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I Know, a serene mountain escape, the thrill of wildlife viewing, or a comfortable resort in a natural setting is what your mind is seeking right now. No cap, Uttarakhand is one of the only place that offers everything above for your next family vacation.
Whether your family has small kids, teens, or grandparents, there are tens of resorts in Uttarakhand for each preference. From the cool lakes of Nainital to the wild forests of Jim Corbett National Park and the quiet hills of Lansdowne, Uttarakhand has something to offer for everyone.
Top Family-Friendly Resorts in Uttarakhand for a Memorable Vacation
Below are 7 popular family resorts in Uttarakhand which provides a variety of experiences including: lake-side relaxation; luxurious accommodations; adventure with wildlife; and tranquil mountain vacations.
Resort 1: The Naini Retreat, Nainital
If you want to spend time with your family on vacation while being surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, then The Naini Retreat in Nainital would be a good place for you to go. Located in the beautiful hill town of Nainital, this resort has a historical feel to it and gives you a chance to experience the Kumaon hills.
Why families may enjoy it:
- Scenic surroundings and a relaxing hill-station atmosphere.
- A heritage-style setting for a memorable family stay.
- Convenient access to Nainital’s popular sightseeing attractions.
While visiting, there are many things to do. You can see Naini Lake, go to the Naina Devi Temple, look out from the Snow View Point and walk on Mall Road. Children will be able to take a boat ride and experience the hustle-bustle of the small town. Older family members will find the beauty of the mountains enjoyable.
Great choice: Families that like to see sights, historic locations, and quiet mountain views.
Official Website: Leisure Hotels website
Resort 2: Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, Jim Corbett
For families who love nature, wildlife, and outdoor adventures, Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa offers a luxury stay right near the park.
The resort features modern rooms, multiple dining options, a full-service spa, and beautiful surrounding scenery. Guests can also enjoy resort activities like guided forest hikes, jungle safaris, stargazing, and morning yoga.
Why families may enjoy it:
- Luxury accommodation for a relaxing family holiday.
- Opportunities to explore the region’s wildlife and forest landscapes.
- Dining options for different tastes.
- Nature-based experiences that make the trip more engaging.
A family vacation to Jim Corbett National Park may offer a family the opportunity to participate in a permitted jungle safari, bird watching, nature walks, and enjoy the resort. It is important to remember that Jungle Safari is never guaranteed, and whether or not you will be able to go on a safari depends on permits, routes, and availability.
Also Read: Solang Valley Travel Guide: Activities, Experience & How to reach?
Before you book your trip, please make sure that you check the times of the safari, what type of vehicles will be used, and if there are any age restrictions for certain activities if you plan to travel with young children or older family members.
Best for: Families who enjoy wildlife, nature, and luxury resort experiences.
Official Website: Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa website.
Resort 3: Samsara Hill Resort, Mussoorie
Mussoorie, often referred to as the Queen of the Hills, is an ideal vacation spot for families who want to experience cooler temperatures, breathtaking landscapes, and some quality time together. Samsara Hill Resort is just one option you may want to look into for your next trip to Mussoorie.
The resort is included within the Mussoorie portfolio of Leisure Hotels Group, who provide several types of accommodations throughout Uttarakhand.
Why families may enjoy it:
- A hill-station setting for a refreshing break from city life.
- An opportunity to enjoy the surrounding mountain landscape.
- A convenient base for planning local sightseeing.
- A relaxing atmosphere for spending quality time together.
Families visiting Mussoorie can go to Kempty Falls, walk on Mall Road, see the view from Gun Hill, and travel to Landour for a beautiful drive. There are many other things to do such as walking around town after dark, visiting coffee houses and shopping at smaller stores.
During high season (summer) and holidays, Mussoorie may get very busy. It would be best to book your hotel ahead of time, and plan out what you want to see/do before the day gets too far along so that you have a more enjoyable trip.
Best For: Families that, go shopping, sight see and experience the pleasant hill-station weather want to see mountain.
Official website. Leisure Hotels official website.
Resort 4: Aloha on the Ganges, Rishikesh
If your family wants to enjoy the views of the river, have wellness experiences, and experience peace and quiet, then Aloha on the Ganges in Rishikesh may be what you are looking for. The property is operated by the Leisure Hotels Group and has a location on the river where visitors can relax while they explore.
Why families may enjoy it:
- A riverside environment for a relaxing getaway.
- An opportunity to experience Rishikesh’s spiritual atmosphere.
- A base for exploring temples, riverfront areas, and local attractions.
- Options to combine sightseeing with wellness and nature experiences.
During your visit to Haridwar, there are many things to do. You can see the Ganga Aarti, take a walk down to the Triveni Ghat, try some of the local restaurants/cafes and enjoy the view from the banks of the Ganges River. Older families with teenagers will have the option to participate in various adventure activities provided by registered adventure providers.
