Essential Tips for Visiting India with Children

India is a paradise for kids of all ages. Its vibrant chaos, which can be overwhelming for adults, is a delight for children. The myriad sights, sounds, and scents ensure they're always entertained. In this welcoming culture, kids’ reactions—whether joyful or frustrated—are embraced rather than judged.

Although traveling with kids in India may present some challenges—such as the need for vaccinations, heavy traffic, and avoiding tap water—parents will never have trouble finding child-friendly restaurants or hotels. No matter where you go in India, there’s always something enjoyable to do with children.

Is India a good destination for families?

Absolutely. With its friendliness, affordability, and a wealth of experiences, India is a fantastic place for families. Generally, children under five stay and eat free at hotels, while those under twelve can sleep on an extra bed in your room for a small fee. Many restaurants offer children’s menus, and others are willing to tailor meals to suit younger tastes.

For large families, the cost of flight tickets can quickly add up, so consider taking the train. Reserving four adjacent berths in air-conditioned first-class or two-tier A/C class allows you to enjoy a private compartment for a more comfortable family journey.

Hiring a taxi for a day of sightseeing is also a smart choice—it offers the freedom to stop whenever kids need to stretch or when you come across a clean restroom or an interesting sight. In major Indian cities, you can take the metro or hop into a colorful three-wheeled autorickshaw for a fun family ride.

Prepare your children for two key aspects of traveling in India. First, they’ll encounter far more people than they’re likely used to, which can be overwhelming; ensure they always carry your hotel’s card with the address and phone number. Second, pedestrians don’t have the right of way on Indian roads. Cars won’t stop for them, so always cross at pedestrian crossings (preferably with crossing guards) or use pedestrian bridges.

Where are the best destinations in India for kids?

India offers thrilling wildlife experiences that are sure to amaze children. Go snorkeling with turtles in the stunning Andaman and Nicobar Islands or take a boat ride along the Chambal River in Rajasthan to see the unique gharial crocodiles with their distinctive snouts. Camp among fireflies in Purushwadi, Maharashtra, discover unique wildlife in the lush Western Ghats, volunteer at an elephant rescue center in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, or embark on a safari in one of the 53 tiger reserves to witness Bengal tigers in their natural habitat.

India is an ideal place to create unforgettable memories that children will treasure for years. Get lost together in the winding Bhool Bhulaiya maze in Lucknow, enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Rajasthan’s majestic forts, traverse the living-root bridges in Meghalaya, or take a scenic toy train journey into the Himalayas to Shimla, crossing more than 100 tunnels and over 800 bridges. For a truly magical experience, skip conventional hotels and spend a night on a houseboat in Kerala’s backwaters, camp under the stars in the Thar Desert, or travel on the luxurious Deccan Odyssey train.

Deciding where to go and what to see can be challenging, so consider the weather when planning your trip. The dry months from September to March are generally pleasant across most of India; Goa’s beaches are at their best during this time, but avoid the Himalayas unless you’re ready for the chill. Save your exploration of these majestic mountains and their breathtaking landscapes for the pre-monsoon season from April to June, when it’s extremely hot in the lowlands. The monsoon season, from July to August, can be tough for travel and is best skipped with young children.

Top activities for families with babies and toddlers in India

Plan your trip around your interests before your kids start voicing their own preferences! Request an electric kettle at your accommodation for preparing baby formula and sterilizing bottles.

Explore the jungles and palaces of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is famous for its majestic forts and royal history, but it also boasts incredible wildlife. Stay at a cozy jungle camp in Jawai, where you can embark on safari rides to spot leopards in this rugged, rocky terrain. It’s a unique and accessible destination where leopards coexist closely with local communities.

Next, visit Kumbhalgarh to stroll along the impressive ramparts of its fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and complete your journey with a trip to Udaipur, the enchanting city of lakes and palaces.

