Family-Friendly Adventures in Agra!

Taj Mahal

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Tour Itinerary: Visiting the Taj Mahal

Morning: Arrival and Entry

Begin your adventure early to avoid the crowds and the heat. Aim to arrive at the Taj Mahal right when it opens at sunrise, around 6 AM. You can reach Agra the night before and stay at a family-friendly hotel. Travel to the monument by taxi or auto-rickshaw from your hotel.

Fascinating Fact: The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and took over 20 years to complete.

Late Morning: Explore the Taj Mahal

Enter through the impressive western gate, designed as an introduction to the paradise awaiting inside. Spend the morning admiring the majestic white marble mausoleum and exploring its intricate artistic details with a family-friendly guide who can share stories and legends that keep the kids engaged.

Fun Activity: Get the children involved by playing a game of spotting the different precious stones inlaid in the marble.

Afternoon: Visit the Taj Museum

Located in the Naubat Khana complex within the Taj Mahal grounds, the Taj Museum is perfect for a short educational visit. The museum showcases original architectural drawings of the Taj Mahal and other artifacts.

Fascinating Fact: The changing colors of the Taj Mahal’s marble at different times of the day represent the changing mood of a woman.

Late Afternoon: Gardens and the Yamuna River

Stroll through the beautiful Mughal Gardens, which are symmetrical and designed to represent paradise on Earth. Then head to the nearby Yamuna River for a serene view back on the Taj Mahal, perfect for family photos.

Evening: Souvenir Shopping

Before heading back to your hotel, stop at the local market outside the Taj Mahal complex to pick up some souvenulnirs like miniature Taj Mahal replicas or marble crafts.

This itinerary ensures a comprehensive, enjoyable, and educational visit to one of the world’s most famous monuments, making it a memorable day for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Swaminarayan Akshardham

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family journey at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, a magnificent temple complex that celebrates Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture.

Arrival and Entry

Start your day early to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit. Akshardham is easily accessible by public transport; the nearest metro station is "Akshardham" on the Blue Line, just a five-minute walk to the temple. On arrival, be prepared for stringent security checks. Cameras, phones, and bags aren"t allowed inside, but free storage is available.

Exploring the Complex

Begin your tour at the main temple, which opens at 9:30 AM. Marvel at the intricate carvings of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities that adorn the temple. It"s not just a feast for the eyes; it"s a record holder too, being the world"s largest comprehensive Hindu temple according to the Guinness World Records.

Exhibitions

Next, dive into the educational exhibitions. Start with "Sahaj Anand Water Show", a unique multimedia experience that combines water, sound, light, and animation to depict stories from ancient scriptures (suitable for children 6 and above). This show usually starts after sunset, so plan your visit accordingly.

Boat Ride

Don"t miss the cultural boat ride that transports you through 10,000 years of India’s heritage. See the world’s first university of Takshashila and discover India’s contributions to science and mathematics.

Gardens and Play Area

Take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens. ‘Bharat Upavan’ celebrates the heroes from India’s history and folklore with lush greenery and bronze statues. For kids, there’s a designated play area to burn off some energy while you relax.

Dining

Conclude your visit at the Premvati Food Court, offering a variety of vegetarian dishes that are as delightful as they are wholesome, reflecting the temple"s commitment to purity and spirituality.

Departure

The temple closes around 6:30 PM, ensuring you head back with ample time to reflect on a day well spent amidst peace and piety.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

New Delhi Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House), New Delhi

Morning: Start at Sansad Bhavan

Begin your day early by heading to the heart of New Delhi to visit the iconic Parliament House, an emblem of Indian democracy. To get there, take the Delhi Metro and alight at Central Secretariat Station, which is conveniently connected by both the Yellow and Violet Lines. From the station, it"s a short walk or a quick auto-rickshaw ride to Parliament House.

Pre-Visit Preparation

Ensure to pre-arrange a visit through a Member of Parliament (MP) or apply in advance through the Parliament"s website, as entry is restricted and requires official permission. It"s best to carry identification for all family members.

Exploring Parliament House

Designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, this circular building is a marvel of architecture. As you tour, you’ll learn about its construction, completed in 1927, and its significance in the Indian legislative process. The highlight for the kids would be the Central Hall, renowned for being the place where the Indian Constitution was drafted.

