Discover 67 curated family spots, scenic landscapes, and offbeat travel destinations.
Kalyani Nagar, Pune
A serene Italianate palace built in 1892, landmark of India's Freedom Movement where Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi were interned during the Quit India movement. Surrounded by manicured lawns and memorials.
Motilal Nehru Marg, Prayagraj, Prayagraj district
The ancestral home of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, a stately colonial mansion that served as the nerve centre of the Indian independence movement. Houses exquisitely preserved period rooms, Nehrus study and bedroom, personal effects, photographs, and correspondence.
Near Pandav Caves, Pachmarhi, Narmadapuram District, Madhya Pradesh 461881
Apsara Vihar ('Fairy Pool') is an idyllic natural bathing pool fed by a gentle 30-foot cascade near the Pandav Caves. The pool is shallow and safe, making it a favorite family swimming spot. During British colonial rule, English ladies bathed here; local tribal villagers thought they were celestial water fairies (Apsaras), giving the pool its enduring name.
Hidden Gem
Aritar, Rhenock, Pakyong District, East Sikkim
Perched at 4,600 feet in the lower reaches of the Silk Route corridor, Lampokhari ('Boot-shaped Lake') is one of Sikkim's oldest natural water bodies. Fringed by verdant pine groves, it features paddle boating, a serene lakeside pathway, and the hilltop Mankhim viewpoint offering 360-degree vistas.
Kollam district
Named for its eight prominent channels ('Ashta' meaning eight, 'Mudi' meaning branches), this sprawling palm-fringed palm-shaped estuary is a designated Ramsar wetland and the southern gateway to Kerala's celebrated houseboat cruises. Famous for canoe village tours and Munroe Island canals.
Swastik, near Ranka, East Sikkim
Surrounded by lush forested valleys 7 km from Gangtok, Ban Jhakri Falls cascades down 30 meters amidst landscaped gardens celebrating indigenous Lepcha shamanic culture. The park showcases traditional statuettes of forest healers (Jhakris), solar-powered energy exhibits, and scenic footbridges.
Banasar Garden & Marble Baradari, Sangrur and Malwa Plains, Punjab, India
The centrepiece of royal Sangrur when it was the capital of Jind State, Banasar Garden features an ornate marble Baradari (pavilion) set upon an artificial lake. Built by Raja Raghbir Singh in the late 19th century, the garden offers lush avenues, fountains, and vintage clock towers.
Baradari Gardens & Royal Pavilion, Patiala and Malwa Royal Dynasty, Punjab, India
Commissioned by Maharaja Rajinder Singh in the late 19th century outside Sheranwala Gate, Baradari Gardens is Patiala's grand green lung. It features rare exotic trees, colonial walking avenues, and the celebrated Baradari (12-door marble palace pavilion) that served as a royal open-air durbar.
Bathinda Lakes & Promenade, Bathinda and Southwestern Forts, Punjab, India
Originally engineered as water reservoirs for the Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant, the sprawling artificial lakes of Bathinda have evolved into popular recreational hubs. Visitors enjoy paddle boating, evening fountain illuminations, and sunset views over the vast expanse of water.
Bharatpur Beach & Coral Bay, Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Located right beside Neil Island's primary jetty, Bharatpur Beach features wide white sands and shallow turquoise waters that stretch hundreds of metres out to sea. It is Neil's primary centre for water activities, offering glass-bottom boat tours, banana rides, jet skiing, and vibrant nearshore snorkeling.
Lansdowne, Pauri Garhwal district
A charming, tranquil man-made lake built and maintained by the Garhwal Rifles in Lansdowne, surrounded by tall pine and oak trees. Features paddle boating, a bamboo footbridge, a duck enclosure, and serene lakeside tea kiosks.
Begumpura, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The striking 17th-century marble mausoleum commissioned by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum, celebrated for its symmetry and architectural resemblance to the Taj Mahal.
