When traveling to India with kids, Delhi is the first city you have to see in this thrilling country, and it will definitely leave a mark. All over the world, Delhi has a strong reputation for being loud, chaotic and vibrant. We couldn’t agree more with this description, but we mean it in the best way possible. No matter where you go in the world, you will never find anything that compares to this amazing, lively city. In our opinion, visiting Delhi with kids is the right way to introduce yourself to this exceptional country.
On the other hand, being among the top ten largest cities in the world, it can be quite challenging to fully figure out how to plan out your itinerary, accommodation, and transport. To make it easier for you, we’ve done everything we can to inform you of everything you need to know for your family trip to Delhi. From when the best times to visit, to how to move around, to the best places to stay and the best things to do in Delhi with kids, we’ve got your back.
Let’s begin!
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Best Time To Travel To Delhi
Winter (December, January, February)
Winter is a bit of a hit or miss when figuring out when to go to Delhi. During December and January, it’s not ideal to travel because of the crowds, and very low temperatures that can take over the city. You’ll end up staying indoors! However, Delhi is perfect to visit in February. The tourist season has finished by that time, and the warm weather starts to arrive. It becomes a lot more pleasurable to walk around outdoors, but it’s temperatures don’t get unbearably high. One thing to keep in mind is that during wintertime, Delhi is at its worst in terms of air pollution. We recommend purchasing masks if you’re traveling at the start of winter, but you shouldn’t worry if you’re visiting during the first signs of spring.
Spring (March, April, May)
Similar to traveling to Delhi in winter, visiting in spring is a good choice if you stick for certain months. We advise you to travel during March, but not in April or May simply because of the temperature. The weather in Delhi in March is sunny and warm; perfect for spending long periods of time in the outdoors or sightseeing. However, as they move closer to summer, the heat and humidity can become quite intolerable and unpleasant. It would be a shame to spend your time indoors with the AC!
Summer (June, July, August)
Summer is the only season of the year in which we strongly recommend that you refrain from traveling to Delhi. For India, summer means monsoon season, so you can expect entire days of heavy rains and high humidity. The rains can get so bad that they often result in floods and landslides in rural areas. If you were thinking of traveling around India with kids in the summer, the rains can make it quite challenging to find good or reliable transport options. Ironically, summer is also the time where most tourist travels and accommodation prices peak, so it’s overall not the greatest ideal.
Fall (September, October, November)
We find fall to be the perfect time to visit Delhi. It’s the lowest tourist period of the year, so you’ll find the main attractions a lot less crowded, and more opportunities to find lower-priced accommodation options. The heat is hot enough to feel like you’re actually on holiday, but is manageable enough that there are no issues with complaining or uncomfortable kids.
Best Areas to Stay
Being one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world, Delhi can seem like it has many places to accommodate tourists in when visiting. However, in terms of appropriate areas for families to stay in, there’s only a select few we think to offer the most to make your trip as pleasurable and smooth as possible
Connaught Place (Financial District)
Connaught Place is the financial district in Delhi. There is a world of different kinds of businesses. They range from modern to traditional, from vintage to global chain stores, cinemas restaurants, markets and bazaars. This area is very well located in the city with closely available forms of transport that can take you anywhere you need to go. If you’re worried about dense crowds and people, you’ll be happy to hear that Connaught Place is actually not a very congested place in Delhi, contrary to some other popular tourist areas in the city. Here you can find a little more upscale hotels and resorts if it’s something you’re interested in, as well.
South Delhi
To us, South Delhi is definitely the best area to stay in Delhi as a family. In contrast to the bustling and pulsating personality everyone associates with Delhi, the south has a lot more relaxed, greener and calmer atmosphere. If you’re traveling to Delhi for the first time or have younger children with you, this is probably the best option for you. One of the main reasons why South Delhi is the best place for families with small children to stay in is because of its proximity to most of Delhi’s best attractions.
Being so close to everything makes it very easy to plan your days around your hotel or Airbnb. To give you an idea, you can expect to reach the most famous monuments like the Lotus Temple, Buddha Garden, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s tomb in no time. That being said, you’ll also be able to move around the city to other popular places since public transport is also easily accessible. South Delhi is also the perfect place to escape chaos from the city, recharge, and be ready to face it the next day. There are also several local shops, businesses, and restaurants that can offer you an authentic experience of true Indian hospitality.
Karol Bagh
Karol Bagh is a residential neighborhood in central Delhi. It’s perfect for families since the ambiance is quite residential, but has a splash energetic and high-spirited markets and shopping sites. This area is mostly known for its great shopping streets. You’ll get countless opportunities to find the best items to remember Delhi by when you get home. Since it’s quite a happy and lively area, it’s quite the spot for families who want to immerse themselves in the iconic booming Indian shopping culture without encountering so much chaos.