Best for: Families who want a mix of spiritualism, time on the river to relax, healthy living, and excitement.
Official Website – official Aloha on the Ganges listing.
Resort 5: Sterling GK Exotica, Dehradun
Dehradun offers a good alternative for those families that would like to go somewhere where they can have both the convenience of being able to get around easily, but also enjoy some nature close by. A good place to stay at while you are in Dehradun is Sterling GK Exotica.
The Sterling Group’s Uttarakhand portfolio of hotels is spread throughout several of the state’s most popular tourist destinations (Dehradun, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Lansdowne, and Nainital), so you can easily plan a multi-destination vacation.
Why families may enjoy it:
- A city-based stay with access to Dehradun’s attractions.
- Families that wish to avoid spending all of their vacation time in isolated mountain regions may find another alternative.
- Opportunities to combine local sightseeing with nearby day trips.
- A possible starting point for exploring other parts of Uttarakhand.
Also Read: Jakhu Mandir Shimla: Travel Guide to Tallest Hanuman Ji Statue
Families can take a look around Robber’s Cave, check out Sahastradhara, hang out with the folks at the Forest Research Institute, and do some shopping and eating. If you still have time after doing those things, then you could even make a day trip up to Mussoorie depending on the traffic and the quality of the roads.
Best for: families that would like to spend their time in a city, where they can sight see and take day trips.
Official website: Sterling Hotels website.
Resort 6: AstreVue Resort, Lansdowne
A good choice for those who wish to avoid large crowds of tourists at the beach and find some quiet time with their family, is to check out the AstreVue Resort in Lansdowne. The AstreVue Resort is found in the Gumkhal area of Pauri Garhwal and provides a beautiful view of the nearby hills and valleys. Additionally, there are many opportunities to experience nature and the quietness that surrounds you.
Why families may enjoy it:
- Panoramic views of hills and valleys.
- A quieter atmosphere for spending quality time together.
- Opportunities for bird watching and nature walks.
- Outdoor experiences, including nearby hiking routes and scenic drives.
If your family is looking for a more relaxed vacation, Lansdowne is a good option. There are many things to do there, such as visiting Bhulla Lake, St. Mary’s Church, seeing the Garhwal Rifles War Memorial, and taking in the surrounding forest.
Because this area is less busy than most popular tourist spots, please prepare for your trip by planning out your food, transportation, and activities before arriving. When traveling with an older relative, please check about the condition of the roads, how far you may need to walk to get somewhere, and what features are available in the hotel room for someone who has physical limitations before making a final decision on where to stay.
Best for: Families looking for tranquility, natural beauty, scenic vistas and fewer tourists.
Explore the official AstreVue Resort website. official AstreVue Resort website.
Resort 7: Xomotel Ranikhet Heights, Ranikhet
Ranikhet is an additional great place to visit if you like to see the mountains and green areas, and also if you want to take a break from the busy city. If you are looking at where you could stay while visiting Ranikhet, then you should think about Xomotel Ranikhet Heights.
Ranikhet is an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town offers beautiful views of the Himalayas and the surrounding pine forest, as well as many scenic walking paths and a relaxed environment.
Why families may enjoy it:
- A mountain destination suited to slower-paced holidays.
- Opportunities to enjoy nature and scenic surroundings.
- Access to local sightseeing attractions around Ranikhet.
- A setting for family walks, photography, and relaxed evenings.
You can visit the Chaubatia Gardens, the Jhula Devi Temple, take in views from scenic overlooks, and drive along winding hill roads.
If you are traveling with children, you can also explore local markets and try traditional local food together.
Just like when you go on a trip to a mountain resort, make sure that you know where the place is located, how to get there (road), what meals will be served, and what the room looks like before making your reservation. This is especially true if you have young kids or elderly family members.
Best for: Families looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation in the mountains where they can enjoy nature and take in some sights.
Official Website: Xperience India destinations website.
What Makes Uttarakhand Ideal for a Family Vacation?
Uttarakhand is a great place to take your family on vacation as it has a mix of nature, adventure, rest and cultural activities. There are many options in Uttarakhand to choose from depending upon what type of traveler you are and how old you are.
1. Beautiful Natural Landscapes – Uttarakhand has many natural wonders such as snow-covered Himalayan peaks, green valleys, pine forests, beautiful lakes, and flowing rivers.
2. Resorts for Different Budgets – From luxury mountain hideaways to budget friendly family oriented accommodations, Uttarakhand provides a wide variety of lodging options based upon your financial constraints.
3. Activities for All Age Groups – Families can find many options for enjoyment including; boating in Nainital, wildlife watching in Jim Corbett, sightseeing in Mussoorie, relaxing by the river in Rishikesh, and taking nature walks in Lansdowne.
