1 Week in India - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

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

Perfect for adventurous families who love embracing new cultures, this weeklong family adventure gets you out exploring the best of India's famed Golden Triangle. With two days each in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, the entire family will delight in activity-packed days exploring ancient sites and natural marvels. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, travel by tuk-tuk, rickshaw, and atop friendly elephants, cook and eat alongside a local family, and let children's imaginations run wild on this carefully curated family trip.

Welcome to India! Your weeklong family trip begins with two days in New Delhi, where you'll introduce your little explorers to an exciting new world at Qutub Minar and the Kingdom of Dreams. On your second day in the capital city, let a friendly local guide lead the way as your kids' imaginations soar during a visit to the National Railway Museum, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, and the intricate Humayun's Tomb. Next, hit the road to Agra, stopping by the fascinating Sloth Bear Rescue Center along the way, and enjoy an evening whizzing around on a tuk-tuk and exploring Mehtab Bagh and Agra Bazaar.

Wake early the following day for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal; then, after a hearty breakfast, surprise young wildlife adventurers with a river safari through the Chambal Sanctuary. Your family's excitement will be hard to contain the following morning as you explore Bharatpur's famous Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary by rickshaw before continuing to Jaipur. Delight kids with an elephant ride at Amer Fort, a puppet show in the City Palace, and an afternoon at Elephantastic, feeding and bathing these gentle giants until it's time to transfer to New Delhi to catch your flight home. Learn more

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

Soak up the fresh mountain air and discover the "desert in the sky" on this northern India focused trip, ideal for active families. Children of all ages will delight in exploring by camel, bouncing down the Indus River on a whitewater rafting trip, and wandering ancient monasteries. Plus, with an overnight at a luxury camp on the edge of Pangong Tso and a hike to Yarab Tso Lake, parents and kids alike will cherish uninterrupted family time together, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

After arriving in Leh, your family adventure begins with a leisurely day adjusting to the high altitude during a guided stroll of the historic Royal Palace and the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Keep the guided exploration going the following day, where a visit to Shakyamuni Buddha and Shey Palace allows the whole gang to try out their archery skills, or for families with extra adventurous kids, spend the afternoon rafting down the Indus River. Next on the agenda is a transfer to Hundar in the Nubra Valley, and kids will agree there's no better way to explore this "desert in the sky" than riding atop a camel. 

There's more to see in the Nubra Valley, so wake the family early on Day 4 and head out to explore the cliff top Diskit Monastery, followed by a memorable afternoon enjoying mountain views at Yarab Tso Lake, reachable only by hike. Next, hit the road to Pangong Tso and surprise your little ones with an overnight in a luxury camp, where you'll spend the day discovering the area and meeting other fun-loving families. Somehow, your last full day has rolled around, so after a transfer back to Leh, you'll squeeze in an exciting evening roaming Leh Market before catching your flight home the following day. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Fun in Southern India: Backwaters & Beaches of Kerala

Families looking for a perfect mix of beach, culture, and wildlife will love this well-rounded itinerary exploring southern India. From guided village walks and cooking classes to an epic martial arts show, each day promises new experiences and memorable interactions with locals. Top that with an overnight onboard a houseboat and two leisurely beach days in Kovalam, and you've got a recipe for an unforgettable family adventure filled with off-the-beaten-path moments.

Kick off your adventure in Cochin, where your family will shake off jet lag during a sunset cruise, marveling at the Chinese Fishing Nets and the Cochin Shipyard. Settled in, it's time to immerse little explorers in local life with a visit to the island village of Kumbalangi and a tour of Mattanchery before ending the day cooking alongside a Keralan family. A transfer to Periyar National Park is next on the itinerary. After spending the day discovering how spices are grown, the entire family will be captivated during a live demonstration of Kalarippayattu, considered the mother of all martial arts.

As Day 4 dawns, enjoy a memorable morning watching elephants, otters, and wild boars while onboard a boat in Periyar National Park; then, it's time to hit the road to Alappuzha. The excitement continues during an overnight stay on a houseboat, and after breakfast on the water, parents and kids will be delighted to hear it's time to hit the beach. Unpack your bags for two leisurely days in Kovalam, keeping active kids entertained with watersports and soaking in the warmth of India's culture through a visit to Padmanabhapuram Palace before transferring to Trivandrum to catch your flight home. Learn more

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

With three days each in Mumbai and Goa, this family exploration of India offers a splendid mix of culture, history, and memorable days at the beach. There's something for everyone on this weeklong itinerary, from food tours and city walks to fun afternoons at a waterwork, making it perfect for children of all ages. Plus, with limited travel time and plenty of opportunities for kids to unleash their energy, parents will appreciate the stress-free pace and cherished moments spent together as a family.

Your family adventure begins in Mumbai, the "City of Dreams," an ideal destination to discover India's rich culture and history. After settling into your hotel, let kids burn off lingering energy playing in the Boat House in Kamala Nehru Park. Next, spend a day discovering the highlights of Mumbai on a guided city tour, stopping by the Rajabai Clock Towers, Gandhi Museum, and Crawford Market before soaking up the sun at Jahu Beach. With one more day in Mumbai, the entire family will be delighted to explore the Elephanta Caves, filled with intricate carvings and friendly monkeys.

Waking up to the second half of your trip, it's time to repack your bags and catch a flight to Goa. After settling into your hotel, treat little scientists to a trip to the Goa Science Centre & Planetarium, or let them unleash their energy at Splashdown Waterpark. The following day, immerse your family in India's history during a tour of Old Goa and the Church of the Immaculate Conception, filling young minds with inspiring stories. Spend the evening tempting everyone's tastebuds on a guided food tour and enjoy a day swimming, kayaking, and relaxing on Palolem Beach before catching your flight home. Learn more

More Great 1-Week India Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to India? Check out these other one-week India itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.