Best Family Holiday Destinations In India | The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 5, 2017

If you come across arid, jagged mountains kissing the skies, you know it's Ladakh. Further, here, the dry winds seem to carry spiritual messages with them. Further, the ancient gompas (Tibetan monasteries), with their whitewashed walls, are repositories of solitude and knowledge. The pristine waters of the lakes here create a perfect impression of the encompassing surroundings. Once in Ladakh, there is so much to see and so much to explore, from pure blue freshwater lakes to picturesque passes, from dreamy valleys to frozen rivers. So, one must prepare oneself for a kaleidoscope of experiences here.  Have you recently decided to take a trip to Ladakh? This blog brings you the 25 amazing things to do in Ladakh. 25 Amazing Things to do in Ladakh: In South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) held between 22nd and 24th February 2024, Ladakh has been promoted as an all-weather tourist spot.  Visit this wonderland in any season, and you have something to do to fulfill your outdoor pursuits.  1. Sunrise at Pangong Tso Lake! Witnessing the sky streaked red by the morning sun can be an exhilarating experience. Doing the same by Pangong Tso Lake embellishes the experience further.  This spectacular lake made its appearance in the movie “3 Idiots.” Apart from that, it’s a highly coveted spot for late-night camping. 2. Biking on the World’s Highest Motorable Road! Imagine biking at Khardung La – one of the world’s highest motorable roads with a height of 18,380ft. You can plan a bike trip to this place from any city in India, or arrive at Leh, and book a bike there.  There are several holiday packages for Ladakh trip. Choose any one of your linking. 3. Camping delights! Another way of absorbing the alluring beauty of Ladakh is going camping. Some of the best camping sites are found at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.  Camping by the lakes, one of the best things to do in Ladakh, is the best way to explore the surrounding landscapes and carry home some great memories. 4. Go Trekking One of the best manners of exploring the scenic landscapes of Ladakh is trekking. Be it the winter season or the summer season, trekking provides you with an outstanding experience.  Some of the most popular trekking routes here are Chadar, Stok Kangri, Tso Moriri, and Markha Valley. 5. Go river rafting! Struggling against the forceful rapids always gives you that ultimate adrenaline rush. No wonder then that river rafting is a favorite amongst tourists to Ladakh.  Nothing is more adventurous than fighting your way against the freezing waters of the Zanskar River. Along the way, you are treated to the magnificent sights of hilltop monasteries, hillside villages and glimpses of the unique wildlife. 6. Take the Ride-on Double Bactrian camel! The thrill of taking a ride on a double-humped Bactrian camel is simply indescribable. The place to do this would be the Nubra Valley, located at 12,000ft above sea level.  This wonderful wobbly ride takes you through the various landscapes of the region. This is the ride of a lifetime, making it one of the most amazing things to do in Ladakh! 7. Look, a snow leopard! Spotting a snow leopard is a real privilege. Further, these magnificent beasts, sporting white fur, camouflage themselves with the environs as they patiently wait for their prey.  One of the best places to view these lovely creatures is the Hemis National Park. This park is home to more than 200 snow leopards and is best visited during winter. 8. Explore Buddhist Monasteries! The various monasteries in Ladakh are some of the most ancient ones in the world. As such, they are a repertoire of knowledge and wisdom. One of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh is the Spituk Monastery.  It also enjoys a fabulous location and offers panoramic views of the surroundings. Another monastery worth checking out is Hemis Monastery. Besides being the biggest in all of Ladakh, it also hosts the famous Hemis Festival in June every year. 9. The Royal side of Ladakh! The magnificent Leh Palace lies in a dilapidated state in this day and age. However, its grandeur is still reflected in its wood and stone ruins. It is often visited by history and architecture enthusiasts.  Built by King Namgyal in the 17th century, this building is nine stories high. One can get panoramic views of the Zanskar and Stok Kangri ranges that traverse the Indus Valley. 10. Opt for a homestay! A great way to get acquainted with the culture of Ladakh is by opting for a homestay. Try to get in touch with a local family.  