10 Days in India - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Adventure in India's Golden Triangle

This family adventure is ideal for families visiting India for the first time and interested in hitting the classic Golden Triangle route. You'll find a balance of historical tours in Delhi and Jaipur, wildlife viewing in Agra and Ranthambore, and cultural experiences, including a block printing workshop. Pack your binoculars; this itinerary is also an excellent choice for budding bird-watchers, with opportunities to search for hundreds of species of birds in Chambal Sanctuary and Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary.

All aboard your first stop: the New Delhi National Rail Museum, where train-loving kids can explore the railway yard and ride a steam train. Tour other significant sites around the city, including the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, and learn about India's history. Meet the residents of the Sloth Bear Rescue Center en route to Agra, then let the kids stay out after dark for views of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh. Budding bird-watchers can spot some of the 316 bird species on a river safari at Chambal Sanctuary, and a wander through the carved doors and corridors of Agra Fort will ignite young imaginations. 

Let the kids stretch their legs as they explore Fatehpur Sikri on Day 5, and continue to Bharatpur and impress little artists with the peepal tree leaf paintings at the Government Museum. Task the kids with spotting birds, antelope, and other wildlife on a rickshaw ride through Keoladeo Ghana National Park before searching for tigers on a Ranthambore National Park Jeep safari. On Day 8, snap family photos as you tour the "Pink City" of Jaipur, then visit a traditional village where the kids can learn about daily life. Create family keepsakes in a block printing workshop and visit an elephant sanctuary before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: India's Monasteries & Mountains for Families

Families with a strong sense of adventure will appreciate the mountainous terrain, multiple monastery visits, and night camping at Pangong Lake on this North India itinerary. This is also an excellent option for families that are repeat visitors to India and looking for unique experiences, such as the camel ride and hot springs in Hundar. Given the high altitude (which can be physically challenging for some people) and the inclusion of active outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting, this may be best suited to families with adventurous, older children. 

Take a guided tour of the Red Fort, then refuel with Delhi favorites (momos are a popular choice for kids!). Catch a flight north to Leh, and ease into the higher elevation with a gentle walk and dinner at the bazaar. Check out the views and a two-story image of the Future Buddha on a monastery tour the next day, then take intrepid kids for a rafting excursion on the Indus River. Immerse in the sights and sounds of Buddhist culture during morning prayers at Thiksey Monastery, and test your archery skills at Shey Palace. Create another unique family memory as you drive along Khardung La—the world's highest motorable road.

Take a camel ride along the dunes of Hundar and a dip in the hot springs, where kids and adults will be in awe of the otherworldly landscapes of this "desert in the sky." Continue to the Nubra Valley and see the thangkas (Buddhist paintings) at Samstanling Gompa. Then it's to Pangong Lake for an afternoon immersed in nature and a family-friendly evening of bonfires, games, and camping. Return to Leh and spend your final full day in the lively markets where the kids can enjoy perusing the stalls, choosing handcrafted souvenirs, and sampling street food before departure for Delhi. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Fun in Kerala: South India's Backwaters to Beaches

The variety of activities on this itinerary of south India makes it an excellent option for families with a range of ages and interests. With cooking lessons, spice markets, and tea plantation visits, this trip is sure to satisfy the foodies in your family. There are also safaris to thrill wildlife lovers, village visits and sari demonstrations for those interested in culture, and a couple of leisurely days in Kovalkam for the beach lovers among you. 

Get the lay of the land and spot Fort Kochi, the Chinese Fishing Nets, and more on a sunset cruise in Cochin. Introduce the kids to local artisans, fishermen, and villagers with a visit to Kumbalangi, then taste Keralean cuisine before buying spices at the market to bring your favorite Kerala flavors home. Let the kids participate in a cooking class with a local family before heading to Munnar. Young naturalists can track the Nilgiri tahr (mountain goat) and visit Lakkom Waterfalls in Eravikulam National Park. The tea lovers among you will enjoy picking their own tea leaves at a 100-year-old plantation.  

Stop for a family picnic en route to Thekkady, then put your noses to the test and see who can identify the aromas found on a spice garden walk. Engage the kids with another evening of culture (and more delicious Indian food!) as they watch the art of sari wrapping, followed by a cooking demonstration and dinner. Search for elephants and monkeys on a game tour in Periyar National Park, then observe local life in the backwaters of Alappuzha before boarding your houseboat for the night. Say goodbye to the lake life and spend your final two days enjoying the beaches and seafood of Kovalam. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family Exploration of India: Mumbai, Aurangabad & Goa

This family exploration is best for families interested in visiting the cave temples, historic sites, and beaches of India's southwestern coast. Archaeology and art enthusiasts will be particularly excited about the opportunities to explore Elephanta, Ellora, and Ajanta caves. This itinerary also includes more leisure time, and it's perfect for those that prefer a slower pace and fewer hotel changes.  

Take a catamaran to Elephanta Caves and hear tales of Lord Shiva, then tour Mumbai's sites, find a spot on Juhu Beach to snack on street food (rolling and dipping dosa crepes is always fun for the kids!) and watch the sunset. Fly to Aurangabad and take your young archaeologists to Ellora Caves, where they can marvel at rock-cut Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cave temples before visiting Bibi ka Maqbara, a shrine that clever kids may notice looks similar to the Taj Mahal. Then it's time to inspire the artists among you with a visit to Ajanta Caves, where you'll find Buddhist carvings and paintings that date back to 480 CE.  

Catch a flight to Goa and hit the streets for a tour of UNESCO-listed North Goa, followed by a climb up the stairs at the Church of the Immaculate Conception for views and a family photo. In the evening, encourage your blossoming chefs to find their favorite street foods on a culinary tour. Spend a day at Palolem Beach and let the kids choose an activity, such as kayaking or a boat tour. Take a day trip to Divar Island, where your guide will lead you through villages, past paddy fields, and to temple ruins. Create more family memories with one last beach day and a little souvenir shopping in the markets. Learn more

More Great 10-Day India Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to India? Check out these other 10-day India itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and family-friendly tours to hit the highlights.