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

Nov 9, 2021

Last Updated on: Jun 20, 2025

India

The Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, just presented the Union Budget 2025, and the tourism and hospitality sectors of the country were all smiles!  To strengthen the foundation of tourism in the country, the budget has emphasized infrastructural development. 

Further, the budget has been a great push for the PPP or Public-Private Partnership model. This is a great move to facilitate the development of heritage sites, eco-tourism hubs, and facilities like ropeways. These developments will make tourist destinations more accessible. 

So, with tourism identified as a major engine for the economic growth of the country, the tourist destinations in India are ready to experience more footfall in the upcoming seasons. 

Do you also feel inspired by this tourism drive in the country? Do you have plans for a family trip anytime soon? 

Here are the best family holiday destinations in India you can explore. 

Best Family Holiday Destinations In India | Which One Is Your Favorite?

From idyllic hill stations to azure blue waters, the family holiday destinations in India are diverse. 

Here are our favorite vacation spots. 

1. Jaipur, Rajasthan | The Pink City Of India

Jaipur, Rajasthan _ The Pink City Of India
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March
  • Airport: Jaipur International Airport
  • Railway Station: Jaipur Junction

One of the best family holiday destinations in India, Jaipur stands out with its architectural surprises. 

Jaipur is also known as the ‘Pink City” because most of its buildings are painted pink. Here, pink is known as the color of hospitality. 

Moreover, while traveling to Jaipur, your Online hotels booking experience can be as hassle-free as possible with ixigo. 

Popular Tourist Attractions In Jaipur

City PalaceHawa MahalAmber FortGalta JiJal MahalJantar MantarAlbert Hall MuseumBirla MandirNahargarh Fort

Further, the capital of Rajasthan is the first planned city in India. Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, this city fuses ancient history with the amenities of a modern city. So, it is no wonder that Jaipur, along with Agra and Delhi, constitutes the golden triangle in India. 

Moreover, the history of the city goes back to 1727 when Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber, shifted his capital from Amber to Jaipur. Then, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya planned it according to Vastu Shastra. 

 2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
  • Best Time to Visit: March to June
  • Airport: Shimla Airport
  • Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station

Decreasing snowfall remains a concern in Shimla. Still known as the “Queen of the Hills,” Shimla remains one of the best family holiday destinations in India.  Further, Shimla is gaining more importance with Tattapani, a nearby serene destination that is becoming popular among tourists. 

Moreover, only 55 Km away from Shimla, Tattapani has Kol Dam reservoir. So, it is a hotspot for speed boating, jet skiing, banana rides, and more water activities. Further, it is termed as “Mini Goa” of Himachal Pradesh. 

Places to Visit in Shimla

Shimla Reserve Forest AreaChail SanctuaryDaranghati SanctuaryMall RoadKufriChrist ChurchJohnnie’s Wax MuseumGreen ValleyThe RidgeKali Bari TempleIndian Institute of Advanced StudyHimachal State Museum

Nonetheless, Shimla was the summer capital of the British Empire in India in the 19th century. So, even today, you will find here grand architecture reflecting the signature British style. 

Moreover, this Himalayan hill station has beautiful fir, cedar, Himalayan Oak, and rhododendron trees. Also, the Kalka-Shimla Railway, with 102 tunnels, is another attraction here and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

3. Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital, Uttarakhand
  • Best Time to Visit: March to June
  • Airport: Pantnagar Airport
  • Railway Station: Kathgodam

Tal means lake, and Nainital, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is a beautiful tourist place with seven lakes. 

Seven Lakes of NainitalSat Tal BhimTalSariya TalKhurpaTal NaukuchiaTal Kamal TalGarud Tal

Further, major attractions in this North Indian Himalayan paradise include Nainital Zoo, Naini Peak, Cave Garden, Hanuman Garhi, and Jama Masjid Mosque. 

However, the latest attraction at this place is the Eco Cave garden where children and adults both can have a glimpse of the Himalayan wildlife. 

Moreover, people willing to wander can also visit Tiffin top, situated just 4 km from the Nainital town to have a 360-degree view of the whole city.

4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty, Tamil Nadu
  • Airport: Coimbatore International Airport
  • Railway Station: Udagamandalam Railway Station
  • Best Time to Visit: March to June

At a distance of 89 km from Coimbatore, Ooty is a paradise for peace lovers and nature admirers alike. 

Further, one of the best family holiday destinations in India, it is surrounded by the beautiful Nilgiri mountains. You will also find eucalyptus, pine trees, coffee, and tea plantations in abundance here.

Places to Visit In Ooty

Avalanche LakeOoty LakeDeer ParkKalhatty WaterfallsMudumalai National ParkNeedle View HillpointOoty Rose GardenOoty Toy TrainPykara Waterfalls

Moreover, when traveling with family, you can take the toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty, boat at Ooty Lake, and camp at Avalanche Lake.

5. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman

Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair

Best Time to Visit: October to May

If you and your family love adventure, there is no better place in India than the Andaman Islands and Havelock Island is the most popular of them. You can easily reach Havelock Island from Port Blair by taking a ferry from the Phoenix Bay Jetty.  

Places to Visit in Havelock Island, Andaman

Coral ReefsElephant BeachRadhanagar BeachLaxmanpur BeachVijaynagar BeachKalapathar Beach

With an area of 113 Square kilometers and 39 Km northeast from Port Blair, Havelock Island is ideal for a leisurely sea walk, scuba diving, snorkeling and Elephant training. Further, Havelock has many registered scuba dive centers for all marine fun with the best safety measures. 

Important Phone Numbers for a Visit to The Havelock Island

Directorate of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration: 03192-232694/232747 (F)The Chief Wildlife Warden: 03192-233270Deputy Conservator of Forests: 03192-232816

6. Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok, Sikkim
  • Airport: Bagdogra Airport
  • Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri
  • Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December

Gangtok is an ideal example of a city that blends its past with its present. The Buddhist culture and diversity make this hill city one of the best holiday destinations in India. Gangtok is also a popular destination for the mesmerizing views of Mount Kanchenjunga. 

Places to Visit near Gangtok 

Rumtek MonasteryTinkitamRayongDo DrulChortenTsomgo Lake, Ganesh Tok  Ban Jhakri Falls

You can also experience the local culture at the much-hyped MG Road to get the most out of your shopping experience. Moreover, for online hotel booking, you can download the ixigo app and get the best deals right away!

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Mashum Mollah is the feature writer of Search Engine Magazine and an SEO Analyst at Real Wealth Business. Over the last 3 years, He has successfully developed and implemented online marketing, SEO, and conversion campaigns for 50+ businesses of all sizes. He is the co-founder of Social Media Magazine.

One response to “Best Family Holiday Destinations In India | The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide”

  1. This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want?HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

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