Summer vacations are here, and it’s the perfect time to hit pause and leave behind the chaos and heat! This is the perfect time to plan a family trip to relax and create lasting memories. If you are looking for the best places to visit in India during summer with family, our travel bloggers have curated just the right list for you. Also, we have added some great travel hacks like family accommodations, infant travel essentials, food, and much more.
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10 Best Places To Visit with Family in India
1. Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand – Best Places to Visit in India with Family 2025
We have all been to Nainital on a family vacation, but 180 km ahead of Nainital lies the scenic town of Pithoragarh. With an array of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, this peaceful town is just 10 hrs away from Delhi, making it perfect for a summer family vacation. But if you don’t want to drive yourself, you can easily get buses and cabs to Pithoragarh from Delhi distance as well.
Your first day should start with a trip to Pithoragarh Fort. Located uphill, this fort provides a lovely scenic view of the city, along with the best sunsets. After a tour of the fort, you should head to the Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple, which is believed to have been constructed centuries ago. Admire the traditional architecture along with breathtaking views of the Soar valley. But for the best clicks of the valley, you must visit the Chandak Cross Point. Make your afternoons a little active with a trek to the Chandak Hills, admiring the Mostamanu Temple on the way. Further ahead of the temple is the Bhurmuri Dafaali Waterfall. If you’re up for an adventure, then the Bhurmuri Dafaali trek can be a great experience, but if you’re traveling with kids, you can travel through the outskirts for a more comfortable path. You can book your hotels near Main Chowk to access all these places comfortably through local jeeps and cab services.
Places to Visit Pithoragarh
Pitoragarh Fort, Chandak Hills, Mostamanu Temple, Dhwaj temple, Girija Devi Temple
Weather in Pithoragarh
March – June: Moderately Warm (7 – 20 °C)
December to March: Freezing Cold (-1 – 14 °C)
How to Reach Pithoragarh
By Road – 499 km from Delhi (11 hours Drive)
By Train – Nearest Railway Station – Tanakpur (138 km)
By Air – Nearest Airport – Naini-Saini Airport (4.5 km)
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2. Kandaghat, Himachal Pradesh – Best Places to Visit in India with Family 2025
If you’re headed to Shimla to enjoy a cool summer vacation, then you must pay a visit to Kandaghat Himachal Pradesh. If you’re travelling from Delhi, you’ll find this beautiful town 2 hours away from Chandigarh. Located just 40 minutes from Shimla, Kandaghat is a great place for people who want a stay away from the huge tourist crowds of Shimla. This off-beat hill station houses one of the most historic artifacts of the Anglo-Indian architecture, the Kandaghat Railway Station. The station is located on the Kalka Shimla Railway and still functions with more than 100-year-old equipment. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must, as it also offers scenic views of the Shivalik Hills. Kandaghat weather is quite pleasant all year round, it’s a good escape from city dust and pollution.
Chail is just an hour away from Kandaghat, which means you can take your family for a scenic drive. You can enjoy a visit to Maharaj Bhupendra’s palace, also known as the famous ‘Chail Palace’. Yes, the same one portrayed as Chanchar Mansion in the movie ‘3 idiots’. You can also access multiple tourist attractions from Kandaghat, including the Gurudwara Sahib in Solan, the Hanuman temple in Shoghi, the Christ Church, and the Kali Mata temple. While enjoying the beautiful weather in Kandaghat, don’t forget to try Lakshmanjee’s famous ‘chana barfi’ for a delightful sweet treat.
Places to Visit in Kanda Ghat
Chail Palace, Christ Church, Kali Mata Temple, Hanuman temple, Gurudwara Sahib
Weather in Kanda Ghat
March – June: Warm (17 – 30 °C)
November to February: Cool Weather (3 – 15 °C)
How to Reach Kanda Ghat
By Road – 366 km from Delhi (7 hours drive)
By Train – Nearest Railway Station – Kanda Ghat
By Air – Nearest Airport – Chandigarh International Airport (95 km)
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3. Gushaini, Uttarakhand – Best Places to Visit in India with Family 2025
Gushaini is a great place for enjoying your summer vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although the town is 500 km away from Delhi, the 12-hour drive becomes worth it, once you set your eyes on the scenic beauty of Gushaini, one of the best places to visit in India. This small village is perfect for explorers as Gushaini is home to many beautiful routes. You can head to Nagini, Chalogi, Mungla, and village-hop to witness some amazing sites.
