Family-Friendly Adventures in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh!

Varanasi Ghats (Banaras Ghats)

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting journey to the Varanasi Ghats, a spiritual and cultural heart of India, perfect for families seeking a blend of education and experience.

Morning: Sunrise Boat Ride

Start your day early by arriving at Assi Ghat, easily accessible by rickshaw from any part of the city. Rent a boat for a tranquil sunrise tour along the Ganges. This serene experience offers not only a spectacular view of the sunrise but also a panorama of the city waking up. Listen to the sounds of morning prayers and watch locals perform yoga and rituals; it"s a cultural immersion like no other.

Mid-Morning: Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat

After the boat ride, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat, a short boat trip or a walk along the ghats. This is one of the oldest and most important ghats and is famous for the Agni Pooja (Worship of Fire) that takes place every evening. It’s a vibrant place where families can learn about Hindu traditions and rituals firsthand.

Lunch Break: Local Cuisine

Enjoy a family lunch at a nearby café – indulge in some local delicacies like Kachori Sabzi and Jalebi.

Afternoon: Explore Manikarnika Ghat

Post lunch, walk to Manikarnika Ghat, the prime cremation ghat. It"s a profound place that provides insight into the eternal cycle of life and death, significant in Hindu culture. It’s important to approach this experience with sensitivity, especially with children.

Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Conclude your day at Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti ceremony, an enchanting experience with rhythmic chants, drums, bells, and flaming lamps. The ceremony starts just after sunset, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates both adults and children alike.

Getting Around

Walking or taking rickshaws are the best ways to explore the Ghats. Boats are also available for hire for a more scenic route between points.

This family-friendly itinerary to the Varanasi Ghats combines cultural richness with memorable experiences, ensuring something fascinating for every family member.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Sarnath

Why Visit?

Sarnath, located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is an enchanting destination ideal for family visits, with its rich history and serene surroundings.

Morning: Arrival and Visit to Dhamek Stupa

Begin your day early by driving or taking a hired cab from Varanasi to Sarnath. Start at the Dhamek Stupa, an impressive cylindrical structure 128 feet high and 93 feet in diameter. This stupa marks the spot where Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Let the kids marvel at the intricate carvings that tell stories of Buddha’s teachings.

Midday: Sarnath Archaeological Museum

A short walk from the Dhamek Stupa is the Sarnath Archaeological Museum. Open from 9 AM to 5 PM (closed on Fridays), it houses an excellent collection of sculptures and artifacts recovered from the site. Don’t miss the famous Ashoka Pillar, whose four-lion capital is India’s national emblem.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the nearby vegetarian restaurants offering local delicacies.

Afternoon: Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and Deer Park

Post lunch, head to the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern temple managed by the Mahabodhi Society. The temple is adorned with beautiful murals and frescoes depicting Buddha"s life. Next, let the kids unwind at the adjacent Deer Park, where they can watch playful deer in their natural habitat, reminiscent of the park’s ancient days when it was a bustling sanctuary for wildlife.

Evening: Interactive Sessions and Departure

Conclude your visit with an interactive session at the Tibetan Institute of Higher Studies, where you can engage in short family-friendly workshops on Buddhist art and meditation, usually held in the late afternoon.

End your trip with a serene sunset view at the Ganges in Varanasi, reflecting on the peaceful teachings and tranquil sites Sarnath offered during your visit.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ganges River (Ganga)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to the Ganges River

Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi

Start your journey in Varanasi, one of the world"s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a spiritual heart of India. Fly into Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, which is well connected domestically. Check into a family-friendly hotel near the Ghats or the riverfront.

Morning: Boat Ride at Sunrise

Begin your day early with a serene boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise from Dashashwamedh Ghat. This is a quintessential Varanasi experience, allowing you and your family to witness the daily rituals and the stunning morning arti. The river, considered sacred, is believed to cleanse sins and aid in the liberation of the cycle of birth and death.

Afternoon: Visit to Sarnath

Post breakfast, take a short drive (about 10 km) to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Museum. Kids will enjoy the deer park where Buddha once taught, and the visual storytelling in carvings and artifacts.

