Christmas is around the corner, and it can be a great time to bond with your ageing parents or grandparents. While there are many fun things to do around Christmas and New Year, travelling is surely one of the best ways to spend quality time with your family. And if you have senior citizens in your family, planning a trip to the right places with the right attractions is essential. 

You could visit a wildlife sanctuary or relax in the mountains or spend time with them in the clean, crisp forest air. We have a list of amazing places to celebrate Christmas with grandparents.  So, take a look at our list and plan a full family trip with your parents and grandparents. 

Places to Visit on Christmas in India with Grandparents

Grandparents often appreciate the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren, creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds.

When selecting destinations for a trip with grandparents:

  • Opt for destinations that offer scenic beauty and a relaxed atmosphere
  • Consider destinations with significant historical and cultural landmarks 
  • Easy nature walks that everyone can enjoy

Considering all of the above, we have shortlisted some of the perfect places to spend Christmas in India with grandparents.

  • Ooty
  • Coorg
  • Shimla
  • Shillong
  • Gangtok

Let’s take a look at each of them in detail. 

  • Ooty 

This famous Tamil Nadu hill station is known for its picturesque beauty, pleasant climate, gardens and lakes, and of course, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A hotbed for tourists and newlyweds, Ooty is also one of the best places to celebrate Christmas with family and kids

Religious people can attend the Christmas Mass at Saint Stephen's Church. The 19th Century, located on the Ooty-Mysore road, is one of the oldest churches in India. Moreover, the Ooty Tea Factory, Mudumalai Bird Sanctuary, and Doddapetta Park are other great places to keep your itinerary busy.

Ooty's combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and tranquil atmosphere makes it one of the charming places to celebrate Christmas with grandparents.

Getting to Ooty for older individuals, especially those with mobility considerations, requires careful planning to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. 

Transportation Mode

Details

By Air

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport.

Approximate Distance to Ooty: Around 88 kilometers.

Travel Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours by car (depending on road conditions).

By Rail

Nearest Major Railway Station: Mettupalayam. Connectivity: Well-connected to major cities in India.

Scenic Train Journey: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway operates from Mettupalayam to Ooty, offering a picturesque and leisurely train ride.

Travel Time: The journey takes approximately 5 hours.   
 

By Road

Well-Connected by Road: Ooty is accessible by road from various nearby cities and towns.

Popular Routes:
From Coimbatore: NH67 via Mettupalayam. From Bengaluru: NH275 via Mysuru.

From Mysuru: NH275. Travel Time: Coimbatore to Ooty: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Bengaluru to Ooty: Approximately 6 to 7 hours. Mysuru to Ooty: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.


Book your stay at either Club Mahindra Danish Villa or Club Mahindra Derby Green while visiting Ooty. Both resorts provide a breathtaking view of the Nilgiris, forests, and the mystic Ooty landscape.  
 

  • Coorg 

This famous hill station in Karnataka can be one of the best places to celebrate Christmas Eve in India with grandparents. Officially known as Kodagu, Coorg has cool and pleasant weather during Christmas, which is ideal for sightseeing and indulging in various activities. 

Kids can enjoy a wildlife safari at Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary with their grandparents. You can also visit Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, and other tourist attractions.

The serene environment, the climate and the family-friendly activities, including nature walks and bird-watching, make Coorg a great place to celebrate Christmas in India with grandparents.

Here are some recommendations for getting to Coorg with older people:

Transportation Mode

Details

By Air

Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport.


Approximate Distance to Coorg: (Distance from Kannur to Coorg varies depending on the specific destination within Coorg)


Travel Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours by car (depending on road conditions).

By Rail

Nearest Major Railway Station: Mysuru Junction.


Connectivity: Well-connected to major cities in India.

By Road

Well-Connected by Road: Coorg is accessible by road from various nearby cities and towns.


Popular Routes:  

From Kannur: NH66. 
From Mysuru: SH88. 
From Bengaluru: NH275.

Travel Time:

Kannur to Coorg: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.  

Mysuru to Coorg: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.  

Bengaluru to Coorg: Approximately 5 to 6 hours.


Club Mahindra Madikeri and Club Mahindra Virajpet are the two great 
resorts in Coorg you can check out on your next visit to Coorg. The resorts are family-friendly and are fitted with all the modern amenities to make your stay comfortable and memorable. 

  • Shimla 

The capital of Himachal Pradesh can be one of the best places to visit in India for Christmas celebrations among the snow-laden hills. The distant snow-capped mountains, the famed Mall road oozing with Christmas vibes, and the colonial-era Gothic Churches add to Shimla's evergreen beauty. 

Whether it's enjoying the festive decorations, attending cultural events, or simply basking in the scenic beauty, Shimla can be one of the memorable places to visit on Christmas in India with grandparents.

