Travelling to India with Kids: Top Tips
India is a beautiful country and one that will awaken the senses of all those who travel there. However, it can also be an overwhelming place to visit. Many will think travelling there with children is a crazy idea. Altough India is certainly not a typical family holiday, with good planning and a few basic precautions, India can be a wonderful and unforgettable destination for the whole family. Keep reading and discover these tips for organising the perfect trip to India, including applying for your Indian visa well in advance!
There are a lot of reasons why India is such a great destination to travel with children. There are beautiful landscapes and sights, and your kids will get to see exotic animals up close. That said, India can be overwhelming and difficult to adjust culturally. The best thing you can do is to accept the chaos, be patient and keep an open mind. Here’s what to keep in mind for a successful family trip to India!
What to do with kids in India?
-Visit an elephant theme park, such as Elefantastic (near Jaipur). Your children will adore feeding the elephants and bathing with them. There are also elephant parks in the Goa and Kerala area.
-Follow the Jungle Book Route in Agra, (the Taj Mahal is also nearby). You will go on a jeep expedition following the Mowli’s footsteps, in search of wild elephants or the elusive Bengal tiger.
– Visit the Kingdom of Dreams, a famous theatre complex showcasing spectacular Bollywood-style performances. This is a must-visit for families with kids
-End your Indian journey at one of the wonderful resorts in the Goa or Kerala areas. Enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. A perfect place for you and your kids to relax before heading home.
Where to sleep
It is best to choose good hotels where children can rest from the hustle and bustle and the continuous sensory stimulation in India. Ideally, choose a hotel with a swimming pool where they can also cool off from the heat. Hygiene is assured in such hotels and in many of them, children stay for free (if they share a bed with their parents).
What to eat in India
Perhaps the most important things to be aware of when travelling with children in India are the food risks and the lack of hygiene. If you follow these tips, you probably won’t have any problems:
– Avoid dairy products, fresh juices, as well as raw vegetables and fruits.
– Never drink tap water nor use it to brush your teeth or wash your face. In restaurants, always ask for sealed water bottles and avoid ice cubes (made with tap water).
– Avoid street food, and eat meat only in reputable restaurants.
Hygiene and health tips
We already know that hygiene in India often leaves a lot to be desired. Young children touch everything, so it is important that they wash their hands often. Bring sanitary towels, antiseptic gel, mosquito repellent, paracetamol, antibiotics and products against diarrhoea in your luggage.
There are no mandatory vaccinations to travel to India, although it’s advisable to get tetanus, cholera, MMR and rabies (keep away from dogs, cats and monkeys, many of them are infected with rabies in India).
Apply for your visa to India on time.
Finally, don’t forget a few important things when planning your trip: make sure you have good insurance with child cover and, most importantly, apply for your Indian visa well in advance, as it is a mandatory document for UK travellers. You can easily do this online in just a few minutes, but don’t leave it until the last minute as the turnaround time varies between 1 and 7 days.
