Why you should consider venturing to India for your next holiday

India is a rich and beautiful travel destination, but it has often been thrown into the ‘too hard’ basket by many Aussie families who opt for other Asian destinations instead.

But now, after years of being cooped up during Covid, more Australians than ever are adding India to their travel bucket lists for 2023, with the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in the Northern part of the country proving to be a surprisingly perfect family trip.

The Golden Triangle comprises an almost equilateral triangle and 720km tourist circuit, with New Delhi at the top, Agra on the bottom right and Jaipur on the bottom left.

For years, escorted tours have taken tourists to the spots most associated with a holiday to India – the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, the temples and the safari.

But India is also perfect for a family adventure of your own making – provided you plan, pack well and be careful about what you’re eating and drinking.

I recently visited with my husband and 17-month-old toddler daughter for a four-day family wedding and we decided to tack on an extra 10 days for a two-week family trip.

From what to pack to how to eat and the must-visit destinations, here’s what you need to know.

WHERE TO STAY: THE MUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS

With a wealth of centuries-old buildings, temples, landscapes, towns and forts to discover, India offers a feast for all your senses.

But to balance the chaos, you need to ensure that the places you’re staying are an oasis away from the madness – and so it’s worth booking somewhere stunning, upmarket and calm.

SIX SENSES FORT BARWARA

Nowhere epitomises stunning, upmarket and calm more than Six Senses Fort Barwara, in Rajasthan.

The 14th century fort – which is situated 30 minutes from Ranthambore National Park and on the top of a hill in the desert – has been expertly restored over the course of a decade and transformed into a 48-suite hotel.

Originally home to a Rajastani Royal family, the historic property now features three dining venues, a bar, lounge, 30,000-square-foot Six Senses spa and 48 rooms.

No stone has been left unturned in a bid to work with the local communities, be sustainable and retain a sense of the fort’s history.

Local women brew hot masala chai for guests, craftsmen guide you through pottery classes, and many of the original walls, tiles and paintings have been left intact.

Guests are even greeted in the traditional Indian manner, with garlands of fresh marigolds, a lime soda and a welcome ceremony given upon arrival.

Fort Barwara has been named one of the world’s top 100 hotel suits for 2023, according to the lifestyle magazine Elite Traveler, and when you’re there it’s easy to see why.

The 300 plus reviews on TripAdvisor are all glowing, with visitors alternately describing it as ‘magical’, ‘life-changing’ and ‘amazing’ – and our visit was no exception to this.

Having arrived tired out after a four-day Indian wedding extravaganza, we left after two days feeling re-energised, restored and as though we had enjoyed a proper break – no mean feat when on the road with an energetic toddler.

The staff catered to our every whim – whether it was fish and chips and homemade tomato sauce for my non-spice-loving daughter courtesy of fabulous Welsh-born and Aussie-acclaimed hotel chef Stevie Jones or a holistic massage for me (a treat after lugging said heavy daughter around India).

We enjoyed an array of experiences during our 48 hours, from pottery with local craftsmen to a traditional Puja ceremony, temple visit, and a real highlight was the heritage and art tour walk.

A guide showed us through many of the original art works and walls of the fort, and it was an experience we will never forget – such is the extent to which you feel like you’re living amidst history.

Fort Barwara is surprisingly perfect for families, thanks to a kids’ club that caters for toddlers right the way up to age 10 or 11, two swimming pools, a family friendly tiger safari in the nearby national park and acres of grounds to run around.

But it’s also an unforgettable place for adults and parents alike – and somewhere I will never not recommend.

The hotel is one for the bucket list for a trip to India. 

THE LEELA PALACE, DELHI

The second stop off on our India trip was the Leela Palace in New Delhi.

Situated just a few kilometres from the most popular landmarks including the Red Fort, Lotus Temple and shopping hubs, the Leela Palace is elegantly decorated and a world away from the hustle and bustle of the new and old towns.

Those looking to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing will love the rooftop pool.

This is the only rooftop pool in Delhi and offers panoramic views of the city skyline.

There is also an Ayurveda-inspired day spa, four award-winning restaurants offering both Indian and European fare, and a buffet with open kitchens that is perfect for young and fussy kids.

The best bit about the Leela Palace, however is the interiors.

There are 260 opulently-decorated rooms and suites, and the highlight is the high-ceilinged lobby – which is covered by a massive Persian rug.

The lobby features shimmering marble floors, mirrored Venetian screens, crystal chandeliers and silk sofas.

Meanwhile the rooms are also well-styled and a peaceful place to relax after a busy day in Delhi.

For families, it’s worth knowing that children below the age of six stay free of charge. Click here for more. 

ITC MUGHAL, AGRA

Finally, no trip to India is complete without a trip to Agra, and the ITC Mughal is a fantastic option for the young and old alike.

Situated just a 10-minute drive away from Agra’s main attraction, the Taj Mahal, the hotel is a quiet world away from the tourist circuit.

It is found within large formal gardens and grounds – both of which are perfect for kids to run around.

ITC Mughal received the Aga Khan award for architecture in 1980, and it’s the only hotel to have done so.

The interiors are tastefully done. Think marble floors, authentic Mughal décor and red and gold all over the place.

There is also a spa with eight treatment rooms, combining a hammam, steam room, sauna and full-size pool surrounded by frangipani trees.

Dining options include buffet-style choices, a street food section and an open-view kitchen.

We particularly loved the breakfast, with so many options from lentil puri (puffed bread) to more traditional Western options available to fuel you ahead of a hot day of sightseeing.

Reviews online are glowing, with travellers saying the hotel has ‘old world charm’ and is a ‘beautiful place to stay’.

Children under 12 stay free. For more information, please click here.

When venturing to far-flung corners of the globe, travellers often err on the side of caution with regard to eating street food – and with good reason.

And now it has been claimed that one of the most familiar home comforts can also offer reprieve from a common side effect of travel – food poisoning.

It has been found that drinking Coca Cola while sampling street food can help travellers enjoy colourful cuisines without risking an upset stomach, according to Escape.

The theory is that the effervescence of Coke improves digestion while the acids can help break down the food.

But according to accredited practising dietitian Melanie Marino, although the tricks might have their supporters, it isn’t backed up my scientific evidence.

‘Because Coke is a diuretic it actually causes you to lose a lot of water where you become dehydrated which actually places a further risk,’ she told FEMAIL.

‘One study did find Coke could improve digestion to a degree but it still doesn’t show that it would prevent food poisoning. People are much better off following traditional preventative measures.’