Family vacations are special. The fun, laughter and memories that you make while enjoying a holiday with your family are unmatched. A break from the usual routine of everyday life, the best places for family vacation are those that help strengthen the bonds of love and trust. It is important to chose an appropriate destination for a family trip. It has to be safe, relatively easy to reach and interesting for all age groups. Of course, there should be a dash of adventure, relaxation, learning and loads of fun too.
List of Best Places for Family Vacation
To make it easier for you to decide where you can enjoy a vacation with your family, here is a list of the top 11 destinations. All of these attractions are located at close proximity to Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala and other towns and cities of Maharashtra.
Wet’nJoy Lonavala
There is no place like an amusement and water park if you are looking for unlimited and unabashed fun with your family. Wet’nJoy Amusement and Water Park in Lonavala is where you can try the craziest and laziest of adventures. Splash, slide, float, jump or dance in the cool waters. Or hang, oscillate, somersault in mid-air. When enjoyed together as a family, the rides and slides are all the more fun. Pair up with your partner in Boomerango zooming along inclined water slides or embark on the topsy turvy water journey of Tornado. Sit together on the Giant Frisbee and scream together on Top Spin Suspended. In the Carnival wave across to each other in the merry-go-round or have relaxing conversations on the Lazy River. Enjoy time with your kids in Truck n Trail and get wet with them in the Royal Castle.
Located on the Old Pune Highway, Wet’nJoy Lonavala is one of the best places for family vacation as it is well connected to Mumbai, Pune and other cities of the state. Also, restaurants, lockers, changing rooms, wheelchair facilities and many such amenities, make it the complete family holiday experience.
Aamby Valley City
Aamby Valley City is one of the first planned hill stations of India. It came into being in 2006 and is tucked in the beautiful Sahyadri Hills. A high-end, luxury township it has several resorts, hotels, conference centres and adventure activities. It is one of the best places for family vacation if you are looking for exclusivity and class. The accommodation and dining options at Aamby Valley City ooze sophistication. Adventure activities, such as golfing, water sports, jungle safari, trekking, rock climbing, zip lining and more can also be enjoyed here. A boarding school, airstrip and gallery also add to the things that you can do and explore in this town.
Della Resorts
Continuing with luxury and comfort, why not visit the exquisite Della Resorts in Lonavala. With more than 300 rooms, the resort offers different categories of grandness, such as the Presidential Suite, Garden Villa Suite, Designer Suite and more. Spa, salon, restaurants, bars, entertainment shows, celebrity sightings, dance and music are some of the attractions of the Della resort. Also, at the Della Adventure Park you can try bungee jumping, flying fox, sky cycling, bike riding, swoop swinging and more. The Della Resorts offer private comfort, grandeur and richness along with unique adventure activities and sports for your family.
Royal Orchid Central
The Royal Orchid Central is located in Kalyani Nagar in Pune. There are more than 100 rooms here and several other facilities, such a pool, fitness centre, event spaces, restaurants, gallery and more. If you are looking to spend a comfortable, luxurious and relaxing holiday with your loved ones, then the Royal Orchid Central is one of the best places for family vacation.
Sinhagad Fort
If you are family that enjoys the outdoors, who loves to stay connected with the soil and get their hands dirty, then a trek to the Sinhagad Fort is your cup of tea. A spectacular hill fortress, the Sinhagad Fort near Pune has an interesting history. For trekking, the route begins from the Sinhagad Village and the one-way distance to the fort is approximately 2.7 km. Enjoy the lush greenness and freshness of the Sahyadri hills while hiking. Also, inside the fort, visitors can check out the stables, temples, brewery and other ruins.
Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple
For families that give importance to spending spiritual time together, one of the best places for family vacation could be to visit the Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple. Situated in Pune hundreds of pilgrims visit the temple every day. A Ganesh temple, it has been a place of worship for more than 100 years. The structure and design of the temple is beautiful and the Ganesh idol and marble sentinels are divine. Seeking blessings at the Ganapati temple is a peaceful, soulful experience to share with family.
Lohagad Fort
A hill fort that is located at an elevation of 3389 feet, the Lohagad fort is also connected to Visapur fort. An easy trekking route, one has to climb 300 steps from the parking lot to reach the fort. Wouldn’t that be one of the best places for family vacation where you can exercise and celebrate your physical fitness? Then why not take a family trek to Lohagad and enjoy the splendid views from atop. Also, there are interesting historical structures, such as step wells and tanks to see at the fort site.
Bhimashankar Temple
A family vacation is not always about fun and frolic. A spiritual connection is also important where the young are introduced to the culture and traditions of the family. Paying a visit to the Bhimashankar Temple in Maharashtra is a good way to involve the entire family on a spiritual journey. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas this temple is located amidst tremendous natural beauty. There are several plants and animal species that are found around the temple area. The serenity, divinity and biodiversity make Bhimashankar Temple a perfect place to visit with family.
Trimbakeshwar Temple
The Trimbakeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Godavri River originated near Trimbak. The temple is situated between three hillocks and hence represents Shiva’s three lingas. A visit to the temple instils spirituality and one learns more about scriptures and mythology. Devotees pay a visit to the temple with the elderly and children of the family to seek blessings. A visit to this temple is an ideal destination for a spiritual and soothing family holiday.
Malshej Ghat
One of the best places for family vacation that can leave you with photographic memories of pristine beauty is the Malshej Ghat. A mountain pass, it is surrounded by stunning landforms and is home to a varied species of wildlife. From flamingos, cuckoos and quails, visitors are enthralled with the diversity of birds that flock here. The are waterfalls, streams and green valleys are all part of the mesmerizing beauty of this place.
Lion’s Point
Situated in between Aamby Valley City and Bhushi Dam, Lion’s Point is a scenic viewpoint that is worth visiting. The panoramic view from this point consists of rolling hills, low clouds, green eslopes, scattered valleys, waterfalls and more. During monsoons, this is one of the best places for family vacation as you can relax and completely destress.
Spending time with family is critical. Quality time with each other, increases bonding, understanding and affection. Traveling together is a great way to interact and enjoy with each other. The best places for family vacation are of course, great destinations. But they become unforgettable because you remember them as good times spent with people that you love the most.
Waterpark Time: 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Rides Operational Time: 11:00 AM – 05:30 PM
Amusement Park Time: 10:30 AM – 08:00 PM
Rides Operational Time: 11:00 AM – 06:30 PM