Lunch

Post-tour, enjoy a picnic at the nearby Mughal Gardens (open to the public from February to March), or have a meal at one of the family-friendly restaurants in Connaught Place, just a few minutes’ drive away.

Afternoon: National Museum

After lunch, head to the National Museum, located on Janpath. It’s a short drive from Parliament House. The museum offers a fascinating array of exhibits that span 5,000 years of Indian history, perfect for curious minds. Don’t miss the Harappan gallery for a glimpse into ancient Indian civilizations.

Evening: India Gate and Rajpath

Conclude your day with a relaxed walk or a cycle ride along Rajpath, leading up to the majestic India Gate. This war memorial is particularly beautiful at sunset and offers plenty of space for children to run around and play.

This itinerary offers a blend of history, architecture, and fun, ideal for a family outing in New Delhi.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Qutub Minar

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Qutub Minar

Morning Arrival

Start your day by arriving at Qutub Minar early to avoid the crowds and the heat. The site opens at 7 AM. You can easily reach here by Delhi Metro, disembarking at the Qutub Minar station on the Yellow Line, followed by a short auto-rickshaw ride directly to the monument.

Explore Qutub Minar

Kick off your visit with the majestic Qutub Minar itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing at a height of 72.5 meters, the tower offers an impressive example of early Indo-Islamic architecture and is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Explain to the kids how it was constructed in 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, originally for the muezzin to call the faithful to prayer.

Iron Pillar

Don’t miss the mysterious Iron Pillar located in the Qutub complex. This pillar dates back to the 4th century and astonishes visitors because it has not rusted over the centuries. It’s a great talking point for curious minds interested in history and science.

Alai Minar

Walk over to the Alai Minar, an ambitious tower that was intended to be twice the height of Qutub Minar. Although it remains unfinished, it offers a stark contrast and a story about the ambitions of Sultan Alauddin Khilji that your family might find intriguing.

Lunch and Leisure

After exploring, enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes outside the complex. Options like “Olives Restaurant” offer a variety of cuisines that cater to both adults and children.

Evening Stroll in Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Conclude your visit with a relaxing stroll through the nearby Mehrauli Archaeological Park, where history unfolds amidst nature. The park is home to over 100 historically significant monuments.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of learning, adventure, and relaxation, promising a delightful experience for your family at Qutub Minar.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Red Fort (Lal Qila), Delhi

Morning Arrival & Entry

Start your day early by arriving at Red Fort around 9:00 AM to avoid the crowds. The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line, a short walk from the fort. Purchase tickets at the counter or online through the ASI website to skip the lines. Entry fees are nominal, with a significant discount for Indian citizens and children.

Explore the Public Halls

Begin your tour at the Lahore Gate, the main entrance, leading to the Chatta Chowk, a covered bazaar where royally approved artisans sold their wares. It"s a great spot for children to visualize historical market scenes. Move to the Diwan-i-Aam, the Hall of Public Audience, where the emperor would hear public grievances and meet officials. Let the kids marvel at the throne balcony where the emperor sat.

The Royal Residences

Next, visit the Rang Mahal or the "Palace of Colors" which was the residence of the emperor"s wives and mistresses. Its ceiling, once embedded with precious stones reflecting pool beneath, will fascinate the whole family. Nearby is the Khas Mahal, a more intimate palace used by the emperor, showcasing beautiful marble work.

Lunch Break

Take a midday break and grab some lunch at one of the many eateries inside the fort complex or back towards Chandni Chowk, known for its delicious street food.

Afternoon at the Museums

Post-lunch, head to the Swatantrata Sangram Sanghralaya (Museum of the Freedom Struggle) located in the Salimgarh Fort, part of the Red Fort complex. It"s educational and offers insights into India’s fight for independence.

Evening Stroll & Departure

Conclude your visit with a leisurely walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for letting the kids run around a bit before you head out. Exiting through the Lahore Gate, reflect on the rich history and architectural grandeur you"ve experienced.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that the Red Fort has been a symbol of India"s sovereignty, with the Prime Minister raising the flag here every Independence Day since 1947?

This balance of history, architecture, and leisure makes Red Fort a memorable spot for a family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.