking on camel safaris, bike riding across lunar landscapes and river rafting to conquer mesmerizing rapids are other must-dos here! It's also among the most cultural places to go with family, allowing vacationers the chance to immerse themselves in rich Buddhist heritage. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts will love discovering the Sand Dunes Leisure Park, home to magnificent animals, enigmatic sand dunes, a gorgeous river, and a sea buckthorn jungle.
Ideal Duration: 7 to 10 Days
Best Time to Visit: April to September
Top Attractions and Activities: Tibetan Cultural Experiences, Pangong Tso Lake, Mountain Biking, Nubra Valley, Khardung La Pass, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Leh Market, and Hemis Monastery
Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL)
7. Goa
Fantastic to visit year-round and among the most fun places to travel with family, Goa is the ideal spot for travelers of all ages to relax, unwind, and have a blast. Picture soft-sand beaches with cobalt-blue waters, unbridled sunshine, lush palm trees, ancient churches, and delectable cuisine - Goa offers all these and so much more! It's among the topmost family tourist places to explore impressive forts like Chapora, beautiful waterfalls, and ancient churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Shopping for souvenirs at the bustling Anjuna Flea Market is another must-have experience. Goa is also the best destination for family trip in India in December, as it comes alive with the fervor and spirit of Christmas. Enjoy carols, dancing, live shows, church services, colorful Christmas markets, and super-tasty Christmas treats.
Ideal Duration: 5 to 7 Days
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Top Attractions and Activities: Dudhsagar Waterfalls, The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Nightlife, Calangute and Baga Beaches, Shri Bhagvati Temple, Fort Aguada, Anjuna Flea Market, and Tito’s Lane
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (GOI)
8. Amritsar, Punjab
For a history-rich vacation with family, there's no better place than the charming Amritsar in Punjab. Speaking volumes about the freedom struggle, especially during the partition of the country, Amritsar is home to pivotal landmarks like the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh. Another thing that makes Amritsar one of the best places in India for family trip is its plethora of holy sites and cultural richness. Museums like Sadda Pind offer an enigmatic peek into the traditional Punjabi village lifestyle, allowing visitors to experience first-hand what life is like here. Foodies will also find this one of the best places to go on a family trip, as it caters to all ages and tastes with lip-smacking dishes like Dal Makhni, chicken tikka, kulchas, lassi, and the renowned Amritsari fish.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 Days
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Top Attractions and Activities: The Golden Temple, Langar Experience, Gobindgarh Fort, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border Ceremony, Partition Museum, Durgiana Temple, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport (ATQ)
9. Lonavala, Maharashtra
The absolute best destination for family trip in India amid postcard-perfect natural beauty, Lonavala boasts unparalleled greenery, panoramic vistas, and majestic hills. Consequently, Lonavala is among the best places in India for family tour brimming with outdoor explorations via hiking or bicycling, with places like Tikona Fort serving up picturesque trails. It's also a great spot that links the popular cities of Pune and Mumbai, allowing vacationers the freedom to take off on a city break should they desire it. It's the best place for family trip in India with waterfalls as well, where folks can enjoy picnics by foaming waters making their way down impressive rocks and crevices.
Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 Days
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Top Attractions and Activities: Rajmachi Fort, Bhushi Dam/Lake, Bhaja and Karla caves, Kune Waterfalls, Lonavala Cave, Duke's Nose, Lohagad Fort, and Tiger's Leap
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (PNQ)
10. Alleppey, Kerala
Among the most stunning family travel places in Kerala, Alleppey boasts paradisiacal beauty with breathtaking backwaters, justifying its tag of being the "Venice of the East." Additionally, affordable tourist costs make Alleppey one of the best places to visit in India with family in low budget, ensuring they explore more for less! Highlights at this mesmerizing Kerala hotspot include boat rides, lush gardens, traditional villages like Champakulam, swoon-worthy beaches, and tranquil stays on cozy houseboats. It's also among the most culturally rich places for families to go down south, home to delightful ancient temples like the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, colorful festivals, and a vibrant food scene.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 5 Days
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Top Attractions and Activities: Beaches like Alappuzha, Backwater Cuisine, St. Mary's Forane Church, Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal Island, Revi Karunakaran Museum, and Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK)
11. Shillong, Meghalaya
If you're looking for the best family vacation destinations in India in summer with hill stations in mind, Shillong is the ideal choice. Nestled in the majestic mountains of Meghalaya, and among the topmost family tour places in the region, Shillong promises rich tribal heritage, unhindered outdoor fun, cascading waterfalls, crystalline lakes, and imposing peaks. Witnessing the beauty of the renowned Elephant Falls is a must, as is indulging in water sports like jet skiing or parasailing at the panoramic Umiam Lake. Shillong is also among the best places to go with family for food and shopping, offering traditional street markets, quaint eateries, and other peaceful hotspots to sample the delectable local cuisine while picking up authentic Northeastern souvenirs.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 6 Days