The warm-hearted people will host you with great zeal and enthusiasm. Enjoy a drink of butter tea, taste some delicious momos (dumplings), and have a great time. 11. Gaze at the starlit sky! When it comes to certified stargazing in India, nothing beats Ladakh! Engaging in stargazing here transports you to the world of stars and comets.  The infinite sky, glistening with stars, casts a magical spell on the onlooker. In Ladakh, the best place to do this is the Nubra Valley. 12. The Mysterious Magnetic Hill! Ever heard of a car ascending without any external force being applied to it? Don’t be shocked; defying the laws of physics is a common experience here.  The Magnetic Hill, as it’s commonly referred to, pulls a car or a bike towards the peak. The reasons behind this occurrence are as yet unknown. However, it’s worth giving it a try! 13. River of opportunity! One of the top things to do in Ladakh is to watch the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The frozen Zanskar River presents tremendous trekking opportunities during winter. Also known as Chadar Trek, it’s a favorite among adventure seekers. The surreal beauty of the icy world enveloping you throughout the trek leaves you overwhelmed. 14. Sipping Tea at the World’s highest Cafeteria A board stating the benefits of drinking black tea welcomes you to the Rinchen Cafeteria. Located at an altitude of 18,380ft, momos, and Maggi are also served along with tea.  This wonderful cafe has been named after Col. Rinchen for seizing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Once here, check out the various stories, paintings, and quotes by the Army. 15. Piping hot Maggie at High Altitude! Nothing beats the taste of piping hot Maggi at high altitudes. After a tiresome journey that leaves you exhausted, this humble meal is a blessing.  One of the best places to experience this treat is Khardung La. Here, not only do you enjoy the meal, but you discover a fascinating history associated with it. 16. Participate in the Mask Festival! Hemis Mask Dance Festival is one of the famous festivals in Ladakh. This colorful and vibrant festival takes place every year at Hemis Gompa, the biggest monastery in Ladakh.  The main attractions are the mask parade and the “Chaam” dance. Here, the Lamas put on a spectacle with their burgundy and mustard yellow attires 17. Attend a Ladakhi Wedding! A wedding in Ladakh is quite a solemn affair. However, the various rituals associated with it are every bit as interesting. The couple wears ceremonial dresses while the guests, seated on small tables, are served butter tea.  Traditional songs are played, and dance goes on for hours. “Chang,” the local alcohol is served, and everyone joins in the festivities. 18. Ladakh’s local delicacies! Ladakh’s cuisine is the result of an innovative twist to Kashmiri cuisine. One of them is the delicious stew, which contains a wonderful combination of ingredients like rice, noodles, momos, Thukpa, etc.  One should also try the Yak Cheese and the Yak Cheese momos here. Of course, no meal is complete without trying the local butter tea. 19. Meditate by the famous lakes! Lakes in Ladakh enchant visitors with their breathtaking beauty. They are known as “Tso.” Pangong Tso, which means “long and narrow lake,” is the highest saltwater lake in the world.  Tso Kar and Tso Moriri are two famous lakes. Mirpal Tso attracts travelers with its sandy bed and turquoise waters. 20. Pleasures of bird watching! The enormous and arid landscape of Ladakh is a haven for diverse avifauna. This region has various species of birds as visitors. Further, many of them are endangered.  The amazing solitude makes bird watching in Ladakh a perfectly blissful activity. Bird watching is popular in Suru Valley, Rizong Monastery, and Nubra Valley, among others. 21. Pray Some, Spin Some! Ladakh has several monasteries that are as charming as they are fascinating. A visit to any of them is sure to leave you with great memories.  One of the prime activities to do in a monastery is to spin a prayer well. Spinning the prayer wheel, according to Buddhist traditions, ushers in good luck. So, when in Ladakh, spin that wheel! 22. Mingle with monks! One of the great attractions of visiting the monasteries is mingling with the monks. Saffron-clad and bald, they possess a wealth of knowledge with a good dose of humor.  Request them humbly, and you may just be in for a session of fascinating tales and stories. 23. Make-a-wish stones Since the beginning of history, stone stacking has been followed by making a wish. During earlier ages, they served the roles of messengers, signs, and landmarks.  