Bir Talab Deer Park & Reserve, Bathinda and Southwestern Forts, Punjab, India
Spread over 161 acres of acacia and teak forest, Bir Talab Deer Park is Bathinda\'s prime wildlife destination. The sanctuary preserves Punjab\'s state animal the endangered Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), along with spotted deer, sambars, and a vibrant walkthrough aviary.
Champaran, Raipur district
A celebrated pilgrimage village on the banks of the Mahanadi River, venerated as the birthplace of Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, the 15th-century philosopher-saint and founder of the Pushtimarg Vaishnava sect. Features ornate red-brick temples and traditional Gujarati haveli architecture.
Vypin Island, Kochi, Ernakulam district
A picturesque 10-kilometre-long golden sand beach on the northern tip of Vypin Island, uniquely bordered by the Arabian Sea on one side and tranquil palm-fringed backwaters on the other. Safe for swimming with frequent sightings of playful dolphins.
Chintpurni, Una district
One of the 51 celebrated Shakti Peethas, where the feet of Goddess Sati are said to have fallen. The temple is dedicated to Maa Chhinnamastika (the headless goddess), believed to alleviate all worries (chinta) of visiting devotees.
Riverbank Road, Silvassa 396230
Flowing gently past Silvassa from the Western Ghats before meeting the Arabian Sea at Daman, the Daman Ganga river is the environmental artery of the union territory. The landscaped riverfront promenade provides shaded seating under native banyan trees, walking boulevards, evening sunset viewpoints, and vantage points to observe local tribal river lifestyles.
Devka Beach Road, Nani Daman, Daman 396210
Devka Beach is a favorite recreational shoreline in northern Daman, distinguished by its rocky shoreline during low tide and roaring surf during high tide. The beach is accompanied by a paved coastal promenade, seaside cafes, and an adjacent amusement park featuring colorful musical fountains and children's amusement walkways.
~15 km from Dhamtari
Chhattisgarh's largest dam on the Mahanadi, with a huge reservoir offering jet-ski, boating and water-sports plus breezy sunset promenades.
Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri district
A tranquil coastal sanctuary where a 400-year-old self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Lord Ganesha faces the Arabian Sea, flanked by coconut groves and clean silver-sand surf beaches.
Apollo Bunder, Colaba, South Mumbai
Mumbai's most recognizable basalt arch monument overlooking the Arabian Sea, built to commemorate the 1911 royal landing. A breezy gathering spot where sea ferries depart for Elephanta Caves.
Gobindgarh Fort & Toshakhana, Amritsar and Majha Heartland, Punjab, India
Constructed in brick and lime with deep defensive moats, Gobindgarh Fort was fortified in the early 1800s by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to protect Amritsar. The citadel famously housed the Koh-i-Noor diamond in its Toshakhana (royal treasury) and features the historic Phansi Ghar and ancient Sikh coin mint.
Gopalpur, Ganjam district
An old maritime port of the Kalinga seafarers that later flourished under the British East India Company, now a peaceful seaside retreat. Known for clean sand dunes, rolling breakers, fresh seafood, and an active 1871 striped lighthouse offering sweeping coastal vistas.
Govardhan town, Mathura district
The sacred 21-km circumambulation of Mount Govardhan, the hill Lord Krishna lifted to shelter Braj villagers. Dotted with 500 plus temples, the parikrama path passes Mansi Ganga lake, Kusum Sarovar, Radha Kund, and Dan Ghati.
Nanakmatta town, Udham Singh Nagar district
A sacred historic Sikh shrine associated with the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who meditated under a peepal tree here in 1515 CE. Located beside the large Nanakmatta Dam reservoir, featuring a grand white marble gurudwara, holy sarovar, and community langar.
Jang-e-Azadi Memorial Kartarpur, Jalandhar and Doaba Cultural Belt, Punjab, India
Constructed over 25 acres along the Grand Trunk Road, the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial is a world-class architectural and cultural tribute to the martyrs of the Indian freedom movement from the Punjab region. Its signature circular memorial hall and laser show narrate heroic sagas from the Anglo-Sikh wars to 1947.