Day 2: Explore Local Culture

Morning: Educational Walking Tour

Engage with a guided walking tour tailored for families. Explore the alleyways, temples, and markets of Varanasi. Learn about the city’s history, see the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and perhaps witness a traditional silk weaving demonstration, perfect for older kids interested in crafts.

Evening: Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Conclude your trip with the spectacular Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening. This vibrant and musical ceremony offers a glimpse into Hindu traditions, with priests performing offerings to the river amidst chants and ringing bells.

Departure

After a culturally rich and engaging experience, head back to the airport or proceed to your next destination from Varanasi.

This itinerary offers a blend of spiritual insight, historical exploration, and local culture, ensuring an enriching experience for the entire family by the sacred Ganges.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

Why Visit?

Welcome to the spiritual heart of Varanasi, India—the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a revered site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here"s a delightful family-friendly itinerary to ensure an enriching experience:

### Morning: Arrival at Varanasi

Start your day early by arriving in Varanasi. You can fly into Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or travel by train to Varanasi Junction, both well-connected to major cities. From there, take a pre-booked taxi to Dashashwamedh Ghat, a scenic and lively spot by the river Ganges.

### Mid-Morning: Explore Dashashwamedh Ghat

Immerse yourself in the cultural vibrancy at the Ghat, where you can witness the spiritual rituals and life along the river. Enjoy a family boat ride to see the Ghats from the water—a peaceful experience where children can learn about the historical and spiritual significance of the Ganges.

### Late Morning: Walk to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

A short walk from the Ghat brings you to the famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Known as the Golden Temple due to its gold-plated spire, this ancient temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Shiva temples. Before entering, store your belongings at the temple lockers as electronic items and leather goods are not allowed inside.

### Afternoon: Temple Tour and Lunch

Explore the temple complex and admire its intricate architecture. Engage with local guides to delve into the temple"s rich history and significance. Post temple visit, enjoy a local vegetarian meal at a nearby restaurant, where kids can relish dishes like Kachori Sabzi and Jalebi.

### Late Afternoon: Visit to Nearby Sights

Post lunch, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Annapurna Temple and the Vishwanath Gali—a market perfect for buying religious souvenirs and experiencing Varanasi’s bustling life.

### Early Evening: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Conclude your day by returning to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, an enchanting ceremony that fills the atmosphere with bhajans, flowers, and lamps—a spiritual spectacle that captivates both adults and children alike.

This itinerary offers a blend of spirituality, culture, and family bonding in one of India"s most sacred cities. Enjoy your spiritual journey at Kashi Vishwanath Temple with your loved ones!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Dashashwamedh Ghat

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your family day out with an early morning arrival at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most vibrant and ancient ghats in Varanasi. You can easily reach here by hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw from any part of Varanasi. The morning is a serene time to enjoy the sunrise and observe the locals performing rituals and yoga along the Ganges. It"s a captivating sight and a perfect introduction to the spiritual ambiance of the city.

Late Morning: Boat Ride on the Ganges

By mid-morning, hire a boat for a leisurely row along the river. This experience gives you a stunning riverside view of several other ghats and historic buildings. It’s a great way for the kids to see the city from a different perspective and learn about the geography and importance of the Ganges River.

Afternoon: Visit to nearby attractions

Post boat ride, take a short walk to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. While entry into the inner sanctum is restricted for non-Hindus, the exteriors and the surrounding marketplace are a buzz of activity and intriguing to explore.

Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti

Wrap up your day back at Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset. It"s a visually stunning and deeply spiritual experience where priests perform rituals with fire and incense. The sound of chants and bells, combined with the rhythmic movement of lamps, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that captivates both adults and children alike.

Dining

End your day with a meal at one of the local restaurants or cafes, sampling delicious local cuisine such as Kachori Sabzi and Jalebis, which are sure to be a hit with the family.

This itinerary offers a blend of tranquility, spirituality, culture, and fun, suitable for a family outing at Dashashwamedh Ghat and surrounding areas. Enjoy your trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.