The locals, however, believe that stacking stones brings good luck to travelers. Stack some stones, and make a wish! It’s time for manifestation. 24. Shop in the Local Markets to Carry Memories of the Ladakh Trip! Shopping takes an exciting turn in the Ladakh markets. It’s the best place for mingling with the locals and learning various aspects of their culture.  Further, the streets have numerous stalls that display exotic items. From hand-woven rugs, wall hangings, and wicker baskets to woolen bags, one finds it all here! 25. Visit Leh City after sunset! Sunsets in Leh City are unlike any other you may have come across. Here, the sun takes its own time to leisurely paint the sky red.  One of the best places to witness the sunset here is Shanti Stupa. Also, bring your camera along and capture some great shots. Taking some photos here is one of the most amazing things to do in Ladakh.  Exploring The First Stargazing Site For Tourists In India: Amazing Things To Do In Ladakh Our list of top 25 things to do in Ladakh already has stargazing as an activity. However, the growing popularity of stargazing in Ladakh demands a detailed discussion about this fascinating outdoor pursuit.  All eyes were especially on the Ladakh sky as the Aurora Borealis became visible in Ladakh, thanks to the most intense solar storm in more than two decades. In May 2024, a stable red arc filled the sky in Ladakh, and the engineers at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve confirmed the arc to be stable, consistent, and lasting for hours.  The appearance of the Aurora Borealis in Ladakh is a remarkable incident after Hanle Dark Sky Reserve was prepared as the first stargazing site in India in February 2023.  The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is located at an elevation of 4500 meters, and it’s at Han le village, made of six hamlets.  However, along the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, there are many other places in Ladakh for stargazing. Know them before you plan a trip to Ladakh. Pangong Lake Alchi Lamayuru Tso Moriri Nubra Valley For the best stargazing experience in Ladakh, you must plan a trip in the summer. The summer months from April to June offer the best sky visibility with pleasant weather conditions. Further, the full moon nights in these months dazzle the stars in the sky. In fact, the full moon nights in summer are the best days to observe the Milky Way in the Ladakh Sky.  So, if you want to try some truly unique things to do in Ladakh, include stargazing into your itinerary.  Read also 10 best places to visit in Sikkim 10 Best Places to Visit in Europe 5 Must Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 30, 2020

If you are traveling to India for the first time, you’ll for sure feel a little bit overwhelmed, confused and excited at the same time. Adjusting to the culture shock, frenetic energy and diversity will take some time. But worry not, once you get used to the Indian ways, you’ll develop a special bond with this place that will urge you to come back again and again. If you are travelling to India, here are a few facts about India to keep in mind before and while you are on your trip: Craziest Things To Know If You Are Traveling To India For The First Time Indian travel reaches a new high in the first quarter of 2024. Indian airports have enjoyed the footfall of around 376 million passengers. Further, 69.6 million in this traffic were international passengers.  Moreover, the numbers show a massive improvement compared to 2019. Also, there is a 15% growth from the records in 2023. These numbers show why traveling in India is so huge this year. So, it is no surprise that you are planning a trip to India this year. Is this the first time for you to visit this land of spirituality? Keep some smart tips handy to avoid travel hassles. 1. EXPLORE A PLACE AND TAKE YOUR TIME When you are traveling to India for the first time, don’t hop from one place to another too soon because then you won’t really get a feel of the real India and experience the place deeply. Take your time with a place. Stay there for a few days. Also, visit different sites in that place, get to know the local people and traditions of the place, and relish the experience. For example, if you go to Kerala in South India, then stay there for at least 9 -10 days, exploring the local food and culture and different festivals.Many top-notch yoga retreats in India are also held in Kerala. If you want to experience the true spiritual gift of India, that is, yoga and meditation, you can attend a yoga and meditation retreat or a yoga teacher training course in one of the best yoga schools in Kerala. 