Safety first
- Put a card with your name, phone number and hotel in each child’s pocket.
- Agree a meeting point (for example, a named ghat or temple gate) in case you are separated.
- Hold hands near the water and on wet steps. Currents in the Ganga are strong; no swimming.
- In the temple queue, keep small children in front of you, not behind.
- Avoid peak festival days and Mondays with toddlers.
Darshan with children
- Children under 12 do not need a Sugam darshan or aarti ticket.
- Go early in the morning, when queues are shortest and it is cool.
- Explain beforehand that phones stay behind and that they will need to be quiet near the sanctum.
- Strollers are impractical in the lanes; a baby carrier is much easier.
What children enjoy
Boat rides
Spotting the ghats, watching the birds and floating a leaf-boat diya at dusk.
Ganga Aarti
Bells, conches and fire — best watched from a boat with little ones.
Sarnath
Open lawns, the deer park, the stories of the Buddha and a giant standing Buddha at the Thai temple.
Tulsi Manas
The mechanical Tulsidas and the Ramayana dioramas are a hit with children.
Kites and sweets
Kite shops in the old city, and malaiyyo or rabri as a treat.
Ramnagar Fort
Vintage cars, palanquins and old weapons in the fort museum.
A family-friendly day
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6:00 AM
Sunrise boat ride
Calm water, cool air and the best light.
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8:00 AM
Breakfast and a short ghat walk
Assi to Tulsi Ghat is gentle and lively.
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Midday
Rest at the hotel
The old city is hot and busy at noon.
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4:00 PM
Tulsi Manas and Durga Kund
Short, interesting stops.
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6:30 PM
Ganga Aarti from a boat
Then an early dinner.
Food and health
- Stick to freshly cooked, hot food and sealed water.
- Carry familiar snacks for queues.
- Pack ORS, a thermometer and children’s fever medicine.
- Schedule naps — early starts for the aartis are tiring.