After the arrival of children, couples often find that their relationship becomes strained. New parents face challenges such as sleepless nights, diaper changes, and the constant cries of their baby. This overwhelming exhaustion can make it nearly impossible to carve out time for each other.
This change is undeniable, yet few people truly understand the sudden shift in schedule and the needs of new parents, who are not only mentally exhausted but also physically drained, even with support from family.
It’s completely understandable that it takes time for couples to adjust to this new phase and find opportunities to spend leisure time together.
As a team, we’ve put together a list of affordable and family-friendly places to visit once you have a child.
- Andaman
- Auli
- Chennai
- Corbett
- Darjeeling
- Goa
- Gulmarg
- Jaipur
- Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur
- Lonavala
- Manali
- McLeodganj
- Munnar
- Mussoorie
- New Delhi
- Ooty
- Rann of Kutch
- Sikkim
- Udaipur
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Yes, Andaman is indeed a kid-friendly destination! With its pristine beaches, gentle waves, and unique marine life, it’s a great place for families with young children. Here are some reasons why Andaman is ideal for a family holiday:
- Safe Beaches: Many beaches in Andaman, like Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach, have calm, shallow waters, making them safe for kids to splash around.
- Marine Life and Snorkeling: Children can experience marine life up close. Several operators offer kid-friendly snorkeling options, allowing little ones to see colorful fish and coral reefs without going too deep.
- Interactive Museums: Places like the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum in Port Blair are great for kids, offering educational displays about marine life and the island’s history.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Rides: For kids too young to snorkel, glass-bottom boat rides are a great alternative, providing a view of the underwater world without getting wet.
- Historical Sites: The Cellular Jail, though historic, has light and sound shows that can be educational and captivating for older children.
- Adventure and Nature: The islands offer short hikes and walks that kids can enjoy, along with safe spots for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Andaman is a perfect blend of fun, learning, and adventure, making it a memorable experience for kids and parents alike.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is also an excellent choice for a family-friendly destination in India, offering a mix of natural beauty, gentle activities, and cultural experiences that kids and parents can both enjoy. Here are some highlights:
- Toy Train Rides: The famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kids love the charming, winding journey through the hills, giving them an exciting train experience with scenic views.
- Tiger Hill: Early risers can head to Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range. It’s a breathtaking sight, and the experience can be magical for kids seeing mountain peaks for the first time.
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: This zoo is home to rare animals like red pandas, snow leopards, and Tibetan wolves. It’s a fascinating place for children to learn about high-altitude wildlife.
- Peace Pagoda: The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a serene spot that’s family-friendly. Kids can explore the peaceful surroundings, learn about the pagoda’s history, and enjoy the beautiful views.
- Darjeeling Ropeway: A ride on the cable car offers stunning panoramic views of tea estates and the valley below. Kids often enjoy the aerial perspective, making it a fun experience for the whole family.
- Tea Gardens: Visiting a tea garden can be a fun, hands-on learning experience. Many tea estates offer tours where families can see how tea is picked and processed. Kids might enjoy running around the open fields and learning about the region’s famous tea.
- Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park: These parks have terraced gardens, waterfalls, and spots where kids can enjoy some light climbing and exploring.
With its mild climate, fascinating attractions, and family-friendly spots, Darjeeling offers a mix of adventure and relaxation that suits families well.
Jaipur
Jaipur is a wonderfully kid-friendly destination with a rich mix of history, culture, and fun activities that can captivate children and adults alike. Here are some highlights:
- Amber Fort and Elephant Rides: Amber Fort is not only visually stunning but also offers activities like elephant rides up to the fort, which kids often find exciting. The fort’s impressive architecture and interactive light and sound shows also make it engaging.
- City Palace: The City Palace provides a peek into royal history, with its museums displaying royal artifacts, costumes, and weaponry. The colorful courtyards and grand halls can spark kids’ imaginations.
