Summer Vacation Destinations in India with Children

Alrighty fam, it's that time of the year again! The sun's blazing, the kiddos are hyped, and it's time to hit the road for some summer fun!

But where to, you ask? Fear not, 'cause we've got the scoop on the coolest, most awesome summer vacation spots in India where you and your crew can have a blast.

From serene hill stations to bustling cities and breathtaking beaches, India offers a smorgasbord of adventures waiting to be explored.

So grab your sunglasses, pack your swimwear, and get ready for a wild ride filled with laughter, memories, and endless fun!

1. Ooty, Tamil Nadu:

Welcome to Ooty, the land of endless greenery and chill vibes! Hop aboard the super cute Nilgiri Mountain Railway and chug through tea plantations like champs.

Next up, it's time to dive into the Government Botanical Gardens and soak up some serious greenery. And hey, what's a vacay without some sweet treats?

Hit up the Chocolate Museum and let the kiddos go wild with chocolatey goodness.

Pro tip: Don't forget to snap a selfie at Doddabetta Peak for some epic views!

Activities:

• For Toddlers (Ages 1-3):

  • Enjoy a gentle boat ride on Ooty Lake, offering serene views of the surrounding hills.

  • Take a stroll through the lush Government Botanical Gardens, marveling at colorful flowers and butterflies.

• For Kids (Ages 4-9):

  • Board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway for a scenic journey through the picturesque tea plantations.

  • Visit the Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate-making and indulge in delicious treats.

• For Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+):

  • Go on a family trek to Doddabetta Peak for breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills.

  • Explore the local markets and shops for souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional goodies.

2. Jaipur, Rajasthan:

Get ready to paint the town pink in Jaipur, fam! First stop: Amber Fort, where you can ride elephants like royal bosses.

Then, it's off to City Palace for some interactive museum fun – think swords, armor, and maybe even a treasure hunt!

And hey, no trip to Jaipur is complete without a camel safari in the desert. Yee-haw!

Activities:

• For Toddlers (Ages 1-3):

  • Take an elephant ride up to the majestic Amber Fort, offering a gentle and scenic experience.

• For Kids (Ages 4–9):

  • Explore the interactive exhibits at the City Palace Museum, featuring royal artifacts and historical displays.

  • Enjoy a camel safari in the rustic surroundings of the Thar Desert, providing an unforgettable desert adventure.

• For Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+):

  • Participate in a traditional puppet show at the famous Bagore ki Haveli, showcasing vibrant Rajasthani culture.

  • Embark on a guided tour of the Jaipur Wax Museum to see lifelike wax statues of historical figures and celebrities.

Also read: The Best 2 days itinerary for Jaipur - Explore the Pink City

3. Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir:

Buckle up, fam, 'cause we're heading to the land of high passes and jaw-dropping scenery – Ladakh!

Get ready for some serious adventure as you raft down the mighty Indus River and explore ancient monasteries perched on rocky cliffs.

And hey, who knows? You might even spot a snow leopard if you're lucky!

Activities:

• For Toddlers (Ages 1-3):

  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of Ladakh, offering mesmerizing views of snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes.

• For Kids (Ages 4-9):

  • Visit the Hemis Monastery to witness colorful festivals, traditional dances, and ancient rituals.

• For Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+):

  • Go on a thrilling river rafting expedition on the Indus River, providing an adrenaline-pumping adventure amidst the stunning natural scenery.

  • Explore the bustling streets of Leh Market for unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and delicious local cuisine.

4. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu:

Time to cool off in the misty hills of Kodaikanal! Start your day with a serene boat ride on the shimmering Kodaikanal Lake – perfect for some family bonding time.

Then, it's off to Coaker's Walk for a stroll with stunning views, followed by a visit to Bear Shola Falls for some splashy fun.

And don't forget to pick up some fresh strawberries – they're berry delicious!

Activities:

• For Toddlers (Ages 1-3):

  • Take a leisurely pedal boat ride on the serene Kodaikanal Lake, enjoying the calm waters and scenic surroundings.

  • Visit the nearby Coaker's Walk for a gentle stroll with panoramic views of the valleys and hills.

• For Kids (Ages 4–9):

  • Explore the vibrant Bryant Park, offering well-maintained gardens, colorful flowers, and a children's play area.

  • Discover the enchanting Fairy Falls, a short trek through the forest leading to a picturesque waterfall.

• For Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+):

  • Go on an adventurous trek to Dolphin's Nose, a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

  • Participate in a horseback riding excursion through the scenic landscapes of Kodaikanal, providing a thrilling experience for older children.

Also read: A 3-Day Adventure in Kodaikanal: Discovering Hidden Gems

5. Puri, Odisha:

Pack your sunscreen, 'cause we're hitting the beach in Puri!

Spend your days building sandcastles on the golden shores or exploring ancient temples like the Jagannath Temple—just watch out for those mischievous monkeys!

