Domestic Indian Holiday Destinations
Some of the Weekend Break Holiday Suggestions in India to have a Gala Time with Your Favorite People!
1. Srinagar, Kashmir
The much-celebrated heaven on earth, Srinagar is the jewel of Kashmir which happens to be the favorite destination of almost everyone in India. Rich in nature, hospitality, and experiences that blends well the amazing weather and the best places to visit in Srinagar, this bustling capital of Kashmir is the best place for a family trip in India.
Major Attractions: Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Tulip Garden, Pari Mahal, and Chashme Shahi.
Best Things To Do: Shikara ride at Dal Lake, visit the Hazratbal Shrine, explore the Hari Parbat, and more.
Best Time To Visit: April to October
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Being naturally festive, the Pink City of Rajasthan is one of the best holiday destinations for kids and families of all kinds. A city full of architectural marvels, forts and palaces, well-manicured gardens, and unique courtyards and museums, it makes a great destination for the whole family to enjoy within the city as well as at some of the best picnic spots near Jaipur.
Major Attractions: Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, and Nahargarh Fort.
Best Things To Do: Elephant rides at Amer Fort, enjoy a royal stay at City Palace, boating at Man Sagar Lake, and more.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
3. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Having served as the summer capital of the British era, Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is considered to be the most famous retreats of all good family holiday destinations in India. Being the most-sought destinations by all kind of travelers, shopping at Mall Road and relishing the charm of the toy train are few of the best things to do in Shimla which are enjoyed by kids and families alike.
Major Attractions: Jakhoo Temple, The Ridge, Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla Heritage Museum, and Christ Church.
Best Things To Do: Shopping in Mall Road, enjoy a train ride from Kalka to Shimla, explore the Johnnie’s Wax Museum, and more.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and July to September
4. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Set around a shimmering lake, Nainital is one of the top ten family holiday destinations which serves Indian families as the best place to spend the summers at. With so many fun things to do in Nainital like that of cable car ride, and boating at the Nainital Lake, your trip to this paradise is sure to be a hit.
Major Attractions: Nainital Zoo, Naini Peak, Cave Garden, Hanuman Garhi, Jama Masjid Mosque, and more.
Best Things To Do: Boating in the evening at Nainital Lake, Ropeway ride to Snow View, trek to the Tiffin Top, birdwatching at Sattal, and more.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October.
5. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Offering stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga in the backdrop, Darjeeling is considered to be one of the best places for children’s holidays in India as much as it is famous for families and couples. From the quiet environs of Peace Pagoda to the joys of the Toy Train, one will never run out on fun tourist places in Darjeeling.
Major Attractions: Batasia Loop, Himalayan Zoological Park, Peace Pagoda, Samsing, Bhutia Busty Monastery, Rock Garden, and more.
Best Things To Do: Enjoy a ride in the toy train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, explore the monasteries at Mirik, camping at the Tiger Hill, and more.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
6. Coorg, Karnataka
Be it the lush greenery of coffee plantations, the cascading waterfalls, the Gothic-style churches, or the ancient forts, there are plenty of places to visit in Coorg that have something to offer to everyone across all age groups. Popularly known as Kodagu amidst the locals as well as the travelers, Coorg is undoubtedly one of the best family holiday destinations in India.
Major Attractions: Abbey Falls, Nisargadhama, Irupu Falls, Madikeri Fort, Sri Omkareshwara Temple, Pushpagiri, and more.
Best Things To Do: Jungle safari at Nagarhole National Park, visit the musical fountains at Raja’s Seat, admire the hilltop views from Tadiandamol, and more.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Reckoned to be the queen of the Blue Mountains in South India, Ooty is not only one of the best family holiday destinations in India but also the most popular hill stations in the country. With delightful places to visit in Ooty like that of Botanical Garden, Pykara Lake, and Boat House, your family vacation is sure to be a hit in this hilly paradise.
Major Attractions: Doddabetta Viewpoint, Rose Garden, Botanical Garden, St. Stephen’s Church, Pykara Lake, and more.
Best Things To Do: Take the toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty, boating at Ooty Lake, camping at Avalanche Lake, try the homemade chocolates, and more.
Best Time To Visit: October to June
8. Alleppey, Kerala
If Kerala is God’s own country, the Alleppey is its best paradise. Much famed to be an ultimate spot for honeymooners and couples, Alleppey has a lot more than what meets the eye which makes it one of the best family holiday destinations in India as well. While cruising the backwaters, and a houseboat stay are considered to be the things to do in Alleppey, there are a lot more fascinating things like boat racing, witnessing a Kathakali show, and more, which are a delight to all types of travelers.
Major Attractions: Vembanad backwaters, Pathiramanal, Krishnapuram Palace, Basilica of St. Mary, Marari Beach, and more.
