Summer is just around the corner. Along with the heat it also brings holidays with it. So what is better than creating some family memories? Taking a holiday together is the best way to do so. This is the time to introduce your family to the wonders of travel. So start your travel planning and to help you zero on a place here is a post on the 10 Best Family Destinations for Summer Vacation in India.

10 Best Family Destinations for Summer Vacation

1. Manali

Manali is magical. The nirvana quiet snow-capped mountains, rising towards the endless jewel blue sky. The river Beas resembling a swirling brook hopping over the rocks happily. The lush green meadow embracing everything looks straight out of a story book. There are very few places that can amuse a toddler, a teenager and a septuagenarian alike. Manali is one such destination where there is something for all age groups. Manali is synonyms with honeymoon couples. It’s also an adventure filled back packing destination. It’s an all time favourite for family holidays. There are many places of worship like temples, monasteries and gurdwaras too.

Major Attractions: Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Vashist Temple.

Must try: Trek to Chandrakhani Pass, experience snow at Rohtang, parasailing at Solang

Check out Hotels and Resorts to stay in Manali here.

Also Read: Manali Musings

2. Darjeeling

Nestled in the lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling is a picturesque hill-station in West Bengal. Think Darjeeling and you can picture the toy train zig zagging its way around the lush green tea gardens. But there is so much more to explore with kids in Darjeeling. Apart from the train ride the place is filled with natural beauty. The view of Kanchenjunga is absolutely stunning. It is a great place for the kids to learn about the different cultures and ethnicity.

Major Attractions: Himalayan Zoological park, Kanchejunga View Point, Toy Train ride, Shrubbery Nightingale Park, Tiger Hill Station.

Must try: Boating and Horse Riding at Mirik, Rope-way or Cable Car ride from Singamari to Tukvar

Check out Hotels and Resorts to stay in Darjeeling here.

3. Coorg

Coorg or Kodagu, a district in Karnataka and Madikeri is the district headquarters. It’s the largest producer of coffee in India. Madikeri known as the Scotland of India is a small quintessential district and believe me its beauty does not disappoint. It’s misty hills, the beautiful and serene coffee plantations, the aromatic spice gardens, the undulating roads make it truly captivating and refreshing. There are huge areas of amazing flora and fauna present here, as it is still less populated as compared to the other hill stations around.

Major Attractions: Namdroling Tibetan Monastery, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Raja Seat, Nisargadhama, Talakaveri, Dubbare Elephant Camp.

Must try: Stay in a Homestay and try the authentic Coorgi cuisine with fresh brew coffee, buy loads of spices, See the coffee blossoms, experience nature.

Check out Hotels and Resorts to stay in Coorg here.

Also Read: Complete Travel Guide for Coorg Family Holidays

4. Srinagar

The beauty of Kashmir needs no introduction. It is in everyone’s bucket list. The hospitality, culture, history and stunning locales make it a must visit. But Srinagar is not only for adults. It is enjoyable for kids too. From recreational parks to adventure sports to boat rides and mountain climbing there is much to explore in Srinagar.

Major Attractions: Dal lake, Hazratbal Mosque Shalimar Bagh, Tulip garden, Chashme Shahi .

Must try: Shikara Ride at Dal Lake, the yummy Kashmiri food, visit Sonmarg, visit the museums and learn about its history.

Check out Hotels and Resorts to stay in Srinagar here.

Also Read: Family Road Trip: Delhi to Kanha National Park

5. Munnar

Munnar, a former resort for the British Elite, is a hill station at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level in the Idukki District of Kerala. It’s easily accessible by road from Kochi and Coimbatore. Munnar is synonyms with tea estates and hence it looks like a painting with myriad shades of green. But its beauty cannot be described in a single canvas.The beautifully sculpted tea hedges on the delicately curving hills form an awe-inspiring emerald carpet. What makes it even more divine is that this view is often seen from mountains caressed by mist. You’ll be engulfed in the vastness of the ornate tea estates.

Major Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Kannan Devan Tea Museum, Rajmala, Echo Point, Top Station.

Must try: Visit the Tea Factory, dance amidst the tea plantation, invigorate your senses.

