20 places your kids need to see in India when they are in school

Acquiring new experience should always be a part of growing up. As parents, we often think that admitting our kids in a good school is enough. But we fail to realize that there’s a whole world outside of schools and tuitions. Travelling is one of the best ways to expose your kids to these experiences and help them realize their special interests. School days are the times when you can help your kids find their ‘calling’ in life. This is when their creative genius is best revealed. Well, here’s a list of 20 such places that you should be taking your kids to when they are still in school.

School days are the times when you can help your kids find their ‘calling’ in life. This is when their creative genius is best revealed. Well, here’s a list of 20 such places that you should be taking your kids to when they are still in school.

1. All Aboard The Toy Train – Darjeeling

 

The Darjeeling Himalayan railway has come to be known as the “Toy Train” rides, running between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri. These railway tracks were laid between 1879 and 1881 and are one of the oldest of its kind in India. The special thing about the ride is the train itself.

Opposed to long trains that usually run across the length and breadth of the country, Darjeeling trains are small (mostly comprising of two compartments) and look somewhat like a fairy tale automobile. Running through the Himalayan terrain and breathtaking landscapes, it’s a must for anyone, regardless of his/her age.

What’s in it for kids?

If you are traveling with your family, especially with kids, this will be one of the most exciting parts of your Darjeeling trip. It’s an amusing mix of both fun and history and your kid might develop an interest in the same.

Best Time?

The best time for a Toy Train Ride in Darjeeling is in the winters. The rest of the year, it will either be too hot or too rainy. In the monsoons, the toy trains service stands canceled.

2. Yummy Chocolates – Ooty

Ooty hosts the first ever chocolate museum in India and what’s more thrilling is that you are allowed to take a bite from anything you find fancy! Known for their penchant of commemorating several chocolate festivals across the globe, the founders has taken their love for chocolate and chocolate making to a whole new level. The chocolate museum is located on the Ooty-Mysore road at Indunagar. Apart from displays of chocolates, the museum also informs about the several benefits of cocoa through a variety of interesting materials.

The chocolate museum is located on the Ooty-Mysore road at Indunagar. Apart from displays of chocolates, the museum also informs about the several benefits of cocoa through a variety of interesting materials.

What’s in it for kids?

Chocolates and kids go hand in hand but a visit to this museum will inform them more about the chocolate making history, processes. It’s all a constructive education and should inspire curiosity.

Best time?

Since Ooty offers a moderate and pleasant climate across the year, you can visit Ooty any time of the year. The best time is, however, the winters where the trip will be complimented by enriching landscapes.

3. Let’s Fly Away – Manali

 

Manali presents a landscape that will touch the senses of any outdoor lover. Complimented by the River Beas and a postcard location, this is the place if you have been waiting for some fun and adventures.

What’s in it for kids?

Depending on the age and physical condition of your child, you can buy them their first experience of zorbing, paragliding, and other relatively safe sports. They will also love to play in the snow at Rohtang Pass, not too far away!

Best time?

The best time to visit Manali with kids is between September and October. This is when you get the snow. However, if you are adverse to cold temperatures, April to June would also be a great pick.

4. Puppet Show – Udaipur

 

Puppetry is an old art form and is a favorite among most kids. While Udaipur offers several other opportunities for a traveler, Puppetry is the best way to expose your kids to the history and culture of the place. In some places, puppet shows are complimented by light and sound presentation – making it a wholesome experience.

What’s in it for kids?

While exploring the streets and following a guide might sound boring for a kid, learning new culture through something like a puppet show will always appeal more. When you are in Udaipur, that’s the best way to present the history, culture, and folklores related to the place. You might even want to add a boat ride to your things to do checklist.

Best time?

The best time to be at Udaipur is between September and March. The rest of the year might be too hot.

5. Feed the Camels – Jaisalmer

 

The golden sunsets of Jaisalmer have always been a top pick for travelers and explorers. However, if you are traveling with a kid, make sure you take a camel ride. Riding the dunes on a camel back is an experience that is cherished for a lifetime.

What’s in it for kids?

