Family Exploration of India: Cities, Jungles & Beaches - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi & Explore

Welcome to India! Upon your arrival at the New Delhi airport, your driver will meet you and transport you to your hotel. Once you've checked in and had a chance to regroup, step out and start exploring India's capital city! Sitting on the banks of the Yamuna River and part of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, this is a vibrant, dense metropolis with a rich history and plenty to see and do. 

Start your tour with a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, an important Sikh place of worship with gorgeous architecture and a large pool called the Sarovar. This is also home to the world's largest community kitchen, where more than 20,000 people are fed for free each day. Next, head to Birla Mandir Temple, an Orissan-style temple that was erected by a wealthy industrialist in the 1930s and honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. 

End the day with a stroll around Connaught Place, a busy district with a combination of high-end, designer shops, souvenir stands, and restaurants. This is also where you'll find Central Park, a lovely stretch of green space with gardens, fountains, benches, and room for the kids to play. 

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing Tour

Take a guided tour of Delhi today, starting with a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk district, which takes you along narrow, winding streets and shops that carry everything from clothing to essential oils to candy—feel free to have your guide stop so the kids can try a taste! Your guide will provide insight and education into the various sights, taking you past Lal Qila, or the Red Fort, once the residence of Mughal emperors, then to the center of the old city to Jama Masjid. This beautiful red sandstone and white marble mosque is the largest and one of the best-known in India.

From here, you'll visit Mahatma Gandhi's memorial, the Raj Ghat, and India Gate, a stone archway designed by the famous British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens to commemorate the Indian soldiers who were killed during World War I. Afterward, cruise down the Rajpath passage, which takes you past the European-style government buildings of the British era. Your final stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb, a marvelous example of Persian-inspired Mughal architecture.

After you get settled at your lodgings, the rest of your day is yours. You can take a nature walk around the area, stroll through the forests and do some bird-watching, or head to the nearby tribal village. The Baiga tribe lives in the villages around the park, and you can tour the village, interacting with the residents and learning more about their culture and way of life. The kids might also enjoy a picnic at Pench Dam, which sits on the Pench River and offers lovely, tranquil views of the river and surrounding countryside. 

Day 4: Pench National Park Safari

Take a guided safari tour of Pench National Park, where you'll travel across the diverse terrain of forests, fields, and the Pench River. The park serves as a tiger sanctuary as well as a natural reserve, and your guide will take you to areas where you'll see big cats such as Bengal tigers and leopards, as well as hyenas, wolves, monkeys, wild pigs, and various bird species. The kids can snap some photos of their favorite animals, and later, you'll return to the park's resort and hotel, where the adults can relax while the kids enjoy the hotel's play areas and group activities. 

Day 5: Fly to Mumbai & Explore  

This morning, your driver will take you to the airport, where you'll catch your flight to your next destination, Mumbai. The capital city of the state of Maharashtra, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), is a true melting pot, considered to be rich in opportunities for all who come here—hence its nickname, "The City of Dreams." It is also famous for its work in the Bollywood film industry. Visitors will find a wealth of history, with colonial buildings, ancient temples, and diverse cultures. Once you've had a chance to freshen up and regroup, it's time to see more of this amazing city.

If the kids need to expend some energy, start with a visit to Kamala Nehru Park, a 4-acre (1.6 ha) recreational area that is part of Mumbai's Hanging Gardens complex. Here, you'll find lots of green space, shaded pathways, and benches for relaxing. Grab a snack from one of the many food vendors, and let the kids play in the Boot House or Old Woman's Shoe, a giant play structure with an indoor space and stairway that goes up to the top.

Tonight, head to one of the many restaurants in the Colaba and Marine Drive area for dinner. Try local dishes such as vada pav (deep-fried potato dumplings) and pav bhaji (vegetable curry with bread), and let the kids try delicious desserts like gulab jamun (doughnut-type balls in sugar syrup).

Day 6: Mumbai Sightseeing Tour, Markets & Shopping 

Get better acquainted with Mumbai on a guided tour. Your driver will take you to the city's most notable sites, including the Gateway of India, a large arch that was built to commemorate the landing of the British monarch George V, and Mani Bhavan, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Cruise Marine Drive and see the Rajabai Clock Towers as your driver regales the family with stories about these historic places. You'll also pass by Flora Fountain, a gorgeous sculpted monument located in south Mumbai, and Dhobi Ghat, an outdoor laundry where chaos, color, and activity create a lively atmosphere. 

Day 7: Fly to Aurangabad, Tour Ellora Caves

Your driver will transport you to the airport today, where you'll catch a quick, one-hour flight to the city of Aurangabad. Founded in 1610, Aurangabad is considered one of the most important cities in the state of Maharashtra. It is most known for its historic sites, including the 17th-century Bibi ka Maqbara shrine, the Aurangabad Caves, and the Ellora Caves. 

After you check in at your accommodations, start your visit here with a tour of Ellora Caves. Located about an hour from the city, this outstanding archaeological site consisted of a series of 34 rock-cut cave temples spread out over 1.25 miles (2 km). See the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist caves that were excavated out of the vertical face of the cliffs, with some of the caves dating back to 500 CE. Take in the stunning surroundings as you walk through the site, which highlights an unparalleled time of religious harmony in India's history. 

After your return to Aurangabad this afternoon, the kids might like to spend some time at Siddharth Garden and Zoo, which has landscaped gardens that are perfect for a family picnic, as well as a zoo and aquarium. A visit to Bibi ka Maqbara (Tomb of the Lady) is also not to be missed. This historic shrine was commissioned in the 1600s by the emperor Aurangzeb as a homage to his wife and is styled after the Taj Mahal, almost looking like a replica in miniature! 