Getting to Shimla, especially for older individuals, involves considering factors such as comfort, convenience, and accessibility. Here are some recommendations:

Transportation

Details

By Air

Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport. 


Approximate Distance to Shimla: Around 22 kilometers. 


Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour by car.

By Rail

Nearest Major Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station.

Connectivity: Well-connected to major cities in India.

By Road

Well-Connected by Road: Shimla is accessible by road from various nearby cities and towns.


Popular Routes: 
From Kalka: NH5. 
From Chandigarh: NH5. 
From Delhi: NH44.

Travel Time: 
Kalka to Shimla: Approximately 2 to 3 hours. 
Chandigarh to Shimla: Approximately 4 to 5 hours. 
Delhi to Shimla: Approximately 7 to 8 hours.


Check into Club Mahindra Shimla Resort, away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday crowd, to celebrate a calm and joyful Christmas with your grandparents. Senior citizens can enjoy apple orchard visits or a walking trip to nearby villages. 
 

  •  Shillong 

Shillong is one of the most scenic places in India, with numerous lakes, waterfalls, and forests. It is one of the best places to visit in India with family for a Christmas celebration among majestic hills covered with lush green forests. The capital of Meghalaya has a sizeable population of Catholics. So, Christmas is celebrated here with great zeal and enthusiasm.

With cultural diversity, mild climate, scenic beauty, colonial charm, local markets, church celebrations, and culinary delights, Shillong is among the best places to celebrate Christmas with grandparents.

Consider their comfort with the hilly terrain, prioritize accessible accommodations, and plan a relaxed itinerary with visits to landmarks, scenic spots, and opportunities to enjoy the local culture.

Here’s how you can get there:

Transportation

Details

By Air

Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport).

Approximate Distance to Shillong: Around 30 kilometers.

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour by car.

By Rail

Nearest Major Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station.

Connectivity: Well-connected to major cities in India.

By Road

Well-Connected by Road: Shillong is accessible by road from various nearby cities and towns.


Popular Routes:  

From Guwahati: NH6.  

From Siliguri: NH6.  

From Kohima: NH5. 


Travel Time:  

Guwahati to Shillong: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.  

Siliguri to Shillong: Approximately 13 to 14 hours.  

Kohima to Shillong: Approximately 8 to 9 hours.

 

  • Gangtok 

And you thought Gangtok was only good for a summer holiday. The capital of Sikkim is one of the best places to visit in India for Christmas with family. The cold mountain air against the backdrop of mighty Kanchenjunga alerts announces the arrival of Christmas. If you like snow, you can get it in plenty near Nathu La and Zemu Glacier. 

Moreover, witness the stunning sunrise from Tashi's viewpoint, see the panoramic view of Gangtok city through the ropeway ride, and pay a visit to the beautiful Rumtek monastery. 

Gangtok's unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and festive charm puts it on the top list of places to visit on Christmas in India with grandparents.

Travelling to Gangtok with older individuals requires careful planning to ensure their comfort and well-being. Here are some tips on how to get to Gangtok with older people:

Transportation Mode

Details

By Air

Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport.


Approximate Distance to Gangtok: Around 33 kilometers.


Travel Time: Approximately 1 to 2 hours by car.

By Rail

Nearest Major Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP).


Connectivity: Well-connected to major cities in India.

By Road

Well-Connected by Road: Gangtok is accessible by road from various nearby cities and towns.


Popular Routes:  

From NJP: NH10.  

From Siliguri: NH10. 

From Darjeeling: NH110. 


Travel Time:  

NJP to Gangtok: Approximately 4 to 5 hours. 

Siliguri to Gangtok: Approximately 4 to 5 hours.  

Darjeeling to Gangtok: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.


Club Mahindra Le Vintuna Resort can be a great place to stay while visiting Gangtok with your family. The tranquil 
resort in Gangtok is situated amidst the backdrop of towering mountains and meadows. See if you can capture the clouds in a jar when they come unannounced in your room early in the morning.

Seniors in your family can be a treasure trove of traditional wisdom and experience. So, this festive season, take your parents or grandparents to vacation at any of the above places and reaffirm the family bond.

Do remember, before visiting the above places to celebrate Christmas with grandparents, ensure they are comfortable. 

Here are some travel tips to consider:

Air Travel:

Book direct flights for convenience.

Inform the airline about any special requirements for elderly passengers.

Rail Travel:

Check the schedule and availability for comfortable seats.
Book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Road Travel:

Consider private transfers for a comfortable journey.

Plan rest stops, especially if travelling by road for an extended period.

About Club Mahindra

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 250,000 members , who can holiday at 100+ resorts in India and abroad.

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