Check out Hotels and Resorts to stay in Munnar here.

Also Read: Munnar – A Travellers True Paradise

6. Andaman

Andaman is a place where you can smell the sea, feel the sky and lose yourself in the astral blue waters with its gently lapping waves kindling a symphony of its own. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal is an Indian archipelago comprising of roughly 572 islands. Many of these islands are inhabited and open for tourists while some islands are still inhabited by tribes, who still have no contact with the other world. This is a place that will make stay in your memories forever.

Major Attractions: Cellular Jail Port Blair, Radhanagar Beach (one of the top 5 beaches in the world),  Samudrika Marine Museum, Ross Island, Red Skin Island

Must try: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Kayaking and all the other water activities, Visit the Volcano Island, Try the amazingly fresh seafood, Experience Tranquility.

Check out Hotels and Resorts to stay in Andaman here.

Also Read: Complete Travel Guide for Andaman Family Holidays

7. Jim Corbett National Park

In this digital age nothing compares to being one with nature. Let your kids experience amazing flora and fauna this holidays. Jim Corbett National Park lies in the Nainital district of Uttrakhand. Apart from the tigers, this place is also full of natural beauty. The mountains with green environs make this a perfect destination all year round. The Kosi river flowing through makes it even more scenic.

Major Attractions: Jungle Safari to try your luck at tiger sighting, Jim Corbett museum, bird watching, a quick drive to Nainital.

Must try:.Nature walk in the wilderness, experiencing nature at its best, local cuisine

Check out Hotels and Resorts to stay in Jim Corbett National Park here

8. Ooty

Ooty, aptly known as the “Queen of hills” is arguably the most famous hill station in South India. Nestled in the Nilgiri Range of the Western Ghats, Udagamandalam or Ooty, boasts of awesome weather and scenic surroundings all year round. This place is a popular tourist destination with families as well as honeymooners. Quaint little bungalows and vast tea estates give this place a feel of the bygone colonial era.

Major Attractions: Doddabetta Peak, Tea Factory Visit, Botanical and Rose Garden, Pykara Lake and Falls, Emerald Lake.

Must try: Toy Train ride to Coonoor, Boating at Ooty Lake, homemade Chocolates, Nature Walk.

Check out Hotels and Resorts to stay in Ooty here

Also Read: Ooty – A Guide to the Queen of Hill-Stations

9. Goa

We do not need a reason to go to Goa. What’s better than escaping the sweltering heat and heading to breezy beaches. Kids love water and this place is perfect to let them get drenched. Known for its hippie culture, Goa is also a perfect family destination. Head to South Goa beaches for more quaint and serenity, ideal for making those sand castles. Old Goa is famous for its Churches.

Major Attractions: Dudhsagar Waterfall, Donna Paula, Fort Aguada, St. Francis Xaviers Church, Numerous beaches

Must try: Water sports at the beaches, amazing Goan food at the shacks (Vindaloo, Xacuti, Cafreal, Bebinka.. the list goes on)

Check out Hotels and Resorts to stay in Goa here 

10. Mount Abu

Mount Abu is perhaps the only place in Rajasthan that is worth visiting during Summers. Located on the highest point of the Aravallis, Mount Abu is a popular tourist destination all year round. The chilly weather here is perfect to beat away the summer blues. Lakes, temples, forts, scenic beauty are enough reasons to visit this place this vacation.

Major Attractions: Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temples, Achalgarh Fort, Honeymoon Point.

Must try: Watch the sun go down at Sunset Point, Visit the highest point at Guru Shikhar, Boating at Nakki Lake.

Check out Hotels and Resorts to stay in Mount Abu here. 

Hope you find this post of use to you. Have you already visited any of these places with kids? What was your experience? Do let us know about your experience or if I am missing something, please contact us or comment below and I will update this blog soon. Your comments and/or feedback are most welcome.

In case you found the above read interesting, you might also like the following:

Sariska National Park – Where The Tigers Roar (for few lucky ones)!!

A Guide to Visiting the Taj Mahal

Wildlife Jungle Safari at Kanha National Park