Near Tourist Hut, Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep 682555
Operated by the Department of Fisheries, the Marine Aquarium in Kavaratti showcases live specimens of Lakshadweep's rich underwater biodiversity. Glass tanks house vibrant lionfish, sea anemones, clownfish, moray eels, sea turtles, and brain corals, alongside an educational museum section displaying preserved specimens and whale skeletons.
Lakhwad, Mussoorie road, Dehradun district
A thunderous mountain waterfall cascading 40 feet down high granite cliffs into a natural splash pool. Established as a colonial picnic destination in the 1830s, complete with a ropeway cable car connecting the gorge.
Jeypore-Koraput road, Koraput district
A picturesque water reservoir formed by the Upper Kolab hydroelectric dam at an altitude of 3,000 feet. The adjoining hilltop Kolab Botanical Garden features terraced flower beds, fountains, children's play parks, and panoramic sunset viewpoints over the shimmering blue lake waters.
Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram district
Kerala's most famous coastal destination, comprising three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky headlands. The southernmost Lighthouse Beach is renowned for its 35-metre-tall striped stone lighthouse offering sweeping panoramic views over the turquoise Arabian Sea and palm groves.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, Ludhiana and Satluj Heartland, Punjab, India
Spanning over 4 acres along GT Road, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum pays tribute to the gallant armed forces of India. Marked by a monumental bronze statue of the Maharaja on horseback, the museum showcases fighter jets, Vijayanta tanks, historic armaments, and the Hall of Gallantry.
Bhilai, Durg
A sprawling Indo-Soviet friendship garden and zoo in Bhilai with a musical fountain, toy train, boating lake and a white-tiger enclosure that delights families.
Malampuzha, Palakkad district
The largest reservoir in Kerala, built across the Malampuzha River framed against the rugged Western Ghats hills. The extensive grounds feature landscaped Japanese gardens, dancing fountains, Kerala's first passenger passenger ropeway, and the famous colossal Yakshi sculpture crafted by artist Kanayi Kunhiraman.
Mararikulam North, Alappuzha district
A peaceful, pristine fishing village beach fringed by endless groves of swaying coconut palms and soft golden sands. Renowned for its tranquil, uncrowded atmosphere, authentic fishermen pulling in nets at dawn, and serene Arabian Sea sunsets.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Mumbai
A sweeping 3.6-kilometre arc of promenade along the coast, affectionately nicknamed the Queen's Necklace for its glittering night lights. Ideal for evening walks, sea breezes, and street snacks at Girgaon Chowpatty.
Shanmugham Road, Ernakulam, Kochi
A picturesque, tree-shaded waterfront promenade facing the backwaters of Kochi harbour. Featuring the iconic Rainbow Bridge and Chinese Fishing Net Bridge, it is a bustling gathering spot for evening breezes, street food, and harbor sightseeing boat rides.
Karjat taluka, Raigad district
Asia's only automobile-free eco-sensitive hill station, situated at an altitude of 800 metres in the Western Ghats. Known for its tranquil red laterite forest paths, heritage toy train from Neral, 38 designated cliff viewpoints including Panorama Point and Louisa Point, and colonial bungalows.
Mattupetty, Munnar, Idukki district
A concrete gravity storage dam nestled at 5,600 feet, surrounded by mist-draped tea hills and tranquil lake waters where wild elephants occasionally gather to drink. The nearby Echo Point offers a scenic natural acoustic phenomenon along the reservoir edge.
Kadaiya Village, Nani Daman, Daman 396210
Set amidst quiet rural greenery in Kadaiya village, Mirasol Lake Garden is a man-made water resort featuring two central islands surrounded by a shimmering artificial lake. Connected by arched wooden pedestrian bridges, the garden provides pedal-boating, toy train rides, landscaped flower beds, and shaded waterfront pavilions popular for family outings.
Museum of Rural Life (PAU), Ludhiana and Satluj Heartland, Punjab, India
Located within the green Punjab Agricultural University campus, this museum was curated by legendary writer M.S. Randhawa. Styled like a traditional 18th-century Punjabi rural courtyard house with mud-plastered walls and carved wooden gates, it showcases vintage phulkari embroideries, farming implements, and folk musical instruments.