Best Time to Visit: September to June
Top Attractions and Activities: Lady Hydari Park, Elephant Falls, Kyrdemkhla Picnic Spot, Umiam Lake, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Shillong Peak, Mawsmai Cave, and Laitlum Canyons
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL)
12. Coorg, Karnataka
Those heading toward the imposing Western Ghats for a vacation with family will find Coorg to be the perfect pitstop. Located in Karnataka, this picturesque hill station promises fantastic sunset points, a sprawling national park, breathtaking waterfalls, around 3 wildlife sanctuaries, and loads of coffee plantations. Families can spend their time wildlife spotting, river rafting, and picnicking by waterfalls. They can also make arrangements to stay at peaceful coffee plantations, soaking in lush greenery and tranquility. That being said, Coorg is also one of the best places for family trip in India for culture and history, with major high points including Madikeri Fort, Iguthappa Temple, Nalknad Palace, and Golden Temple Coorg.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 6 Days
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Top Attractions and Activities: Coffee Plantations, Raja's Seat Garden, Madikeri Fort, Abbey Waterfalls, Bragmagiri, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Bylakuppe, Honnamana Kere, and Namdroling Monastery
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE)
13. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Offering one of the most kid-friendly vacations India, Udaipur is a paradise of historical spots, cultural extravaganzas, and a rich food scene. It's doubtless among the best places to visit with family in India for gorgeous palaces like the City Palace, dating back three centuries and featuring impressive towers, balconies, gardens, and cupolas. Udaipur is also the best destination for family trip in India for shopping, its vibrant markets delivering the finest traditional Rajasthani apparel, handmade toys and crafts, unique footwear, home décor items, and other trinkets. Likewise, foodies will enjoy discovering the joys of traditional Rajasthani cuisine, sampling top dishes like Kachori, Banjara Murgh, Gatte ki Sabzi, Ker Sangi, and Kadhi Pakora.
Ideal Duration: 3 to 7 Days
Best Time to Visit: October to March/April
Top Attractions and Activities: Ambrai Ghat, Sajjangarh Palace, City Palace, Lake Pichola Boat Ride, Saheliyon ki Bari, Jag Mandir, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Jagdish Temple
Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (UDR)
14. Gangtok, Sikkim
Another of the best Northeast places to see with family, Gangtok boasts a wide range of attractions catering to discerning tastes and various ages. The scenic Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top family tour places in Gangtok, allowing visitors the chance to spot exotic wildlife up close. It's also the best place for family trip in India if you wish to explore tranquil Tibetan monasteries, including the famous Enchey Monastery that will take you deeper into Tibetan Buddhism like never before. Families can also picnic by the majestic Ban Jhakri Waterfalls or go shopping at the renowned Handicrafts & Handloom Emporium, offering authentic local souvenirs. The Tibet Market is also a great place to pick up one-of-a-kind Tibetan artifacts.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 7 Days
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December
Top Attractions and Activities: Hanuman Tok, Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park, Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri Waterfalls, Do Drul Chorten, and Nathula Pass
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
15. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
If you're looking for a warm place to escape the chill of winter, Ooty is the best destination for family trip in India in December. Boasting sprawling manicured gardens, majestic green hills, exotic flora, and kaleidoscopic vistas, Ooty is truly a spectacle to behold. Among the most beautiful places to travel with family, it also offers unique attractions like the preserved Nilgiri Mountain Railway, snaking along postcard-worthy tunnels and valleys. Meanwhile, holidaymakers with a penchant for flowers will love strolling the mind-blowing Ooty Rose Garden, home to more than 3,600 varieties of beautiful roses! Places like Kalhatti Waterfalls and Kotagiri are ideal for a picnic-style vacation with the family in the region, allowing travelers to unwind amid picturesque natural scenery.
Ideal Duration: 5 to 7 Days
Best Time to Visit: March to June, Year-Round
Top Attractions and Activities: Doddabetta Peak, Government Botanical Garden, Tiger Hill, Lake Garden, Ooty Lake, Kalhatti Waterfalls, Kamraj Sagar Lake, and Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (CJB)
To Summarize
There are countless amazing and best places to visit in India with family in low budget, for luxury holidays, or with premium holiday packages. All you must do initially is find the place most suitable to your family's travel style, budget, and other crucial preferences. Consider the best places for family trip in India that let you explore their attractions at a comfortable pace, ensuring there's ample time to enjoy kid-friendly dining and fun.
Additionally, don't forget to pack the right things for your family holiday in India, depending on the specific destination. For instance, if you're heading to Jim Corbett National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure, make sure to pack a great camera, binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Likewise, if you're picking a beach destination like Alleppey in Kerala, grab your swimsuits and other essential beach gear.
With all the above done, pack away pronto and come enjoy the most fabulous kid-friendly vacations India has to offer!
