Best Family Holiday Destinations in India

The harsh winters are gone and the pleasant summer breeze is here! Now the question is, where to find a retreat? The answer lies in planning a family vacation. Now if you are in a dilemma about finding the best, affordable and low budget tourist places in India, then don't worry! We are here for you. We have come up with a list of some of the best destinations that are pocket-friendly and apt to beat the summer heat.

Lavasa, Pune

This city is known as the newest hill station of India, as the Lavasa Corporation has newly constructed it. It is an alluring project, nestled amidst the lush green seven hills in the Sahyadri range and is inspired by the Italian Portofino. It is situated at a distance of 60 km from Pune in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and has a handsome platter to offer - from picturesque sceneries, adjoining lakes, to the well-developed infrastructure including hotels, malls, and IT companies. In a nutshell, Lavasa is a leisure retreat away from the hustle and bustle of crowded metropolitan cities. It is one of the low budget tourist places in India.

Things to Do in Lavasa

• Start your day with breakfast at Lake Promenade, which has numerous restaurants and roadside eateries.

• Plan some activities such as boating or cycling around the lake and enjoy the pleasant weather.

• You can also plan for watersports with the family, available at Townhall.

• Next day, travel to the Temghar Dam during sunrise and enjoy the tranquility. The panoramic view of the Temghar reservoir is magnificent. You can easily spend the whole day there.

• Take a walk around the lake, especially during the evening and watch the mesmerizing illuminated cityscape.

• During weekends, you can enjoy the street play on the first and second Saturday of every month.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit this place in any month as each season has something unique to offer. 

Budget Estimate 

Hotel stay, food, and activities will cost you approx Rs.25,000-30,000 with family. However, if you choose to stay in a lavish hotel, it may cost you a higher amount. Don't use a taxi for roaming inside the city; instead prefer walking, while relishing the atmosphere and the beauty around. For finding cheap hotels, you can check a few websites like booking.com, OYO, and Treebo. This place is best for a weekend getaway instead of a long-term vacation. However, if you have a long travel plan in mind, then you can also cover Lonavala and Khandala through road transportation, as they are in proximity to Lavasa. You can consider this place for a cheap family trip in India.

Mcleodganj, HP

Nestled amidst lush greenery in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Mcleodganj is the home to the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Also known as Little Lhasa, Mcleodganj is a charming town in Himachal Pradesh, situated near the upper Dharamshala region. It comprises a prominent cultural blend of Tibetan, Buddhist and British influence. If you are visiting Mcleodganj, then you can also plan to cover Dharamshala, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra, as these towns are in the vicinity of Mcleodganj. It was named after Mr. David McLeod, the then Lt. Governor of Punjab and Forsythganj. Mcleodganj is popular as one of the best family holiday destinations in India.

Places You Must Visit in Mcleodganj

Bhagsu Falls: Amidst the lush greenery and romantic landscapes, in a natural setting, is nestled these falls with much magnificence and breathtaking beauty, which you cannot miss. The Bhagsunag Waterfall connects Mcleodganj and Dharamshala and is the perfect spot for a picnic with family and friends. The nearby coffee houses serve lip-smacking food and quick bites, and tourists love to enjoy a sip of coffee and the serenity around. This place should be on your priority list when you make your to-do list in Mcleodganj - it’s one of the most sought-after and best family vacations in 2019.

Namgyal Monastery: Take a peek into the Tibetan culture at the Namgyal Monastery, which is located inside the Tsuglagkhang complex, surrounded by the mountain ranges of Dhauladhar. This monastery complex is also the abode of Dalai Lama, along with many other shrines, temples, bookstores, and souvenir shops in it.

Tsuglagkhang Complex: It is the abode of the legendary Dalai Lama and one of the marvelous sites for meditation. It attracts a large number of devotees across the world and serves tourists as well.

Bhagsunath Temple: Surrounded by beautiful pools and majestic hills, the Bhagsunath temple is located at a height of 1770 m above sea level. Visit this enthralling shrine and get in the flow with the serenity.

