2 Weeks in India - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

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

You and the kids will explore the Golden Triangle destinations of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur on this classic introduction to India. It's packed with activities to keep the kids busy, such as experiencing the beauty of the Taj Mahal, tiger-spotting on a safari in Ranthambore National Park, and riding an elephant up to the Amer Fort. The whole family will enjoy the blue-washed streets of Jodhpur, the sacred site of Pushkar, and sailing along Udaipur's romantic Lake Pichola. 

Spend two days discovering Delhi's iconic sights, like the Qutub Minar minaret, with gardens where kids can stretch their legs. The National Rail Museum will captivate younger family members, while Humayun's Tomb and India Gate will impress the older ones. Head to Agra on Day 3 for the magnificent Taj Mahal, first stopping at the Sloth Bear Rescue Center to enjoy the antics of these charming animals. Explore the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri en route to Bharatpur, where kids can run around the well-preserved buildings. Spot animals at Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary and Bengal tigers on safari in Ranthambore. 

In Jaipur, kids (and parents!) will love the elephant ride to the top of the ornate Amer Fort. Family activities include a block printing lesson, elephant interaction, and a cooking class. The following day, transfer to Pushkar to visit the colorful Brahma Temple and ride a camel cart—lots of fun for the kids! On Day 10, you'll tour Jodhpur's landmarks, where you and the gang will discover the atmospheric bazaars and temples in the old city quarter, Navchokiya. Have the kids spot the carved elephants on the marble Jain Temple on the way to Udaipur and watch for dance performances and puppet shows, popular with younger ones. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Discovery of Northern India: From the Himalaya to the Taj Mahal

Consider the off-the-beaten-path thrills of this Northern India discovery tour, ideal for the adventurous family. Start in the bustling capital of Delhi before flying to the mountains and lakes of the Ladakh region. You'll visit remote monasteries in Leh, go whitewater rafting on the mighty Indus River, cross the dunes of Hundar by camel, and spend two nights camping at Pangong Lake. Fly south again to end your trip, meeting the monkeys of Agra Fort and watching the sunrise over the Taj Mahal. 

Begin in Delhi on a guided tour of the Red Fort, a true history lesson older kids will enjoy. Fly to Leh for four days of discovering monasteries and an exciting day of rafting on the Indus River. Next, drive west to Alchi, then south to Stok Gompa's Palace Museum, where the kids can see old costumes and crowns. Stop in Tingmosgang Village for butter tea and for the kids to run and play. Transfer to Hundar via the Nubra Valley and Diskit Monastery, where a desert tour guide will regale the family with stories. Visit Panamic Village's sulfur hot springs or the pool if you or the kids want to take a dip or have a splash. 

On Day 8, you and the little ones can walk around and view Buddhist paintings at Samstanling Gompa monastery at Sumur. Next, camp along the gorgeous Pangong Lake the following day, where the family can walk along the shores and enjoy group activities, and the kids can play, birdwatch, and spot marmots. Return to Leh for its monastery and Leh Market for kids to hunt for souvenirs. After transferring south, see playful monkeys at Agra Fort before taking the family on a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal. If the kids need to burn energy, visit the massive playground near India Gate once back in Delhi, departing the next day. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Fun in Kerala: South India's Backwaters, Beaches, Tea Plantations & Temples

Focusing on the south of India, have fun with your family on this itinerary of Kerala and its highlights. From the temples of Tamil Nadu to the backwaters of Appaluzha, you and your family will enjoy a relaxed tour of this southern Indian state. Immerse yourselves in traditional Keralan village life, discover the history of tea in the lush Western Ghats, visit the colorful Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, cruise Kerala's enchanting backwaters, and take a relaxing yoga lesson on the golden beaches of Kovalam. 

Your family fun begins in Cochin with a sunset cruise and observing Keralan life in Kumbalangi. If the kids are keen, paddle a canoe on Lake Vembanad on Day 2, then kids of all ages will enjoy a cooking class later that day. Head east to Munnar's Eravikulam National Park, with trails perfect for young adventurers to let off steam. Embark on the tea history trail and have the kids make tea from the leaves they collected. As a family, stroll through Madurai and task the kids with spotting animals and gods on the towers of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Afterward, head to Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal for child-friendly street food.

Marvel at the Western Ghats before visiting a fragrant spice garden and a cooking demonstration on Day 7. The following day, spot jungle animals in Periyar National Park and cruise on Periyar Lake. Next, your family will stay on a traditional houseboat in Alappuzha on Kerala's backwaters for two days before departing for a beach day in Kovalam a ways south. Stop at Thanumalayan Temple on your way to Kanyakumari, home to the breathtaking Padmanabhapuram Palace. Spend your last full day in a family yoga class on the beach, followed by beach time: active kids can delve into watersports while little ones play in the shallows. Learn more

Itinerary #4 Family Exploration of India: Cities, Jungles & Beaches

This fast-paced family exploration hops from cities to jungles to beaches to discover the many faces of India. Take in the vibrant sights and sounds of Delhi via rickshaw, see Bengal tigers prowling the forests of Pench National Park, visit the ancient caves of Ellora and Ajanta, spot march crocodiles on Divar Island, and play on Goa's pristine beaches.

Your exploration begins with Delhi's temples, shopping districts, and Central Park, where the kids can play. Fly to Pench National Park on Day 3 to see Bengal tigers on safari. After the kids snap photos, they can enjoy the hotel's play areas. In Mumbai, tour sites like the Gateway of India as your driver regales the family with stories about these locales. If the kids need to expend energy, Kamala Nehru Park is the perfect stop. At Chowpatty Beach, try tasty street food or buy the little ones a toy from the beach vendors. Explore the Ellora Caves, and in the afternoon, take a family picnic to Siddharth Garden and Zoo.

The following day, young artists in the family will appreciate the carvings and paintings at Ajanta Caves before flying south for five days in Goa, first touring spice plantations, where the kids can stretch their legs. Hop a ferry to Divar Island and climb the hill to a church with views. Bonus, the kids will love looking at the saltwater crocodiles. In South Goa, enjoy watersports at Palolem Beach. Sightsee North Goa's Albeit Fort Aguadan and kids and adults will be amused at your guide's stories of its many epic battles. Take a street food tour of Old Goa and finish your trip with beach time or find fun souvenirs to take home with you. Learn more 

More Great 2-Week India Itineraries

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