Best Things To Do: Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey, live in a houseboat, witness a sunset at the Alappuzha Beach pier, explore the Sea View Park, and more.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
9. Ladakh, Kashmir
Though this offbeat gem does not seem ideal to be counted in one of the best family holiday destinations in India, many families have broken this stereotypical perception by exploring the best of Ladakh in winter. Ladakh seems every bit of a paradise in winters wherein families can make the most of the tourist attractions like that of Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and Nubra Valley.
Major Attractions: Shanti Stupa, Tso Moriri Lake, Leh Palace, Nubra Valley, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Hall of Fame Museum, Spituk Monastery, and more.
Best Things To Do: Camping near Pangong Lake, explore the Himalayan views from Khardung La Pass, white water rafting in Zanskar River, drive up till the Magnetic Hill, and more.
Best Time To Visit:June to September
10. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
An abode of peace and tranquility in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Mcleodganj is one of the prime crowd pullers in Dharamsala located in the Kangra district. A hilly retreat that serves as one of the popular weekend destinations from Delhi, exploring Mcleodganj in December would be in its full bloom with minimal rains, and clouds accompanying the travelers throughout their stay which also makes it one of the best family holiday destinations in India.
Major Attractions: St. John’s Church, Tsuglagkhang Temple, Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan Museum, and more.
Best Things To Do: Visit the Bhagsu Nag temple, explore the Bhagsu Nag Waterfalls, boating at Dal Lake, shopping in the local markets, and more.
Best Time To Visit:September to June
11. Shillong, Meghalaya
The capital city of the most famous state of all seven sisters – Meghalaya, Shillong attracts a lot of families due to its scenic vistas, and picturesque natural attractions. Much famed as “the abode of clouds”, Shillong is known for its ancient traditions, well-manicured gardens, mesmeric waterfalls, and lush greenery which makes it one of the best family holiday destinations in India.
Major Attractions: Mawlynnong, Shillong Peak, Ward’s Lake, Mawsynram, Lady Hydari Park, Don Bosco Museum, and more.
Best Things To Do: Admire the Umiam Lake, be charmed by the Elephant Falls, explore the root bridge at Mawlynnong, and more.
Best Time To Visit:September to May
12. Gangtok, Sikkim
Serving as a home to the many pilgrimage sites of the Buddhist population, as well as a base camp for the trekkers and adventure enthusiasts, Gangtok is the also famous for offering the most scintillating views of the Himalayas. With trekking being one of the most popular things to do in Gangtok, the land also features famous monasteries, pristine lakes and waterfalls, and great shopping places which serve the families just right.
Major Attractions: Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Ganesh Tok, Ban Jhakri Falls, Tinkitam Rayong, Do Drul Chorten, and more.
Best Things To Do: Visit the highest motorable road of Nathu La Pass, shopping at MG Road, visit the 200-year old Enchey Monastery, and more.
Best Time To Visit:September to June
13. Goa
Surprised to see this hippie’s paradise on this list? Well, you’re not alone in feeling that. With the kind of perception that Goa has formed over the past years, not many see this beach paradise as one of the best family holiday destinations in India whereas it’s just the opposite in reality. Offering so many adventure sports, forts and Portuguese churches, countless beaches, luxury homestays in Goa, and unlimited seafood options, Goa is an ultimate destination that is perfect for families as well.
Major Attractions: Dudhsagar Falls, Fort Aguada, Museum of Christian Art, Church of St Cajetan, Naval Aviation Museum, and more.
Best Things To Do: Wildlife safari at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the Museum of Goa, visit the best beaches like Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, and many more.
Best Time To Visit:Mid-November to mid-February
14. Kutch, Gujarat
Being the largest district of Gujarat, Kutch is an offbeat destination which is perfect for those families who are looking forward to experiencing a bit of rural India. Comprising of more than 900 villages, Kutch is one of the famous places to visit in Gujarat of which, it’s fascinating White Desert or the Rann of Kutch is the most popular one.
Major Attractions: Prag Mahal, Kalo Dungar, Kutch Museum, Archaeological Museum, Vijaya Vilas Palace, and more.
Best Things To Do: Visit the White Desert, i.e., the Great Rann of Kutch, enjoy a camel ride at Mandvi Beach, explore the Sharad Baug Park, and more.
Best Time To Visit:November to February
15. Havelock Island, Andaman
The most popular and the certainly the most beautiful island of the archipelago, Havelock Island in Andaman is truly one of the best family holiday destinations in India. Introducing the families to ultimate underwater adventures, a fun-filled Andaman tour package offers a complete package of joy and happiness to each and every member of the family. From scuba diving to snorkeling, from making sand castles on the beaches to relishing the authentic cuisines, Havelock Island serves as a dream destination for all the families.
Major Attractions: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach, Sitapur Beach, and more.
Best Things To Do: Explore the coral reefs and enjoy diving at Elephant beach, witness a mesmerizing sunset at Radhanagar beach, explore the rocky formations at Vijaynagar beach, and more.
Best Time To Visit:November to mid-May