Summer is here and your kids are jubilant. They have been waiting with bated breath for their summer vacation and now that it's just around the corner, they have great expectations from you to plan an awesome family vacation! But hold on a second, if you're thinking about going on that annual summer trip, how about you take it up a notch this time? Why not do something a bit different for the little ones, and perhaps, kill two birds with one stone?
You know you have already been on too many of those run-off-the-mill holidays that offer the same old things. How about planning a trip to places that offer something different - something more intellectually stimulating without being boring? Yes, I am talking about taking your children to India's most kid-friendly destinations that are also the top educational cities in the country. If you like the sound of that, read this cool list I've compiled.
One place you absolutely must visit with your kids is Kaziranga National Park in Assam that is bound to leave, not just the little ones, but even you, completely awestruck with its wide variety of species. This especially holds true for the dwindling one-horned rhino, which appears to be straight out of Jurassaic Park! This beautiful wildlife sanctuary is one of the most popular destinations in India for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers and has also been declared a World Heritage Site.
Timings: Jeep safari timings (morning jeep safari - 7am and 9:30am; afternoon jeep safari - 1:30pm and 3:30pm). For more details contact them here.
Cost: For information on special packages, go here.
The capital of the populous state of West Bengal, Kolkata exudes an attractive old world charm and boasts of beautiful colonial architecture. But apart from that there's a peculiarly endearing and inexplicable charm about this city, despite its chaos and frenzy. And if you love food, there's no better place to visit - from puchkas to kathi rolls, Kolkata offers it all. Apart from that, it'd be fair to call this vibrant city the education hub of India.
Where to take your kids: This is the largest science centre in the India subcontinent where technology is exhibited in a stimulating environment.
Timings: 9am to 9pm, except on national holidays
Cost: ₹50 per person
Let's steer away from the stereotypical image of Bangalore - music, pubs and breweries - and focus on what else the IT capital of India has to offer. If you drive 22km south of Bangalore you will end up at the Bannerghatta Biological Park, which is an integral part of Bannerghatta National Park, an independent establishment with an aim to preserve wildlife and meet the growing demand of eco-tourism.
Where to take your kids: Bannerghatta Biological Park
Timings: ₹80 for adults and ₹40 for children between 5 to 12 years of age
Cost: Zoo: 9:30am to 5pm; Grand Safari: 10am to 4:30pm; Butterfly Park: 9:30am to 5pm; Boating: 9:30am to 5pm
Nestled in Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, Ooty is South India's answer to the mighty Himalayas. Being one of the most popular hill towns down south, it is known as the "queen of hill stations" and offers some beautifully scenic views of lush green landscapes and pristine lakes. Its fresh, sweet-smelling air with hints of pine and eucalyptus trees promise to rejuvenate you and make you want to go back over and over again.
Where to take your kids: Make sure you and your kids ride the recently opened Heritage Steam Voyage, Nilgiris Mountain Railway's summer special service which has become a rage amongst tourists. This journey is between Mettupalayam and Coonoor and covers a distance of 38km.
Timings: The train only runs on weekends
Cost: ₹1,100 and ₹800 for first class and second class and ₹185 and ₹25 for the general compartment.
If you want to unleash the creativity in your kid, why not try taking your little one to a vibrant little village, which is also the meeting point for artists? If you like the sound of that, you'd be thrilled to know there's a mysterious little village nestled cosily in the Himalayas that could bring out the creative genius in your little ones. Andretta village, around 15km from the Palampur district of Himachal Pradesh, is a peaceful town that is well known among the artists' circle where painters, artists and theatre performers meet and engage with each other. If you encourage your kids to embrace creativity, go check out Andretta Pottery and Craft Society, where they have the opportunity to study pottery, if that's where their interest lies.
To contact them or for more information, check out their official website.
If your children love to eat or are old enough to cook and enjoy the art of whipping up tasty dishes, it's time for you to take them to Kodaikanal. Yes, believe it or not, this stunning hill town down south is emerging as one of India's most popular destinations for a growing community of dedicated artisanal cheesemakers. What's more? Some of them are also conducting workshops to add to this expanding community. Cinnabar Farms in Kodaikanal is a cheese-making farm that has a wide and mouthwatering selection of cheeses that come in various shapes, colours and textures. At Cinnabar Farms they take great pride in the fact that all their ingredients are grown organically. Cinnabar Farms offers short courses in cheese-making and tasting as well as baking perfect fluffy bread to accompany your cheese with.
For more information on Cinnabar Farms, go here.
If the little ones have an adventurous streak and love the water, and you want to encourage them to pursue their interest, you must take them to Lakshadweep Islands for a fun-filled holiday full of adventure and that includes learning to scuba dive and snorkel on this picture-perfect cluster of islands. So make sure you get your kids (and yourselves) to plunge into the turquoise waters surrounding these islands, and swim alongside vibrant fish and magnificent turtles and marvel at corals and the fantastic marine life of these islands. Agatti and Bangaram Islands offer coaching lessons for those who are interested in scuba diving and snorkelling. The diving operator Lacadives operates in Lakshadweep Islands and offers some amazing diving courses for those interested.
For more information on Lacadives, check out their website.
So if these destinations have convinced you to go on that awesome trip that is educational without being boring, and stimulates your kid intellectually and creatively, make sure you plan a holiday today!
Have you ever been to a learning destination in India or abroad? Share your experience with Tripoto's community of travellers and they will thank you!
You can also check our some really awesome and inspirational travel videos on Tripoto's Youtube channel here.
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