Mallital & Tallital, Nainital district
A sparkling, crescent-shaped natural freshwater lake nestled at 6,358 feet, surrounded by seven verdant peaks (Sapta Shring). Famous for colorful rowing and paddle boating, evening strolls along the Mall Road, and reflecting mountain lights.
Naya Raipur
One of India's largest jungle safaris, where open-vehicle rides pass herbivore, bear, tiger and lion zones set in restored sal forest at Naya Raipur.
Chandaka Forest, Bhubaneswar, Khordha district
Literally 'The Garden of the Heavens', Nandankanan spans 437 hectares of natural moist deciduous forest along the scenic banks of Kanjia Lake. World-renowned as the first captive breeding facility for white tigers and the Indian pangolin, featuring open-moat safari enclosures and a ropeway.
Jobra, Cuttack
Housed inside the restored 19th-century British Maritime Workshop on the banks of the Mahanadi near Jobra Barrage. Comprises 13 interactive galleries showcasing ancient Kalinga maritime expeditions to Bali, Java, and Sumatra, traditional boat-building tools, and a 4D theatre.
Panhala hill town, ~20 km from Kolhapur
The largest hill fort in the Deccan, strategically dominating Sahyadri mountain trade passes. Associated with Shivaji Maharaj's historic siege escape, featuring Teen Darwaza, Sajja Kothi, and huge granaries.
Vythiri, Wayanad district
A charming natural freshwater lake situated at an altitude of 770 metres in the Western Ghats, uniquely shaped like India's geographical map. Surrounded by evergreen tropical forests and mist-clad hills, featuring blue water lilies, pedal boats, a freshwater aquarium, and a scenic perimeter walkway.
Chakratirtha Road / Sea Beach, Puri
One of India's prestigious eco-labeled Blue Flag certified beaches, featuring fine golden sands, wide promenades, lifeguard surveillance, and safe swimming zones. Famous for spectacular Bay of Bengal sunrises and the sand art creations of renowned master artists.
Sector 24, Naya Raipur
An open-air cultural park recreating Chhattisgarh's tribal life, art and architecture through life-size dioramas, sculptures and a tribal museum.
Rakh Bagh Park & Heritage Toy Train, Ludhiana and Satluj Heartland, Punjab, India
Rakh Bagh is Ludhiana's oldest and most beloved urban park, offering a welcome respite from the city's busy markets. Famous for its nostalgic operational miniature toy train, jogging tracks, open-air gymnasiums, and century-old neem and peepal trees, it is a favourite family recreation destination.
Ram Bagh Palace & Summer Garden, Amritsar and Majha Heartland, Punjab, India
Designed in the pattern of Lahore's Shalimar Gardens, Ram Bagh was the royal summer retreat of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The verdant garden complex holds the central red-sandstone summer palace, colonial statues, water canals, and the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama portraying historic Sikh military battles.
Guchhupani, Malsi, Dehradun district
A unique 600-metre natural limestone canyon where visitors wade through ankle-deep cold subterranean stream water between towering dark rock gorges, culminating in a natural underground waterfall spout.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Port Blair and South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Run by the Indian Navy, the Samudrika Marine Museum provides a comprehensive window into the marine biodiversity, indigenous tribal history, and geographical ecology of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Its outdoor display features a giant skeleton of a blue whale washed ashore in Nicobar.
Hidden Gem
Khanvel Road, Dapada, DNH 396230
Located near Dapada on the way to Khanvel, Satmaliya Deer Park is a lush sanctuary home to thriving populations of spotted deer (chital), sambar, nilgai, and blackbucks. A watchtower near the waterhole provides panoramic views of the animals grazing freely amidst teak and bamboo forest canopy.
Vinoba Bhave Road, Dak Bunglaw, Sayajiganj, Vadodara, Gujarat
Gifted to the city in 1879 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III along the Vishwamitri River, Sayaji Baug is Western India's largest garden park. Spanning 113 acres, it contains a functioning floral clock, the historic Sardar Patel Planetarium, a miniature rideable toy train, and lush botanical conservatories.