How to Move Around Delhi – The Best Options for Families
Private Car Hire
The best way to move around Delhi with kids is through a private car and driver hire. If you’re traveling from abroad, you’ll find that the price per day is not that expensive. Having your own driver is very convenient because you won’t have to worry about how you’ll get to different locations during the day, or about having to haggle down taxi or tuk-tuk prices. If you have younger children, sitting in the car is always a lot more comfortable as well.
Uber
Uber is, indeed, available in the city. As it turns out, it’s among the best ways to get around Delhi with kids. You probably already know how it works: you download the app, get a fixed price depending on the destination and time of the day, and off you go. Having a fixed price is actually the most convenient thing about it. In terms of prices, Ubers actually turn out to be quite cheaper. Differently to tuk-tuks, you won’t get surprised with random price increases. You can also be sure that your journey will be as safe as possible.
Motor Rickshaw (tuk-tuk)
The motor rickshaw is definitely the most iconic and fun way to move around Delhi. Besides being sure the kids will absolutely love riding a tuk–tuk, there is really no other way to truly experience the exhilarating road life of India as a family. India is known for its ‘chaotically organized’ way of driving. But you won’t truly understand it until a tuk-tuk takes you out for a ride.
We recommend taking a tuk-tuk with traveling short distances, and if you’re a family four. Although you may see locals carrying a lot more people, the maximum capacity of tuk-tuks tends to be five. Make sure you stay safe and comfortable! We also suggest that you skip on tuk-tuks if you have a baby. The ride can get quite loud and bumpy. Make sure to negotiate for a fair price since drivers are likely to raise them for foreigners and tourists.
Metro
Delhi has one of the most impressive metro systems in the world. With the important responsibility of having to transport millions of people across one of the largest cities on the planet, you can expect many people in the city to use it. As a tourist, taking the metro is a good way of moving around the city in terms of budget. It would perhaps be a good option for solo travelers or backpackers. But in terms of comfort and practicality for families, it’s definitely not the best. In peak times (from 7-10 AM to 5-7 PM) the metro can become very crowded and hot, so it’s definitely not ideal for families with babies or toddlers, or if you’re carrying a lot of baggage. On the other hand, it might be a considerable option for families who are used to traveling together – particularly to crowded and loud places.
Things to do in Delhi with Kids
Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is definitely one of the best things to do in Delhi with kids. In fact, it’s actually one of the most visited monuments in the entire world. Its incredible lotus flower-shaped structure is just the beginning. The temple is surrounded by beautiful flowery gardens and pools. It has an incredible capacity to evoke a sense of peace and calmness in the middle of such an energetic city such as Delhi.
We couldn’t recommend visiting the Lotus Temple enough. Not only how it looks on the inside, but also for the experience of it that makes you feel on the inside. Although it’s known for encouraging tranquility among people, the temple is indeed a place reserved for quiet meditation and prayer. If your kid happens to be quite restless that day, we suggest that you perhaps skip it for the time being. You can always come back later!
Website: The Lotus Temple
Address: Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019, India
Hours: Tue - Sun 9:00 AM -5:00 PM
Cost: Free of charge
Swaminarayan Akshardham
The word ‘Akshardham’ translates into the house of worship, and the divine home of God. Although built in the late 1700s, its beautiful ancient architecture and designs remain standing until this day. Decorated with over 200 murtis (statues, images, or representations), this Akshardham is a very special place visited by many locals looking for a spiritually enriching experience.
The Akshardham mandir is definitely the most popular and impressive building to spend the most time in the whole Swaminarayan Akshardham complex. Even though its outside is breathtaking on its own, the inner sanctum is beautifully displayed with shiny, golden statues. The ceiling and domes are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings. They’re meant to represent God’s beauty and his ability to inspire ‘creation’. This definitely has to be among the first things to visit when planning a family trip in India. It will certainly set the standard for the rest of the incredible things you’ll see during your travels.
Website: Swaminarayan Akshardham
Address: Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110092, India
Hours: Tue - Sun 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free admission
Humayun’s Tomb
Included in UNESCO’s World Heritage lists, Humayun’s Tomb is one of the best visits you can do with kids in India. Built during the mid-1500s, the tomb is an incredible example of Mughal traditional architecture, standing in front of a beautiful charbagh, a four-quadrant garden joined by a central pool connected by four rivers.
This is probably one of the greatest pieces of architecture to see in India to experience the grandeur and elegance of blended Persian, Turkish and Indian heritage. The history and stories that stem from this building are not only interesting and captivating. Understanding them is helpful to understand and appreciate its true significance. Knowing at least a bit of information about the tomb is actually a good tip as a parent. You can keep your children entertained while giving them the opportunity to learn something new. On the other hand, hiring a personal guide costs $5, and audio guides can be rented for $2. Another useful piece of information is that children under 15 years old do not pay an entrance fee!
