India is blessed with a beautiful collection of diverse locations ranging from mystical palaces of Rajasthan, to sparkling beaches of South, to the lofty hills of north and what not. This vacation, take your kids and bring alive the magical stories of such lands!! And, what better way to learn of triumphant war tales, the diverse range of animals & plants and much more than by witnessing it all, live! So, take them around so the books don’t seem so boring anymore. Here we list a few places in India to visit with your kids and make their vacations awesome!
Lessons from History Books:
1. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Agra is home to one of the seven wonders of the world – The Taj Mahal. Built in 1643 by the Great Shah Jahan and standing tall as the epitome of love, this monument is actually a tomb. Its white marble glitters in the sun and has many tales to tell with lessons of wars, sacrifices and love. Agra fort is another monument carved in the Mughal style and glistens in red sandstone. And finally, a visit to Agra would be incomplete without a visit to Fatehpur Sikri built by the Great Mughal Emperor, Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. So, take your kids on a trip into the Mughal Era with a trip to Agra.
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2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
There is no better place to talk of triumphant tales of thrones and bygone era than Rajasthan! The state is bustling with palaces in all sizes, colours and styles! And Jaipur being the capital city bears the crown. For kids, it would be an experience like no other. Major attractions include Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Choki Dhani.
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3. New Delhi
While Delhi is famous for street shopping and rich Punjabi cuisine, the city houses monuments of immense historical importance dating back to the Mughal era to the time of War of Independence. There is much to be learnt and all of it can be done with a ride on the famous hop-on hop-off (ho ho) bus tour that takes you around the city and shows you the different colours!
Major attractions include the famous Red fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s tomb, Raj Ghat, Akshardham, Lotus Temple and the India Gate. The city also houses many museums- The Rail Museum, the National History Museum, Science Museum and Doll museum – a day filled with fun and amazement!
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4. Udaipur, Rajasthan
A yet another jewel from treasures of Rajasthan, Udaipur boasts of splendor and elegance! You and your kids would be simply enthralled at the sight of the magnificent City Palace, the mesmerizing Lake Palace or the Monsoon Palace. The city has many such attractions and your kids would sure love it!
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5. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
Built in the 3rd century BC, the Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India. The Stupa was built to celebrate Buddhism and this reflects in every sculpture carved out of the stone clad-walls. It’s a walk way down in history but one filled with amazement and wonder!
As bright as white! The snow-clad mountains and the spiraling drive around the hilly area can never fail to mesmerize kids. The only tip: take care of your health!
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6. Darjeeling, West Bengal
A visit to this beautiful little hill town during summer holidays is the much-needed respite from scorching sun and heat! But what’s more, your kids can witness the picturesque scenes – snowcapped mountains with green meadows and beautiful tea gardens while aboard their toy train!
Other attractions in Darjeeling include: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Passenger ropeway, Happy valley tea estate etc.
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7. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Popularly known as ‘’The Queen of Hill Stations’’, Ooty is yet another much needed respite during the heated days of summer. But this time, you head down South to this beautiful scene of lofty hills and green valleys!
And for kids, one of the major attractions for kids include the delicious chocolates available at local confectioners. You can also take your kids to Honey & Bee museum, Thunder World (Dino themed park), Avalanche Lake, Botanical Gardens etc.
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8. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is the perfect combo of adventure, fun and splendor! While you take a sip of the hot coffee in the lap of hills, your kids couldn’t be happier to run across the green meadows providing the perfect contrast to the white hills!
For the sporty souls, activities such as Paragliding, Zorbing are offered. You can also take a trip to the Rohtang Pass to enjoy playing in the snow and snow-related activities.
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9. Auli, Uttarakhand
Of the many fantasies kids (or even parents) have about travelling to snow-clad regions is the sheer fun of throwing snowballs at each other, building a snowman or skiing! Auli caters to all these needs!
It is considered as one of the best destinations for skiing for professionals and beginners alike! So, get up there and ski like Tom did to chase Jerry!
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10. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
If you’re the one to simply relax and unwind in the lap of nature, then Mahabaleshwar is just for you! Nestled between the hills, it is mostly blanketed by a sheet of fog and occasional drizzles.
This place is primarily known for fresh and juicy strawberries! Best part – You get to pluck your own at Mapro Garden and enjoy them either raw or blended into the ice cream!
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11. Sikkim
Overlooking the mighty Himalayas, this is yet another hill station that will provide you with awe-inspiring experiences like no other! There is much to learn from the locals here and of the best experiences in Sikkim as reviewed by visitors is a trip to the Nathu La Pass to witness the soldiers’ standing tall amidst the chilly and rough terrain.
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12. Kashmir, Jammu And Kashmir
Often dubbed as ‘Paradise on Earth’, ‘Mini switzerland’ etc, Kashmir is one place you cannot miss! The breathtaking scenic beauty of Pahlgam (a.k.a Valley of Shepherds), the enchanting houseboat stay at Srinagar and the awesome snow covered valleys of Gulmarg – to name a few – are the destinations you cannot miss!
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13. Nainital, Uttarakhand
A little town cradled between the hills, Nainital has become a popular tourist spot! Major attractions here include boating in the Nainital Lake, a visit to the zoo and cable ride.
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14. Munnar, Kerala
Another hill station down south, Munnar boasts of sprawling tea plantations and beautiful varieties of wild flowers and plants! It is home to Anamudi, the highest peak in Southern India.
Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities such as trekking, paragliding, jungle safari etc. Popular places to take your kids: Eravikulum National Park, Anamudi Hills, Tea Museum and the Tea factory.
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15. Panchmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Panchmarhi is one place that gives you the bliss of hill top views and underground caves all-in-one! It is a pristine little town, relatively unexplored and amazingly beautiful!
Here you can indulge in activities like Lake crossing, parasailing etc. Major attractions include the Bee waterfalls, Jatashankar Mahadev Caves and Pandav Caves.
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16. Lonavala, Maharashtra
Even those who have been here cannot put into words how jaw-dropping beautiful this hill station is! For kids, however, Lonavala could be one of the best destinations because of the visit to the various amusement parks! Adlabs Imagica is the new Bollywood themed amusement park that provides an exhilarating experience that even parents can’t say no to!
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Up Close with Nature:
17. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal literally translates to ‘Gift of the forest’ and does live upto its name! Blanketed by thick forest covers and Western ghat ranges on the periphery, Kodaikanal is one enchanting destination to get up close with nature! Many rare species of flora and fauna can be found here.
One can also indulge in activities like trekking, boating, horse-riding etc.
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18. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Mother nature they say, is the best teacher! And there is much to be learnt from natural residences like these. Jim Corbett National Park is home to many species of flora and fauna, but the one that many come looking for – The Tiger is a hard find! Nevertheless, living amidst the thick forest, surrounded by some of the most mesmerizing sounds, Jim Corbett is an unforgettable experience!
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19. Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand
An expanse of flowers of all hues, sizes and patterns spread across 87.5 sq. km. and surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas! Now, doesn’t that sound like an experience of one of a kind! Discovered by three lost British mountaineers, Valley of Flowers is enchanting beyond words can describe!
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20. Rishikesh
Exploring nature is one thing – you can enjoy the serene view of hills, look at the lush green valleys from your car/hotel window – but exploring nature barefoot, when you are literally flying through those spaces between adjoining hills attached to a cable, fighting your way through the rough waves of Ganges on rafts and bungee jumping in the wilderness is whole different story! Adventure enthusiasts can grab packages to witness nature while adrenaline flows through their veins in Rishikesh!
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21. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Take your kids to this sanctuary to witness the amazing varieties of birds. Bharatpur bird sanctuary is home to a large number of migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia.
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22. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Known primarily for Royal Bengal Tigers, Ranthambore National Park is a Tiger Reserve. While spotting one may be hard, you can spot varieties of other species like Leopards, Bats, Foxes, Snakes, Hedghogs, Porcupines, Jungle Cats, Turtles, Crocodiles etc.
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23. Coorg, Karnataka
One of the most popular hill stations in South India, Coorg is a picture-perfect location comprising of sprawling coffee and tea plantations and majestic waterfalls! Often referred to as ‘The Scotland of India’, this place is sure to captivate you!
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24. Wayanad, Kerala
Located in the southernmost tip of Deccan Plateau and surrounded by the Spice-clad Western Ghats, Wayanad is described by explorers as nature’s abode: beyond anything you have ever encountered!
There is much to do here: Trekking, Boating, visit to the peaks, visit to the mysterious Pakshipatham Caves or cycle your way amidst the tree lined roads into the deep forests! Take your kids to the famous Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary, Muthunga wildlife sanctuary- popular elephant spot, boating on bamboo rafts on your way to Kuruva Islands etc.
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25. Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat
Situated near the Thar Desert, the Rann of Kutch is a surreal experience that can only be felt! It is a marvelous expanse of white salt marshes sitting atop sea waters – Like a white desert surrounded by the sea! Visit the place for the exquisite flora and fauna and an enthralling experience!
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The Sun, Sand and The Beach!
26. Andaman And Nicobar Islands
A trip to get up close with nature is incomplete with a visit to this breathtakingly beautiful piece of land surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Andaman and Nicobar is full of splendid beaches of white sand and sparkling water- a sight that is enough to captivate you without much ado!
Here you can indulge in activities like scuba diving, deep sea diving etc. Major attractions include Havelock Islands, Radhanagar Beach, Mangroove Creek, North Bay beach etc.
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27. Goa
Thinking of beaches? Think of Goa! Goa is one stop destination to rejuvenate, have the best of fun and enjoy adventurous water sports! Goa is where bliss is.
Take your kids for the adventure sports like parasailing, banana boat ride, water scooter ride, swimming and deep sea diving.
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28. Kerala
Adorned by the coast of Arabian Sea, Kerala boasts of some of the most pristine beaches that will make your trip awesome!
Most popular beaches include Kovalam Beach, Povar Beach, Varkala Beach and Light house beach.
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29. Karnataka
The beautiful beaches of Karnataka overlooking the Western ghat ranges, in continuation with lush green trees combine to form picturesque scenes!
These beaches are also famous for delicious sea food delicacies and water sports!
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30. Lakshadweep Islands
An amalgamation of 36 islands where the white sand meets pristine waters of the Lacadive Sea, Lakshadweep is breathtakingly beautiful!
With many activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, kayaking etc., it is the perfect abode for nature and adventure enthusiasts alike. Popular destinations include Minicoy Islands, Agatti Islands, Kavratti.
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With so many irresistible options to choose from, we bet your kids would be fascinated beyond measure on witnessing the beauty of India! So, plan a holiday, as these real experiences can teach them much more than books can.
