Travelling enriches our lives and opens our kids to a new world. Children can grasp engrossing ideas and concepts easily, and what better way to absorb this world than travelling? The landscapes, the architecture, the people, the culture, the local cuisine, the flora and fauna – they will relish every aspect of it.

India itself has many scenic and adventurous places to visit. But once in a while, you feel like exploring outside our beautiful country. Travelling outside India can be a big question mark for many. Should we get a visa before landing? What is the budget? What if it rains and we can’t explore as planned? All of these and more would pop up. We list a few options for family vacations, keeping the above factors in mind. Read on to get your travel buzz started.

1. Sri Lanka:

Most kids will know or have read the Ramayana, so Sri Lanka will be like visiting a place from the epic. Sri Lanka truly is an idyllic land filled with lush greenery, heritage sites, Buddhist temples, majestic elephants, hills filled with tea plantations, picturesque beaches, and tantalizing seafood.

This fascinating neighbouring country has laidback tourist spots and bustling metro cities. It is similar to India in terms of weather – a tropical land. Sri Lanka’s capitals are Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and Colombo. Sri Lanka can be reached by air.

Visa: Visas can be applied online or obtained on arrival

An ideal time to visit: December until April

Some famous places/activities to cover:

• Gangaramaya Temple, National Museum of Colombo, National Zoological Garden of Sri Lanka, and Beira lake in Colombo
• Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of Tooth, and Spice Garden in Kandy
• A fun train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
• Flag Rock, Old Dutch Market, Galle Fort, Dutch Reformed Church, and Whale Watching in Galle
• Sigiriya National Park, Sigiriya Fortress, and Sigiriya Museum in Sigiriya
• River rafting in Kitulgala
• Floating market in Pettah
• Minneriya National Park
• Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
• Yala West National Park
• Ancient Buddhist Monastery with the nation’s largest Buddha statue in Maligawila
• Madu River Boat Ride
• Water sports at various beaches

Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport

Languages Spoken: Sinhala and Tamil

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee

Budget: Family packages start at approximately Rs.20,000 per person

2. Bhutan:

Well known as one of the happiest and peace-loving countries in the world, it is also one of India’s neighbours. It is a carbon-negative nation as it has over 72% of its land covered by forests. This country charms its visitors with stunning views of the Himalayan Range, picture-perfect valleys, ancient architecture, Buddhist temples, untouched natural resources, and pure air to breathe. It is aptly termed the last Shangri-La (paradise on Earth). Thimpu is Bhutan’s capital. Bhutan can be reached by air, road, or rail.

Visa: No visa is required for Indian citizens, but you will need an ‘Entry Permit’.

An ideal time to visit: October to December and the Rhododendron season is March to May

Some famous places/activities to cover:

• Ancient Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong
• Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary
• Dochula Pass
• Dzongs: the centre of temporal and religious authorities
• Hot springs called Tshachus
• Jigme Dorji National Park
• Royal Manas National Park
• Samdrup Jongkhar
• Sacred Sites associated with Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and his descendants
• Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Tamzhing Monastery
• Punakha Suspension Bridge
• Bird Watching, especially during the black-necked cranes migration season in November
• Hiking through the mesmerising forests
• Thimphu Tshechu festival
• Simply Bhutan Museum

Airport: Paro International Airport

Languages Spoken: Dzongkha

Currency: Ngultrum and Indian Rupee

Budget: Family packages start at approximately Rs.13,500 per person

3. Nepal:

Nepal is yet another of our next-door neighbours. It is the magical land of the Himalayan range and Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga – the two highest peaks lie here. A haven for winter holidays, you and your kids can enjoy a vast range of winter adventure sports here. Similar to Bhutan, this nation also offers tourists breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. Gorgeous green valleys, trekking trails through forests, and many adventure sports await you. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital. Nepal is accessible by air and road.

Visa: No visa is required for Indian citizens

An ideal time to visit: September to December and late February to mid-April

Some famous places/activities to cover:

• Chitwan National Park
• Pokhara with the various adventure activities like Paragliding, Bunjee jumping, etc
• The Annapurna trekking circuit
• Lumbini
• Sagarmatha National Park (home to Mount Everest)
• Kathmandu Valley
• Narayanhiti Royal Palace
• Lakes Gokyo and Phewa
• Water Rafting
• Boudhanath
• Langtang National Park
• Namche Bazaar

Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport

Languages Spoken: Nepali

Currency: Nepalese Rupee

Budget: Family packages start at approximately Rs.10,700 per person

Plan a lovely holiday with your family and make sweet memories. We will come up with more places. Happy travelling.

P.S: The travel package rates tend to change with time.