Website: Humayun’s Tomb
Address: Mathura Road Opposite, Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Delhi 110013, India
Hours: Not specified
Cost: Members of SAARC pay 10 rupees. Other visitors pay $5.
Red Fort
The Red Fort in Delhi carries with it an incredible piece of history and politics. It actually represents the independence of India from British rule. Distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of the many attractions in Delhi that are a must to visit with the family. Like Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort is also an amazing representation of Mughal architecture. It includes several special rooms like the Diwan-i-‘Am and the Diwan-i-Khas. Both were important places in which political decisions were taken, and shaped the future of the country.
Don’t forget to visit Hayat-Baksh-Bagh! It’s distinguished by its living giving garden. You can only imagine its beauty.
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, New Delhi 110002, India
Hours: Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cost: Adults Rs. 80 and Children Rs. 30.
National Railway Museum
163 years of India’s railway history is concentrated inside the National Rail Museum in Delhi. This is among the best tourist places for a family trip to India. It’s a great way to entertain young children; not only are there a wide array of old, and new locomotives to hop on, but there are many other interactive displays and simulator rides, and even 3D virtual reality activities. After spending the day learning about the machines that transport and unify millions of people in the country every day, you can opt for a delicious meal at the new on-site restaurant.
This is a very well-liked location to come to when visiting Delhi with kids. It’s equally popular among local families. Therefore, it’s also the perfect opportunity to mingle with local culture! You should encourage your children to make friends and play with other kids!
Website: National Rail Museum
Address: Chandra Gupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110002, India
Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost:
Weekdays: Adults 50 Rs. and Children (3-12 years old) 10 Rs.
Weekends: Adults 100 Rs. and Children (3-12 years old) 20 Rs.
Deer Park
Upon the first impression, the megacity of Delhi can be very overwhelming. There are millions of people, cars, noise, smells, and an overload of sensory stimulation that is unique to this city. Luckily, Delhi’s Deer Park is the perfect place to catch a break from all the chaos and take a minute to admire a piece of Indian nature and wildlife.
Otherwise described as the “lungs of Delhi”, it’s one of the most ecologically diverse and loved areas of the city. Locals cherish the site as much as tourists. They often spend entire days watching deer that are strolling freely in the distance.
Although the deer are definitely the star of the show, the Deer Park has another four wings to explore. The Fountain Park, District Park, and Rose Garden offer completely different sceneries, so be prepared to spend 3 to 4 hours on the site. We recommend packing a picnic and enjoy as a family in a grassy area. Otherwise, there are several restaurants nearby where you can eat delicious family-friendly meals like the Smoke House Delhi and Charcoal.
Address: Hauz Khas Fort Rd, New Delhi 110016, India
Hours:
Summer: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Winter: 5:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Lodhi Gardens
Another of Delhi’s green escapes is the gorgeous Lodhi Gardens. Besides being one of the top things to do in Delhi with kids, it’s a beautiful natural hub home to a wide range of different kinds of birds, butterflies and over 80 species of trees. Children can run around freely and play endlessly.
There are a variety of historical monuments from the Lodhi dynasty spread around the gardens, there is plenty to discover. There are several ancient, royal burial grounds, with tombs of ancient, famous Sultans. However, the most important monuments to visit with your family are the Bara Gumbad, the Sheesh Gumbad and the tomb Sikandar Lodhi. Whether they feature incredible architecture or domes made out of mirrors. visiting the Lodhi Gardens is a great way for the family to catch a glimpse into India’s ancient royalty and prestige.
Address: Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
Hours: 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM.
Cost: Free admission
Qutub Minar
Yes. Yet another UNESCO Heritage Site. This 73-meter tall tower represents the Muslim dominance over Delhi. It’s currently the tallest tower in India and is attached to the first mosque built in India, the Quwwat-us-Islam Mosque. The spiral staircase inside has over 370 steps! It’s beautifully decorated with traditional architectural designs with geometric patterns and inscriptions.
There are many dining options nearby that offer great views of the mosque and towers. Eating at one of these locations as the sun goes down is a great way to end another day in Delhi with kids!
Address: Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030, India
Hours: Mon - Sun 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Cost: International Visitors Rs. 250
Domestic Visitors Rs. 10.
Children: Free
India Gate
The India Gate is one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks; probably because of how similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. But in reality, the India Gate is a memorial for those who fought in the First World War.
