The Best Summer Destinations in India for Family Holidays
Travelling with family in the summer isn’t just about escaping the heat – it’s about bonding, laughing, and making memories that last long after your tan fades. And while most lists of summer holiday destinations in India for families sound like they’ve been written by someone who has never travelled with toddlers or teenagers, this one’s different.
Forget the boring lists that just mention hill stations and move on. Here, we’ll talk about what makes each place interesting from a family angle – strange festivals, food kids will actually eat, unique experiences, and yes, even places with fewer queues and crowds because the last thing you want on a family trip is to spend your summer standing in line.
In this Blog
1. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Weirdly underrated compared to its cousin Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar is like the quiet, cool aunt who also gives you strawberries for breakfast. This isn’t just any hill station – it has a table-top plateau (called Table Land) where your kids can ride horses while you sip on fresh strawberry cream.
What’s different? The Mapro Garden. It’s not just a tourist trap – it’s an actual working place where kids can see how strawberries go from farm to bottle. And guess what? Free tastings. You can bribe your fussy eater with unlimited gulps of mulberry squash. There are also family-run villas in Mahabaleshwar options, often with backyard BBQs and enough space for your kids to run around without disturbing the neighbours.
2. Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Yes, Himachal has Shimla. But Shimla also has crowds, traffic, and overpriced corn. Try Chail instead, which has India’s highest cricket ground. Your kids might not care, but they will definitely care about the huge palace hotel that looks like something out of a detective novel.
What makes Chail shine for families? It’s quieter, cooler, and has lovely forest trails. Plus, you can stay in a heritage villa in Chail that makes you feel like royalty on a budget. Great spot for board games, ghost stories, and stargazing.
3. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
If your family likes doing things a bit differently, Tawang is the answer. It’s far, yes. But that also means no over-tourism. Think of it like this: your kids get to see a giant 8-metre-high Buddha statue, yak rides, and prayer wheels they can spin for good luck.
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Monastery (second largest in the world) is actually more interesting than it sounds – monks play football, the butter tea is oddly comforting, and during summer, the valley is full of colour. Add to that the incredibly warm locals who love chatting with visitors, and it becomes one of the most family-friendly summer vacation spots in India that almost no one talks about.
4. Panchgani, Maharashtra
Another hill town? Yes. But Panchgani is where Bollywood sends its school kids. Literally. Many of Mumbai’s celeb kids study here, and the town has an old-school boarding school vibe. Perfect for showing your kids how people survived without Wi-Fi.
The real draw? Paragliding that even 10-year-olds can try (with professionals, of course), ancient caves called Devil’s Kitchen, and a morning bazaar with fruit jams that taste like childhood. If you want to treat yourself, book a villa in Panchgani with a view of the Krishna River.
5. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Surprised to see a desert state on a list of summer holiday destinations in India for families? That’s because Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan, and it’s got its own unique flavour.
Nakki Lake has paddle boats shaped like ducks (always a hit with the little ones), and the Dilwara Temples have ceilings so detailed that even your distracted teenager might look up from their phone. Summer Festival in Mount Abu (usually in May) includes skating races, tug-of-war and folk dances. Fun fact: it’s the only place in Rajasthan where you’ll need a jacket.
6. Coorg, Karnataka
Sure, Coorg is coffee country. But it’s also the land of friendly dogs, walking trails with zero snakes (locals will tell you proudly), and rivers where you can safely go for a family-friendly raft ride.
Families love Coorg for its food – even picky eaters seem to like Coorgi pork. Also, the homestays here often include a grandparent or two who spoil your kids rotten. Booking a villa in Coorg? Look for ones attached to coffee plantations, where your children can chase butterflies and you can chase silence.
7. Kalimpong, West Bengal
Everyone talks about Darjeeling. But Kalimpong is its cooler, quieter cousin. Think fewer tourists, and a vibe that mixes Himalayan charm with old British school nostalgia.
There are flower nurseries that look like they’ve come out of a Pixar movie, and a local cheese that’s surprisingly good on toast. For family time, check out the toy shops that sell handmade wooden puzzles and retro games. The cable car ride here is less scary than the one in Darjeeling, and more beautiful. And if you’re into offbeat stays, rent a colonial-style villa in Kalimpong with old fireplaces and mountain views.
8. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
This one is a bit of a hidden gem. Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, and it has just the right mix of adventure and chill.
There are caves linked to the Mahabharata, waterfalls that don’t require a two-hour trek, and forest safaris where you might actually spot a leopard. Not guaranteed, of course – but thrilling for the kids. What makes it one of the family-friendly summer vacation spots in India is the sheer lack of pretentiousness. Families actually talk to each other here because there isn’t much phone signal.
9. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Ooty and Kodaikanal get all the love, but Yercaud quietly sits with its beautiful lake, adventure parks, and zero traffic jams. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid the commercial circus. The kids can try zip-lining, rope walks, and archery at local adventure camps. Parents can try doing nothing for a change. And the food? A mix of Tamil, Anglo-Indian, and random-but-delicious things like orange marmalade cake. Pick a villa in Yercaud where you can cook your own meals and pretend you’re on a family cooking show.
10. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Not for the faint-hearted, Spiti is a high-altitude desert where you feel like you’re on another planet. The roads are bumpy, the air is thin, but the experience? Unforgettable. Kids older than 10 will love the feeling of adventure – fossil hunting, staying in mud houses, and eating momos with locals in tiny villages. There’s a mummy (yes, a real one) in Gue village that’s more fascinating than any horror movie.
This is one of the best summer destinations in India for family travel if you want to show your kids what the world looked like before malls. Bonus: zero mosquitoes.
Travelling in summer with family doesn’t have to mean doing the same old things in the same old places. India is full of surprises, and many of the summer holiday destinations in India for families that don’t make it to the top of most lists are the ones your kids will remember most.
Pick places with stories, with eccentricity, and with enough room to be yourselves. Whether it’s a heritage villa in Coorg or a cottage in Spiti, choose experiences that make your family laugh, talk, and maybe even get a little muddy together.
Because isn’t that what the best family holidays are really about?
Author Credits: Reuben Saha