An overnight or morning desert safari on a camel back will be an exciting opportunity for any kid to understand and see the deserts. Feeding the camels is also the best way that will feel close to nature and grow a love for animals.

Best time?

Winters, starting from October and ending by Mach, would be the most comfortable time to be in the deserts.

6. Jumbo Elephant – Thekkady

 

Kerala has always been a top destination for family holidays. It’s not just the weather or the backwaters but also the range of experiences that await you across Kerala. Thekkady, in particular, has always been a favorite among kids since it gives them a chance to get closer to elephants. An elephant ride through the Thekkady jungles is an unforgettable experience.

What’s in it for kids?

If the elephant ride hasn’t been enough, take them on a backwater ride on a houseboat across the backwaters. Your kids will definitely return all excited!

Best time?

A winter is again the answer. Plan your trip between October and February.

7. Snow Slides – Auli

 

Auli has always been another top destination in India. If you are looking to experience the Himalayas and its snowscape, Auli is a great choice. You might even want to try out a snow slide!

What’s in it for kids?

If you are concerned about safety, worry not! There are trained and licensed operators who will b able to customize a snow slide for kids and beginners. Your kids will definitely love the experience.

Best time?

The best snow slides happen between January and March.

8. Red Red Strawberry – Mahabaleshwar

 

Mahabaleshwar is an exciting hill station, especially for kids. In there, there are a lot of unique activities in store. From hand picking and eating strawberries to horse riding, it’s a trip that will last a lifetime.

What’s in it for kids?

Take them to the top of the Mahabaleshwar tableland and let them breathe in the bounty of nature. Handpicking and eating red strawberries right from the bushes is something any kid will love! Horse riding in the green plains just adds to the excitement.

Best time?

Plan a trip between March and June for a comfortable experience.

9. Blue Waters – Tarkali

 

Situated in the Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra, Tarkali is one of the few coral beaches across the Indian coastline. The water is as clean as you would have ever seen and it would be a fun taking a splash. There’s no risk of drowning or falling ill as the water near the beach is shallow and is crystal clear!

What’s in it for kids?

There would be few kids who don’t love playing and splashing water! At Tarkali, it comes in its cleanest forms. For a grown up kid, there is a range of water sports opportunities lined up in this coast.

Best time?

October to March – the winter months

10. Adventures – Lonavala

 

Lonavala hosts one of the biggest amusement parks in the country. With several dozens of different rides, the Adlabs Imagica sure is a place that your kid will not want to come back from. If your kid is a fun-loving one, let him/her enjoy to their hearts’ content. After all, we all need to give space to our adrenaline rush!

What’s in it for kids?

A kid loves to scream his heart out – so let them! It will be a day full of fun and bonding. A cup of ice cream will be the perfect ending to the evening.

Best time?

Barring the monsoon months, this would be a destination that will be perfect any time of the year.

11. Walk in The Waters – Andaman and Nicobar Islands

 

The Andaman Islands are the perfect destination if you are a nature lover and are looking for a closer connection with the sea. With a long never ending stretch of pristine beaches, blue waters and swaying coconut trees, it makes a great destination for any family adventure.

What’s in it for kids?

Lets your kids walk in clear waters along the Andaman coast and explore the wildlife and nature around. While they will try to go deeper, be around to make it a safe experience. You might even buy them a snorkeling experience.

Best time?

The best time to be at Andamans is the winters, between the months of October and March.

12. Fairytale – Delhi

 

The capital of the country, Delhi can also be perfect for a fun-loving kid. Take them to the Kingdom of Dreams and help them make their fairytales come true, even if it is for a day. This is a place that will get them completely engrossed.

What in it for kids?

The Kingdom of Dreams hosts several shows throughout the day, all themed around fantasies and fairy tales. It’s something every kid will look starry eyed!

Best time?

The shows happen all round the year and any time would be perfect!

13. Fun Amusement Rides – Mumbai

 

Mumbai truly deserves the title of being the entertainment capital of the country. It’s not just about Bollywood but places like Essel World that will make the day of any kid. The amusement park offers a variety of rides in a range of difficulty levels.

What’s in it for kids?

