Do you enjoy exploring new things with your kids on family vacations, whether it's climbing in the mountains or snorkeling in the ocean? Outdoor adventures for children can be tricky to plan, but they are not difficult to incorporate into your trip. There are so many simple ways to create a little magic in your outdoor adventures. Here are some fantastic ideas for you that may require a bit more effort but will undoubtedly result in some unforgettable moments for the entire family.
1. A short trek to Barsey Rhododendron sanctuary
When summer rolls around, all you can think about is getting back out in nature with your family. Is there anything better than spending time with your family while hiking in the mountains? During the Rhododendron flowering season, the bridle path from Hilley to Barsey is a popular tourist attraction, and your kids, in particular, will undoubtedly appreciate it.
2. Dance with a million fireflies in Purushwadi
Who wouldn't want to immerse into the spectrum of colors emitted by the glistening fireflies? Purushwadi, a tribal community nestled in the forested Western Ghats between the rivers Kurkundi and Mula, is a magical site to experience nature's beauty. In the last couple of weeks preceding the monsoons, a million fireflies put on a show like none other, spinning like flecks of gold to attract partners. Grassroutes (https://www.grassroutes.co.in/), an organization that promotes rural tourism, conducts trips to enjoy the spectacle and experience a slice of village life. You may also take your children for a swim in the river, assist villagers in the fields, and camp out under a star-studded sky.
3. Visit the floating phumdis of Manipur
Take your children on a boat ride to see the ingenious phumdis or floating islands of biomass that are home to the fishing community on Loktak Lake. Also, there are numerous floating homestays where you should choose to stop for lunch or stay longer. Also, you can explore the only floating park in the world, Keibul Lamjao National Park. It is also the world’s sole habitat for the Sangai, or brow-antlered deer, in the wild.
4. Learn about the Ladakhi way of life
Ladakh’s raw beauty is best experienced while living in a homestay. Under piercingly blue skies, amid swaying wheat fields and a gentle stream, the homestays in Ladakh welcome guests into their spartan abodes. Staying in a homestay allows your kids to immerse themselves in local culture, taste regional, home-cooked cuisine, and perhaps even begin to learn a new language. The experience is significantly more personal than staying in a hotel, and your children will learn about local gems and produce real memories.
5. Play with snow in Gulmarg along with a Gondola ride
Snow and snow as far as the eye can see, what more will the kids love during a vacation? Gulmarg is Kashmir’s thrilling spot of snow paradise. Let the kids free as they play in the snow, build snowmen, or just make an angel wind impression. Apart from skiing or snowboarding, race down the mountain on a sledge. You can also take the young ones on the cable car ride which is known as Gondola. They would be so excited to see the snow-covered landscape up from the sky.
6. Get a glimpse of the underwater world by Snorkeling in Andaman
For a relaxing day in the sun, floating in the most beautiful turquoise waters, you must go to Andaman. It offers some of the best places to snorkel so you can easily explore the world of sea-dwellers. The vibrant undamaged reefs come packed with a wide variety of fishes and sea creatures that give out a feeling of amazement and awe.
7. Toy train ride in Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Traveling on a toy train huffing and puffing steam chugging through the mountains does it not sound like a dream come true? Darjeeling makes this dream come true. Train rides have an irresistible charm and when the locomotive in question is a toy train built by the British, there is no doubt that children will love the ride. The toy train has been a symbol of our past since the colonial period, and it was an engineering marvel at the time. It also provides a wonderful way to take in the magnificent Himalayan landscape as you travel along the slopes of the hills.
8. Find wildlife inside Jim Corbett
Spread over more than 500 square kilometers, Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park. It was named after Jim Corbett, a well-known hunter who later became a conservationist. Being in the jungle is a treat in itself. Home to 50 species of mammals, over 500 types of birds, and plenty of reptiles, the jungle is never devoid of excitement and drama. You can take your younger children on nature hikes led by naturalists and experienced guides. Older youngsters can go rafting on the river Kosi, which has plenty of rapids or try rock climbing and rappelling.
9. Make pottery in Andretta
Set amid quaint stone houses, fruit trees, gushing streams, and the snow-clad Dhauladhar range, Andretta is a picturesque pottery town in Himachal Pradesh that is also regarded as one of the best places in India to learn pottery. Mansimran Singh and his wife Mary offer both short and long-term pottery classes in this pottery village. If your children are passionate about pottery, they will have a great time. You can also pick up exquisite clayware and other handicrafts from this place. Between the pottery classes, you can go for trekking, and birdwatching, or can have friendly chat with the village folks.
10. Visit Ajanta Ellora cave to know about the past
The Ajanta Caves are one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art that have had a significant impact on India's artistic development. The carvings and paintings date back to the beginning of the era of classical Indian art. The caves in Ajanta are among the most fascinating in the country, particularly those with paintings that transport your children back in time from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD. While in Ajanta, you can visit the Ellora Caves, which also have an aesthetic and cultural history of their own. In addition to visiting the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, you can also explore the nearby cities of Aurangabad and Jalgaon.
These aren’t the only experiences you should have with your kids to enjoy. India is blessed with a beautiful collection of diverse locations ranging from the deserts of Rajasthan to sparkling beaches of the South, to the lofty hills of the north, and what not. So, plan a holiday with your kids, as these real experiences can teach them much more than books can.
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