Best Holiday Destinations In India Your Child Will Thank You For!

Image source- Flickr/masstravel

Everybody loves a vacation, but for families with children, it is quite a task to decide their destination. With their low attention span and fickle minds, kids lose interest in an instant. And, if the spot is not up to their liking, then you can say goodbye to a fun-filled vacay. Here's a list of holiday destinations in India which are perfect for children, while letting parents unwind at ease.

1. Darjeeling- Aboard the Toy Train

Image source- common.wikimedia/Shahnoor Habib Munmun

The scenic beauty in Darjeeling is a sight to behold. A perfect relief from the scorching summer heat in the rest of the country, this beautiful hill station is a haven for families. The picturesque backdrop of the blue sky, the snow-capped mountains and the lush green tea gardens, experienced from a toy train is definitely what kids will enjoy the most. 
Activities for children: Toy train ride, cable car ride
Best time to visit: April to June

2. Ooty- Indulge in Yummy Chocolates

Image source- Flickr/Thomasen

Ooty, the Queen of Hills in the South, is another summer escapade. The hill station not only provides a relaxing atmosphere for parents, but a treat for children with all the chocolate goodies available at the local confectioners. Increase your child's knowledge by taking them to Honey & Bee Museum and let them learn how honey is gathered.
Activities for children: Chocolates at confectionary stores, Honey & Bee Museum visit, boat ride at Ooty Lake
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November

3. Manali- Fly Away

Image source- Wikiwand/Michal Salaban

The crystal clear River Beas flowing through the valley, as you enter Manali, is definitely something kids will get excited about. Add in to this picture-perfect view, some fun adventure sports and there won't be a single frown throughout the holiday. Take them up to Rohtang Pass and play in the snow.
Activities for children: Paragliding, zorbing (Note to Parents: Be sure that there is a trained adult instructor with the child full time)
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October

4. Udaipur- See Puppets Dance

Image source- commons.wikimedia/puchu

The City of Lakes is a good way to acquaint your child with history during a vacation. The royal city of Udaipur is rich in culture and knowledge of the ages, making it perfect for a family holiday. Children will definitely have a good time watching puppet shows that tell some really interesting stories, as well as, the light and sound show at the City Palace presenting the historical journey of the city.
Activities for children: Puppet shows, Light and Sound show, boat rides on lake
Best time to visit: September to March

5. Jaisalmer- Feed the Camels

Image source- Flickr/schmich

The golden sands of Jaisalmer are definitely inviting for children. The thrill of riding a camel is undoubtedly one that they won't be able to forget in a lifetime. Take them for an overnight desert safari and see how the moonlit sands twinkle in their eyes.
Activities for children: Camel ride
Best time to visit: October to March

6. Thekkady- Play with Elephants

Image source- Flickr/Rbh

Kerala is indeed a perfect spot for families. The weather is suitable and the backwaters provide the best means to unwind your senses. And how to keep the kids busy? Elephants are the answer. Let them experience the joy of playing with and riding on elephants and they will thank you for the rest of their school year. Excite them further by staying in a houseboat instead of regular hotel rooms.
Activities for children: Elephant rides, houseboat rides
Best time to visit: October to February

7. Auli- Whoosh through the Snow

Image source- commons.wikimedia

Children love unusual activities that are a break through their regular routine. And that is what a visit to Auli, in Uttarakhand, will provide you with. With Government-certified operators providing ski lessons for beginners, kids will definitely not want to leave this place.
Activities for children: Skiing
Best time to visit: January to March

8. Mahabaleshwar- Hand-pick Strawberries

Image source- Flickr/Garrison

Fun is the word to describe this hill-station. Take your children to the Mapro Garden and get them to pick strawberries on their own. The joy of doing something so unusual is what you will be rewarded with. Take them to the tablelands and go horse-riding, as well as, the various gaming options available for children along with their parents. Mahabaleshwar is a complete package.
Activities for children: Strawberry picking, horse-riding
Best time to visit: March to June

9. Tarkarli- Enjoy the Cool Water

Image source- Flickr/Matt

Children love to play in the water, and are often forbidden to because of the risk of them falling ill. So, take them to Tarkarli, and let them play to their heart's content. With clean waters and exciting water sports available for both children and adults, this is a perfect getaway for families.
Actvities for children: Various water sports
Best time to visit: October to March

10. Lonavla- Get your Adrenaline Rushing

Image source- Flickr/masstravel

Every child's dream world is an amusement park. The thrill of the rides is something even adults can't deny. Take your kids to Adlabs Imagica and let them scream their lungs out in excitement. A day full of fun with your entire family is just what the doctors prescribe for stress relief.
Activities for children: Different amusement rides
Best time to go: Throughout the year, except June to August

11. Andaman & Nicobar Islands- Walk in the Waters

Image source- Flickr/CarissaRogers

The pristine beaches and the blue waters form a perfect spot for family vacations. Children can enjoy swimming with elephants here, as well as, explore underwater marine life. One of the best things they can have fun with is walking in the water, as the bouyancy will lift them up as they try hard to put their best foot forward.
Activities for children: Snorkelling
Best time to visit: October to February and March to May

12. Delhi- Get lost in the World of Fairytales

Image source- Flickr/RoderickEime

The Kingdom of Dreams is definitely a page out of a fairytale come to life. This huge set-up is out of a child's imagination and there is nothing that will stop them from getting totally engrossed in these larger than life shows.
Activities to children: Various shows
Best time to visit: Throughout the year

13. Mumbai- Go crazy on Amusement Rides

Image source- Flickr/masstravel

Essel World was India's largest and oldest amusement park and there is no way that kids will say no to a day at this happy place. Every now and then , there is a new ride added, so it's a new experience each time. Bring out the child in you and enjoy with your children.
Activities for children: Fun amusement rides
Best time to visit: Throughout the years, except June to August

14. Mayani Bird Sanctuary- Go Bird-watching

Image source- commons.wikimedia/TatianaGerus

This beautiful bird sanctuary in Maharastra will fill the kids with excitement at the sight of the rare Siberian flamingoes, as well as, around 400 different species of other birds. Get the children to indulge in feeding the birds, and make it a awesome experience.
Activities for children: Feeding the birds
Best time to visit: November to January