Which kid wouldn’t love a day full of fun, rides, water splashes and ice creams!

Best time?

The rides are open across the year but it is best to avoid the monsoon months between June and August.

14. Bird My Friends – Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

 

The best way to inspire a love for nature in your kids is a trip to one of the wildlife sanctuaries. At Bharatpur in Rajasthan, you will witness birds of all sizes and colors busy in their usual activities but offering you an opportunity to witness the secrets of their living. The sanctuary is home to more than 400 species of birds, some of which come migrating from as far as Siberia.

What’s in it for kids?

Witnessing the bird chirps, walking across forest trails and feeding flamingoes are the ultimate kind of fun if your kid is someone who loves animals and wildlife.

Best time?

November to January is the time of the year when the sanctuary hosts migratory birds from across the world.

15. Tiger’s Nest – Jim Corbett National Park

 

Tiger is the national animal for a reason – it’s majestic, wild and awe-inspiring. The Jim Corbett National Park is one of the first sanctuaries for Indian Tigers and today, you can take a safari to see these beasts in their own wild habitats.

What’s in it for kids?

If seeing a tiger in the wild isn’t awe-inspiring, nothing else could be! It’s the perfect way to get them closer to respecting nature and wildlife.

Best time?

November to June is the best time of the year when tiger sightings in Jim Corbett are more frequent.

16. Rann Utsav – Rann of Kutch

 

Rann Utsav is the perfect opportunity to witness the unique culture of western India. It’s a weeklong festival of colors, dance, music, art, and revelry.

What’s in it for kids?

Kids will definitely love the ambiance of the festival. Do also compliment the experience with a night safari in the white desert.

Best Time?

Check the schedule for the next Rann Utsav Festival. It usually is held between December and February.

17. Taj Mahal – Agra

 

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahan is reminiscent of history, love, and art. It is something that every kid should see, not just in their history books, but for real. For the world, the Taj Mahal is a landmark that describes India!

What’s in it for kids?

Get them on a guided tour of the Taj Mahal to know its history in details. The stories that they tell will be fascinating. While you are there, also visit Fatehpur Sikri and other nearby monuments – there’s too much of history around.

Best time?

January to March is the most comfortable time of the year to explore the monuments around Agra.

18. Unexplored Territory – Sikkim

 

The north east part of India is certainly one of the most well kept natural and cultural secrets of the country and among the best places to visit. For someone interested, it can be a heaven of surprises. Sikkim is one of the easiest and safest landmarks to start your exploration of north-east India. It’s a load of natural beauty, ancient cultures, great food, and amazing people.

What’s in it for kids?

Give your kids the experience of minimalistic living and being close to nature. Sikkim is also the best base from your trip to neighboring natural landmarks like the Nathula Pass, Gangtok, Tsongmo Lake and more. You can also buy them a yak safari, a cable car ride or river rafting in Teesta.

Best time?

The best time to be in North East India is between March and June.

19. I Want to Be An Archeologist – Aurangabad

 

Perfect for grown-up kids who like to explore and are interested in history, Aurangabad presents the archeological wonders of Ajanta and Ellora. It’s one of the places in the world where you will find a monolithic cave structure. The Ajanta-Ellora Caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are a perfect opportunity for school kids to get a firsthand experience of Indian culture.

What’s in it for kids?

A guided tour of the caves and other excavation sites nearby can be a revealing experience for anyone interested. It’s the perfect start to their interest in History and ancient civilizations.

Best time?

Winters are pretty comfortable for a visit to these caves. Plan your trip between November and February.

20. Let’s Explore History – Raigad

 

Another historically significant place in India, Raigad speaks of valor and good governance. This is the place that was made supreme in its times by none other than Chatrapati Shivaji – the great ruler and warrior.

What’s in it for kids?

Apart from a hike to the top of the Raigad Fort, kids can enjoy ropeway rides. The fort gives a panoramic view of the neighboring landscape. Also take a trip to the nearby Gangasagar, Hirkani Buruj, Hatti Talav, Nane Darwaja, Khubladha Buruj, Maha Darwaja and the Statue of Shivaji.

Best time?

Winter months between November and February