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Top 10 Summer Holiday Destinations for Family
What is your most cherished childhood memory? It’s probably one of your family’s many summer vacations. A majestic hill station in the north or a calm and serene hillside in the south. So, why not make some memories for your children to cherish? Here are our recommendations for the best summer holiday destinations for family.
Udaipur & Mount Abu
Udaipur and Mount Abu are excellent weekend getaways from both Rajasthan and Gujarat. So why not make it a family road trip? Explore Udaipur’s beautiful palaces and the City Palace Museum. Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Then make your way to Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station. Nakki Lake is ideal for boating, and there are numerous activities nearby to keep the kids entertained. Don’t miss out on seeing Dilwara’s magnificently carved marble temples. Take a moment to admire the beautiful sunset over the mountains while visiting Mount Abu.
Kashmir – Houseboat and shikaras
The Mughals referred to Kashmir as “paradise on earth,” and the British referred to it as the “Switzerland of the East.” The breathtaking valley, with its gentle slopes and distant snow-covered peaks, exquisite crafts and beautifully laid out gardens, warrants at least a once-in-a-lifetime visit. The entire family will enjoy staying on a houseboat on Dal Lake in Srinagar and taking rides in the shikaris that ferry you to the shore. Traveling up to Gulmarg and Khilanmarg provides opportunities for young children to enjoy pony rides, while teenagers can ski and trek.
Uttarakhand’s Nainital and Bhimtal
The Lake District of Uttarakhand is home to several picturesque lakes, with Nainital reigning supreme. This lake, surrounded by the Kumaon Himalayas, is popular with families for boating and has several game parlors and food stalls around it. Walk along Mall Road and look at the shops, or go to the quieter side of the lake, Thandi Sadak. Take the cable car up to Snow View for spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Bhimtal, a lesser-known tourist destination, is also appealing. It has a lot of trekking trails because of its unusual terrain. It is quiet and serene due to its lack of popularity with tourists.
Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla and Manali
Shimla was designated as the British summer capital for a reason: the charming little town is ideal for a vacation. There are several shops and restaurants on Mall Road and Ridge. Christ Church on the Ridge is also noteworthy. Kufri and Chail are two nearby places you should visit while in Shimla. There are many easy treks for kids in Manali, not to mention yak riding! The Hadimba Devi temple is also worthwhile to visit. Make a trip to Rohtang Pass, which connects to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys and is open from May to November. If you’re lucky, you might even see some snow here. You can also take your children river rafting on the Beas River, which has fewer rapids and is entirely safe for them. While in Manali, a ropeway ride and a horse ride at Solang Valley are also recommended.
Leh, Ladakh
The former Himalayan kingdom is well-known for its scenic splendor and adventure tourism. Trekking or visiting one of the many mountains passes, such as Khardung La, are both options. Don’t miss Pangong Tso Lake’s surreal beauty, as well as the Buddhist monasteries that dot the landscape. When planning your Leh-Ladakh trip, make sure to leave enough time for the kids to adjust.
Ooty & Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is also one of the top ten summer vacation destinations for families. Kodaikanal, known as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” is ideal for families. The city’s star-shaped lake, as well as the surrounding parks and waterfalls, are must-sees; boating, horseback riding, and cycling are popular activities. You can go on a short hike to the nearby forest, which is suitable for children. Visit the Botanical Gardens and Doddabetta Peak in Ooty for breathtaking views of the valley below. Visit Pykara Lake and the cascading Pykara Falls as well. You should also go to the wax and sand museum. If you are planning a trip to Ooty with your children, a ride on the toy train is highly recommended.
Darjeeling & Gangtok, North-East
The North-East of India is relatively unexplored and has some excellent family summer vacation destinations. The ‘Toy Train’ of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is sure to be a hit with the kids. Early in the morning, go to Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise, and then to Ghum, which has several colorful gompas (Buddhist monasteries). If your children are old enough, you could even go white water rafting on the Teesta River. If you want to go horseback riding in the mountains, you can also go to Mirik.
For a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga, visit Tashi Viewpoint and Ganesh Tok in Gangtok, Sikkim’s little capital. Visit Enchey and Pemayangtse monasteries to see their priceless antique collection, as well as Chogyal’s Palace, which is open to visitors during Pang Lhabsol, the mountain god’s festival. The Botanical Garden and Tsomgo Lake are also worth seeing.
Munnar & Thekkady, Kerala
Munnar is best known for its never-ending tea plantations. Aside from visiting tea plantations, go to Echo Point and Lakkam Waterfalls for nature trails and treks. Boating is a popular activity at the Mattupetty Dam. Visit the Periyar Lake and Sanctuary in Thekkady, which is a tiger and elephant reserve. You can also take a boat ride here. The 1000-year-old Mangala Devi Temple, located only 15 kilometers from Thekkady, can be visited with the permission of the forest ranger.
Srinagar & Gulmarg, Kashmir
Kashmir, India’s crown jewel, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Take a shikhara ride on the massive Dal Lake in Srinagar. Visit the Shankaracharya Hill Temple and the magnificent Grand Mughal Gardens. Your children will enjoy staying on a houseboat in Srinagar. A cable car ride up to Khilanmarg snow point is a must-do in Gulmarg. The town is also a well-known ski resort. Visit Kashmir for the best family vacation.
Thanks For Reading….
