Top 10 Family Holiday Destinations in India

Wind in my hair, sun in my eyes and the open road. This is Freedom! This is Life! – Anonymous

Summers are here, and so is the weather of scorching heat! But what if you could excite your life a bit? Slow down to hear the nature calling? What if the cool breeze refreshes your senses and gushes through your hair? What if picturesque and pristine scenic beauty becomes a shared vision? What if the big city life bubble vanishes for a few days? Pleasing, isn't it? This definitely calls for satisfying and Affordable Family Vacations! And now that you are conditioned to the joy of comfort and beauty, we mention best Hill Stations in India that make it to the perfect top 10 family holiday destinations and the ideal getaways!

1.    Pahalgam - Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is an evergreen vacation spot being amongst the best family holiday destinations, be it for friends or families. Crafted with natural beauty, Pahalgam situated in J&K is a beautiful and extraordinary tourist spot. Being called as earth’s paradise, you’ll get mesmerized by its scenic beauty. You get to experience a view of snow peaked mountains along with pine covered forest. Families can visit the zoo, go fishing and river rafting and also stopover at the very famous Amarnath Cave.

2.    Thekaddy - Kerala

This place is well known as one of the most excellent wildlife reserves in India (elephants are the highlight). Considered as the best hill station in Kerala, Thekkady is home to striking beauty dwelling into the wilderness of parks along with exotic & rare wildlife species. Thekkady is amongst the perfect family holiday destinations for those who enjoy the wild.

3.    Dalhousie - Himachal

Being one of the best family holiday destinations and a summer retreat, Dalhousie is a vibrantly famous hill station in North India. There are several places to visit along with its mesmerizing landscapes and adventure activities – horse riding, paragliding, boat cruise, zorbing, shopping at diverse local markets and trekking. It’s a perfect destination for people to get rid of all their tensions. Dalhousie is sandwiched amidst five other hill stations which are all beautifully connected to each other.

4.    Cherrapunjee-Meghalaya

Meghalaya itself has numerous untouched tourist spots and is undoubtedly amongst the most beautiful state in India. It is also called as the Scotland of East (India).

Cherrapunjee being an enchanting region in Meghalaya is still a lesser known spot from the travel point of view but also proves to be amongst the Best Family Holiday Destinations. Cherrapunjee is a balmy hill station that's more than its famous rainfalls but has fascinating waterfalls, picturesque sceneries, stunning caves, living root bridges (which are unlike the conventional manmade bridges but are stronger to stay for hundreds of years) and other options to enjoy and rewind.

A family trip in the monsoon month at Cherrapunee is exactly what's needed. Soak yourself in the right times, shed off all the tensions, enjoy your time peacefully and get Cherrapunjee on top of the list of family vacation ideas!

5.    Coonoor - Tamil Nadu

Acclaimed as the second best and largest hill stations in the Nilgiri Range after Ooty, Coonoor boasts of a mild climate. The splendid beauty of the Nilgiris add to its magnificence and makes it different from other family holiday destinations. This place has everything to offer for everyone - hills of tea plantations, colorful gardens, heart-warming atmosphere, comfortable sightseeing, pleasant weather, toy train facility (passing through tunnels and slower than slow speed), great trekking voyages, local delicacies and affordable shopping. Coonoor makes it the perfect getaway for families fond of wandering at the hills.

6.    Horsey Hills-Andhra Pradesh

This artfully contrived hill station is for the weekend holidayer. Awesome panoramic views, unsullied air, dense forests, and tranquillity! What more do the best family vacation destinations require?

Horsely Hills situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, has breathtaking views and is also known as Andhra's Ooty. The climate stays pleasant throughout the year, and it remains one of the most underrated hill stations of India. It's a perfect family destination where each member gets to indulge in just everything of his/ her choice. Rich flora and fauna, wildlife, exotic birds, soul-stirring sights, world's largest banyan tree, famous temples, historical monuments, an array of adventure activities and connectivity with all the main cities.

7.    Auli - Uttarakhand

Situated in the Garhwal region, Auli the preeminent skiing tourist spot and also amongst the best family vacation destinations in India is the most preferred vacationing region when the area gets covered with thick layer of ice. Invigorating view of the Himalayan range, flawless and naturally studded mountains and greenery compel the tourists to stay there forever.

Other attractions are its 4km cable car ropeway being Asia's largest, glacier views, fascinating trekking routes, skiing, snowboarding, world's highest human-made lake, hot water springs, Lord Hanuman temple and the splendid slopes that make it an evergreen destination except for monsoons. By some, Auli is also known as India's very own Switzerland. Each and everything here adds to its pristine beauty. It's a spectacular hill station making affordable family vacations when it comes to accommodation.

8.    Gangtok - Sikkim

Gangtok, a mystical land that ushers you into picturesque avenues is a place that boasts of routes that trigger the adrenaline rush. It's indeed a treat for your eyes to be at an awe aspiring location making it list under the ideal family vacation destinations for friends and families. Enjoy the lovely charm of the city, go for a 2 km to-and-fro standing cable car ropeway ride for a bird's eye view, get an unforgettable yak safari holding onto this mountain animal's hump, enjoy thrilling outdoor activities, trek and mountain bike expeditions.

Discover the villages, forests, monasteries, rivers, waterfalls and the biodiversity. Experience one of the finest rafting stretches, paraglide your way to fulfilling the desire of flying seeing the picturesque range of Himalayas, lip smacking food, spell bounding sunset views and the panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga.

9.    Coorg - Karnataka

Located in the Western Ghats, Coorg is one of the most clear and pristine hill stations in Karnataka embracing the lush green forests, pleasantly flowing streams and rivers, natural beauty along with giving you a once in a lifetime kind of an experience.

Being at Coorg would be amongst the great family vacation ideas. You can experience jungle trek, golden (Buddha) temple/ monasteries, breath-taking views of low-rise mountains, indulge in the camping adventures, stimulate a journey of all equipped river rafting, experience plantation walks and coffee tasting and picnic beside the captivating sight of enormous waterfalls.

10.    Lonavala - Maharashtra

Need family vacation ideas for leisurely relaxation? Lonavala is amongst the best in Maharashtra. It's a place bequeathed with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Located amidst the Sahyadri Ranges, this hill station extends a picturesque panorama making you experience a walk above the clouds as they sail underneath you! You can indulge in numerous activities - trekking, picnicking, fishing, sightseeing, capturing the mesmeric green sights, embarking on nature walks and also witnessing the places of historical interests.

It's a true paradise for those adventure junkies. You can go for hot air balloon rides, paragliding, camping, waterfall verticle drops, rock climbing, caving and relax in the lap of luxury! Though it might not be amongst the most affordable family vacations but will definitely be the best! It’s a flourishing delight known as the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’ which is blessed with nature’s true spirit.

These are the 10 Best Places to Visit in India in Summer and make those vacations memorable ones!