Family vacations are often our most memorable childhood trips. The joy of packing as the vacation date inches closer, the thrill of going sightseeing, clicking family photos and coming back with a bag full of memories and souvenirs are things that every family must experience. With the winter season setting in in India and the holidays nearing thanks to Christmas and New Year’s, it is time to pack your bags and leave again for a family vacation. India is home to a number of destinations that are perfect for a family winter vacation. Here’s where we recommend you holiday with your clan. ALSO SEE Snow places in India
Shimla
Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in the country for a reason. It has a breathtaking landscape of the hills, valleys and river and peaks. Shimla has been over-commercialized over the years thanks to the influx of tourists visiting the hill station which has resulted in a number of hotels cropping up everywhere. However, the winter season sees less number of travelers as the temperature dips. You can click photos dressed in traditional Himachal attire that is available on rent, ride a yak and enjoy adventure activities like ice skating and trekking. There is also a toy train ride you can enjoy from Kalka to Shimla. Shimla can be freezing cold in the winters so do pack your woollens.
ALSO SEE How to book tickets for Shimla toy train
Darjeeling
For a relaxing family vacation, consider Darjeeling which is known for its relaxed paced of life and abundant natural beauty. A visit here begins with a toy train ride that offers a scenic route to the hill station. Darjeeling has several sightseeing attractions to offer for the entire family. The Singalila National Park is one place to visit to spot red panda and families can even camp here to get a feel of living in the wild. The Happy Tea Valley Garden is a place for tea lovers where you can buy some of the finest blends of tea leaves produced in the region. Do sample momos of different kinds when here. December can be pretty cold so do carry your warm clothes.
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Mussoorie
Another popular destination to explore with your family is Mussoorie that offers scenic natural beauty and a pleasant to cold climate in winter. In fact, in some parts of the hill station, you can also expect to see snow. It has a ropeway that takes you to Snow View Point where you can click amazing family photos. Lal Tibba is the higest peak in Mussoorie from where you can get a panoramic view of the hill station. The colonial architecture and the old-world charm of the place will leave you mesmerized and you can even stay in a hotel that was once a villa or bungalow during British Raj. Do carry winter essentials along.
ALSO SEE Best hotels in Mussoorie
Mahabaleshwar
If you do not prefer too cold regions and would rather vacation in a place that is pleasant but not biting cold, you should consider Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. Another hill station, it is known for its panoramic views and cool climate not to forget the abundance of strawberries grown here. Every few kilometres you will find big and small strawberry farms. Mapro Gardens is where you can stop for a scrumptious bite, kids will surely love this treat. Boating is another fun family activity you can enjoy at the Venna Lake. Mahabaleshwar has several sightseeing points that offer scenic views of the peaks so make sure you visit all of them.
ALSO SEE 3-star resorts in Mahabaleshwar
Jim Corbett National Park
If you have already done hill stations and beaches, go for a wildlife family vacation this time to Jim Corbett National Park. Here, you can spot several species of animals and birds including the royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic elephant, black bear, hog deer and more. The national park is the oldest one in the country and is huge which is why the area reserved for tourists is divided into five zones. There are lodges where you can stay but make sure you have prior bookings as winter is the peak season to visit the national park. Camping here and going for tiger safaris will be an enriching experience for the kids.
ALSO SEE How to reach Jim Corbett National Park
Nainital
Called the Lake District of India, Nainital is famous as a family vacation destination all-year-round thanks to its pleasant climate. Winters can be on the colder side but still remain bearable. The Naini Lake is where you can go boating and take some memorable family photos. Besides this, there are several temples that you can visit including the famous Kainchi Temple. When here and when it comes to sightseeing attractions, there are points like Jeolikot and Pankot that offer a glimpse of the Kumaon Hills and beautiful lakes. Nainital is perfect for a relaxing vacation where you enjoy nature’s bliss and come back with beautiful photographs that can be framed.
Ganpatipule
Planning a road trip from Mumbai with your family? Ganpatipule is a beach getaway that can be explored easily when you do not have too many days in hand. It will take you about five-six hours to get there so three to four days are enough to relax here. Bear in mind that it is a temple town and several pilgrims come here to pay their respects but Ganpatipule is home to a pristine beach that is not too crowded. Winter season is a refreshing change from the summer heat and you can take a long stroll, play Frisbee, build sand castles and go for a swim in the sea. Book a stay in the resorts here, MTDC is a recent budget option with clean rooms and is very close to the beach.
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