You can experience an adventure at the Chhoie Waterfall trek. Although it might be a little crowded, the view at the waterfall makes up for it. Another peaceful destination is Batahad, which is also the starting point of the Bashleo Pass Trek. You can also go to Galingcha, which is another village offering scenic views of the beautiful Tirthan Valley. If you’re with kids or the elderly, you can access this place by road, but for the adventurous spirits, there is also a short yet steep trek downhill. For the same adventure-hungry souls, Gushaini has multiple treks, including the Bashleo Pass Trek and the GHNP Gate Trek. These treks are easy to cover in one day, making them perfect for a family adventure.
Places to Visit in Gushaini
Chhoie Waterfall, Phalachan Valley, Galingcha, Chehni Kothi
Weather in Gushaini
March – June: Warm (17 – 26 °C)
November to February: Cool Weather (3 – 15 °C)
How to Reach Gushaini
By Road – 523 km from Delhi (11 hours drive)
By Train – Nearest Railway Station – Chandigarh (180 km)
By Air – Nearest Airport – Kangra (196 km)
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4. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand – Best Places to Visit in India with Family 2025
An 8 – 9 hour drive from Delhi can take you and your family to a scenic hill station, known for its cool summers. Mukteshwar offers the natural beauty of the hills, adventure activities, and a peaceful retreat from the summer heat. With many tales about Lord Shiva’s tandav and Goddess Kali’s battles, Mukteshwar is the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
When you reach Mukteshwar, your first stop should be the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple. Admire the beauty of this temple, where it’s believed that Lord Shiva gave the knowledge of yoga and meditation to the people. You can also participate in the rituals, including pooja and Darshan. Next stop should be Chauli Ki Jali, the best place for both social media fanatics and adventure lovers. Here, you can enjoy multiple adventure activities like zip line, rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, and more. You can also enjoy beautiful photography of the scenic view, along with a perfect sunset. You’re next destination should be Bhalu Gaad waterfall, a huge 50m waterfall. If you love trekking, swimming, or simply enjoying a lovely view, you can experience all of it at Bhalu Gaad. During the peak season, bookings for Mukteshwar hotels can be a hassle, so book your accommodation in advance.
Places to Visit in Mukteshwar.
Mukteshwar Dham Temple, Chauli Ki Jali, Bhalugaad Waterfall, Mukteshwar Jain Mandir
Weather in Mukteshwar
March – June: Warm (15 – 25 °C)
November to February: Cold Weather (0 – 10 °C)
How to Reach Mukteshwar
By Road – 340 km from Delhi (8 hours drive)
By Train – Nearest Railway Station – Kathgodam (61 km)
By Air – Nearest Airport – Pantnagar (90 km)
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5. Harsil, Himachal Pradesh – Best Places to Visit in India with Family 2025
If a place had to be associated with the phrase ‘the higher the climb, the better the view’, it would be Harsil Valley. Located almost 500 km from Delhi, a 12 hour drive to Harsil gives you the unreal views of Mt Bandarpoonch and Mt Srikant.
Apart from tasty apples and freezing weather, Harsil Valley is also famous for its historical trade routes with Tibet. With summers being pleasantly cool and the winters being super cold, the scenic beauty of Harsil Valley can be enjoyed the entire year. One of the main attractions is Gartang Gali, a sidewalk bridge which was a part of the Indo-Tibet Salt Route. On your way back, make sure to pay a visit to the Laxmi Narayan Temple and learn about the mythological lore of how Lord Vishnu defeated the demon Jalandhar. On the next day, start your journey by visiting the nearby villages, including Dharali, Mukhba, and Bagori Village. Visit the Kalp Kedar Mandir, built by the Pandavas, and the Mukhba temple, which is the winter abode of Goddess Ganga. A must-visit destination is the Mandakini Waterfalls, which were also featured in the movie ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’, and on your way back to Harsil, you can cover the lovely view from the Sukkhi top.
Places to Visit in Harsil
Gartang Gali, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Bagori Village, Kal Kedar Mandir, Mukhba temple, Sukkhi Top
Weather in Harsil
March – June: Pleasant & cool winds (5 – 20 °C)
December to February: Heavy Snowfall (-10 – 10 °C)
How to Reach Harsil
By Road – 497 km from Delhi (12 hours drive)
By Train – Nearest Railway Station – Dehradun (215 km)
By Air – Nearest Airport – Jolly Grant, Dehradun (232 km)
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6. Munsyari, Uttarakhand – Best Places to Visit in India with Family 2025
Hidden in the Kumaon hills Uttarakhand is the beautiful town of Munsyari. This alluring valley, surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, is one of the best hill stations to spend your summers at. Sure, the 630 km drive can be challenging, but the view and vibe of the place make every minute spent travelling worth it.
