India Family Holidays

A sensory explosion
India is full of colour, sounds, smells and surprises. One minute you’re exploring ancient forts, the next you’re watching monkeys scramble across temple rooftops or spotting tigers on safari. There’s always something to catch their attention.

Culture they can get stuck into
Forget simply looking at the sights. Try block printing in Jaipur, hop on an ox cart, learn how to make a traditional craft or dress up in a sari or turban at a family-run haveli. These are the experiences kids are likely to remember.

Food is part of the fun
From naan-filled family meals in local homes to mild curries and sweet chai, food is a big part of travelling in India. And if your little ones aren’t quite ready for adventurous flavours, there’s always rice, naan and familiar options to fall back on.

Meet the people behind India
Stay with welcoming local families, join a boatman on the Ganges or share a meal in a traditional home. These personal encounters give children a glimpse of everyday life in India and often become some of the most memorable moments of the trip.

Sleep somewhere special
Make bedtime part of the adventure. Stay in a lakeside palace, sleep under the desert stars or settle into a colourful courtyard haveli. Our hand-picked stays are comfortable, characterful and often have a story of their own.

Start somewhere calm
Begin your trip in a more relaxed destination such as Udaipur before heading to busier cities like Jaipur and Delhi. It gives everyone time to settle into the sights, sounds and pace of India.

Don’t try to pack too much in
India can be intense, especially for younger children. Give yourself plenty of time to explore each place and build in downtime between sightseeing days. You don’t need to see everything in one trip.

Give your child a camera
A small digital camera can be a great way to keep children engaged during longer sightseeing sessions. Let them take photos of the things that catch their eye and create their own record of the trip.

Ask for a ‘parcel’ when you need food to go
If the kids are getting hungry between meals, don’t worry about finding somewhere to sit down. In India, you can ask restaurants to make almost anything as a takeaway, simply by asking for a ‘parcel’. Naan, sandwiches, pizza and other dishes can all make handy snacks for hungry travellers.

Use Uber to get around cities
Uber makes getting around Indian cities much easier, particularly when you’re travelling with children. In many places you can even order a tuk tuk through the app, although tuk tuk drivers are generally paid in cash.

Make the journey part of the experience
India’s trains and tuk tuks are more than just ways of getting from A to B. Travelling by train can be a memorable experience for children, especially when you book a comfortable service and have local guides helping you at the station.

Mix sightseeing with wildlife and outdoor experiences
Balance forts and palaces with activities that get children moving and excited. Wildlife spotting, village walks, boat trips and exploring quieter towns can provide a welcome change from sightseeing.

Stay somewhere with a pool or communal space
After a busy day exploring, having a pool or somewhere to relax can be a lifesaver. Smaller hotels and family-run properties with communal areas can give children space to unwind while parents enjoy a quieter moment too.

Look for experiences where children can meet local people
Village walks, homestays and community-led experiences can be some of the most memorable parts of a family trip. Children can see traditional crafts, meet local families and even play with other children, making India feel much more personal.

Expect the unexpected and embrace it
India doesn’t always work at the same pace you're used to at home, and travelling with children means things won't always go exactly to plan. Leave some room for spontaneity, be patient and enjoy the little moments along the way.

Is India safe to travel with kids?
Yes. With the right planning, India can be a fantastic destination for families. We work with trusted drivers and local partners to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible, with family-friendly accommodation and plenty of time to relax between experiences.

Will the kids eat the food in India?
We think so! Indian food is full of flavour, but it doesn’t always have to be spicy. Many restaurants can make milder versions of local dishes, and you’ll also find familiar options such as rice, naan, noodles, pancakes and toast. And if the kids get hungry between meals, you can easily ask for food to take away.

Do we need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Vaccinations and malaria precautions depend on where you’re travelling in India and your individual circumstances. We’ll provide practical advice when you book, but for personalised medical advice, it’s best to speak to your doctor or a specialist travel clinic before you go.

Is India too overwhelming for young children?
It can be busy and full-on, but that’s also part of what makes India so exciting. The key is getting the pace right. We create family itineraries that balance sightseeing and cultural experiences with downtime, so you’re not rushing from one place to the next.

What’s the best age to take children to India?
There’s no perfect age. Younger children can enjoy the wildlife, colourful markets, pools and fun ways of getting around, while older kids may get more from the forts, temples and cultural experiences. We’ll help you choose an itinerary that suits your family.

When is the best time to travel to India with children?
For many family trips, October to March is a great time to visit, with generally cooler and more comfortable weather in popular areas such as Rajasthan. The best time does vary across India, though, so we’ll help you choose the right regions for your trip and the time of year you’re travelling.