Triund: It is a famous trek and provides escapade to the pristine Himalayas, far from the din and bustle of city life. It is at a distance of 9-km from Mcleodganj and situated at a higher altitude. At the camping ground of Triund, you get to see a breathtaking view of the Moon Peak-Indera Pass. It is the perfect spot for trekking in the presence of Rhododendron, Deodar and Oak trees on the walking trails and offers panoramic views of the entire Kangra Valley. The trek to Triund is short and straightforward. You can start it either from McLeodganj or Dharamkot, which is 2 km away from McLeodganj. The first half of the trek is an inclined walk, and the last 2 km from Snowline Cafe is a steep ascent through the forest till Triund. Witnessing the sight of a silhouette in the clouds during sunset is the perfect reason for camping here at night with family.

Dal Lake: It is named after the Dal Lake of Srinagar and is just 3 km away from the Mcleodganj town. The lake is amidst the deodar trees and has a temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

St. John’s Church in the Wilderness: The neo-gothic architecture of this beautiful church was built in 1852, and it is one of the popular churches in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated close to Dharamshala and is on the way to Mcleodganj. St. John’s Church was built in dedication to John the Baptist.

Best Time to Visit 

Book your hotels in advance if you are planning to visit this tourist spot between October and February, i.e., the winter season, or between March and June, i.e., the summer season, as these are the peak seasons. In the region, you can experience the soothing summers when the temperature hovers around 25°C and chilly winters with the temperature range between -1°C to 9°C. Don't plan a trip during monsoon as the region receives heavy downpour during this time.

Budget Estimate

Plan a visit to this place if your estimated budget falls between the range of Rs. 30,000-35,000 entailing transport (buses and trains), food, stay, commute within the city and the activities. You can find cheap hotels in Mcleodganj through sites like Holidify and Booking.com. This place is accessible through all modes of transport, such as buses, taxis, trains, and flight (the nearest airport is 30kms away). It is one of the low budget tourist places in India.

Ooty

The charm of the Nilgiri Mountains has always been enigmatic, which attracts a lot of nature and mountains lover. Ooty is also referred to as the Queen of the Nilgiris and holds an allure like no other place. Once upon a time, Ooty was the summer headquarters of the East India Company as the Britishers found this place to be calm and serene. Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is located in Tamil Nadu, amidst lush green Nilgiri hills, at an altitude of 2420 meters above the sea level. It serves as a trendy tourist destination for anyone who is seeking a picturesque place to relax and de-stress. A trip to Ooty can undoubtedly be one of the best low budget family trips in India.

Things to Do in Ooty

Nilgiri Mountain Rail: It is a toy train, covering a distance of total 46 km in five hours and takes the tourists through a grand journey full of panoramic views en route.

Ooty Lake: It lies approximately 2 km away from Ooty, in the district Nilgiris. This beautiful lake is spread across the 65-acre area, and it was discovered by John Sullivan who was the Collector of Coimbatore at that time.

Ooty Rose Garden: It is located in the heart of Ooty. The garden is well-planned, and the uniqueness of this tourist attraction lies in the small tunnels made in the enclosure wherein a variety of roses are planted.

Emerald Lake: It is a part of the silent valley and lies in the upper plateau region of the Nilgiri hills beside the Red hill nature resort, which is the best picnic spot in the area.

Apart from these attractions, Ooty also has a plethora of bakeries where you can taste homemade chocolates, and there are temples on the hilltop offering a mesmerizing view. 

Best Time to Visit 

Ooty is a haven for tourists. It is best to visit this place during the summer months, starting from March till June. In monsoons, the pristine surroundings and the blooming valley gives Ooty an ethereal charm, while the winter season from October to February observes various colorful festivals The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts a vast number of tourists to Ooty.

Budget Estimate

Through OYO and Treebo, you can find reasonable hotels at Ooty. If your budget is between the range of Rs.20,000-25,000 including train expense, stay, food and activities, then this is the best spot to plan your summer holidays.

To Sum Up

These are some of the good family vacation destinations in India. So, dear readers, what are you waiting for? Plan your travel now for your summer vacations and get the best out of it. Please note that we are not promoting any travel and hotel booking sites here; they are just for your reference. Happy Holidays!