Start your first day with a trek to the Nanda Devi Temple. Munsyari is the base camp for the Nanda Devi trek, and you can reach the beautiful view after trekking for only 3 km. Another easy trek with a highly rewarding view is the Khaliya Top Trek. Famous among both domestic and international tourists, Khaliya Top offers an amazing view of the snowline and one of the best sunrises ever. If you are planning to stay for the sunrise, make sure you take a guide with you as the path to the top is easy, but not well defined (they only charge around Rs 500/-). If you are up for some more trekking adventures in Munsyari, then the Milan Glacier Trek, Ralam Glacier Trek, and Namik Glacier Trek are worth checking out. Since Munsyari is slightly difficult to reach, getting a Pantnagar from Delhi flight will help you save some time spent travelling. Even so, make sure you set aside 4 to 5 days for a trip to Munsyari.
Places to Visit in Munsyari
Panchachuli Peaks, Birthi Falls, Balanti Potato Farm, Khaliya Top, Nanda Devi Temple
Weather in Munsyari
March – June: Pleasant & cool winds (15 – 25 °C)
December to February: Heavy Snowfall (-12 – 15 °C)
How to Reach Munsyari
By Road – 627 km from Delhi (15 hours drive)
By Train – Nearest Railway Station – Kathgodam (278 km)
By Air – Nearest Airport – Pantnagar (315 km)
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7. Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand – Best Places to Visit in India with Family 2025
If you’re looking for a fast, convenient, and comfortable weekend getaway with the family, then Naukuchiatal should be at the top of your list. ‘The lake with nine corners’ is around 300 km away from Delhi, making a quick, relaxing visit to the place super easy.
On your first day, explore the vibrant lakes, including the Bhimtal and Sattal lakes. While taking in the beautiful view of the lakes, you can also try multiple adventure activities, including boating, kayaking, zip-lining, swimming, cycling, and more. After a fill of these adventurous activities, visit the multiple lakeside and lakeview Cafes, offering a variety of cuisine. From a traditional Kumaoni Thali to Pizzas and Pastas, you can have a hearty and delicious meal here with multiple veg and non-veg options. If you’re a spiritual person or someone who loves to admire ancient architecture, keep your second day free to visit the many temples, including the Bhimeshwar temple, Naina Devi temple, and Hanuman temple. A pro tip for all the photographers, you can catch the best sunset just 8 km away from Naukuchiatal at Jungligaon. Keep the last day of your itinerary for relaxing nature walks and street shopping to grab the best souvenirs for your loved ones. And who knows, maybe you can look at all nine corners of the lake and attain Nirvana!
Places to Visit in Naukuchiatal
Bhimtal, Sattal, Jungligaon, Hanuman Temple, Naina Devi Temple, Bhimeshwar Temple
Weather in Naukuchiatal
March – June: Pleasant & cool winds (10 – 27 °C)
December to February: Freezing Temperatures (3 – 15 °C)
How to Reach Naukuchiatal
By Road – 320 km from Delhi (8 hours drive)
By Train – Nearest Railway Station – Kathgodam (5 km)
By Air – Nearest Airport – Pantnagar (70 km)
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8. Khirsu, Uttarakhand – Best Places to Visit in India with Family 2025
Everyone wants a quiet family trip in the summer, to stay away from the crowd and have a relaxing vacation in the lap of nature. Such a family getaway can be enjoyed in Khirsu, a town just 40 km below Srinagar, Garhwal (yes, Garhwal has a Srinagar too!). Just 350 km from Delhi, Khirsu is the perfect destination for a relaxing family vacation or a weekend getaway with friends.
One thing to remember is that Khirsu is not the ideal destination for people who think of a trip as lavish hotels and fancy restaurants, but if you are explorers who love to lie in the lap of nature, you’ll love Khirsu. Apart from beautiful scenic backgrounds and a spectacular view of the Himalayas, Khirsu also has a lovely cultural heritage with a lot of temples that you can visit. You can start with the Ghandiyal Devta Temple, dedicated to the Ghandiyal Devta, a major attraction in the Pauri Garhwal area. On your second day, head straight to Devalgarh, an ancient town located 16km from Khirsu. Here you can visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple, the Gauri Devi temple, and the Rajeshwari temples. On your last day, relax as you visit the Nature park in Khirsu. With a dedicated play area for kids, you can let your little ones have fun while you take in the splendor of the mountains. Another great temple is the Jwalpa Devi temple, located on the Pauri Kotdwar route. This temple is highly crowded during the Navratris, giving the tourists an amazing sight to behold. A visit here might take you a bit off course on your way back home, so you can skip it if you’re on a time crunch.