Blend cultural heritage with cooler temperatures in Kerala

Charming Kochi invites you to explore at a leisurely pace. Enjoy artistic cafes, trendy boutiques selling unique clothing and souvenirs, as well as museums, art galleries, synagogues, and churches, all complemented by a diverse cuisine shaped by the city's rich cultural tapestry. Little ones will love a boat ride through the picturesque Kochi backwaters, and don’t miss the Kochi Biennale, India’s largest art fair, which offers a vibrant visual experience for four months every alternate year.

Venture inland to Munnar for a delightful stay among the lush tea plantations that blanket the gentle hills. For a memorable family getaway, consider staying in one of the heritage bungalows from the British colonial era. Bring long sleeves and trousers for strolls in the tea gardens; if it rains, pack a sachet of salt to ward off the leeches hiding in the foliage.

Top activities for families in India

Destinations that provide plenty of activities in one location are ideal for young children, as they tend to get restless with too much traveling. Balance the itinerary by mixing high-energy adventures with peaceful moments at carefully selected restaurants or outdoor snack breaks.

Experience a different side of India in Ahmedabad

For a family deep dive into traditional India, spend a few nights in Ahmedabad, the nation’s first UNESCO Urban World Heritage Site. The city’s Old Quarter features intriguing 200-year-old mansions where you can stay, and the street food is a must-try (opt for places where locals bring their children). The Sabarmati riverfront is a beautiful area to wander with kids. Don't miss the vibrant kite festival held every January—a visual treat for young visitors.

For more kid-friendly experiences, take a two-hour drive to Balasinor and stay in a heritage homestay at the Garden Palace, still inhabited by the town’s former royal family. It serves as a great base for exploring the nearby fossil park, the second largest in the world, where the Rajasaurus, often referred to as India’s T-Rex, was found. The site boasts several dinosaur hatcheries and fossils from 13 species, along with a small museum.

Back in Ahmedabad, consider a longer day trip to Rani-ki-Vav (Queen’s Stepwell) in Patan, approximately a 2½-hour drive each way. This 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site resembles an upside-down temple, featuring seven flights of stairs adorned with intricate sculptures leading down to the well. Be sure to visit the nearby Patan-Patola Heritage Museum as well.

Make the most of Goa's beautiful waters

For a tranquil beach getaway, visit a south Goa village like Benaulim or Palolem. This peaceful part of the state features softer beaches, family-friendly beach shacks for dining, and lifeguards on duty. There are numerous guesthouses, hotels, and cottages available for extended stays, plus plenty of activities away from the shoreline.

Enjoy a gentle introduction to the Himalayas

For a comfortable Himalayan experience, head to Gushaini village in Himachal Pradesh’s Tirthan Valley. As the gateway to the Greater Himalayan National Park, this charming village offers several accommodations along the Tirthan River. Choose a homestay nestled among apple orchards and savor the delicious Himachali cuisine and warm hospitality.

Spend your days by the river painting pebbles, constructing small dams along the banks, and observing tiny fish swimming in the currents. Older children can try their hand at fly fishing and enjoy hikes in the national park.

Explore the rich history of Hampi

Hampi was once the capital of a mighty empire, and its former splendor is still visible in the ancient structures scattered across its boulder-strewn landscape. Kids with a love for culture will be captivated by the forts, temples, and ruins nestled among the rocky outcrops. For the more adventurous, take a ferry across the Tungabhadra River to explore Anegundi fort, and climb the 570 steps to the temple of Hanuman, the beloved monkey god who never fails to fascinate children.

To delve deeper into this magical landscape, try bouldering on the rocky outcrops with a local climbing guide, arrange a nature walk at Hampi’s Boulders Resort, or go birdwatching and search for signs of sloth bears, often spotted in the evenings or at Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary.

Top activities for tweens and teens in India

Tweens and teens have distinct preferences. Depending on their interests, select a destination that provides a blend of culture, adventure, wildlife, or all three!

