India · Things to do
5 things to do in India with kids
The five best family things to do in India are seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra, exploring Jaipur's pink city, cruising the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat, riding a camel into the Rajasthan desert at sunset, and watching dawn boats on the Ganges at Varanasi. The first two sit on the Delhi, Agra and Jaipur route, with Kerala in the south.
What to do, in order
- 1
See the Taj Mahal at sunrise
The Taj Mahal in Agra is a white marble tomb built in the seventeenth century, and it changes colour in the early light. Go at opening time, when it is cooler and there are fewer people than later in the morning. Tickets can be bought online, with separate tickets for foreign visitors, and children below a certain age enter free. Allow around two hours. The complex is closed on Fridays for prayers, so check before you plan. Shoe covers or bare feet are required on the marble platform, and bags are checked on entry.
- 2
Explore Jaipur's pink city
Jaipur is known as the Pink City because of the colour of the old walled centre. Highlights include the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal with its many small windows, the Jantar Mantar observatory and, on a hill outside town, Amber Fort. Children enjoy the scale of the forts and the mirrored halls, and the bazaars are busy and full of colour. Visit early to avoid heat and crowds, and use a licensed guide. Choose ethical ways to see Amber Fort, such as walking or taking a jeep, and avoid elephant rides.
- 3
Cruise the Kerala backwaters
Kerala's backwaters are a network of canals, rivers and lagoons near Alleppey and Kumarakom, lined with coconut palms and rice fields. Many families stay on a kettuvallam, a traditional houseboat with a crew and a cook, for a night or two. Life on the water is slow, and children can watch village life pass. Choose a reputable operator with life jackets, and check the route and the meals in advance. A shorter day cruise is a good option for toddlers. The best months are October to February.
- 4
Ride a camel in Rajasthan
Camel rides are a popular way to see the Thar Desert, especially near Jaisalmer and Bikaner, where short sunset rides take you across the dunes to a camp with music and a meal. Children are usually thrilled but check any age or size limits, and pick an operator who treats the animals well. Winter, from November to February, is the best time, because summer days are very hot. Bring a scarf for sun and dust, wear closed shoes, and expect cool nights in the desert.
- 5
See the Ganges at Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and the Ganges at dawn is the central experience. Boats glide past the riverside steps, called ghats, as people bathe and pray, and in the evening there is a lamp ceremony called Ganga Aarti. It is intense, with crowds, noise and sights that may unsettle some children. Go with a guide, hire a boat at dawn, and keep a close hold on children in crowded lanes. Respect the cremation ghats by not taking photos there.
Plan it
- Best time
- October to March is the cooler, drier season across most of the north and in Kerala, with pleasant days in Rajasthan. April to June is very hot in the north, and the monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain.
- How long
- Ten days covers the Delhi, Agra and Jaipur triangle with a few days in Rajasthan. Two weeks lets you add Kerala. Varanasi works better as a separate stop with a flight or an overnight train.
- Getting around
- Domestic flights, trains and private drivers all work. Many families hire a car with a driver for the Delhi, Agra and Jaipur route, and use flights for long distances. Book trains early. Ride-hailing apps work in large cities.
Good to know
- Drink only bottled or filtered water, and eat freshly cooked food at busy places to reduce stomach upsets.
- Plan a rest day or a pool afternoon every few days. Long drives and heat tire children quickly.
- Check vaccinations and travel health advice with a doctor well before departure.
Frequently asked
Is India suitable for families with young children? +
Yes, with planning. Children often love the colour, animals and food. Heat, crowds, long drives and stomach upsets are the main challenges. Keep itineraries slow, use a trusted driver, and choose hotels with pools and kids' menus.
What is the best time to visit India with kids? +
October to March for most of the country. It is cooler and drier, with good conditions in Rajasthan, Agra and Kerala. Summer is very hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain.
What day is the Taj Mahal closed? +
Fridays, when it is closed to tourists for prayers. Check the official website before you go, and plan an early sunrise visit on another day, since crowds build quickly after the gates open.
How many days do you need for India with kids? +
Ten days covers the Delhi, Agra and Jaipur route comfortably. Two weeks lets you add Kerala or another region. Avoid trying to see the whole country in one trip, since distances are large and travel days are long.