When we first landed in India with our boys, Harry and Oscar, they were just 4 and 6 years old. They were tiny, wide-eyed, and navigating the chaotic, beautiful sensory explosion of the subcontinent for the very first time. Fast forward through six incredible family adventures, and they are now 11 and 13. And as we sit down to plan our seventh trip back for next year, we can confidently tell you: not only is traveling India with kids entirely possible, but it is also the most rewarding, life-changing family destination on Earth.
We love India. It is a place that forces you to be entirely present. It tests your patience, shatters your comfort zones, and then completely blows you away with raw human warmth, vibrant colours, and deep spirituality.
Pulling from our personal family journals at Away with the Steiners, here is our ultimate guide to conquering India with kids – from our favourite city highlights to the practical logistics of keeping everyone happy, healthy, and moving.
Quickly, About India
- Capital: New Delhi
- Largest City: Mumbai
- Main languages: Hindi and English
- Religion: 79.8% Hinduism 14.2% Islam 2.3% Christianity 1.7% Sikhism
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
- Population: 1.353 billion
- Time Zone: UTC (GMT+5:30)
- Calling Code: +91
- Drives On: Left
- Credit Cards: Visa/MC/AmEx accepted
- Emergency Number: 112
- Outlets: Types C, D and M (230V 50Hz)
What to Expect: Travel in India with Kids
I always feel more obliged to start this guide with a title about navigating the beautiful chaos of India with kids!
I mean, where else on Earth do you have cows casually strolling down the street amidst a roaring chorus of a billion honking vehicle horns? Where else do you find a kaleidoscopic sea of vibrant saris at every single turn, or experience a friendly, intense level of local staring that just never seems to end?
That is India. It is a complete sensory explosion.
When you first land, it’s completely normal to feel a bit of panic. There is that constant, back-of-mind fear of the looming “Delhi belly” shadowing every single meal you eat. And on top of that, you are suddenly responsible for keeping small, vulnerable people safe amidst a bustling population of over one billion others.
We know from experience that it takes our family at least 24 hours to find our feet in any new country – and India was absolutely no exception. Peering out of our hotel window on that very first night as four completely jet-lagged travellers, I remember looking at the frantic streets below and wondering: HOW on earth are we going to navigate this place with kids?
But looking back, I needn’t have worried at all.
The Reality Check
In hindsight, I think the sheer build-up to the chaos we were anticipating actually worked in our favour. It gave us incredibly low expectations for how smooth the trip would be. But the truth is, we absolutely loved it.
India is a destination where you simply have to embrace the chaos. If you try to fight it or control it, you will completely miss out on the magic of what this beautiful country is all about. So, take a deep breath, take it easy, and start slow. Let yourself ride the wave of that incredible, unmatched rush that is so uniquely India.
Practical Realities of Travel with Younger Kids
If you are tackling India with toddlers or very young children, there are definitely a few extra practicalities that need a bit of serious consideration.
- Maintain a 24/7 Hygiene Alert: For toddlers and young kids.
When the kids are tiny, you have to be on constant watch over curious little fingers that want to touch absolutely everything on the streets, in the trains, and on the temple floors. Keep the hand sanitizer flowing constantly.
- Master the Squat Toilet: Essential for trains and local spots.
Young kids need to know how to use – and be either comfortable using or kind of ready for – traditional squat toilets. You will encounter these occasionally, including on long-distance train journeys, so practicing beforehand or being ready to support them is a must.
- Manage Your Own Travel Anxiety: Recognize the root of the stress.
An upset tummy from food poisoning can happen anywhere in the world during travel. But because the levels of hygiene are so much more visible and confronting in India with kids, your baseline anxiety as a parent can skyrocket.
The good news? The level of stress surrounding hygiene completely eases up by the time the kids reach a more robust, school-age level. And honestly, your own parental anxiety will ease up after the first few days too (trust me!). Once you adjust to the rhythm of the streets, the worry fades, and the adventure truly begins.
Ready for India with kids?
Essential Logistics: Visas, Language, Money, and Our Trusted Contacts
Navigating the practical side of India doesn’t have to be daunting. Based on our seven trips as a family, here is the streamlined, no-nonsense breakdown of what you need to know to get trip-ready.
1. Indian Visas
Getting your foot in the door is straightforward thanks to the official government e-Visa portal.
- The Process: The online application is lengthy (six pages) but easy. You’ll need to upload a digital passport photo and list every country you’ve visited in the past 10 years.
