Planning a road trip with family is very different from planning a solo or friends trip. Families need shorter drives, smoother highways, comfortable stops, kid-friendly activities, and safe destinations.
This guide focuses only on five carefully selected family road trips from Delhi that balance driving comfort, sightseeing, safety, and relaxation. Each destination is ideal for travelling with children and elderly family members in 2026.
Quick Comparison of the Best Family Road Trips
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Ideal Trip Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaipur | 280 km | 4–5 hrs | Weekend | Culture and heritage |
| Nainital | 300 km | 6–7 hrs | 3 days | Hills and lakes |
| Jim Corbett | 250 km | 5–6 hrs | 2–3 days | Wildlife |
| Rishikesh | 240 km | 5–6 hrs | 2–3 days | Adventure + spirituality |
| Manali | 540 km | 10–12 hrs | 5–6 days | Snow + mountains |
1. Delhi to Jaipur – One of the 5 Best Family Road Trips from Delhi for 2026
- Distance: 280 km
- Travel Time: 4–5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Jaipur is also called the Pink City. It is one of the most famous road trips from Delhi, done by people every year. The smooth highways and newly developed expressways have made travel faster and more comfortable than ever.
Jaipur is perfect for families. If you want to know the history, architecture, and culture, you must visit this city. Here you can see the combination of forts, palaces, markets, and cultural experiences. Both kids and adults love these places.
Top Attractions in Jaipur Tour
- Amber Fort – Enjoy elephant rides and fort exploration
- City Palace – Learn about royal history
- Hawa Mahal – Iconic architectural marvel
- Jal Mahal – Scenic palace in the middle of a lake
- Johari Bazaar – Shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts
Why Jaipur is ideal for families: Jaipur is part of India’s famous Golden Triangle tourist circuit. It connects Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Here you can enjoy a diverse culture. Even though the distance is short, the roads are smooth. It will make your trip more comfortable and easier. You can visit the place with your elderly family members as well.
2. Delhi to Nainital – The Lake District of India
- Distance: 300 km
- Travel Time: 6–7 hours
- When to come: March to June, and then from October to February
Nainital The place has many lovely lakes, scenic hills, and good climate conditions. This place gives you the option to take a break from your busy schedule.
The drive to Nainital is scenic, passing through lush forests, mountains, and small towns.
What to do in Nainital?
- Nainital Lake: Here you can enjoy boating and lakeside walks
- Snow View Point: To see the Himalaya, you must visit this place.
- Eco Cave Gardens: This place is a good option for kids.
- Nainital Zoo: Many children enjoy visiting this zoo.
- Mall Road: You can visit this place for shopping and family strolls
Why must you visit Nainital with your family?
During the Nainital tour, you will have many opportunities to enjoy yourself. There are many ways to relax and enjoy activities. Families coming here can go boating. Also, they can enjoy cable car rides. Nature walks in a peaceful environment are also a good way to relax.
3. Delhi to Jim Corbett National Park – Wildlife Adventure
- Distance: 240–260 km
- Travel Time: 5–6 hours
- Best Time to Visit: November to June
Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park. Many people come here every year. Wildlife lovers love this place the most. The families coming here get the option to enjoy nature. Also, they can book wildlife safaris.
The kids particularly enjoy this road trip. There are many places for wildlife spotting.
Top Attractions and Activities
- Jeep Safari: By booking a Jeep safari, you can spot tigers, elephants, and deer.
- Riverside resorts: Relax in nature
- Nature walks and bird watching
- Corbett Museum – Learn about wildlife conservation
Why Jim Corbett is ideal for families- The families coming here can enjoy both adventure and relaxation as well. It is a good learning option for children. Also, you can enjoy peaceful surroundings.
4. Delhi to Rishikesh – Spiritual and Adventure Getaway
- Distance: 240 km
- Travel Time: 5–6 hours
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
Rishikesh is located on the banks of the Ganges River. The place offers the best combination of spirituality, adventure, and scenic beauty. There are many yoga retreats there. Also, people come here to enjoy river rafting and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The road trip is the best. The place offers activities for all age groups.