2. EXPLORE MORE THAN JUST THE CITIES The real beauty of India lies not only in the cities of India but also in the cities in the natural world. The forests, the majestic mountains, the motherly rivers, the gorgeous oceans, the pristine beaches, and the divine landscapes will surely give you the experience of a lifetime. Travel to the Himalayas in north India, the beaches of south India, the Western Ghats, and the Mangrove forests in the east and experience a deeper connection with Mother Nature. 3. DRESS ACCORDINGLY In most parts of India, the dress code is Indian sarees and traditional Indian clothes though many people in the cities wear western clothing as well. Please wear clothes that cover your body appropriately, especially when you are visiting the rural parts of India, temples, mosques, etc. It is also a custom in India to open your shoes outside while visiting a temple or a religious site. 4. RESPECT THE INDIAN PEOPLE AND THE INDIAN CULTURE Most Indians are very warm-hearted, which is truly one of the best qualities of Indian people. They are welcoming and love it when people from around the world visit the country. Be respectful to the Indian people and Indian culture. The Indian people will greet you with warmth and acceptance. Make sure you can be humble and return the same. 5. BE PREPARED TO EXPLORE DEEP SPIRITUALITY One of the most well-known facts about India is that it is the origin of yoga and meditation. Many top-level yoga and meditation schools offer yoga retreats in India. If you genuinely want to feel the deep spiritual connection of India and want to learn the ancient art of yoga and meditation, then you can enroll yourself in one of the best yoga schools in India. Some of the best yoga schools of India are in Kerala in South India and Rishikesh in North Indian at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. 6. KEEP AN OPEN MIND Keeping an open mind is a great way to travel the land of India as you will see things that you did not expect to, like children asking for food while you are stuck in traffic. “In the 2023 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 111th out of the 125 countries with sufficient data to calculate 2023 GHI scores. With a score of 28.7 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, India has a level of hunger that is serious.” 7. AVOID PDA Avoid public displays of affection towards your partners, as this is not a common thing in the culture of India. Avoid kissing and excess public display of affection as a respect for the Indian culture 8. TRY OUT THE INDIAN FOOD You will find all kinds of foods, dishes, and cuisines in India that will relish your taste buds. You can try out the North Indian dishes, the south Indian dishes, and the local food of whichever place you travel to. Be mindful of the water you are consuming and make sure it is purified. Most places have clean water to drink, but it is advised to be mindful. 9. GET A SIM CARD Getting a sim card would be helpful as you can use the internet to have easy navigation through the landscapes of India. A sim card will allow you to navigate google maps, best restaurants, and make calls to your home country. Though only Indians can buy a SIM card in India, you can ask your trusted Indian friend to buy you a SIM card. There are also special provisions for sim cards for foreigners. 10. UNDERSTAND THE UNSPOKEN INDIAN LANGUAGE Indians communicate a lot without words and just simple hand gestures or head nods. The classic Indian head nod is one of the most common communication methods in India. Usually, it means yes or no, depending on the context. Understanding the unspoken Indian language can make your trip interesting and can be helpful too. 11. BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS While this advice applies to many places around the globe, it is always a good idea to keep your cash, cards, and belongings safe, especially in the populated cities of India. 12. FIND A TRUSTWORTHY INDIAN FRIEND WHO CAN GUIDE YOU It is also wise to have a trustworthy Indian friend who can help you out in a foreign country and guide you in case you are confused about something. Knowing someone trustworthy and intelligent in India who can help out is also an advantage. 