- The Timeline: You can only apply within 30 days of your arrival date, so lock this in once your flights are booked. You must specify your “Port of Arrival” on the form.
2. Language & The Famous Head Wobble
While India recognizes 22 official languages, Hindi is the most widely spoken in the north, and Englishis very common in cities and tourist hubs.
Toss these basic Hindi phrases into your daypack to instantly connect with locals:
| English | Hindi |
| Hello | Namaste |
| Thank you | Danyavaad or Shukriya |
| Good | Acchha |
| How much is this? | Kitne kaa hai? |
| Water / Tea | Pani / Chai |
- Tip: Almost every interaction will end with the famous Indian head wobble. It takes a little practice to interpret, as it can mean “yes,” “okay,” or simply a friendly acknowledgment!
3. Managing Your Rupees (INR)
Cash is king in India, especially for street food, rickshaws, and markets.
- Getting Cash: ATMs are usually the easiest option, though they can occasionally be out of order or out of cash (always have a backup card!). For cash exchange, avoid airport desks and ask a trusted driver to take you to a licensed local money changer for better rates.
- The Rule: You legally cannot take Indian Rupees out of the country. Aim to spend your cash before you leave, or exchange any leftover notes back to your home currency at the airport before checking in for your flight home.
Our Black Book of Trusted Drivers & Guides in India
Over our seven visits, these incredible people have moved from being our service providers to becoming true lifelong friends.
If you want to take the stress out of navigating India with kids, save these numbers:
- Delhi: Sunny & his brother Vinny (+91 95997 59259). Highly reliable, protective, and absolute lifesavers for navigating the capital smoothly.
- Jaipur: Raja (+91 99281 30309). He knows the Pink City inside out and will look after your family like his own.
- Jaisalmer: Padam at Wanderlust Guesthouse (+91 94611 57753) for the best stay and camel safaris, and Phoenix (Bhawani) (+91 94147 63000) for incredible city guiding and a true taste of local hospitality.
- Varanasi: Ravi (+91 85769 16590). An exceptional guide to help you sensitively experience the intense spiritual heart of the Ganges.
Our Kid-Friendly India Cheat Sheet: City Highlights
Over our six trips to India with kids, we have pretty well traversed India from coast to coast. But India is huge! There are so many new places to explore each time.
Here are our favourite cities (to date) to explore as a family, along with the top things to do in each.
1. Delhi: The Vibrant Gateway
Delhi can be overwhelming on day one, but it is packed with historical playgrounds. Our best suggestion for Delhi with kids is to connect with our local friend and guide, Sunny and his family:
- Ride a Rickshaw in Old Delhi: Take an open-air rickshaw through the narrow, chaotic alleys of Chandni Chowk. Or an auto rickshaw into Old Delhi. It feels like a real-life roller coaster for kids (and parents alike!).
- Explore Humayun’s Tomb: A massive, green, peaceful garden complex surrounding a stunning precursor to the Taj Mahal – perfect for letting the kids run off jet lag.
- Hang Out with Sunny and Family: We always meet up with our dear friend and driver Sunny (and his brother Vinny) in Paharganj for a tour and a hot cup of chai.
2. Jaisalmer: The Golden Desert Adventure
Jaisalmer is our favourite place in India with kids! (And quite seriously, our favourite place in India full stop!).
It is slower and smaller than the big cities and is a great place to start (after landing in Delhi) and make your way back across Rajasthan from.
- Overnight Camel Safari: Journey into the dunes of the Thar Desert on camel, cook over an open fire, and sleep out under a blanket of a billion stars. We even convinced both our Mums to join us out here on one trip!
- Explore the Living Fort: Jaisalmer Fort isn’t just a museum – it’s a living city where people still reside. Wander the golden sandstone alleys and stop for lunch at our friend Bhawani’s (Phoenix) family home.
3. Jaipur: The Majestic Pink City
Jaipur is all about grand forts, palaces, and royal history. But there is plenty of that history charm that is brilliant with kids.
- Scramble Around Amer Fort: This massive palace is a labyrinth of tunnels, hidden courtyards, and grand ramparts that kids love to explore.
- Visit the Monkey Temple (Galtaji): Tucked into a mountain pass, this historic Hindu temple is home to hundreds of friendly macaques and langurs.
- Go Around Jaipur with Raja: Raja has been our go-to guide in Jaipur forever. Shopping for gifts for his family and sharing an incredibly humble dinner in his small bustling home is one of our most treasured memories.