And when hunger strikes, you know it's time for some mouthwatering seafood by the shore. Dig in!

Activities:

• For Toddlers (Ages 1-3):

  • Spend a day building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle waves of the pristine Puri Beach, offering a safe and enjoyable experience for young children.

  • Visit the nearby Swargadwar Beach, known for its calm waters and scenic beauty, perfect for toddlers to play and explore.

• For Kids (Ages 4-9):

  • Explore the historic Jagannath Temple, marveling at its architectural beauty and learning about Hindu mythology and rituals.

  • Take a camel ride along the golden sands of Puri Beach, offering a fun and memorable experience for children.

• For Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+):

  • Go on a thrilling boat ride to Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, home to a rich diversity of bird species and scenic landscapes.

  • Explore the bustling markets of Puri, offering a wide variety of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food to sample and enjoy.

6. Gangtok, Sikkim:

Step into the adventure-filled world of Gangtok, where excitement awaits at every turn! Kick things off with a thrilling ride on the dizzying cable car, offering epic views of the majestic Himalayas.

Next up, immerse yourself in the serene vibes of Tsomgo Lake, and why not add some adrenaline to the mix by trying your hand at paragliding? It's a thrill you won't soon forget!

Activities:

• For Toddlers (Ages 1-3):

  • Take a stroll along the picturesque MG Marg, a pedestrian-friendly street lined with shops, cafes, and colorful buildings, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for young children.

  • Visit the Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, where toddlers can play in the lush green surroundings and marvel at the beautiful waterfall.

• For Kids (Ages 4-9):

  • Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, showcasing Tibetan artifacts, Buddhist manuscripts, and traditional art forms.

  • Take a thrilling cable car ride to Tashiling, offering panoramic views of Gangtok and the surrounding Himalayan landscapes.

• For Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+):

  • Go on an adventurous trek to the picturesque Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake nestled amidst snow-capped mountains, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience for older children.

  • Participate in paragliding or ziplining adventures at nearby adventure parks, offering adrenaline-pumping thrills and stunning aerial views of Gangtok and its surroundings.

7. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra:

Escape the heat and head to the lush hills of Mahabaleshwar! Glide across Venna Lake on a peaceful boat ride, then get your hands dirty picking fresh strawberries – the kids will love it!

And for some epic views, hike up to Arthur's Seat and soak in the breathtaking scenery.

Activities:

• For Toddlers (Ages 1-3):

  • Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the tranquil Venna Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and offering a peaceful and scenic experience for young children.

  • Visit the Mapro Garden, where toddlers can explore the strawberry fields, enjoy delicious strawberry treats, and play in the children's play area.

• For Kids (Ages 4-9):

  • Trek to the picturesque Arthur's Seat, a popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the valleys, hills, and waterfalls of Mahabaleshwar.

  • Explore the charming Pratapgad Fort, learning about its history and enjoying the scenic surroundings.

• For Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+):

  • Go on a thrilling waterfall rappelling adventure at the stunning Lingmala Waterfall, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience amidst the natural beauty of Mahabaleshwar.

  • Explore the scenic viewpoints of Wilson Point and Kate's Point, offering breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset, and surrounding landscapes.

8. Udaipur, Rajasthan:

Last but not least, it's time to soak up the royal vibes in Udaipur! Explore the majestic City Palace, then hop on a boat for a romantic ride on Lake Pichola – perfect for some family bonding time. And don't forget to catch a puppet show at Bagore ki Haveli – it's a riot of colors and laughter!

Activities:

• For Toddlers (Ages 1-3):

  • Take a leisurely boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola, offering gentle waters and stunning views of the City Palace and surrounding palaces and hills.

  • Visit the Saheliyon ki Bari garden, featuring beautiful fountains, lush greenery, and a children's play area, providing a serene and enjoyable experience for young children.

• For Kids (Ages 4–9):

  • Explore the opulent City Palace, marveling at its intricate architecture, royal artifacts, and stunning views of Lake Pichola.

  • Take a guided tour of the Vintage and Classic Car Museum, showcasing a fascinating collection of vintage cars, and providing an educational and entertaining experience for children.

• For Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+):

  • Participate in a traditional puppet show at the Bagore ki Haveli, showcasing vibrant Rajasthani culture, music, and dance.

  • Go on a thrilling zip-lining adventure at the nearby Neemach Mata Temple, which offers breathtaking views of Udaipur and its surroundings.

Also read: Udaipur, Rajasthan becomes The First Wetland City of India

Conclusion:

And there you have it, folks! A jam-packed itinerary of the most epic summer vacation spots in India for you and your crew to explore.

From the serene hills of Ooty to the bustling streets of Jaipur, and from the majestic landscapes of Ladakh to the royal charm of Udaipur, each destination offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family.

So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in incredible India!