Places to Visit in Khirsu
Nature Park, Devalgarh, Ghandiyal Devta Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Gauri Devi Temple,
Weather in Khirsu
April – June: Warm weather (29 – 45 °C)
October to January: Freezing Temperatures (0 – 25 °C)
How to Reach Khirsu
By Road – 350 km from Delhi (9 hours drive)
By Train – Nearest Railway Station – Rishikesh (132 km)
By Air – Nearest Airport – Jolly Grant, Dehradun (145 km)
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9. Jispa, Himachal Pradesh – Best Places to Visit in India with Family 2025
A trip to Jispa is perfect for families who go the extra mile to find new adventures. Jispa is a scenic and peaceful village along the Leh-Manali Highway, offering beautiful landscapes, snowy peaks, and untouched Himalayan beauty. It’s around 580 km from Delhi and a perfect retreat for adventure-loving families, especially those with young teenagers.
On your first Day, traverse around the Bhaga River and soak in the scenic views of the valley. After that, you can explore the Jispa Monastery and the Jispa Rural Housing Museum, offering a glimpse into the local culture of the Lahaul people. You can indulge in riverside camping with your family and enjoy the beautiful scenery with the local cuisine of Jispa, including thukpa and momos. And don’t forget to try some hot Siddu with ghee while you’re there. At night, gaze into the endless starry sky and enjoy a lovely bonfire with your family. On your next day, you can explore the Tandi village, where the Chandra and Bhaga rivers meet. You can also head to Suraj Tal while exploring Deepak Tal on the way. These beautiful lakes lie only an hour away from Jispa. All in all, Jispa can be a perfectly peaceful retreat for everyone.
Places to Visit in Jispa
Kardang Monastery, Gandhola Monastery, Buddhist Stupas, Bhaga River, Suraj Tal Lake
Weather in Jispa
April – June: Warm weather (29 – 45 °C)
October to January: Freezing Temperatures (0 – 25 °C)
How to Reach Jispa
By Road – 350 km from Delhi (9 hours drive)
By Train – Nearest Railway Station – Joginder Nagar (160 km)
By Air – Nearest Airport – Bhuntar Airport, Kullu Manali (145 km)
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10. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh – Best Places to Visit in India with Family 2025
If an unending scenic view is your idea of a perfect vacation, the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’ is waiting for you. Khajjiar is a picture-perfect meadow between Dalhousie and Chamba, surrounded by endless greenery and beautiful lakes. Khajjiar is almost 570 km from Delhi, meaning it can be a relaxing 11-hour drive.
You can visit the serene Khajjiar Lake, surrounded by deodar trees and grazing ponies. It is the perfect picnic spot for anyone who loves a quiet retreat in the lap of nature. For adventure-loving families, zorbing, horse riding, and paragliding are available. But make sure you don’t give in to the vast restaurants in Khajjiar right before your adventurous endeavours, but after that, you can enjoy a wide variety of street food. While Maggi and Chai are the go-to snacks for vegetarians, non-veg lovers can get some amazing fried chicken and fish options. On the next day, you can visit the Khajji Nag Temple nearby, which dates back to the 12th century and features stunning wood carvings. You can also explore the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary nearby for short treks and a chance to spot the native wildlife.
Places to Visit in Khajjiar
Khajjiar Lake, Khajji Nag Temple, Dainkund Peak, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Panchpula
Weather in Khajjiar
March – June: Cool and comfortable (15 – 25 °C)
December – February: Very cold with snowfall (-5 – 10 °C)
How to Reach Khajjiar
By Road – 570 km from Delhi (12 hours drive)
By Train – Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot (118 km)
By Air – Nearest Airport: Gaggal, Kangra (120 km)
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Planning & Packing for Family Travel 2025
While going on a family vacation (especially with kids), it’s very crucial to understand that you won’t be able to cover everything. And if you’re going for hectic travels and jam-packed tourist spots, you’re planning for a burnout. Explore best places to visit in summer that are off-beat and lesse known and aim for just 1-2 activities per day. Calculate the travel times, the distance between two activities, and if it allows for ample rest time, add a third one at max. Because rushing your travels only takes the fun out of it. Keep a buffer of some hours for meals, snack breaks, and if you have toddlers, a little nap time as well. Choose hotels at a central location, with easy access to all the tourist sites for less travelling and more enjoyment.