4. Agra: The Famous Taj Mahal
You can’t skip Agra, home to the world’s most famous building.
- See the Taj Mahal at Sunrise: Beat the intense daytime heat and watch the white marble shift from pale pink to brilliant gold as the sun comes up.
- Agra Fort: A massive red sandstone fortress with incredible views of the Taj Mahal across the river. It’s perfect for
playing hide-and-seek in ancient royal pavilionsan afternoon in Agra with kids!
5. Amritsar: The Heart of Punjab
Punjab is a totally different side of travel to experience in India with kids and Amritsar is an unforgettable family stop. Plus it is accessible by fast train from Delhi!
- Volunteer at the Golden Temple Langar: Take the kids inside the world’s largest community kitchen. On Gavin’s birthday, our family helped roll chapatis and peel garlic alongside local devotees serving 100,000 free daily meals.
- The Wagah Border Ceremony: Watch the hyper-patriotic, high-kicking, theatrical military flag-lowering ceremony on the India-Pakistan border. The stadium energy is electric!
6. Kolkata
Kolkata has a gentler, old-world charm that offers a completely different rhythm.
- Ride a Vintage Yellow Taxi & Tram: The iconic yellow Ambassador cabs and historic street trams are an instant hit for vehicle-loving kids.
- Explore the Flower Market: Walk through the vibrant, chaotic underbelly of the Howrah Bridge at dawn to see thousands of stalls trading massive ropes of bright orange marigolds.
7. Mumbai: The High-Energy Metropolis
Dynamic, modern, and colonial all at once, Mumbai is a fascinating coastal stop. But it is unashamedly enormous as far as cities in India go!
- Take a Boat to Elephanta Caves: Jump on a ferry from the Gateway of India to explore ancient rock-cut cave temples filled with massive stone carvings.
- Walk Marine Drive at Sunset: Join thousands of local families eating street food and watching the Arabian Sea crash against the city promenade.
Getting Around India with Kids
As with travel anywhere in the world, but even more especially in India, a bit of luck planning definitely helps things go smoother.
Taking Trains in India with Kids
If you ask our boys their favourite part of traveling India, they will instantly say the trains.
Coming from New Zealand, long-distance train travel was a complete first for us! Our first trip was an overnight sleeper from Jaisalmer to Jaipur in First Class AC (1AC). We loved it so much that now we happily travel in 2AC or 3AC tiers right alongside local families.
- Tips for Train Travel: Always book berths in advance via the IRCTC platform. Choose Upper Berths for the kids so they can retreat up top to play, read, or sleep whenever they need a break. Pack plenty of wet wipes, a deck of cards, and a lightweight fleece jacket – those AC carriages can get surprisingly chilly at night!
City Transit
Inside the cities, skip the long walking treks with young kids and embrace the local transport.
Auto-rickshaws are cheap, breezy, and infinitely entertaining for children.
For longer city journeys, download ride-sharing apps like Ola or Uber – they allow you to book clean, air-conditioned, fixed-price cars directly to your location, eliminating the need to haggle over fares when the kids are tired.
Health, Food, Dress and Wellbeing: India with Kids
Indian food is a famously spicy and exciting, but navigating food in India with kids requires a bit of strategy.
Don’t be terrified of street food, but be smart about it! Look for stalls with massive queues of local families – that means the turnover is fast and the food is fresh.
- Must-Try Foods for Kids: Introduce them to Makhani Dal (creamy black lentils) paired with hot, buttery Garlic Naan.
- For snacks, look for Samosas or sweet, crisp Jalebis.
- If they need a break from spice, a tall glass of thick, sweet Lassi or a plate of mild Jeera Rice(cumin rice) is a guaranteed savior.
- Water Safety: This is non-negotiable. Never drink tap water. Always use bottled mineral water for drinking and brushing teeth, and ensure the seal is intact when you purchase it.
Staying Healthy and Beating the Burnout
We reckon the best tip to surviving loving India with kids is pacing. Do not try to pack your itinerary with three forts and four temples in a single day.
Follow our One-Big-Thing Rule: Plan one major sightseeing activity in the morning when everyone is fresh, head back to an air-conditioned hotel for a swim or a rest during the midday heat, and then venture out for street food or a casual market stroll in the evening.
Keep up a steady supply of rehydration salts (ORS packets) in your daypack, and make sure everyone wears a wide-brimmed sun hat and durable, closed-toe sneakers to protect their feet on uneven city streets.