4. Pleasant Weather and Seasonal Experiences – Autumn is a great time to visit the area if you want to avoid the hot temperatures of the lowlands; it also has very nice blue skies with great views of the mountains. If you like cold weather, then winter may be a good time for you to go to the area.
Also Read: 13 Activities To Do During a Long Layover
Tips for Planning a Family Resort Holiday
Preparation can help you prevent costly mistakes, lengthy travel time, and last minute problems. Keep these practical considerations in mind when planning your family trip to Uttarakhand.
1. Choose a Destination Based on Your Family’s Interests
The first step to choosing a destination should be to determine what type of vacation you want to have with your family. Nainital has the best of both worlds with lakes and sights to see. Jim Corbett will provide you with a great experience of wildlife. Mussoorie offers a traditional hill station experience. Rishikesh provides a riverside experience. Lansdowne or Ranikhet are ideal options if you would prefer a quieter environment.
2. Select the Right Time to Travel
Many families find that March through June offers a great opportunity to get away from the extreme heat found on the plains. Additionally, September through November is a wonderful time to visit because it has been post-monsoon and provides excellent viewing opportunities. If you like cold weather, then winter is an ideal time for you to travel. However, keep in mind that the temperature will likely be much colder during this period. Heavy rains can create problems with traveling during the monsoon season, such as landslides, road closures, and delays. Therefore, it is important to be extra careful when making plans to travel. Before you leave home, make sure you have checked the weather report for your destination and any road reports that may affect your trip.
3. Set a Realistic Budget
Your vacation budget must account for more than just the hotel rate. Additional expenses such as transportation, food, taxes, sight-seeing, parking, activities, wildlife viewing permit fees, and extra costs associated with having an additional bed or child on your trip.
When making your final decision on which resort to choose, compare the entire cost of the trip to each resort’s advertised rate.
4. Check Family-Friendly Facilities
Before making a reservation, find out if the resort provides accommodations that can accommodate families (such as family rooms), extra beds, children-friendly meals, parking, Wi-Fi, indoor games, and wheelchair accessibility. Additionally, check to see if there is a swimming pool, kids club, or play area at the resort that will be open and functional while you are staying there.
5. Book in Advance During Peak Seasons
Resorts that are popular will fill up fast during the summer holiday period, on long weekends, during festivals and for New Year’s Eve. Booking ahead provides more options in terms of room type and meal plan. Make sure to check the cancellation policy prior to making payment.
6. Keep the Travel Itinerary Comfortable
When you plan a trip with limited time, such as for two to three days, you should avoid going to multiple places. Roads in mountainous areas may cause you to spend more time than planned on the road. Therefore, if you are planning a short vacation (two to three days), you will be better off choosing one place to visit and explore thoroughly rather than spending most of your time driving.
7. Pack According to the Weather
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as well as several layers of clothing, any medications that you typically take, sun screen, rain gear, and ID. While temperatures may be warm during the day in the hills, night-time temperatures can often become cooler.
Use our Family Vacation Checklist to plan and organize your trip the best ways.
8. Priorities Safety and Accessibility
Before you travel, check for any road closures or travel conditions, and confirm the best route to the resort. Make sure you know what to do in an emergency and where to find the nearest medical assistance.
If anyone in your family is elderly or has limited mobility, ask the resort about physical barriers like stairs, elevators, or steep paths, as well as the walking distances between key areas.
Adventure activities require choosing authorized operators and adhering to their suggested safety measures.
9. Read Recent Reviews Before Booking
Check the properties recent reviews by guests. You can get a better idea to evaluate customer service, cleanliness, dining options, room quality, and overall accuracy of the property. In addition to reviewing promotional photographs, it is advisable to seek out feedback from other families that share similar requirements as your family.
10. Confirm All Booking Details
Check to see if the resort has availability for the time you want to stay, find out what is included in the price, how much tax you will pay, what meals are provided, and if there are other costs that may apply. The resort’s facilities and policies can be subject to change, so make sure to get confirmation about these items when you book.
Also Read: 13 Things A Woman Should Know Before Her First Solo Trip
Conclusion
Uttarakhand offers great vacation spots for families wanting to build unforgettable memories. You can pick from a variety of destinations based on your budget and travel style:
- Historic Towns: Stay at places like The Naini Retreat in Nainital.
- Wildlife & Adventure: Explore wild animals at Jim Corbett National Park.
- Scenic Mountains: Enjoy beautiful peak views in Mussoorie.
- Spiritual Trips: Join famous religious ceremonies in Rishikesh.
- Quiet Retreats: Relax in peaceful mountain villages like Lansdowne and Ranikhet.
How to Pick the Right Resort?
The best resort for your family depends on your planned activities, budget, travel dates, and group size. Before booking, check the resort’s amenities, read recent guest reviews, and compare prices.
Whether you want an exciting wildlife safari or a quiet mountain escape, picking a comfortable resort and planning well ensures a fun, memorable family trip to Uttarakhand.
