Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, is the heartland of the Ganges plain and home to the Taj Mahal in Agra, the ghats of Varanasi, the Buddhist site of Sarnath and the Nawabi culture of Lucknow. Its cities hold some of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, Mughal-era monuments, major Hindu pilgrimage towns such as Ayodhya and Mathura, and a distinctive food tradition of kebabs, chaat and sweets.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Taj Mahal at Sunrise
Sunrise visits are cooler and quieter, and the marble gardens give children space to walk and spot squirrels and parakeets
Duration: 2-3 hours
Bhul Bhulaiya Maze at Bara Imambara
A labyrinth of narrow passages and stairs above the great hall that children enjoy exploring, best with a guide to prevent getting lost
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Ganga Boat Ride at Sunrise, Varanasi
A rowing boat trip along the ghats shows morning bathing and temples; life jackets should be requested for children
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Evening Ganga Aarti, Varanasi
Priests perform synchronised fire rituals with bells and chanting; arrive early and keep children away from the ghat edge
Duration: 1 hour
Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation Centre, Mathura
A sanctuary for rescued elephants near Agra where visitors learn about conservation; no riding takes place
Duration: 2 hours
Agra Fort Exploration
Wide courtyards, red sandstone halls, and views of the Taj across the Yamuna suit active children
Duration: 2-3 hours
Sarnath Archaeological Museum and Deer Park
The Ashokan lion capital and the deer park give an accessible introduction to Buddhist heritage
Duration: 2-3 hours
Dudhwa National Park Safari
Safari for swamp deer, rhinoceros, tigers, and birds in the Terai forest, best from November to April
Duration: 3-4 hours
Chikankari Embroidery Demonstration, Lucknow
Craft workshops show the delicate hand-embroidery tradition, and older children can try simple stitches
Duration: 1-2 hours
Mehtab Bagh Sunset, Agra
A quiet garden across the river with a clear view of the Taj Mahal at sunset, away from the main gate crowds
Duration: 1 hour
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Taj Hotels in Agra
Luxury hotels with pools, gardens, and family rooms, with Taj Mahal views from some properties
Family features: Pools, children's menus, large rooms, airport and station pickups
ITC Hotels in Lucknow and Agra
Reliable luxury chain with strong hygiene standards and varied dining
Family features: Pool, kids' menus, multiple restaurants, central locations
Business hotels in Lucknow and Varanasi
Modern hotels with pools and reliable buffets that suit families with picky eaters
Family features: Pool, family rooms, breakfast buffets, taxi services
Heritage guesthouses in Varanasi
Small ghat-side guesthouses offering atmosphere and views, but with stairs and river edges to watch
Family features: Rooftop dining, family rooms, reasonable prices
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Thalis with mild dal, roti, and rice suit most children; ask for dishes to be made less spicy
Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover for fresher food
Carry biscuits, nuts, dried fruit, and fruit with peels for long road journeys
Sealed bottled water, packaged juices, and fresh coconut water are safe choices
Avoid raw salads, ice cubes, and cut fruit from street stalls for young children
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Carry a basic first-aid kit, sunscreen, and rehydration salts
Book hotels with pools for hot afternoons during shoulder months
Use hired cars with drivers for day trips such as Agra to Fatehpur Sikri
Download offline maps because mobile signal may drop in rural areas
Hire licensed guides for the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort so children hear stories rather than facts alone
Check air quality in November to January and use masks when levels are poor