There’s something magical about family vacations – the laughter, the bonding, the chaos, and the joy of discovering new places together. And when it comes to family travel, summer is the perfect time to pack your bags and escape the scorching heat or explore cooler hills, serene beaches, or cultural gems across India. 👨👩👦👦🌞
Whether you’re a parent looking for kid-friendly destinations, a multi-generational family planning a reunion trip, or just seeking that perfect balance of fun, comfort, and exploration, India has no shortage of amazing family travel spots.
So if you’ve been asking yourself, “Where should I take my family this summer?” – we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of top destinations to visit in India with family – complete with fun things to do, best attractions, and how to reach there by train!
Top Places to Visit in India with Family 🤩
🌄 Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Why it’s perfect for families:
Shimla is a summer favorite for families thanks to its cool climate, scenic hills, toy train rides, and colonial charm. It’s also easy to explore with kids and seniors alike.
Top attractions:
- Ride the Shimla-Kalka Toy Train (a UNESCO World Heritage experience!)
- Visit Jakhoo Temple and meet the friendly monkeys (from a distance!)
- Enjoy a stroll on Mall Road with ice cream and shopping
- Have a picnic at Kufri and enjoy snow activities if you go in early summer
How to reach by train: 🚂
Take a train to Kalka Railway Station, then hop on the Kalka-Shimla toy train for a beautiful mountain ride. Major trains like Kalka Mail and Shatabdi Express connect Kalka with Delhi and other big cities.
🐪 Jaipur, Rajasthan
Why it’s perfect for families:
Jaipur is colorful, safe, and full of stories to tell your kids – from royal palaces to elephant rides. It’s great for a culture-rich holiday.
Top attractions:
- Explore the Amber Fort with an elephant or jeep ride
- Visit the iconic Hawa Mahal and City Palace
- Shop for bangles, puppets, and souvenirs at Johari Bazaar
- Visit Chokhi Dhani for traditional Rajasthani food and entertainment
How to reach by train: 🚂
Jaipur is well-connected by train with most metro cities. You can take the Shatabdi Express, Ajmer Express, or Jaipur SF Express, depending on your location.
🐘 Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Why it’s perfect for families:
Want your kids to spot a tiger? Corbett is India’s oldest national park and a great mix of wildlife, nature, and family bonding.
Top attractions:
- Go on a jeep safari to spot tigers, elephants, and deer
- Enjoy a riverside picnic by the Kosi River
- Stay in fun jungle resorts with bonfire nights
- Visit the Corbett Museum and Garjia Temple
How to reach by train: 🚂
The nearest railway station is Ramnagar, which is directly connected to Delhi via Ranikhet Express, Corbett Park Link Express, and more.
🏖️ Goa
Why it’s perfect for families:
Think Goa is only for party-goers? Think again! With its beautiful beaches, kid-friendly resorts, water sports, and churches, Goa is a relaxed beach holiday spot for all age groups.
Top attractions:
- Spend time at clean, family-friendly beaches like Palolem and Benaulim
- Take a cruise on the Mandovi River
- Visit Dolphin Point for dolphin spotting
- Explore the old churches of Old Goa
How to reach by train: 🚂
Goa has multiple railway stations like Madgaon (Margao) and Thivim. Trains like Konkan Kanya Express, Mandovi Express, and Goa Express connect it with Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
Book trains on Paytm today!
🛶 Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala
Why it’s perfect for families:
Sail through the backwaters in a houseboat and let your family soak in nature’s calm. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of peaceful vacation.
Top attractions:
- Rent a houseboat stay with food and views included
- Visit the Alleppey Beach and nthe earby lighthouse
- Enjoy a canoe ride through small canals and village life
- Try delicious Kerala meals served on banana leaves
How to reach by train: 🚂
Take a train to Alappuzha Railway Station, well connected via Ernakulam (Kochi) or Trivandrum. Popular trains include Ernakulam Express, Alleppey Express, and Jan Shatabdi.
🌸 Darjeeling, West Bengal
Why it’s perfect for families:
A Himalayan gem, Darjeeling offers tea gardens, toy trains, and jaw-dropping views of Mount Kanchenjunga – ideal for family photos and memories.
Top attractions:
- Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
- Visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo (home to red pandas!)
- Walk around the Tea Gardens and visit a tea factory
- Go to Tiger Hill for sunrise views
How to reach by train: 🚂
Take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station. From NJP, hop onto the toy train to Darjeeling or take a taxi (approx 3 hours). Trains like Darjeeling Mail, Padatik Express, and North East Express connect NJP with major cities.
🏰 Mysore, Karnataka
Why it’s perfect for families:
Royal palaces, lush gardens, and a zoo – Mysore is compact, clean, and filled with interesting spots for kids and grandparents.
Top attractions:
- Visit the stunning Mysore Palace
- Spend a day at Mysore Zoo (one of the best in India)
- Check out the musical fountain at Brindavan Gardens
- Explore the nearby Chamundi Hills and St. Philomena’s Church
How to reach by train: 🚂
Mysore Junction is a well-connected station. Trains like Mysore Express, Chamundi Express, and Shatabdi Express run from Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Final Tips for Family Train Travel in India
- Book in advance on IRCTC or via trusted apps like Paytm to get confirmed seats, especially during summer holidays.
- Opt for AC classes for comfort during longer journeys.
- Carry games, books, and snacks to keep kids entertained.
- If traveling with elders, check for senior citizen concessions on tickets.
- Look out for stations with retiring rooms or lounge access if you have long stopovers.
Ready for Your Family Getaway? 🚂
India is full of family-friendly travel destinations waiting to be explored this summer. Whether you want hills, wildlife, beaches, or cultural adventures, there’s something for every family.
So, pack your bags, grab your train tickets, and make this summer the most memorable one yet! 👨👨👦🏞️