- Jantar Mantar: This UNESCO World Heritage site is an ancient observatory with unique, large-scale astronomical instruments. It’s an educational and fun place for children to explore the wonders of astronomy.
- Jaipur Zoo: Located near the Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur Zoo is a manageable size and houses a variety of animals, making it an enjoyable and easy outing for younger children.
- Chokhi Dhani: This cultural village offers an immersive experience of Rajasthani culture, complete with traditional music, dance performances, camel rides, puppet shows, and local crafts. The interactive activities and vibrant atmosphere make it a hit with kids.
- Hawa Mahal: While not a place where kids will spend hours, the iconic Hawa Mahal (“Palace of Winds”) is interesting to see and explore, with its unique honeycomb windows and city views.
- Albert Hall Museum: This museum has displays that appeal to kids, such as Egyptian mummies, ancient artifacts, and miniature paintings. The architecture and artifacts can make history come alive for young visitors.
- Nahargarh Fort: Located on the Aravalli hills, this fort offers stunning views of Jaipur and has a step-well that kids might enjoy exploring. There’s also a nearby cafe where families can relax.
- Pink City Rickshaw Rides: Exploring the old city by rickshaw can be a fun adventure for children. The bright markets, bustling streets, and colorful sights make for a memorable experience.
- Central Park: Jaipur’s Central Park is a large, green space with walking trails, a musical fountain, and plenty of space for kids to play and enjoy the outdoors.
Jaipur is a fantastic blend of education, culture, and adventure, providing plenty of family-friendly activities and experiences that make learning about history enjoyable for kids.
Manali
Manali is a fantastic, kid-friendly destination with plenty of activities and natural beauty to keep young travelers entertained. Here’s a look at some highlights:
- Solang Valley: Known for its adventure activities, Solang Valley offers options like cable car rides, snow play (in winter), zorbing, and even gentle hiking trails, perfect for kids who love the outdoors.
- Rohtang Pass: For families visiting in the right season, Rohtang Pass is an unforgettable experience. Kids can play in the snow, go sledding, and enjoy the mountain views. Due to high altitude, ensure children are well-prepared and hydrated.
- Van Vihar National Park: This park has lush greenery, a small lake for boating, and plenty of walking paths, providing a calm spot for kids to explore or play.
- Hidimba Devi Temple: Surrounded by cedar forests, this unique temple is fascinating for kids, with its interesting architecture and local legends. The nearby rabbits and yaks for photo ops are also popular among young visitors.
- Manu Temple and Vashisht Temple: These temples, while spiritual, are kid-friendly with beautiful surroundings, warm springs (at Vashisht Temple), and places to explore, introducing children to local culture in a relaxed way.
- Old Manali: The village of Old Manali is an easygoing area with small cafes, shops, and beautiful views. Kids can enjoy a treat from a cafe or a stroll along the riverside.
- Nehru Kund: This natural spring is a scenic spot where families can enjoy a quick stop and a refreshing view. It’s a good place for a short visit with kids to enjoy nature.
- Jogini Waterfall: A short hike to Jogini Waterfall can be a fun family outing. The trail is manageable, and the waterfall itself is beautiful, giving kids a sense of adventure without being too strenuous.
- Adventure Camps: Manali has several kid-friendly adventure camps with activities like zip-lining, rope bridges, and rock climbing designed to be safe and enjoyable for young adventurers.
- Shopping and Souvenirs at Mall Road: Manali’s Mall Road is lively and full of shops selling souvenirs, woolens, toys, and local handicrafts. It’s a great place to browse and pick up small trinkets, which kids often enjoy.
- Snow Play and Skiing Lessons: During the winter season, children can enjoy snow activities and beginner-friendly skiing lessons offered at Solang Valley and other nearby spots.
- Fruit Orchards and Nature Walks: Manali’s surrounding areas are dotted with apple orchards, especially beautiful during blooming or harvesting seasons. Kids can learn about fruit picking and enjoy nature walks.
Manali offers a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect family destination where kids can explore, play, and connect with nature.
