10 family-friendly holiday destinations in India that are perfect for every season

July 14, 2023

The top 10 family-friendly holiday destinations in India that you will absolutely love exploring.

The joy of spending time with your loved ones is priceless. No matter how busy we get in our twisted lives, it is always a good idea to take some time out for a family vacation, both to refresh the mind and create new and exciting memories. So now that I have made you a little emotional there, why don’t you let me cover it up by helping you plan family holidays in India? Seems like a plan?

Family-friendly holiday destinations in India

10 family-friendly holiday destinations in India that are perfect for every season


    This blog here talks about the top 10 family-friendly destinations in India that you will absolutely love exploring.

    Here is a list of the 10 must-visit family holiday destinations in India

    1. Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir


    Beautiful beyond description, Srinagar is known for its gardens, serene ambiance, houseboats, and waterfronts. Nestled on the banks of the Jhelum River, the picturesque hill town will make you fall in love with it at first sight. An epitome of ethereal charm, the city is surely one of the best destinations to visit in India with family.

    Boats in Dal Lake in Srinagar
    Dal Lake, Srinagar (Image Source: HelloHolidays.in)

    Things to do:

    • Enjoy a shikara ride on Dal Lake.
    • Seek blessings at Shankaracharya Temple.
    • Touch the sky with paragliding.
    • Relax in a houseboat.
    • Visit the famous Jama Masjid.
    • Admire the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.

    2. Nainital, Uttarakhand


    The kind of serenity that Nainital is blessed with is hard to find anywhere else. Resting in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the city runs around Nainital Lake, which is a famous boating spot. If you are looking for an altogether different experience, you can catch the sunrise view from Tiffin Top, go temple hopping or meet the wild creatures at its very own national park, Corbett.

    Boat ride in Naini Lake
    Boat Ride in Naini Lake (Image Source: daily. in)

    Things to do:

    • Boat ride on the pristine lakes.
    • Behold the beautiful sunrise from Tiffin Top.
    • Souvenir shopping from Tibetan Market.
    • Pay regards at Hanuman and Naina Devi temples.
    • Admire the heart-warming view with a cable car ride.
    • Wildlife safari in Corbett National Park.

    3. Haridwar, Uttarakhand


    Haridwar is among the top pilgrim destinations in India, and you will know why. Seated at the point where the Ganges River springs up in the Himalayas, Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. Haridwar is known as ‘The Gateway to Lord Vishnu’ while for others, it is the ‘Gateway to Lord Shiva’. In any case, the holy place is dotted with pilgrims who come to take a bath on the banks of the River Ganges to attain salvation.

    Rajaji National Park near Haridwar
    Rajaji National Park near Haridwar (Image Source: thetripseekers.com)

    Things to do: 

    • Soothe your senses with yoga and meditation.
    • Bow down for worship at the famed shrines.
    • Get an Ayurvedic massage.
    • Enter the wild grounds of Rajaji National Park.
    • Buy authentic Garhwali goodies.

    4. Manali, Himachal Pradesh


    The list of top family destinations in India can never be complete without the mention of Manali. Situated along the Beas River, the town is best known for providing respite from the scorching heat of Indian summers. This is because it offers travelers a good number of adventure activities as well as tranquil spaces for those wanting some peace and quiet.

    Yak ride in Manali
    Yak ride in Manali


    Things to do:

    • Rejuvenate yourself with the view of the waterfalls.
    • Pay homage at Manu and Hadimba temples.
    • Try your hand at adventure activities.
    • Ride a yak at Manali Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • Heal yourself at Vashist Hot Water Springs.

    5. Havelock Island, Andaman


    For years now, Andaman has been mainstreamed to be a honeymoon paradise, but little do travelers know that it is equally a family-friendly destination in India. Part of Ritchie’s Archipelago, Havelock Island is best suited for people who love the quiet beach life and the little adventures that can be had within its confines.

    Elephant Beach in Andaman
    Elephant Beach in Andaman (Image Source:roseandrex.com)


    Things to do:

    • Build sandcastles at the beach.
    • Explore underwater secrets with scuba diving.
    • Don’t miss snorkeling at Elephant Beach.
    • Rent bikes and scooters to tour the surroundings.

    6. Munnar, Kerala


    Munnar is definitely one of my personal favorites on this list. Settled in the Western Ghats mountain range, the hill station boasts of beauty and tranquility in every corner. Dotted with aromatic tea gardens, lush greenery, and exotic species, you will fall in love with all that Munnar has to offer within an instant. Despite its serene beauty, Kerala is also one of the best backpacking destinations in India.