Now that we know how to plan for our travel, lets discuss what all we should pack, and no, the answer is not everything in sight. If you’re travelling with toddlers or infants, a stroller or a baby carrier is a must, especially if you’re planning for nature walks or moderate hikes. Talking about toddlers, they can be super active and super messy at the same time. So keep a set of extra clothes ready. Just a pair is enough.
Also, don’t pack anything and everything just because it’s there. When you’re travelling to hill stations in the summer, you don’t exactly need a lot of sun protection; just a normal sunscreen is fine. But a good moisturizer is a must. Carrying cutlery is a waste of space, as you can find it easily at every dine-in you visit. However, a compact first aid kit should always be in your bag. Not with anything fancy, just everything basic – antiseptic creams, band aids, and medication for your allergies (if you have any).
Family Travel Tips: Hacks for route, accommodations, food, and more.
Travel fatigue is a real thing, but if planned right, long family road trips and train journeys can be really enjoyable. If you’re driving to your destination, then make sure you pick the best route. And by best, we mean the shortest, safest, and well-developed route, because in interstate travel, a simple wrong turn can lead to a huge detour. Mark the rest stops every 2 – 2.5 hours for meals, bathroom breaks, or just a breath of fresh air for the people with motion sickness. Use apps like Google Maps and make sure you have your route saved offline. Also, add essentials like neck pillows and window covers to make the in-transit naps more comfortable.
When planning family travel in India, always double-check the weather for your chosen vacation places in India, as it’s easy to underestimate how much the temperature can vary, especially in the hills or during monsoon. For families planning a family trip in India by train, booking tickets in advance and choosing lower berths or private compartments can make the journey more comfortable for everyone.
Now, music can make or break every road trip. Have an offline playlist with soothing travel tracks. If you have toddlers or infants, a few videos from Cocomelon or their favorite cartoon shows can be lifesavers when they get a little irritated or cranky. Other than that, a little snack time on the road is also an important thing. Pack a few snacks like potato chips, rice Krispies, candies (a lot of them), and a few beverages of your choice. Make sure you have enough water for everyone at all times, along with a medication for vomits and sickness.
FAQs About Family Travel 2025
What are the best places to visit in India during summer with family?
Some of the best places to visit in India with family during summer include Naukuchiatal, Mukteshwar, Khajjiar, and Munsiyari.
Which are the best holiday destinations near Delhi for a family trip in India?
Top family-friendly destinations near Delhi include Kandaghat, Naukuchiatal, and Mukteshwar.
What are the ideal vacation places in India to visit with infants during summer?
Places with mild climates and shorter travel times, like Naukuchiatal, Pithoragarh, and Kandaghat, are ideal for families traveling with infants.
Which is the best place for a 3 days trip in India during summers?
For a short summer trip, Mukteshwar is a top pick. Just a few hours from Nainital, it offers panoramic views, fruit orchards, and relaxed treks.
How is Naukuchiatal weather during summers for a family holiday?
Naukuchiatal enjoys pleasant temperatures ranging between 18–27°C in summer, making it perfect for boating, lakeside walks, and light outdoor adventures with kids.
Why should families consider Mukteshwar for summer vacation places in India?
Mukteshwar is serene, uncrowded, and surrounded by orchards and forest trails.
What makes Kandaghat one of the best places to visit in India in June with family?
Kandaghat, nestled near Shimla, is peaceful, less commercialized, and perfect for a June trip.
Is Jispa suitable for a family trip in India during the summer months?
Yes, Jispa is perfect for a family trip in India during the summer months.
What family holiday packages in India are available for popular places like Khajjiar or Munsyari?
Platforms like MakeMyTrip offer curated Holiday packages for Khajjiar and Munsyari. Get an additional 7% off on holiday packages with MakeMyTrip Gift Cards from GyFTR.
How to choose accommodations like hotels or resorts in Naukuchiatal and Pitoragarh for family travel?
Use FabHotels or MakeMyTrip gift cards on GyFTR to book resorts with reviews, amenities, and flexible check-ins.
Conclusion
Whether you pick the closest summer travel destination or the longer drives to a more scenic view, with the ideas and hacks in this blog, you’re already a step ahead in making your next summer vacation smoother and more enjoyable.
And to make things even easier, don’t forget to use GyFTR Gift Cards for additional savings. Whether it’s on a flight booking from MakeMyTrip or a cozy hotel room from FabHotels, save instantly while keeping things flexible and convenient.
So go ahead! Start planning, start packing, and let this summer be the one your family talks about for years to come.
