Diwali vacations are just around the corner. Make the most of these holidays and introduce your kids to something new.
The weather is getting better and the schools are closing for Diwali vacations. What better time than now to take your kids to all the places they’ve read about in their textbooks? So, without much ado, here are 10 places to travel to in India with your little ones!
1. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Photograph courtesy: Utsav Verma/Creative Commons
As the only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a popular tourist destination. There’s a lot to do in Abu with your children. Go trekking or for a hike or if you’re an adventure-seeking family, Mount Abu offers some thrilling rock-climbing opportunities. If that doesn’t interest you, take a boat ride in the Nakki Lake and a visit to the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. What better way to bond with your children during the Diwali vacations than amidst nature?
2. Shimla, Himchal Pradesh
Photograph courtesy: Bill Cunningham/Creative Commons
Snow + kids = fun! Well, mostly! But think of it really, how many city kids do you know of who don’t like the snow? Shimla also offers some great opportunities for trekking, camping and river rafting. And if all else fails, there’s always the Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park to fall back on.
3. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Photograph courtesy: Jag Pee/Creative Commons
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is one of the most popular national parks in India. Bandhavghar National Park has one of the highest densities of Bengal Tigers, making them easy to spot. It is also home to several species of birds. Carry your binoculars along, go bird-watching and introduce your kids to the majestic beast.
4. Goa
Photograph courtesy: Amit Rawat/Creative Commons
Goa may have a reputation for being the party capital of India. But when it comes to the historic churches and chapels, adventure and water sports and scenic forts, Goa is definitely a destination to visit with your kids. Visit the serene beaches and take a swim with your kids. Don’t forget to pack your child’s shovel and bucket, you don’t want to miss the opportunity of building a sand castle with your kid, do you?
5. Munnar, Kerala
Photograph courtesy: Nikky Stephen/Creative Commons
There’s a lot to do with your kids in Munnar besides walking around the tea plantations. It is, after all, a great destination for paragliding. Apart from that, Munnar is surrounded by more national parks and sanctuaries than you can count! Let’s see, there’s Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary, Pampadam Shola National Park and of course the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Why wouldn’t you want your kids to be close to nature?
6. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Photograph courtesy: Sri Dhanush/Creative Commons
This UNESCO World Heriage Site, is famous for its one-horned rhino. But that’s something we (and our kids) have only read about in their school text books. This Diwali, let your children see what they’ve only studied. By itself, Assam serves as a great getaway and a good introduction to India’s largely neglected north east Indian states. A Diwali vacation with your family that comes with a lesson in geography? What else can you ask for?
7. Amritsar, Punjab
Photograph courtesy: Manuel Forget/Creative Commons
Diwali at Amritsar is celebrated on a huge scale. It is believed to be the time of the year, when Guru Hargobind freed himself from Mughal custody. The Golden Temple is lit up during the festival. The fireworks show is a must-watch and a meal at the langar is something you cannot miss, obviously! So, this Diwali, introduce your children to a new culture! There’s no better gift than this!
8. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Photograph courtesy: Arindam Bhattacharya/Creative Commons
India’s first national park, Jim Corbett holds a special space among the nature reserves in India. Named after the legendary British hunter-turned-conservationist, author and naturalist, the park is where Project Tiger was initiated. The Jeep Safari and the Elephant Safari at the national park are worth your and your kid’s time!
9. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Photograph courtesy: Amit Rawat/Creative Commons
Rajasthan’s only living fort is itself a treat to visit, for children and adults alike. But the fantastic part about taking your kids to Jaisalmer is you can watch magnificent firework display either from the fort or with the fort as the backdrop. Let this Diwali vacation also double up as a lesson in history and culture. From the Patwon ki Haveli to the Jain temples and a desert safari, Jaisalmer offers a glimpse into the rich culture of the Rajputs. And oh, if none of that works, a little spooky tour of the abandoned village of Kuldhara can always bring some excitement to your Diwali.
10. Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Photograph courtesy: Parthiv Haldipur/Creative Commons
From paragliding, skating and zorbing to trekking and camping, Solang Valley in Himachal Pradesh is the ultimate destination for the adventure-seeking soul. If you want to introduce your child to adventure activities and bring them close to nature, Solang Valley has multiple camping options; pick one according to your and your child’s comfort.
So here’s to making the Diwali vacations of 2015 more memorable than all the ones gone before!
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