Water adventures in southern India

Head to Palk Bay, located near the southern tip of India, to discover some of the country’s most tranquil beaches and crystal-clear waters. Stay at a beach resort and enroll in a water sports academy, where you can choose activities that match your energy levels. Options include family sailing trips, guided kayaking tours for teens, and windsurfing or diving lessons for the more adventurous.

To conclude your holiday with a cultural experience, drive 2½ hours north to Karaikudi, where you can stay in a century-old Chettinad mansion, explore charming antique shops filled with treasures, and savor delicious local cuisine.

Encounter rhinos in Assam

For a truly enchanting wildlife experience, meet the one-horned Indian rhinoceros in the grasslands of Kaziranga National Park, Assam. Afterward, enjoy a stay at one of the area's charming British-colonial-era tea estates. This journey will take you off the typical tourist trail in India and into a realm of unforgettable experiences.

Explore intricate sculptures and tigers in Madhya Pradesh

If you want to see the majestic Bengal tiger in its natural habitat, choose Panna Tiger Reserve instead of the more popular Kanha or Pench national parks, which can be quite crowded. In addition to tigers, you might also spot leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles in the Ken River, and a vibrant variety of bird species.

The renowned temples of Khajuraho are just an hour away. Don't let their reputation for erotic art dissuade you; the sexual scenes portrayed are shown as a normal part of life, alongside agriculture, art, culture, sports, and war, beautifully carved into the temples' facades.

Hike along the Singalila Ridge

From the hill station of Darjeeling, embark on a trek with older kids along the breathtaking Singalila Ridge, which marks the border between India and Nepal. This moderately challenging hike offers stunning views of the eastern Himalayas, including four of the world's five tallest peaks. In April and May, the blooming rhododendron forests and vibrant birdlife enhance the beauty of the trail. Keep an eye out for the shy but charming red panda, and take advantage of the trekkers' lodges and huts available for overnight stays.

Travel Planning Tips

• Before traveling to India, consult your doctor to ensure the children are up to date on their vaccinations. Bring along basic medications for fever, flu, nausea, diarrhea, and allergies. Don't forget mosquito repellent and plenty of sunscreen. Pack lightweight cotton clothes that cover the arms and legs; this is more culturally appropriate and offers protection from the sun and mosquitoes.

• For accommodation, many hotels offer family rooms with extra beds, which are often more economical than booking separate rooms. It's usually easy to request an extra bed as well. Clean restrooms can be hard to find, so prepare children for safe ways to use public toilets. Encourage them to touch as few surfaces as possible, squat instead of sitting, and carry their own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a disinfectant spray in their day bags.

• Prepare your children for their first experience of India. The sights, sounds, smells, crowds, and signs of poverty can be overwhelming, especially in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, so a little warning beforehand can help them adjust.

• India's affection for children means there are few personal boundaries. People often want to talk to, touch, and photograph visiting kids. If this makes you uncomfortable, it's perfectly fine to decline. Teach your kids to respond with a wave, a thumbs-up, or a 'namaste' (“hello”) when necessary.

• If you have a picky eater, consider bringing ready-to-cook packet meals. Most hotels and homestays will accommodate you by preparing these for your children when they crave a taste of home. The popularity of Western cuisine in India ensures that options like grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, pizzas, pastas, or burgers are readily available.

• Indian cuisine includes plenty of kid-friendly dishes such as dosas (rice and lentil crepes) and idlis (steamed rice and lentil cakes) in the south, as well as stuffed parathas (flatbreads) and rice with lentils in the north. Any decent restaurant will offer purified water, so bring reusable water bottles to refill and reduce plastic waste.

• Be aware that India's roads are not very stroller-friendly, so it's advisable to use a baby carrier for younger children. Plan your travel to ensure that preschoolers and older kids get regular breaks and only walk when necessary (autorickshaws and pedal rickshaws are great for short distances when they need to conserve energy).