13. DO YOUR RESEARCH Do a good in-depth research of India and the places that call out to you the most in India. India is a vast country, and it is not advised to cover the whole country in one short trip. Do your research and see which places you feel the most drawn to and then make a detailed itinerary of your trip. 14. KEEP YOUR CALM Scamsters, touts, etc. often target foreigners to make some quick bucks by simply luring them with good deals which are not in fact, good deals. You’ll come across different people (agents, cab drivers, etc.) who’ll insist on giving you the best deals (maybe hotel charges, tour packages). But don’t lose your head over these things. Simply keep your calm and try to show them that you know better. Slowly you’ll learn the tricks to handle such people. 15. DON'T HESITATE TO BARGAIN Indian markets are colorful and have some beautiful things like leather bags, clothes, artifacts, and so much more that you can buy. However, some shop keepers give a higher price to those traveling from another country. Don’t be afraid to bargain and get a reasonable price for your purchase. Sharpen your bargaining skills and have fun with it. Is India Safe To Travel For Women? (Most) Important Things To Know Before Traveling To India For The First Time As I write this article, the cry of #JusticeforRGKar becomes more prominent to me. A month has passed since the rape and murder of a lady PG doctor of the Pulmonology department in the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal, a state in the eastern part of India.  There is still a protest going on, and people from all walks of life are participating in it with a suspicion of state machinery’s involvement in the case. Further, it aches my heart, but I have to mention that Delhi experienced one of the heinous acts of rape and murder a few years back in the form of the Nirbhaya case.  People across borders are aware of these incidents today. So, the question of women’s safety while traveling to India is obvious. Further, if we look at the Booking.com travel predictions for 2024, we can see that 54% of women will likely embrace solo travel instead of a couple or group trip.  Nevertheless, let’s get back to the question here, and allow me to assure you that India is fairly safe for women travelers.  The data from the “National Commission for Women” and “National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)” are not-so-pleasing. I don’t want to share the figures, either! However, the women-only travel groups are making it easier for every woman traveling to India for the first time or even for the 100th time.  The WOW Club, or Women on Wanderlust, and Women On Clouds Club, or WOC, are two of the most popular women-only travel groups in India. So, as Hannah goes for a girl trip with her mother in “Girls,” get ready for traveling to India for the first time!  Read Also: 8 Amazing Things To Do In Delhi For First Time Tourists Complete Guide For A Pleasant Agra Tour The Easy Way To Travel In India Top Most Expensive Hotels Of India To Enjoy And Stay Your Holidays

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 4, 2018

The honeymoon practice started in the nineteenth century in Britain, when couples of the upper class went to bridal tours accompanied by friends and family to visit relatives. The popularity of this practice increases gradually. Currently, this practice is common among young couples in the world. Immediately after the wedding, couples go visiting exotic destinations. There is evidence that Indians tour foreign places for honeymoon. They ignore a lot of the best honeymoon places in India. Below are some of the places in India that you can visit on your honeymoon. 10 Best Honeymoon Places In India: 1. Darjeeling Found in West Bengal between the arms of lesser Himalayas, it bears the name of the queen of hills. Darjeeling is among the most peaceful and picturesque best honeymoon places in India, with a climate that is pleasantly cool, and the Kanchenjunga to frame the skyline. Close attractions include the sunrise from Batasia loop, Singamari ropeway, Tiger Hills, Peace Pagoda, and much more. There are other attractive activities like touring using the UNESCO world heritage toy train, paragliding, and rock climbing. While summer is the best time for going there, you can choose the winter months to visit the best honeymoon destinations in India. 2. Himachal Pradesh Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and has been among the best honeymoon places in India. This is because of their snowy peaks, romantic climate, temples, churches, monasteries, the mall and British architecture, and plush mills. It is best to visit these places in summer and winter. There is also Manali and Kulu, a favorite of couples, with sprawling and greenery landscape. It is among the best destinations for a trip that is full of adventures like skiing, hiking, paragliding, mountaineering, trekking, and river rafting, angling, and biking from October to February. 