The gate is surrounded by a large square of beautiful green gardens, games, and playgrounds, a lake with pedal boats you can rent. For children, this is, of course, the most interesting part of visiting the gate. We suggest that you rent a boat and admire the gate from the water during sunset. The India Gate looks amazing as bright lights decorate it as it stands against an orange sky.
Address: Rajpath, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Dili Haat
Run by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), going to the Dili Haat is one of the things to do in Delhi with kids. The Dili Haat is one of the best markets and bazaars in Delhi to find the most colorful pieces of traditional clothing, saris, costumes, and souvenirs. There are also beautiful pieces of art, handmade crafts and ethnic food that you should definitely try. Sometimes, they even have performances and dance shows…they never fail to make a good surprise!
Address: Kidwai Nagar West, Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110023, India
National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
Known as India’s most inspiring museum, the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy is another of the best things to do with kids. It is the ultimate way to celebrate the incredible diversity and richness of Indian craft. In total, there are over 33,000 items and objects to discover originating from absolutely everywhere in the country.
From textiles, ceramics, tribal paintings, terracotta and clay figures, bamboo crafts and more, you can be certain that you kids are never going to get bored. The museum is organized in a very unique and different way to most museums you’ve probably been to. It’s set out to look like a village, with around 15 huts that contain all the art pieces. You may be lucky enough to spot incredibly talented craftsmen and craftswomen actively working on their pieces. It’s more common for pottery and pottery painting. Kids get absolutely mesmerized by seeing the local artists work in front of them! In fact, one of the best features of this museum is the kid workshops they organize. Not only does this awaken their creativity, but having the opportunity with a real craftsperson has been said to be one of the things kids have enjoyed the most.
Make sure to keep your eyes open for the amazing music performances and dance shows by professional dancers and their gorgeous traditional costumes. There is a stage in the middle of the complex, so you can’t miss it if you’re busy walking around. This is definitely a museum you don’t wanna miss out on – especially for the gift shop in the end. You’ll be able to purchase some of the best pieces of authentic Indian contemporary art. Don’t forget to visit the Café Lota for exquisite gourmet Indian delicacies.
Website: The National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
Address: Pragati Maidan, Bhairon Road, New Delhi-110001
Hours: Tue - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Domestic Visitors Rs. 20. International Visitors Rs. 200.
What To Eat in Delhi With Kids
With all the incredible food that India has to offer, figuring out what to eat while you’re in Delhi with kids can be quite a task. Here are five of the most incredible kid-friendly food to have while you’re visiting one of the world’s largest cities.
Parathas
For most households in Delhi, the day simply doesn’t start right without parathas on the breakfast table. Shaped like a pancake, you can either have it plain o stuffed with a wide variety of ingredients and combinations: potatoes, cauliflower, eggs, radish, or pretty much anything you can think of. Just like kids love pancakes, you can be sure that parathas are going to be another great success.
Besan Chilla
If you’re going to try any street food in Delhi with your kids, you better make sure that it’s Besan Chilla. It’s one of the lightest street foods there are in the city, so there’s a lower risk of getting sick or an upset stomach. It’s as simple as a thin flour tortilla stuffed with delicious vegetables. Don’t forget to add cottage cheese! It’s the best way to eat it.
Momos
Delhi’s version of dumplings. A simple recipe of water and flour forms the texture of the dumpling that we all love so much. Then, it wraps around different kinds of fillings. Vegetables, tofu, paneer cheese, or lamb are marinated in a delicious sauce. The sauce, of course, has an unimaginable amount of spices and aromas that you can smell from miles away. They’re the perfect snack for when the kids start getting hungry in the middle of the day.
Channa Bhatura
Channa Bhatura is a specialty from northern India. You can find it everywhere – from roadside eateries to restaurants. It’s a vegetarian dish with chickpeas in a delicious red sauce served with deep-fried bread. In theory, it’s quite a simple recipe. But in reality, it’s an iconic Indian dish that your kids will never forget about. Channa Bhatura is actually the sort of dish that reminds people of their childhood! Make sure you give it a try when visiting Delhi with kids.
Kulfi
For dessert, the best way to go is definitely Kulfi. Kulfi is a form of traditional Indian ice cream, but its consistency is a lot creamier and denser. Enriched with spices and nuts iconic to India like cardamom, saffron, almonds, and pistachio, eating Kulfi is the closest you’ll ever get to heaven. It’s actually the perfect alternative to ice cream. There are no additives or “bad sugar, and rely on only natural flavors”. No risk of sugar rushed kids!
We hope that your experience in Delhi with kids is as amazing as ours was! It truly is one of the best cities in the world, and we’re very excited for you to tell us about your travel stories. We can’t recommend this city enough to discover with your kids. Please be assured that they will enjoy every moment of it! Leave your anecdotes, favorite memories, and thoughts with us in the comments below!