Shalimar Gardens & Royal Cenotaphs, Kapurthala and French Heritage, Punjab, India
Established as a tranquil sanctuary in the city centre, Shalimar Gardens contains the red-sandstone and marble samadhis (memorial cenotaphs) of the ruling Ahluwalia dynasty. The garden features traditional baradaris, landscaped floral parterres, and the scenic Shahi Samadhian complex.
Shaniwar Peth, Pune
The grand 18th-century palace-fortress seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire, famed for its massive spiked Dilli Darwaza gate, stone foundations, and evening sound-and-light show.
Sheesh Mahal & Medal Gallery, Patiala and Malwa Royal Dynasty, Punjab, India
Built in the mid-19th century by Maharaja Narinder Singh, Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) sits behind an artificial lake with a striking Lakshman Jhula style suspension bridge. The palace is celebrated for Kangra and Rajasthani style wall frescoes illustrating classical poetry, alongside a museum holding rare royal decorations.
Near Shivrajpur Village, 12 km from Dwarka, Gujarat
Located 12 km north of Dwarka, Shivrajpur is an eco-certified Blue Flag beach celebrated for its pristine white sands, gentle crystal waters, and calm shoreline. It features scuba diving, jet skiing, camel rides, and frequent pods of playful coastal dolphins visible near the historic lighthouse.
Thalikulam, Nattika, Thrissur district
A beautifully landscaped public coastal park and golden sand beach on the Arabian Sea, meaning 'Love Shore'. Winner of Kerala Tourism's cleanest beach award, featuring lush lawns, children's play areas, beachside promenades, and scenic sunset views.
Pudur, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Sprawling across 5,532 acres at the foot of Seshachalam hills, this is the second-largest zoological park in Asia. Designed on mythological themes (Kishkinda, Vrishabhadri), it houses white tigers, Asiatic lions, leopards, Indian giant squirrels, and endangered bird species in open safari natural habitats.
Chandrapur district, Vidarbha
Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park and a world-renowned haven for Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and Indian wild dogs roaming through teak forests and crocodile-filled lake waters.
New Tehri, Tehri Garhwal district
The highest dam in India and fourth highest in the world, holding back the emerald Bhagirathi River into a vast 42-sq-km mountain lake. Uttarakhand's primary destination for jet skiing, water zorbing, banana boat rides, and floating houseboats.
Adjacent to Statue of Unity, Kevadia, Gujarat
Stretching across 250 acres along the banks of the Narmada near the Statue of Unity, the Valley of Flowers showcases colorful rolling terraces planted with more than 300 varieties of exotic flowers, ornamental shrubs, and bamboo groves, set against the backdrop of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
Dadra Village, Dadra and Nagar Haveli 396193
Spanning over 7 hectares in Dadra village at the entrance of the union territory, Vanganga Lake Garden is a picturesque landscaped retreat designed in traditional Japanese garden aesthetics. A calm central lake surrounds an island connected by rustic timber bridges, bordered by towering weeping willows, illuminated musical fountains, paddle-boats, and paved walking tracks.
Vasona, Silvassa 396230
Part of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli wildlife conservation initiative, Vasona Lion Safari spans 20 hectares of natural woodland. Visitors board secured safari vans that navigate through the forested territory to observe majestic Asiatic lions in an open natural habitat.
Virasat-e-Khalsa Heritage Museum, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Shivalik Foothills, Punjab, India
Designed by celebrated international architect Moshe Safdie, Virasat-e-Khalsa is one of the most visited museum complexes in Asia. Spanning two soaring concrete-and-sandstone complexes linked by a pedestrian suspension bridge over a scenic canyon, its immersive experiential galleries celebrate Punjab\'s history, culture, and Sikh heritage.
Budhapara, Raipur
Raipur's iconic city lake with a towering Swami Vivekananda statue at its centre, musical fountains and a breezy promenade that comes alive at dusk.