Boat rides on the Ganga · Sunrise and evening
Boat Ride in Varanasi Sunrise, Evening Ganga Aarti and Private Boats
See the ghats of Varanasi from the river. Book a sunrise ride, an evening ride in front of the Ganga Aarti, or a private boat, with a local team that runs its own boat rides.
- Sunrise and evening rides
- Hand boat to cruise
- Book on WhatsApp
The essentials
Boat Rides on the Ganga in Varanasi
A boat on the Ganga is the easiest way to see the ghats of Varanasi. From the water you see the whole riverfront at once: the steps of the ghats, the temples above them, and the bathing and the rituals on the banks. Most people go at sunrise or in the evening, when the light is soft and the ghats are busiest.
We book all the usual boats: a hand (rowing) boat for up to six, a motor boat that is private for up to ten, a Bajra boat for 20 to 50 and a cruise for large groups. An evening ride lets you watch the Ganga Aarti from the river, and for a family or an occasion there is a private boat.
Tell us the date, the number of people and the ride you want, and we reply with the boat and the details. It is best to book in advance to avoid the last-minute rush, especially on festival days such as Dev Diwali.
| Service | Boat rides on the river Ganga |
|---|---|
| Where | The ghats of Varanasi |
| Rides | Sunrise, and evening with the Ganga Aarti |
| Boats | Hand boat, motor boat, Bajra boat and cruise |
| Group size | From a couple to a large group |
| Safety | Life jackets for every passenger |
| Booking | On WhatsApp or by phone |
Sunrise on the river
Morning rides usually run between 5:30 and 7:00 AM, when the river is calm. See the morning boat ride.
Evening with the Ganga Aarti
Evening rides usually run between 5:00 and 7:00 PM and are timed for the aarti at dusk. See Ganga Aarti boat booking.
A private motor boat
The whole boat is yours for about two hours, for up to ten people. The fare is in the table below.
Bigger groups
A Bajra boat carries 20 to 50 people, and a cruise takes larger groups, through the year.
Families and older visitors
Boat rides suit families, children and senior citizens, and every passenger is given a life jacket.
Celebrations
A birthday, an anniversary or a photo shoot is done on a private boat. See private boat booking.
Fares
Private Motor Boat Fares
The fare is for the whole boat, not per person, and covers about two hours for up to ten people. We confirm the final fare on WhatsApp or by phone before you book.
| Ride | Fare per boat | Time | Seats | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning boat ride (sunrise) | ₹4,000 | About 2 hours | Up to 10 people | Book |
| Evening boat ride with Ganga Aarti | ₹4,000 | About 2 hours | Up to 10 people | Book |
Good to Know About the Fare
- On Dev Diwali the boat fares are different, and boats book out early. See Dev Diwali boat booking.
Our boats
Choose Your Boat
From a rowing boat for six to a cruise for a large group. Open a boat to see who it suits.
Hand (rowing) boat
Up to 6 people. A slow, quiet ride close to the ghats.
See the boat →
Motor boat
Up to 10 (private boat) people. A private boat that covers the ghats in about two hours.
See the boat →
Bajra boat
20 to 50 people. Families, parties and larger groups.
See the boat →
Cruise
Large groups people. The biggest groups, through the year.
See the boat →Choose your ride
Which Ride: Sunrise or Evening?
Both rides pass the same ghats. The light and the atmosphere are different.
Sunrise ride
A calm view of the ghats over quiet water, and a good time for photographs. Usually between 5:30 and 7:00 AM; the start time moves with the season, so tell us your date.
Evening ride
Timed for the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, watched from the river. Usually between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. Board about 30 minutes before the boat time.
Through the day
Boats also run through the day. Tell us the time that suits you and we confirm what is possible.
Book your boat
How to Book
Tell us when and how many. The WhatsApp button opens with a message ready to send, and you add the details.
Message or Call Us
Send your date, the number of people and whether you want a sunrise or an evening ride. We reply with the boat and the fare.
Message Us on WhatsApp Call +91 63900 08503What to Tell Us
- The date you want to go
- A sunrise ride or an evening ride with the Ganga Aarti
- How many of you are going, including children and older family members
- Where you are staying, or the ghat you want to start from
- The boat you have in mind, or your group and we suggest one
Send your details
Use the form at the top of the page, or tap any WhatsApp button. It opens with a message already written.
Get the boat and fare
We suggest the right boat for your group and confirm the fare for your date.
Confirm and ride
Confirm on WhatsApp or by call. We share the meeting point and your boatman’s contact once the booking is final.
Cancellation and refund terms are shared when you book. See our Terms & Conditions.
Quick answers
Boat Ride in Varanasi: Frequently Asked Questions
Tap Book on WhatsApp or use the form at the top of this page, and send the date, the number of people and the ride you want, sunrise or evening. You can also call us. We reply with the boat and the fare, and the booking is final once you confirm.
Keep planning
More Boat Pages
Morning Boat Ride in Varanasi
A sunrise boat ride along the ghats, when the river is calm and the light is soft.
View the page →Ganga Aarti Boat Booking in Varanasi
An evening boat ride that ends in front of the Ganga Aarti, watched from the river.
View the page →Varanasi Motor Boat Booking
A private motor boat for up to ten people, for a two-hour ride along the ghats.
View the page →Private Boat Booking in Varanasi
A whole boat for your family, your couple or your occasion: a birthday, an anniversary or a photo shoot.
View the page →Tour Packages from Varanasi
Prefer a planned itinerary with the hotel, the boat ride and the sightseeing together?
See the packages →Ready to Book Your Boat in Varanasi?
Message us your date, group size and the ride you want. We reply with the boat and the fare, from a team based in the city.