How to Plan a Perfect Family Trip in India: A Complete Guide

India is not only a travel destination but an experience that awakens senses, deepens bonds, and also creates stories for families. When traveling to India with family, you feel both ancient and fresh. While the elders get to witness Indian heritage, the younger ones get to learn about culture, history, and tradition. However, planning a family trip to India can be chaotic if you haven’t planned your journey and gotten a holiday tour package customized from a reliable tour operator in India. In this blog, you will learn the best tips to plan a perfect family trip in India without any hassles.

Our comprehensive guide will let you enjoy a happy and relaxed vacation in India with your family. If you follow the tips we shared in this travel guide, we assure you that you will have the best experience and memories that will stay forever with you.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Family Vacation in India

India is a diverse country with hundreds of travel destinations to explore. Every city has its own charm and beauty to experience. There are many destinations that are perfect for a family trip. However, you should consider many crucial things when planning your family holiday in India, which make your trip easy, calm, and stress-free. 

01) Understand Your Family’s Travel Needs

Planning a trip with your family is not only about packing your bags and leaving for the destination. It is more about the comforts and safety, especially the needs of your family members. It is crucial to know who you are traveling with and what steps to take for a hassle-free travel experience.

For this, you will have to ask a few important questions:

• How many members are traveling?
• Are you traveling with kids, parents, or differently-abled members?
• Think about the pace of your journey- do you want a more relaxed or packed itinerary?
• What will be the style of your vacation, like budget, luxury, adventure, or leisure?

All these questions will help you analyze your requirements according to every member in your family. If you are traveling with kids, you will need a more adventurous journey to let them enjoy everything the country has to offer. However, when planning a family tour in India with elderly parents, you need a slower itinerary with the best accommodations in every destination and fewer activities.

02) Decide the Best Time to Visit India

The next tip on our step-by-step guide for a family vacation in India is choosing the right time to travel in India. India’s weather varies drastically by region. While some places, offering pleasant and cool temperatures, are perfect for summer vacations, some mild climatic areas become the best winter holiday destinations in India.

Depending on what you want to experience, choose the right time to visit India. The country observes mainly three seasons: Summer, Monsoon, and Winter. Every season transforms the country into a new Avatar that is unique and beautiful to experience on its own. Different destinations should be explored in different seasons. Here are the major seasons and which is the best time to visit India:

Summer Season: March to June

The summer season in India runs from March to June. Although India is a hot and humid country, especially for foreign nationals, some parts of the country experience a pleasant climate even during the summer season. The top hill stations, like Shimla, Manali, Ooty, Mount Abu, and Nainital, are the top summer holiday destinations to visit in India with kids and family.

Monsoon Season: July to September

Exploring India in the monsoon season offers lush green landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and fewer crowds. The major destinations in India to experience the monsoon charm include the misty hills in Munnar, the serene backwaters in Kerala, and even the dry beauty of Ladakh, which remains unaffected by rain. Monsoon is truly the best time to explore India’s popular gems, like South India tours, to see the country in its natural and beautiful Avatar.

Winter Season: October to February

One of the best times to visit India is during the winter season. Chilly mornings with fog, warm clothes, beautiful scenery, and a cup of hot tea, winters in India seem like this. Not only the hill stations that transform with powdery hills, but also the plains transform their look with chilly winds and gentle sunrays. During the season, people often plan their trip to the top hill stations in India to experience snowfall, like Shimla, Manali, Kasol, Auli, Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Jammu & Kashmir. And some visit the hot regions that are almost impossible to explore in the summer season, like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Vrindavan, Varanasi, Kerala, Pondicherry, Ranthambore, and other places. Apart from the pleasant climate, the winter season brings fairs and festivals in India that everyone must experience once in their lifetime. 

03) Choose the Best Destination for a Family Trip in India

India offers a diverse range of family-friendly travel destinations, from scenic beach destinations for a relaxed vacation to wildlife sanctuaries for an adventurous trip. There are plenty of places to explore. However, the destination you will pick must depend on your family’s choice and the purpose of your family trip. For this, you will again have to ask a few questions to yourself:

• What is the purpose of your India tour?
• Do you want a more relaxed vacation, cultural immersion, or an adventurous trip?
• How long can you stay in India?
• Will your family prefer the same location you are finalizing?
• Have you explored the same location in India earlier, or is it the first time you are visiting India?

When planning your trip to India, it is crucial to have the answer of the above-stated questions. If you have never been to India, it is important to experience the diverse culture, tradition, and history of the country. First-time visitors often book the Golden Triangle Tour packages, which is a perfect blend of cultural, modern, and historical sites. So, your expectations from a particular trip help you choose the right destination in India.