Day 8: Excursion to Ajanta Caves

Get an early start with a visit to Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO world heritage site located approximately three hours from Aurangabad. Cut into the side of a cliff on the Waghur River, the caves are a masterpiece of Buddhist religious art, with paintings and sculptures that date back to 480 CE. A total of 30 caves have been excavated from the site, including Chaityas (places of worship) and Viharas (monk monasteries). Young artists in the family will appreciate the intricate beauty of the carvings and paintings, and the whole family will learn more about the fascinating history of these ancient monuments.

Day 9: Fly to Goa & Explore 

It's off to the beaches of Goa today! After you check out from your hotel, take a private transfer to the airport and catch your flight to this tropical beach paradise. The western state of Goa sits on the coastline of the Arabian Sea and has a long history as a Portuguese colony. Despite being India's smallest state, it's a popular destination with family-friendly beaches, 17th-century churches, and gorgeous architecture. 

Once you've had a chance to settle at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours. For a relaxing and fun afternoon, take a tour of one of Goa's famed spice plantations. There are several spice plantations in the region, some dating back more than 200 years. The kids can stretch their legs while walking along lush tropical pathways, and you'll all learn about the spices grown on the plantations and how they are incorporated into Goa's cuisine. 

Budding scientists in the family might also enjoy a trip to the Goa Science Centre & Planetarium, part of the National Council of Science Museums and featuring interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and a 3-D theater. And if the beaches alone aren't enticing enough, you can visit Splashdown Waterpark, where you'll find multiple slides, wave pools, and a kiddie pool.

Day 10: Divar Island Adventure, Tour of Old Goa

Hop a ferry across the river estuary to Divar Island. The island was once a popular Hindu pilgrimage site and is home to hidden caves, paddy fields, temple ruins, and old Portuguese villas. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of the island, which spans more than three miles (5 km), traversing lush forests, waterways, and picturesque villages. Be sure to climb the hill to the Church of Our Lady of Compassion for views of the countryside, and the kids will love getting a close look—but not too close!—of the saltwater crocodiles that live among the island's mangrove forests. 

Later today, take a tour of the historic streets of Old Goa. Located on the banks of the River Mandovi, the churches and cathedrals in this district have been collectively designated a UNESCO Heritage Site. Start at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses St. Francis Xavier's remains in a casket, before walking on to the towering Baroque Se Cathedral, completed in the mid-17th century. With its vaulted ceiling, 14 gold embossed altars, and dazzling Doric arches, it's considered the most beautiful cathedral in Goa.

Afterward, stroll to Dona Paula, a pier and picnic spot with sweeping views of Miramar Beach, and to Goa's capital, Panjim, with tree-lined avenues, cobbled streets, and colorful buildings that showcase its Portuguese influence. And be sure to take the kids by the Church of the Immaculate Conception, where they can climb a zig-zagging, switchback staircase to some incredible views.

Day 11: Palolem Beach Day: Sun, Surf & Watersports

Head to South Goa's Palolem Beach for some surf and sun. Palolem is one of the most spectacular stretches of sand in Goa, backed by hazy hills and shady palm trees. Take a boat cruise along the coast for views of the shoreline and city, and check out some of the watersports offered here. You can rent Jet Skis or kayaks, take a wild ride on a banana boat, or just grab a beverage and laze in the shade while the kids splash and play along the shoreline's calm and clear waters. There are also several restaurants nearby, which makes it a great place to grab dinner this evening and watch the sunset. 

Day 12: North Goa Sightseeing, Old Goa Food Walk

Today's excursion starts with a sightseeing tour of North Goa. Your guide will collect you from your hotel in the morning, and your family will set out, starting at the Albeit Fort Aguadan, which was built in the 1600s and is the largest and best-preserved bastion in Goa. Your guide will share stories of the many epic battles and events that took place here, an excellent education for both the kids and adults. Then, head to the nearby district of Mapusa and visit Shri Bodgeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Bodgeshwar, locally known as Bongini, considered a guardian of the city. Finish with some shopping at Mapusa Bazaar. 

After working up an appetite on your city tour, get an introduction to Goa's renowned cuisine with a guided food tour! Meet up with your guide and dive into the street food of Old Goa, sampling regional specialties that include pork vindaloo (pork with potatoes and spicy sauce), ras omelets (egg in gravy), and savory samosas (puff pastry stuffed with vegetables or meat). Of course, there will also be plenty of treats to entice the kids, such as Goan coconut cookies called bolinhas, or multi-layered bebinca cakes. 

Day 13: Free Day in Goa

If the kids are vying for one more beach day, make the most of your last full day in India by relaxing on Goa's peaceful waters and white sands. Head to popular Baga, a long stretch of sandy beach lined by food shacks, or Morjim, a known sea turtle nesting ground with fewer amenities and a wilder, more natural feel. Hang out at Sinquerim if you want a quiet, sedate vibe, or hit the busy shores of Calangute for something more lively. 

You can also take this time to explore the local markets, where you'll find fun souvenirs for both adults and kids, unusual clothing and textiles, and of course, Goa's famous street foods. Visit Calangute Market, located on Calangute beach, where you'll find leather goods and local handicrafts, or head back to Mapusa for those last-minute gifts to take home. End the day at the Arpora Market, an evening event with a wide assortment of sundries and plenty of food stalls.

Day 14: Depart Goa

Your India adventure ends today as your driver transfers you from your hotel in Goa to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

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