Best Places for Families to Travel in India

India is a vibrant country with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an exciting destination for families traveling with kids. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene backwaters of Kerala, India offers a plethora of experiences that cater to the interests of children and adults alike. Whether you're looking to explore ancient forts, enjoy amusement parks, or simply relax on the beach, there's something for every family in India. Here are some of the best cities and towns to visit with kids, where you can create unforgettable memories together.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is a favorite among families for its grand palaces, forts, and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to the Amer Fort, where kids can enjoy elephant rides, and the City Palace, which offers a glimpse into royal life. The Jantar Mantar observatory fascinates with its astronomical instruments. For a fun-filled day, visit the Chokhi Dhani Village, which offers a taste of traditional Rajasthani culture with folk dances, puppet shows, and camel rides. The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. To save on costs, consider purchasing a composite ticket that grants entry to multiple attractions.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the light and sound show at Amer Fort in the evening. It's a captivating experience that brings the fort's history to life with spectacular visuals and narratives.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre and Ibis Jaipur are family-friendly hotels offering comfort and convenience. For dining, Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB) and Chokhi Dhani are great options for tasting local flavors.

Kochi, Kerala

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a coastal city in Kerala that's perfect for families who love the water. The city's Chinese Fishing Nets are iconic, and the nearby Fort Kochi beach is ideal for leisurely strolls. The Wonderla Amusement Park is a hit with kids for its thrilling rides and water park. The cooler months from October to February are the best time to visit. To save money, look for family packages at amusement parks and book your tickets online in advance.

Travel Tip: Make sure to take a boat tour of the backwaters. It's a serene way to see the lush landscapes and local life along the waterways.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty and Novotel Kochi Infopark have family-friendly amenities and activities. For dining, try the local seafood at The Rice Boat or Kashi Art Café for a casual, artsy vibe.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is a magical destination for families. The city's palaces, such as the City Palace and Lake Palace, are straight out of a fairy tale. Kids will enjoy boat rides on Lake Pichola and visiting the vintage car museum. The best time to visit is from September to March. To save on expenses, consider staying in a haveli-turned-hotel for an authentic and cost-effective experience.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the puppet show at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, which showcases traditional Rajasthani folk tales and music.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Taj Lake Palace and The Oberoi Udaivilas offer luxury stays with kid-friendly amenities. For meals, Ambrai at Amet Haveli provides delicious food with stunning lake views.

Goa

Goa is India's beach paradise and a fantastic destination for families. Apart from its beautiful beaches like Calangute and Baga, Goa has water sports, dolphin tours, and spice plantations that are great for kids. The Goa Chitra Museum is an ethnographic treasure trove that educates about local farming and fishing practices. Visit between November and February for the best weather. Look for beach shacks offering fresh, affordable meals to save on dining costs.

Travel Tip: Take a trip to Dudhsagar Falls, one of India's tallest waterfalls, located on the Goa-Karnataka border. It's a breathtaking sight, especially during the monsoon season.

Where to Stay & Eat: Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Alila Diwa Goa are family-friendly with activities for children. For dining, Fisherman's Wharf and Martin's Corner offer a relaxed atmosphere and tasty Goan cuisine.

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai, the bustling metropolis, has a lot to offer for families. The city's iconic Gateway of India and the adjacent Elephanta Caves are must-visits. For a fun day out, head to EsselWorld and Water Kingdom, one of the largest amusement parks in India. The Taraporewala Aquarium is also a hit with kids. The best time to visit is from November to February. To save on travel costs, use the local train network, which is an experience in itself.

Travel Tip: Visit the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where you can take a toy train ride, explore ancient caves, and spot wildlife.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Trident, Nariman Point, and The Lalit Mumbai are known for their family-friendly services. For dining, indulge in the street food at Chowpatty Beach or visit Café Mondegar for a casual meal.

New Delhi

India's capital city, New Delhi, is rich in history and culture, with attractions like the Red Fort and India Gate. The National Rail Museum and Nehru Planetarium are educational and entertaining for kids. For an adventurous day, visit the Adventure Island amusement park. The cooler months from October to March are ideal for visiting. Look for combo tickets for monuments to save on entrance fees.

Travel Tip: Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi to explore the bustling markets and savor the local street food.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Leela Palace New Delhi and The Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport cater to families. For dining, try the family-friendly Haldiram's for a variety of Indian dishes or the ever-popular Big Chill Café for continental cuisine.

Hyderabad, Telangana

Hyderabad offers a mix of history and modern entertainment. The historic Charminar and Golkonda Fort are fascinating for kids interested in architecture and history. For a dose of fun, visit Ramoji Film City, the world's largest film studio complex, or the Snow World amusement park. The best time to visit is from October to February. To save on accommodation, consider staying in the city's outskirts.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the sound and light show at Golkonda Fort, which tells the story of the fort's history in an engaging way.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Park Hyderabad and Novotel Hyderabad Airport are equipped with kid-friendly amenities. For dining, Paradise Restaurant is famous for its biryani, and Cream Stone offers delightful ice cream creations.