Every day is special with our moms, but Mother’s Day is an opportunity to go the extra mile in expressing our love for them. Instead of opting for cliche gifts, consider planning a getaway for your mom, surprising her with an unforgettable adventure and lasting memories. Use this guide to discover India’s top Mother’s Day destinations and plan the perfect trip!
Travelling with kids? Peruse this guide on parent-approved hacks for a smooth journey.
Picture-perfect destinations in India for Mother’s Day
Darjeeling
For tea-loving mothers, Darjeeling is the perfect destination for Mother’s Day! Famous for its beautiful tea estates, this hill station is called the “Queen of the Hills” for its lush natural beauty, set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Things to do in Darjeeling: The city’s main attraction is the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, while the mid-19th-century Yiga Choeling Monastery highlights Darjeeling’s connection to Buddhism. Be sure to wake up early and visit Tiger Hill to witness the stunning sunrise over the Kanchenjunga Mountain Range. Other must-visit places in Darjeeling include the Rock Garden, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Japanese Peace Pagoda, and Mahakal Temple, all popular tourist spots.
How to reach
By air: The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport, approximately 70 kilometres away.
By train: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station is the city’s main station, but it is only accessible by the toy train. The next major station is the Siliguri Junction Station.
Rishikesh
The ‘Land of the Gods’ is famous for its ghats (banks) along the River Ganges. Tourists from around the world keep Rishikesh on their itinerary for its peaceful spiritual vibes and the unusual balance of calm and chaos.
Things to do in Rishikesh: If your mother enjoys adventurous activities, river rafting is one of the most thrilling options. In addition, attending the evening aarti at Parmath Niketan or Triveni Ghat can be a soothing experience. While in the “Yoga Capital of the World”, you and your mom can take yoga classes at some of India’s top yoga schools. Other notable places to visit in Rishikesh include the Tera Manzil Temple, Ram Jhula, and the Laxman Jhula market.
How to reach
By air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, approximately 16 kilometres away.
By train: Yog Nagari Rishikesh railway station is the city’s main station.
Meghalaya
If your mother loves nature, Meghalaya is the perfect destination for a memorable Mother’s Day vacation. No matter where you are in this small northeastern state, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, towering cliffs, beautiful lakes, stunning waterfalls, and picturesque villages. It’s the ideal setting to spend quality time in the embrace of nature.
Things to do in Meghalaya: Explore one of Asia’s cleanest villages, Mawlynnong. Nearby is one of Meghalaya’s most famous attractions, the Nohwet Living Root Bridge, which is formed by the roots of the Ficus elastica tree. Take a boat ride on the Umngot River near Dawki, where the water is so clear that you can see the riverbed. Experience the weather transitions in Cherrapunji, recognised as one of the world’s wettest places due to the high levels of rainfall it receives throughout the year. Don’t miss the Seven Sisters Waterfall, or Nohsngithiang, boasting a stunning drop of 300 metres and the beautiful Wei Sawdong Falls.
How to reach
By air: The Umroi Airport in Shillong is a major airport in the city. However, it has limited operations. The next best is the Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, approximately 118 kilometres away.
By train: Guwahati Station is the closest major station, approximately 98 kilometres away.
Jaipur
Rajasthan’s capital city has the reputation of the ‘Pink City’, an ode to the architectural gems that retain the regal beauty of Jaipur. This Mother’s Day destination is ideal for experiencing the glory of the erstwhile royalty through its stunning forts and palaces.
Things to do in Jaipur: Discover the beautiful Hawa Mahal in the historic part of the city, or visit the nearby Jantar Mantar observatory. The City Palace Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history and its royal family. Make sure to also include Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, and Amber Palace in your itinerary. Dedicate some time to shopping while in Jaipur. Head to Bapu Bazaar, one of the most popular markets in the city centre, where you can find various items, including traditional jewellery, textiles, the famous Jaipuri blankets, and juttis, which are traditional Jaipuri footwear.
How to reach
By air: Jaipur International Airport is the gateway to the city.
By train: Jaipur Junction is the main railway station.
Goa
Goa is the smallest state in India, yet it offers a lot, attracting international and domestic tourists to its beaches. Its reputation extends beyond vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal destination for celebrating Mother’s Day.
Things to do in Goa: Iconic beaches like Baga, Calangute, Palolem, and Patnem are perfect for soaking up the sun. You can enjoy a variety of water sports and activities, such as parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving with your mother. Goa’s nightlife is also incredibly inviting. Goa also offers more than just beautiful beaches and vibrant nightclubs. It is home to several historical sites worth exploring, including UNESCO World Heritage churches and convents like the Bom Jesus Basilica, which houses the tomb of St Francis Xavier. The 17th-century Aguada Fort is another essential place to visit. If your mother appreciates art, consider visiting the Museum of Goa, The Cube Gallery, and other art galleries in the area.