What to Wear for Travel in India with Kids
When packing for the family, there is one golden rule that overrides everything else for travel in India: dress modestly.
Indian culture deeply values modesty, and as travellers, respecting this cultural norm goes a long way. The easiest and most comfortable way to nail the dress code? Take a page out of the locals’ book.
For Women
- The Go-To Outfits: A salwar kameez (a traditional tunic and trouser set) or a basic kurta top paired with lightweight leggings are perfect options. They keep you cool while ensuring you are fully covered.
- The Ultimate Accessory: Always carry a light scarf (dupatta) in your daypack. While you aren’t expected to cover your hair or face in daily life, you will need it to cover your head when entering holy sites and temples.
For Men
- Ditch the Shorts: While shorts are a staple for western travellers, you will rarely – if ever – see local men wearing them. Long trousers are highly recommended. They are admittedly hotter, but they match the local standard of dress.
- The Local Staple: A lightweight cotton kurta paired with breathable linen or cotton trousers is highly practical and keeps you looking respectful.
What Should Kids Wear?
When traveling in India with kids, balance comfort with cultural awareness. T-shirts are completely fine, but you’ll want to pay closer attention to what they wear on their lower half depending on where you are.
While kids might be used to roaming the world in standard shorts (our Cook Islands based two are!), you will quickly realize that in India the location dictates the vibe.
For example, in spiritual hubs like Varanasi, you will notice right away that local boys don’t wear shorts – they wear long pants. For cities like Varanasi, dressing your kids in lightweight trousers and a mini kurta is the best choice to help them blend in comfortably.
Read more about What To Wear In India With Kids.
City vs. Rural Living: The Conservatism Scale
The dress code in India also shifts depending on how far off the beaten path you travel.
In rural areas and smaller villages, conservative dress becomes much more important. For instance, in places like Jaisalmer, the local customs are incredibly traditional, and you will frequently see local women covering their faces entirely with a scarf when passing men on the street.
As a tourist, no one expects you to cover your face or hair in public. However, putting effort into wearing conservative, loose-fitting clothing shows immense respect for the local community and makes for a much smoother, more welcoming travel experience for your family.
Planning Your Trip: India With Kids
We have found some awesome places to stay in India with kids that we keep returning to and can really recommend for your trip.
Where to Stay
When traveling India as a family, your accommodation is your sanctuary. We like to balance our trips by staying at a mix of welcoming, family-run guesthouses (like Wanderlust Guesthouse in Jaisalmer) for deep cultural connection, and premium hotels with pools when we need to recharge.
We highly recommend properties like the Hyatt Regency Amritsar – they feature excellent swimming pools, wonderful spas, and a dedicated Kids and Teen Zone packed with Xboxes and games that our boys completely raved about. Plus, having a reliable, high-end in-house restaurant means you can safely try local specialties like Amritsari Kulcha first thing in the morning!
Best Time to Visit
The absolute sweet spot for a family trip to North India is during the cool, dry winter months between October and March. The daytime weather is beautifully sunny and pleasant, making it perfect for long hours of exploring.
If you can, avoid the scorching summer months (April to June) when temperatures can easily skyrocket past 40°C, and the monsoon season (July to September) when heavy downpours can cause travel delays.
Travel in India with Kids
Traveling through India with our boys has been one of the coolest travel experiences and absolutely one of the greatest privileges of our lives. It has taught them adaptability, empathy, gratitude, and a profound understanding of a world completely different from their own.
If you arrive with an open mind, a flexible attitude, and a sense of adventure, traveling in India with kids will reward your family with memories that will stay with you forever.
Lean into the beautiful chaos!
Planning a longer trip through India with kids? Check out our guide to the best places to visit in India to help plan your next stop!
What is your favourite of the things to do in India with kids? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy planning and safe travels!
Read More India Inspiration
- Ultimate India Food Tour: 10 Must-Try Treats.
- India Tourist e-Visa: Our Step-By-Step Guide.
- 10 Things To Do In Kochi & Kerala.
- Best Tourist SIM Card For India.
- What To Wear In India.
- 10 Tips To Avoid Delhi Belly In India.
- 4-Day Kochi & Kerala Itinerary.
- Travelling India By Bus: Intercity, Tourist & Sleeper Buses.
- 10 Iconic Things To Do In Kolkata.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have travel insurance before further planning India with kids!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