3. Rajasthan For a trip that will leave you feeling royal, this destination is one of the best honeymoon places in India. Regal Udaipur has Havelis, temples, and palaces along rustic, crooked streets. You can cruise calm lakes in this destination. For a desert destination with elephant and camel rides and other things, you will find a majestic Jaisalmer. The other places you will visit are Jaipur, Mount Abu, Bikaner, and Jodhpur. 4. Tamil Nadu Be it a wildlife or spiritual couple, this is a destination to be. The January-May and October-November periods are best for visiting the Anaimalai tiger reserve, Valparaiso forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks. You can begin spiritually at Ramana Ashram or Arunachala Temple during February – August. Ooty is found in Nilgiri hills with rose gardens, botanical gardens, Dodabetta peak, and Glen Morgan Tea garden for boating and angling. 5. Kutch Gujarat is a colorful, beautiful, and among the best honeymoon places in India where culture, architecture, and history meet guests. For newlyweds, this is the best destination for shopping and you will have an interest in traditional bags and mirror stoles, accessories, and furnishings that have Kutchi embroidery, and jewelry. The surroundings of Bhuj are great for shopping. You will also get wildlife sanctuaries and white-sand deserts that are colorful. 6. GOA Goa is a favorite for Bollywood when it comes to beauty and fun, providing a novel couple a memorable honeymoon with golden beaches, warm sun, swaying coconut palms, and endless sea. You will also find colonial Portuguese churches and buildings, and hilly places. Couples with adventure may choose water sports, wind, and deep-sea surfing. The party capital of India serves Goan sausages, best sea-food, pork vindaloo, and drinks at the shacks of the beach. You may choose this place as one of the best honeymoon places in India. 7. Uttarakhand For a couple that is adventurous, it is perfect to get to Auli in November-March for a honeymoon marked with speeding down snow peaks and ski workshops. For a calm and romantic couple, there is the beautiful and quaint Nainital, with aerial ropeway, lakes, the Jim Corbett National park, and much more. If you are planning for a honeymoon in India then you can visit them in the winter. For a romantic getaway, visit Mukhteshwar as it offers pears, apples, peaches, plums, and peaches from food and orchard farms, and excellent chocolates in the mountains. 8. Kashmir And Jammu   Srinagar, the state capital, offers lakes that are perfect places for honeymoon in India as they have valleys lush and sparkling ripples that are heavenly, and mountains. The best honeymoon places in India are coveted as they have Mughal gardens and houseboats. Winter offers unforgettable caves, temples, and forts. 9. Nicobar And Andaman Islands The idea of going to the best honeymoon places in India on an island is very romantic. Be it in winter or summer, Nicobar and Andaman Islands are among the best honeymoon destinations in India. It is private and exotic, with the best fauna and flora, from hills and jungle life to colorful sunken ships and fish, plus accommodation and great food. 10. Kerala   Kerala unleashes itself in diverse beautiful ways, be it in winter or summer months, and is in high demand when it comes to choosing places for honeymoon in India. For a sunbath that is relaxing, you will get to Kovalam beach. For a cruise of romance, you can get to Munnar, Alleppey, and Wayanad found in the hills for a deserved visit during the wonderful moments. You can choose Kerala as one of the best honeymoon places in India and enjoy your holiday with your soulmate. As a couple, you can explore backwaters with an interconnected network of rivers, canals, and lakes in the houseboats or even discover hidden treasures found in Kerala. If you desire to go to a traditional holiday, the one that is complete with vegetation that is thick, different biology, and the rural culture gentleness, Kerala has it all. Conclusion For each newlywed couple, the honeymoon is a very crucial aspect of the whole thing. The prolonged occasion of elaborate weddings and the preparations, plus the anxiety of starting newfangled life with a new-fangled person, it may leave you somewhat stressed and drained. In this state of mind, the best honeymoon places in India are perfect for relaxing and knowing one another. Read Also : Top 10 Places to Visit in Singapore 7 Key points Remember while Planning Your Honeymoon Trip Best National Parks In Missouri