How to reach
By air: Dabolim Airport and Manohar International Airport are the main airports in the city
By train: Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama Stations are the main railway stations in the city.
Puducherry
Take your mother on a cultural and tropical getaway to ‘India’s Little France’, Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry. This charming destination is perfect for moms who enjoy exploring new cultures and savouring delicious French cuisine, all while relaxing along the beach promenade.
Things to do in Puducherry: Take a brisk walk through the French Quarter, where you can admire its colourful architecture featuring arched entrances, tall windows, symmetrical columns, and classical motifs. Paradise Beach and Rock Beach are popular spots where you can enjoy the refreshing breeze of the Bay of Bengal. Indulge your taste buds at the many vibrant cafes in Pondicherry. Consider a day trip to Auroville to experience its unique lifestyle. You can also immerse yourself in the spirituality of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and The Sacred Heart Basilica.
How to reach
By air: Puducherry Airport is the gateway to the city.
By train: Puducherry railway station is the main station in the city.
Hyderabad
The ‘City of Pearls’, Hyderabad, is an ideal destination to immerse yourself in its heritage with your mother. The city is lined with picturesque monuments rich with history and culture. That’s not all, the flavourful cuisine promises a foodie adventure.
Things to do in Hyderabad: Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, Golconda Fort, Taj Falaknuma Palace and the Qutub Shahi Tombs are some of the iconic monuments to take your mom through interesting stories of the yesteryears. Go behind the scenes at the Ramoji Film City. Relish the Hyderabadi cuisine through the iconic dishes like biryani and haleem.
How to reach
By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the gateway to the city.
By train: Hyderabad Decan and Secunderabad Junction are the main stations in the city.
Kerala
With nature humming a mellifluous tune at every corner, there is a reason why Kerala is known as ‘God’s own country’. It is a beautiful part of India, where tall coconut trees, clean beaches and the quiet backwaters create an enchanting landscape.
Things to do in Kerala: The state has several places to explore, such as the rolling hills towards the east in Munnar. Head north to watch elephants and tigers in the forests of Wayanad. Down south is the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram in all its glory, and the renowned Kovalam beach is nearby. Take a road trip to Alappuzha (or Alleppey). Sharing a coastline with the Arabian Sea in the west, you can experience the legendary backwaters through the traditional houseboat or a cruise.
How to reach
By air: Cochin International Airport is the gateway to the state.
By train: Thiruvananthapuram Central and Ernakulam Junction are the major railway stations in the state.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The archipelago promises a picturesque and tropical island vacation without leaving the country! White sands, turquoise water, palm-fringed shores and coral reefs await in the Andaman and Nicobar’s 572 islands.
Things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: From jet-skiing to fishing and hiking to bird watching – there is no dearth of things to do in this paradise. This Mother’s Day destination is ideal to witness the marine life up close in the Andaman Sea while scuba diving. For a more relaxed vacation, take a carefree nap on the sands, sip coconut water while letting the surf kiss your feet, or head out to explore its historic places, such as the Cellular Jail or Ross Island. Andaman is home to a Blue Flag Certified beach — Radhanagar in Havelock Island or Swaraj Dweep. Take a stroll with mum on this almost two-kilometre-long stretch of soft white sand. Indulge in some yoga or meditation, enjoy delicious dishes at nearby cafés and watch the sun go down on the horizon.
How to reach
By air: Veer Savarkar International Airport is the gateway to the islands.
By water: Haddo Ferry Terminal is the main port for cruises.
Manali
Manali is a cherished hill station, making it the perfect destination for moms who appreciate the mountains. Its snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys offer a tranquil getaway for Mother’s Day, providing an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Things to do in Manali: Experience the snow at Rohtang Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable highways, which connects the Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti. Be sure to visit the Manu Temple, Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfall, Naggar Castle, Lake Sissu, and Old Manali. If your mom is looking for adventure, Manali is one of the best places to try paragliding, trekking, and river rafting.
How to reach
By air: Kullu–Manali Airport is the gateway to the hill station.
By train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the closest, approximately 120 km away.
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(Feature image credit: Rasha Thadani/Instagram)
Related: Experience Snowfall Magic At These Hill Stations In India
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
You can take your mother on a fun trip to surprise and pamper her on Mother’s Day.
You can book a vacation for your wife on Mother’s Day and take your children along for a refreshing holiday.
Take your mother out for a special, three-course meal that includes appetizers, a main course and desserts. Make sure to order her favourites or let her place the order.
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