If there is one country in the world that gets a reputation for being “too tough” for certain age groups, it’s India. But after taking both our boys’ grandmothers – my mum and Gavin’s mum – on an epic route across Rajasthan and Northern India, we are here to tell you that India is the ultimate intergenerational holiday.
We had the most amazing time! Getting to travel in India with our boys’ grandparents – both grandmothers – was like a travel dream come true.
While it was our boys’ fourth time traveling through India, it was the very first time for both grandmothers. We looped through Delhi, journeyed out to the Golden City of Jaisalmer, rode camels through the Thar Desert, slept under a blanket of stars, caught overnight trains, marvelled at the Taj Mahal, and wrapped it all up in the vibrant chaos of Old Delhi.
It was, in a word, epic.
Why India Works for All Generations (If You Pace It Right)
Traveling with three generations – spanning young boys to grandmothers – might sound like a balancing act, but India naturally caters to multi-gen families because of one core value: family is everything in Indian culture.
Respect for elders and love for children are deeply ingrained in daily life.
India With the Grandparents
The secret to making it work as a multi-generational travelling family? Pacing.
You cannot rush India. When traveling with grandparents, slow down the daily schedule. Plan for quiet mid-afternoon teas, build in comfortable transit, and let the magic of local encounters take centre stage.
- For Gavin’s Mum, Doreen: As a firm tea drinker, her highlight was stopping for steaming cups of spiced chai everywhere we went, chatting with curious, welcoming locals at every single stop. Not to mention the adventure of getting up on a camel and riding through the Indian Thar Desert!
- For My Mum: The magic was too in the journey itself. She so enjoyed the chance to meet the people and the places that have been such a big part of our lives and loved the adventure of the overnight train tucked into berths alongside her grandsons.
When we set off into the desert, we weren’t sure if the grandmothers would prefer a 4×4 Jeep back to town the next morning or ride camels again. But sure enough, come sunrise, both grandmothers were right back up on their camels, riding across the golden dunes side-by-side with the boys!
Our Family Itinerary: What to Do in Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Agra & Delhi
As much as India historically has a hippie vibe for travellers, I’m not going to lie that it is much easier with a plan.
These are our favourite places in Rajasthan and where we proudly took the grandparents with us to meet friends.
1. Jaisalmer: Desert Stars & Our Home Away from Home
Jaisalmer feels like stepping straight into a fairytale. The sandstone fort rises out of the desert, and life within the old city moves at a wonderfully relaxed pace – perfect for walking around with grandparents.
Where We Stay Every Time: At the risk of sounding repetitive, The Wanderlust Guesthouse is our absolute favourite accommodation in all of India. Located just outside the Fort and within easy walking distance of the old city highlights, Padam and his team treat us like family every single time we visit.
It provided the cosiest, most comfortable base for the grandmothers. As well as being the best of starting points when we touched down in Jaisalmer, and to come back to before and after our overnight camel safari under the desert stars.
2. Jaipur: Palaces & Personal Connections in the Pink City
Jaipur is packed with regal history – from the grand Amber Fort to the beautiful facade of the Hawa Mahal. But the secret to navigating Jaipur smoothly as a family is having a trusted local guide.
We always travel with our dear friend and driver, Raja. Having Raja navigate the city meant zero stress for the grandmothers. (And us showing them around too!).
Though the highlight of our time in Jaipur wasn’t just the palaces; Raja invited our entire multigenerational crew into his home to meet his parents and extended family. Sitting together sharing tea and meeting all the baby cousins bridged every age gap effortlessly.
3. Agra: A Bucket-List Moment at the Taj Mahal
No trip to India with first-timers is complete without seeing the Taj Mahal. It is the most famous of world icons after all!
To make this easy on the grandmas, we visited early in the morning when the temperatures were cool, and the crowds were lighter.
Standing together as a family of three generations in front of one of the World’s wonders is a memory none of us will ever forget.
4. Delhi: Navigating the Capital with Local Family Friends
Delhi can be overwhelming, but with the right team, it is more of the most memorable.
We explore Delhi with our brilliant friend Sunny, his brother Vinny, and their dad. As a family of drivers and guides, they looked after our grandmothers with such incredible care and respect, making navigating the rickshaw rides through Old Delhi’s spice markets feel safe, exciting, and smooth.
Plus, we even went for tea at Sunny’s house with his parents, siblings, wife and children. It was like the icing on the cake to share Delhi with another family – and their grandparents!
The Verdict: Just Book It!
Sharing a country as colourful, vibrant, and warm as India with both our children and their grandmothers was one of the greatest decisions we’ve ever made.
It showed our mums the places and people that made us fall in love with India in the first place, and gave the boys memories with their grandparents that will last a lifetime.
If you are thinking about taking grandparents on an adventure: do it, plan it well, pace it right, and let India take care of the rest!
We love India! We know you will too.
Questions answered and ready to plan your adventure? Check out our Ultimate Golden Triangle Itinerary to see how to link Jaisalmer with Jaipur and Agra!
Safe travels, adventurers and grandparents!
Read More India Inspiration
- Our Detailed & Easy 2-Day Itinerary Of Jaipur.
- Train Travel In India.
- India Tourist e-Visa: Our Step-By-Step Guide.
- 10 Things To Do In Mumbai.
- 10 Things To Do In Kochi & Kerala.
- Best Tourist SIM Card For India.
- What To Wear In India.
- 4-Day Kochi & Kerala Itinerary.
- Travelling India By Bus: Intercity, Tourist & Sleeper Buses.
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. 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 – Travel insurance tailored for short or longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Especially for your first time in India!
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.
