Family and vacations go hand in hand. Come holiday season and there the families are, tying their seat belts for a leisurely break away from their original abode. The trend is not new and thankfully the country, spread over a whopping 3.28M sq km, has something in its every corner. Here’s a look at some of the most exotic destinations for a family holiday in India:
1. Jaipur
Amber Fort, Photo by PIVISO, Public Domain
The pink city of India is definitely wrongly named for once you are done exploring it, you’ll remain in awe for a long time to find such multitude of colors ingrained in its culture and life. Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigargh Fort, Jal Mahal are some of the tourist destinations of Jaipur.
2. Delhi
Humayun’s Tomb, Photo by Rod Waddington, CC BY-SA 2.0
Delhi is the capital of India for no ordinary reason. It has a great mix of heritage and historical sites and shopping hubs to keep every family glued. The evergreen old flavor of Qutb Minar, Red Fort, Agrasen Ki Bouli, Lotus Temple and the penchant of Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk and Old Delhi, make every day spent worth it.
3. Manali
Photo by ASIM CHAUDHURI, CC BY 2.0
No family who’s been travelling for some time can ever keep Manali off its list. Located in the lap of Himalayas, it is a cool and somewhat adventurous recluse. The Rohtang Pass and the Solang Valley are a treat to watch and so are the Chandratal Lake and the Hampta Pass. A great deal of activities like paragliding, rafting and trekking, make Manali a perfect holiday package.
4. Shimla
Photo by James Southorn, CC BY 2.0
Even before you reach Shimla, the toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla leaves you spellbound. Come Shimla and you’ll be exposed to innumerable wonders like the Chadwick Falls, Jakhoo Hill, Summer Hills and Kufri. The Scandal Point, Ridge is a must visit if one wishes to have a nice view of the valley.
5. Ooty
Photo by Satheeshkumar K, CC BY 2.0
The beautiful and mesmerizing Nilgiris, though important, are not the only reason one should visit Ooty on a family vacation. While Doddabetta Peak, the Pykara Falls, St Stephens Church and Botanicla Garden are obvious choices of the travelers, one must not forget to indulge in the awesomeness of the Avalanche Lake, the Ooty Lake and the Rose Garden.
6. Nainital
Photo by Aman Arora, CC BY-ND 2.0
Another heavenly abode in Uttarakhand, Nainital has a lot to offer while weighing a lot less on the pockets of the travelers. The serene Naini Lake, the Nainital Zoo, the Naina Devi Temple and the ever-vibrant Mall Road are just few of the many attractions of Nainital, that also include the Aerial Ropeway, a popular picnic spot Tiffin Top and the majestic Snow Viewpoint.
7. Mount Abu
Photo by Koshy Koshy, CC BY 2.0
Another hill station and yet different from many is what defines Mt Abu the best. Located in proximity to the Aravali Hills, it is the only hill station in Rajasthan and bears its flavor for most of the time. Dilwara Jain Temples, the Wildlife Sanctuary, Nakki Lake and the Abu Road are must visit in Mount Abu and so is the Guru Shikhar which is the highest point in the region and provides a panoramic view of the entire region.
8. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Photo by Ankur P, CC BY-SA 2.0
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are out of the world in every sense. The group of islands is famous for its white beaches bordering the clear blue water of the Arabian Sea and is studded with national parks. If one ever gets a chance to wake up from the hypnotic effect of such beaches which must be declared meditative spots, one must not forget to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Cellular Jail, the Limestone Caves and Marina Park.
9. Chandigarh
Rock Garden, Photo by Ian Brown, CC BY 2.0
Perhaps the cleanest and the most well planned cities in India, Chandigarh didn’t have to have so many points of tourist attractions to keep you captivated. But since it does, one must pay homage to the grandeur that these iconic places bear. Rock Garden, Pinjore Garden, Terraced Garden, Cactus Garden and a one of its kind- Doll Museum, each is exceptional in its own terms.
10. Kashmir
Photo by Kashmir Pictures, CC BY 2.0
No matter how politically unstable this place is, it has maintained its standard of beauty that is seldom matched by any other tourist destination. Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Hemis and of course Srinagar serve as ideal destinations for family vacations. Those in quest of adventure, must put Leh on top of their lists. From monasteries to lakes, the shikaras and aerial ropeways, one simply cannot return from Kashmir, unsatisfied.
The above list, while not enough to quench the wanderlust, ought to be of some significance to the families keen to pack their bags in the holidays. Let the journey begin!
Author Bio:
Traveler, foodie, journalist and a freelance photographer, Rohit is a living example of people who choose to mix work and leisure through the profession they opt. When he’s not travelling, or sharing his experiences on Trans India Travels, which is seldom, Rohit loves to perform gigs at some of the famous cafes. He is but one simple man who has the simplest philosophy- ‘Live your heart out’.