Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Children's Highlights
Best Natural Encounters
»
Elephant Encounters
It's possible to see elephants at a variety of southern sanctuaries, including the Nilgiri Biosphere
Reserve, which spans Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
»
Goa's Dolphins
Splash out on a dolphin-spotting boat trip from almost any Goan beach to see them cavorting among
the waves.
»
Hill Station Monkeys
Most hill stations proffer the opportunity for close encounters with cheeky monkeys. Be cau-
tious though - these feisty simians can be aggressive and are known to grab food from your hands and even bite unsus-
pecting visitors.
»
Hampi
Make like the Flintstones on the boulder-strewn shores of the Tungabhadra River, crossable by coracle; explore
magical ancient ruins.
Fun Forms of Transport
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Hand-pulled Rickshaw, Matheran
A narrow-gauge diesel toy train takes visitors most of the way up to this cute,
monkey-infested hill station, after which your children can choose to continue to the village on horseback or in a hand-
pulled rickshaw. (
Click here
)
»
Backwater Boat, Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Hop on a houseboat to luxuriously cruise Kerala's beautiful backwaters. If
you happen to hit town on the second Saturday in August, take the kids along to see the spectacular Nehru Trophy Snake
Boat Race. (
Click here
)
»
Autorickshaw
Hurtle along city back alleys to create a scene worthy of Indiana Jones.
Best Beaches
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Palolem, Goa
Hole up in a beachfront palm-thatched hut and watch your kids cavort at pretty Palolem beach, featuring
the shallowest, safest waters in Goa. (
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)
»
Patnem, Goa
Just up the leafy lane from Palolem, quieter Patnem draws scores of long-stayers with children to its nice
sand beach and cool, calm, child-friendly beach restaurants. (
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)
»
Havelock Island
Splash about in the shallows at languid Havelock Island, part of the Andaman Island chain, where, for
older children, there's spectacular diving on offer. (
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)