Here are the best family-friendly destinations in India you can opt for:

Beach Destinations

India boasts some of the most exotic beach destinations that are perfect for a family holiday. Families that want a relaxed vacation, enjoying their time bonding, should opt for a beach destination in India, such as Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Kovalam.

Hill Stations

The popular choice for a family trip in India is hill stations. There are many hill stations nestled amidst lush greenery and the snow-capped peaks of the great Himalayas, making them a perfect winter and summer holiday destination. If your family expects solace and wants to rejuvenate themselves, then plan your trip to any of the famous hill stations in India, like Srinagar, Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie, Munnar, and Ooty.

Nature and Wildlife Destinations

Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, and Bandhavgarh are the top wildlife destinations in India. India is home to more than 100 national parks and more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries. From thrilling jungle safaris to adventurous elephant back rides, fascinating bird watching, and wild photography, there are plenty of things to indulge in and enjoy with your family on a wildlife tour in India.

Cultural and Heritage Sites

The cultural and heritage tours in India let you explore the top historical and archaeological wonders, from splendid forts to opulent palaces. You get to witness the beauty of Mughal and Rajput architecture during your Rajasthan tour, as well as the beauty of ancient Indian architecture in Hampi, Karnataka. The popular destinations for a cultural and heritage walk in India include Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Varanasi, and Southern India.

Spiritual Tour

Known for its diverse culture and traditions, India boasts many spiritual destinations for different religions. When visiting India for the first time with family, you should explore and experience the spiritual destinations to watch the traditions and rituals followed by different religions in India. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in Varanasi, Tirupati, and Rameswaram are the top pilgrimage destinations in India.

04) Set Your Budget

How much does it cost to travel to India? This is the first question that will come to your mind while planning your trip. Budgeting is the crucial step to having a safe and comfortable holiday. So, the next important tip for you to plan a perfect family trip in India is setting your tour budget. India is a cheap country compared to some Western countries. So, people who are traveling from the USA, the UK, and France to India can explore India even on a low budget. But that doesn’t mean you will overlook this important step of planning your family trip to India. Since you are traveling with your family, including your kids or elderly parents, you must have a good budget for the tour. Consider the most common expenses to set your budget, which avoids last-minute compromises.

Major Cost Components to Consider During India Tours

• Transportation: This is the most important part of your overall travel budget. It includes almost 30% of the total expenses of your trip, which includes flight tickets, train tickets, and bus fares. Besides, the money you will spend on local transport to move from one location to another, by taxi or public transport.

• Accommodation: Although an important part, you can still save money on accommodation by staying in budget-friendly hotels or lodges. However, if the purpose of your visit is a luxury and relaxed trip, then you will have to spend a fortune on accommodation. So, considering your needs and desires, set a budget for hotel stays, which may be 35% of your total trip expenses.

• Food: India is a diverse land with varied options for traditional cuisines and street foods. So, getting good food in India is not a task. The three-time meals in India are easily available from INR 500 to 2000 Per Person.

• Sightseeing & Activities: Keep the 10% of your budget for sightseeing and activities. For sightseeing in India, you will have to book a private taxi or use public transport. A taxi gives you privacy and allows you to follow your own pace, while public transport helps you save money. Depending on what types of activities you want to enjoy, the charges also vary. And, if you have booked a family tour package in India, then sightseeing will be included in the package, and you don’t pay extra for it.

• Shopping: How can one miss shopping in this vibrant country? You must keep your budget for shopping in India, where you get traditional attire, footwear, handicraft items, and much more.

• Emergency Fund: For any unforeseen circumstances that may cause a delay in your travel plans, you must have a fund to cope with extra expenses.

Tips to Save Money During an India Tour

You can still do a few things to make your trip budget-friendly and save money. Follow the tips given below:

• Plan your tour during off season: Planning your trip during the off-season saves you money as tour operators offer great discounts on your packages. They even offer some family discounts during the festive season or off-season. Avoid traveling in the peak holiday seasons in India, which include summer vacations and winter holidays, as they can be very expensive for traveling.

05) Book Accommodation

When traveling with family members, it is crucial to book accommodation in advance, as during the peak season, accommodations get booked well in advance. You may not get an accommodation of your choice, or you will have to pay double the price for it.

Choosing the right room for your stay in India will either make or break your family trip. It is important to consider your family’s preferences and the style of your trip to choose the right stay. For a luxury tour, India offers plenty of 3-5 Star hotels and premium resorts.