Top Attractions in Rishikesh
- Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
- Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula
- River rafting and adventure activities
- Beatles Ashram
- Cafes with scenic river views
Why Rishikesh is good for families: Families visiting this place can enjoy spiritual experiences. Here, they can also do a lot of adventure activities. They can stay in relaxing camps. It offers something for everyone—from elders seeking peace to kids seeking fun.
5. Delhi to Manali – The Ultimate Mountain Family Road Trip
- Distance: 540 km
- Travel Time: 10-12 hours
- When to come: March to June and then from December to February
Manali is one of the most iconic road trips from Delhi and a favorite destination for families seeking mountains, snow, and adventure. The journey passes through beautiful valleys, rivers, and mountain towns.
This road trip is good for families planning a longer holiday.
Top Attractions in Manali
- Solang Valley: There are many adventure activities held there. Additionally, if you visit during the winter season, you can enjoy various snow activities.
- Hadimba Temple: A lot of people visit this place.
- Rohtang Pass: Here you can enjoy snow and scenic views.
- Mall Road: This is best for shopping. Also, you can enjoy local meals at the cafes.
- Don’t forget to do river rafting in the Beas River.
Why book a Manali tour?
Manali offers everything. From snow to adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation, you can do everything here. It is best for creating unforgettable family memories.
How to Plan a Family Road Trip from Delhi
Some of the important tips for ensuring a safe and enjoyable road trip are:
- Start early: It is advised to start early. You can avoid traffic and make driving easier and safer.
- Plan rest stops: Take breaks every 2–3 hours to avoid fatigue and keep children comfortable.
- Keep Important Things: It is important to keep all the important things with you, as you might need them. You can carry snacks, water, basic medicines, etc. Also carry enough cash, as you can’t make Paytm payments at all the places.
- Make bookings in advance: It is advised to make bookings of the hotels and resorts in the results. This is important, especially if you are coming during the peak seasons.
- Check weather conditions: This step is especially important when coming to hill stations.
Best Vehicle Choice for Family Road Trips
- Small family: Sedan or compact SUV
- Large family: SUV or tempo traveller
- Long trips: A chauffeur-driven car is recommended for safety and comfort.
Why Road Trips from Delhi Are Perfect in 2026
From the royal charm of Jaipur to the mountain beauty of Manali, these five destinations offer the perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and relaxation for families travelling from Delhi. With better roads and easy connectivity, 2026 is the perfect time to plan your next family road trip.
Road trips also offer flexibility, privacy, and quality family time that flights or trains cannot match.
Conclusion
Family road trips from Delhi offer good experiences. Many places to explore include the old heritage of Jaipur, the lovely beauty of Nainital, the wildlife adventure of Jim Corbett, the spiritual charm of Rishikesh, and the mountain magic of Manali.
We encourage you to book your trip with Japji Travel at your earliest convenience.
FAQs
The Delhi–Jaipur and Delhi–Agra routes are considered the easiest family drives because of expressways, frequent food stops, clean restrooms, and predictable driving conditions. Families travelling with kids or elderly members usually prefer these routes for their first road trip.
Yes. Most families break the journey at Chandigarh or Mandi to avoid fatigue and night driving in the hills. Splitting the trip makes the journey safer and more comfortable, especially when travelling with children.
Families typically leave between 4:30 AM and 6:00 AM to exit Delhi before peak traffic starts. Leaving early can save 1–2 hours of travel time and makes the drive smoother and less stressful.
Yes. Routes to Jaipur, Rishikesh, Nainital, and Jim Corbett have multiple family-friendly highway restaurants and fuel stations with clean restrooms. Planning stops every 2–3 hours is easy on these routes.
For short trips under 6 hours, self-drive works well. For long drives like Manali, most families prefer hiring a driver to avoid fatigue, handle hill driving, and make the trip more relaxed and safer.
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