8 October 2025

Traveling to India with Family: What You Really Need to Know

Traveling to India with family is a dive into a world of colors, traditions, and contrasts. But it’s also an adventure that requires careful preparation, especially when traveling with children. To help you get a clearer picture, here is an honest account full of practical advice for enjoying a trip to India with kids with peace of mind.

Voyage en Asie – Vue du lac Gadi Sagar au Rajasthan, Inde, lieu paisible et coloré pour un voyage en famille

A Destination as Fascinating as it is Disorienting

Yes, India can be a wonderful destination for a family trip… but it’s an adventure that needs planning! This captivating country offers children (and their parents) a true lesson in culture shock: vibrant colors, free-roaming animals, palaces fit for the Arabian Nights, charming trains, and incredible life scenes on every street corner… Wonder is everywhere. But beware: India can also be overwhelming. The heat, crowds, poverty, and chaotic traffic are aspects to anticipate, especially with young kids.

A Gentle and Accessible Itinerary in Rajasthan

For a first family trip to India, Rajasthan is the perfect region: stunning palaces, colorful villages, safaris to spot tigers, without the frenzy of big cities. An 8 to 15 day itinerary through Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur (my favorite city), Ranthambore, and Agra (for the Taj Mahal) lets you discover the essentials smoothly, with few tiring journeys. The direct flight Paris-Delhi (about 8 hours) makes even a one-week stay very comfortable to organize. With a private driver and well-chosen accommodations, India becomes an accessible and unforgettable adventure for families.

A Cuisine That Even the Youngest Will Enjoy

Yes, kids can definitely love Indian food! My children adored it, especially the classics like naan bread, cheese naan, fried rice, or grilled dishes like tandoori chicken. They also developed a big passion for mango lassi, perfect for soothing the palate. You can always find something delicious as long as you specify "no spicy" before ordering, because in India, even mild dishes can occasionally surprise.

Adapting to the Climate While Keeping a Good Pace

Heat and pollution are realities in India, but honestly, kids often handle it better than adults! The key is to set the right pace: rising very early to enjoy the beautiful morning light and cooler temperatures (we were up at 4:30 a.m. to see the Taj Mahal or at 5 a.m. for a bike ride in Jaipur), then taking a proper break during the hottest hours: naps, swimming pool, quiet play… Late afternoon, after a snack, is time to head out for new discoveries. Another golden rule: always carry a water bottle and remember to drink throughout the day to avoid overheating. Regarding pollution, simply avoid some large cities in winter (like Delhi in November-December) and favor greener or less dense areas. With a few adjustments, the trip remains very pleasant.

The Comfort of a Private Driver and the Magic of Tuk-Tuk Rides

In India, the easiest way to travel with children is with a private driver, especially if you’re traveling as a group: it’s comfortable, flexible, and it saves a lot of logistical headaches. In cities, tuk-tuk rides are a must: they are economical, convenient, and above all, children love them (each ride is an adventure!). And if you have time, taking the train is a must-have experience: watching the landscapes roll by and observing life onboard is a true immersion into daily Indian life. We really loved it.

Family-Friendly Hotels Full of Charm

Absolutely! In India, hotels are often very kid-friendly. We often had connecting rooms, which is super convenient. The hospitality often caters to families: great pools perfect for relaxing during the hottest hours, and many thoughtful touches for children. One of our magical moments was in Udaipur, where each morning a man played the flute right in the hotel courtyard… it was simply incredible!

Essentials to Pack

For a trip to India with kids, prioritize practical and comfortable items. For us women, long pants and long sleeves are ideal: suitable for the heat and respectful of local customs, especially when visiting temples (this is my personal view, of course). For children, I recommend easy-to-remove sandals: you often have to remove shoes entering temples or certain places, so this is very handy. Don’t forget a light sweatshirt for train or car journeys, since air conditioning is often freezing. Otherwise, keep it simple and cool: a cap and sunglasses for the heat.

A Generally Safe Destination with Warm Hospitality

India is safe for children and adults alike, as long as you take some precautions. Like any destination, vigilance is needed, especially in big cities or highly touristy areas. But overall, Indians really love children and are extremely caring. In hotels, restaurants, and even on the street, people often go out of their way to help. Of course, it’s essential to stay careful about health (water, food, etc.), strictly follow hygiene rules, and protect yourself from the sun. But for me, it’s certain: Rajasthan, for example, is a region that truly charmed us. I dream of going back, and so do my children.

A Valuable Cultural Openness for Kids

For us, there wasn’t really a cultural shock on arrival; my kids simply saw India through their child’s eyes. They asked many questions, which is completely normal and quite exciting. The important thing is to be there to answer their questions and take time to discuss what they observe. This is also when having a great guide really pays off: they can answer questions, explain local customs, and make the experience even richer. Before the trip, we also made sure to watch some movies and read books about India to give them an idea of cultural differences and what they would discover. This helps a lot to make everything more understandable and exciting for them.

The Guidance of a Local Agency Makes All the Difference

Booking your trip with a local agency like Shanti Travel is an excellent idea, especially if you want an authentic and local tourism experience. They have been around for 20 years, giving them real expertise and knowledge of the best spots and experiences. We tried some amazing activities with them, like a super relaxing Ayurvedic massage and a bike ride in Jaipur to discover the city differently. These are experiences not necessarily found on classic tours. What I particularly appreciated was their attentive support before and during the trip. They adapt to your wishes, offer tailored advice, and are always responsive to make the stay as pleasant as possible. Plus, traveling with a local agency supports the local economy and creates a positive impact on the community.

Article by Marie Faure @BEAUVOYAGE