Types of Accommodations

• Hotels
• Luxury and Comfortable Resorts
• Homestays
• Dormitories (for budget-friendly travelers)
• Service Apartments

While choosing a room, you look for a hotel that:

• Has a clean room with washrooms
• Provides room service
• Serves kid-friendly meals
• Offers WIFI service
• Has medical facilities nearby
• Located in a safe neighborhood

Pro Tip for Choosing the Best Accommodation for A Family Trip in India

• Check Photos Online: If you are a foreign national planning your international trip to India, then you should check the photos of hotels online. This helps you to see how the rooms look and what amenities they offer, which helps you in choosing the best hotel.

• Check Google Ratings: One of the best ways to know if the hotel/resort is perfect for your India sojourn is checking the Google ratings of the service provider. Travelers share their stay experience in a particular hotel, describing the staff behaviour, the hotel’s cleanliness, and hygiene maintenance. Choose a good hotel with 4-5 Stars ratings.

• Location Maps: Use Google Maps to know which accommodation is near the famous landmark of the town. With this, you stay in the city centre and save a lot on commuting or transport costs.

06) Create a Balanced Itinerary

There are a lot of things to do during your India tour with your family. But you should keep your itinerary balanced; only then will you be able to experience everything valuable. Do not overload your itinerary keeping too many sightseeing locations and activities to do in one day. Instead, get them divide into 2-3 days and explore the town peacefully.

Ideal Itinerary Structure

Your ideal tour itinerary should look like this:

• Morning: Sightseeing and activities
• Afternoon: For lunch and rest
• Evening: Explore the local market and enjoy local street foods or traditional cuisine.

Tips for Creating an Ideal Tour Itinerary

Here is a tip to help you create your India holiday tour itinerary for your family:

• Keep only a few activities, like 1-2 for each day.
• If you are on a long trip to India and planning to explore more than 2-3 destinations, we suggest you keep a minimum of 3 days for every destination. This allows enough time to explore the top attractions and landmarks.
• You must have free time for rest as well.
• When adding the top attractions in your tour itinerary, cluster them with nearby attractions. For instance, your Jaipur tour itinerary must include the Amer Fort expedition along with the Jaigarh and Nahargarh Fort exploration in one day.
• You must have buffer days in hand for delays.

Always remember, you are planning your trip with your family. You will have your elderly parents and kids with you. So, you must have a slow-paced itinerary, which will allow them time to rest and relax.  

07) Pack Smartly for a Family Trip in India

You might be traveling from one location to another in different regions in India. Depending on the region’s climate, you will require different essentials. Our travel guide includes the essential packing tips for families traveling in India.

What to Consider While Packing Your Bags

• Location: We all know India is a land of diversity with many religions. When traveling to India, you must respect the local customs and traditions. Hence, it is important to pack your clothes according to the type of destination you are traveling to. If you are on a spiritual tour with your family, you will have to dress modestly by covering your body. For a beach vacation, you can pack anything you want, while still being protective of your safety.

• Season: It’s obvious to pack according to the season. For a winter vacation, you are suggested to pack jackets, woolen socks, gloves, etc. For a summer vacation, you should carry lightweight cotton T-shirts, hats, and sunscreen.

Essential Items to Pack for Your India Tour

• Identity Proofs
• Passports
• Tickets and Hotel Booking Documents
• Travel insurance documents
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Kids’ essentials (Toys, books, diapers, medicines, snacks, baby food, etc.)
• Comfortable footwear
• First-aid kit
• Power bank
• Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses
• Regular medicines
• Comfy slippers for the hotel

08) Common Mistakes to Avoid while Traveling to India

India is an incredible country filled with history, culture, and diversity. Tourists from all around the world visit this wonderful country. But they, especially the first-time visitors, often make some avoidable mistakes that affect their overall travel experience. If you want to have the best experience, then ensure not to make the following mistake:

• Overpacking or packing the wrong item
• Ignoring weather and seasonal conditions
• Trying to cover too many places in one trip
• Not respecting local culture and customs
• Overeating street foods without caution
• Ignoring health, safety, and travel insurance

Planning a family tour to India requires thoughtful preparation. But the rewards are priceless. From choosing the right travel destination in India for family and kids to choosing the right accommodation and smart budgeting, you can create everlasting memories. Follow the tips we have shared above, understand your family’s desires, and plan a successful India tour with your family.

Get a Customized Family Holiday Tour Package with Footloose Holidays

If you are confused and worried about how to plan a perfect family trip in India, then do not worry. Footloose Holidays guarantees an easy, safe, and comfortable tour experience for you and your family by customizing a perfect holiday tour package. We offer a wide range of holiday packages that are perfect for every kind of tourist. Whether you want popular North India tour packages to explore the grandeur of Indian history, or South India tour packages to explore the scenic landscapes or lush greenery and rolling hills of tea gardens, we can customize the tour itinerary as per your choice. You will have a smooth travel, where you will get happy kids, relaxed parents, and loads of memories that will stay with you forever.