    Tea Garden in Munnar
    Tea Garden in Munnar

    Things to do:

    • Feel refreshed at the tea gardens.
    • Stay close to nature in tree houses.
    • Taste the lip-smacking Kerala cuisine.
    • Photograph rare species at Eravikulam National Park.
    • Carry your picnic basket to Lakkam Waterfalls.
    • Rejoice with a shikara ride on Kundala Lake.
    • Visit the Mattupetty Dam.

    7. Goa


    Goa is one of the most unique places to visit in India because of the mixture of Indian and Portuguese influences, which makes its culture so different. Taking a little space in Western India and a lot in the hearts of travelers, the state offers a plethora of water activities, time out with the sun and sand, and an unforgettable party experience, so to say. All of which makes it one of the best family destinations in India.

    banana boat ride in Goa
    Banana boat ride in Goa (Image Source: thrillophilia.com)

    Things to do:

    • Visit the old churches of Old Goa.
    • Make underwater friends through scuba diving and snorkeling.
    • Try all the water sports.
    • Float over the Arambol Lake with paragliding.
    • Go for fishing trips at Bogmalo Beach.
    • Rejoice in a houseboat tour in Goa.

    8. Jaipur, Rajasthan


    Rajasthan doesn’t let a day pass without praising its capital city or, more appropriately, its favorite child. Founded in 1727 by the very own Raja of Amer, Jai Singh II, Jaipur is dressed down in architectural marvels like no other. The city is definitely the ‘it place’ if your family loves history and royalty as much as you do. Don't sit back, start planning a trip to Jaipur already!

    Hot air balloon ride in Jaipur
    Hot air balloon ride in Jaipur (Image Source: thrillophilia.com)


    Things to do:

    • Explore the architecture of Jal Mahal.
    • Take a cycle tour to marvel at the architecture of Nahargarh Fort.
    • Buy colorful souvenirs at the local market.
    • Treat your taste buds with delectable food at Chokhi Dhani.
    • Game drive at Ranthambore National Park.
    • Soar high with a hot air balloon ride.
    • Enjoy a city architecture tour.

    9. Darjeeling, West Bengal


    A major highlight of West Bengal has always been Darjeeling, and for the city, it has been the Toy Train. From the beautifully scented tea gardens that are a fascination for the elders, the kids can enjoy river rafting, know about the Buddhist culture or just admire the colors of the sun as it rises.

    toy train ride in Darjeeling
    The toy train ride in Darjeeling (Image Source: EaseMyTrip.com)


    Things to do:

    • Hop on the amazing Toy Train.
    • Witness the endless beauty of the surroundings from Batasia Loop.
    • Try river rafting.
    • Visit the aromatic tea estates.
    • Catch the sunrise at Tiger Hill.
    • Feel enlightened at Zang Dhok Palri Phodang.

    10. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra


    This calm hill station lives its days away from the humdrum of life, which makes it a place you would love to visit on a family holiday in India. Located towards the south of Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is dotted with several viewing points and the very famous Mahabaleshwar Temple. 

    Pratapgarh Fort
    Pratapgarh Fort (Image Source: shutterstock.com)

    Things to do:

    • Explore the wild realms of Tapola.
    • Excursion to the mysterious Pratapgarh Fort.
    • Praise the Supreme Being at Mahabaleshwar Temple.
    • Enjoy the strawberry ice cream at Mapro Garden.
    • Watch the sunset from Wilson Point.
    • Relish a picnic at Connaught Peak.


    *This is a guest post

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    About the Author

    A soul bred in the mountains, Akansha Negi doles out travel inspiration from solo wandering, exploring heritage and culture, tasting local cuisine, adventures, and experiences of her travels.
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    8 comments

    1. They are all indeed great travel destinations in India. Well compiled list .Munnar and Goa are the only places from this list that I have been to and they are just awesome! Hope to visit the rest of these great destinations sometime. Thanks for this wonderful share .

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    2. These sound like wonderful family friendly places to visit in India! Thanks for sharing them.

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    3. These are great destinations. So far, we were only able to visit Kerala from these list where the food and local cuisine is a must try. Thank you for sharing this list. We look forward to visiting Goa in the future.

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    4. I would love to visit Havelock. My husband and I deserve a long getaway at least once a year. This seems like a place we would enjoy very much.

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    5. Looks like a great country to visit. Beautiful places and people, I will check out this post again in my future family travel.

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    6. Gorgeous! I just recently fell in love with Indian cuisine and would LOVE to take my family to India and explore!

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    7. I would love to go to India one day. Saving this for the future.

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    8. Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

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