Boating in Varanasi is far more than just a leisurely ride, it’s a spiritual journey that glides through centuries of culture, faith, and stories woven along the sacred Ganga. Whether you want to witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti, capture the magical sunrise over the water, or simply drift past the timeless architecture and ghats, your experience depends a lot on where you begin.
So, which ghats are best for boating in Varanasi? Here’s a local’s guide to the most scenic, soulful, and photo-worthy spots to start your boat ride. We’ve carefully chosen these ghats with accessibility and comfort in mind, helping you avoid the busiest crowds and ensuring a smooth start to your journey. No matter which ghat you board from, if you opt for the full 84-ghats boat ride, you’ll experience every historic and vibrant ghat that lines the riverbank.
Namo Ghat
Best for: Easy access, senior citizens, families with children, those staying near Cantt, Nadesar, Pandeypur, Ashapur, or Sarnath
If you’re looking for the most accessible and hassle-free ghat experience in Varanasi, Namo Ghat is an excellent choice, especially for senior citizens and families with kids. Located away from the congested old city, it has smooth road connectivity, no narrow alleys, and very little traffic. You can drive right up to the ghat, making it perfect for those who want to avoid walking long distances. The area is spacious, modern, and has ramps and gentle steps, making it easy to navigate for elderly visitors and young children alike. If you’re staying in neighbourhoods like Cantt, Nadesar, Pandeypur, Ashapur, or Sarnath, Namo Ghat is the most convenient boating point, both in terms of comfort and travel time. It’s also becoming popular for cultural events and evening strolls, offering a clean and peaceful atmosphere by the river. for families and elderly travellers.
Assi Ghat
Best for: Morning boat rides, cultural vibe, those staying near BHU, Lanka, or Chitaipur
Assi Ghat is one of the most vibrant and active ghats in Varanasi, especially if you’re staying near BHU (Banaras Hindu University), Lanka, or Chitaipur. It’s well connected by road and has a welcoming atmosphere – perfect for first-time visitors, solo travellers, and those looking to catch the early morning magic of Subah-e-Banaras (morning aarti with classical music and yoga). The ghat is spacious, clean, and full of life, especially at sunrise. Boating from here is ideal if you want to enjoy a hand-rowed or motorboat ride that covers the southern ghats and eventually reaches Dashashwamedh. It’s not just a ghat it’s a starting point to experience Banaras through its music, rituals, and people.
Gai Ghat
Best for: Peaceful walks, scenic beauty, those staying in Jaitpura, Chaukaghat, and nearby areas
Tucked away from the chaos of the more popular ghats, Gai Ghat offers a quiet and soulful boating experience for those who enjoy a bit of calm before reaching the river. If you’re staying in areas like Jaitpura, Chaukaghat, or nearby, it’s a lovely option. You’ll walk through peaceful, character-filled streets – the kind that still carry the charm of old Banaras without the tourist crowds. The ghat itself is beautifully maintained, with wide steps, fewer boats, and a more personal atmosphere. It’s a great pick for those who want to take in the spiritual side of Varanasi at a slower, more reflective pace, while still being connected enough for a comfortable visit.
Bhonsale Ghat
Best for: Scenic views, street photography, those staying near Manikarnika, Scindia Ghat, Chowk Thana, Kal Bhairav, or Maidagin
If you’re staying in the heart of old Varanasi – around Manikarnika Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Kal Bhairav, Chowk Thana, or Maidagin – Bonsale Ghat is a beautiful and practical choice for boating. The walk to the ghat takes you through iconic lanes like Thatheri Bazaar and Kachodi Gali, filled with the sounds, colors, and aromas that define the city’s old-world charm. Once you reach, you’re rewarded with a peaceful riverside space and a stunning view of the Alamgir Mosque skyline, perfect for taking a quiet moment or clicking a few memorable photographs. It’s a lesser-known ghat that still feels authentic and offers a meaningful start to your boat ride.
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Meer Ghat
Best for: Avoiding crowds, convenient access, those staying near Dashashwamedh, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Sigra, Godowlia, Mehmoorganj, or Luxa
If you’re staying close to the popular central areas like Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Godowlia, Sigra, Mehmoorganj, or Luxa but want to skip the overwhelming rush at Dashashwamedh, Meer Ghat is a smart and peaceful alternative. It’s just a short walk from the main ghat, yet often overlooked by the crowd, giving you more space and time to enjoy the river without the chaos. The boat ride from here still offers views of all the main ghats, including the evening aarti at Dashashwamedh, just from a quieter and more relaxed boarding point.
Pandey Ghat
Best for: Local charm, peaceful boat rides, those staying near Bengali Tola, Bhelupur, or Assi
Pandey Ghat is one of the lesser-crowded, peaceful ghats in the southern stretch of Varanasi, ideal if you’re staying around Bengali Tola, Bhelupur, or Madanpura. The walk to the ghat takes you through quieter lanes, giving you a chance to see the local life unfold — from temple bells in the morning to vendors selling garlands and clay lamps. It’s not overrun by tourists, which makes it a calming place to begin a boat ride. You’ll still pass all the iconic ghats during your journey, but starting from Pandey Ghat gives you a more personal, grounded experience – perfect for early mornings or a relaxed sunset ride.
Boating in Varanasi isn’t just about getting from one ghat to another—it’s about soaking in the essence of a city that has lived, breathed, and flowed with the Ganga for thousands of years. Whether you begin at the peaceful Assi Ghat at dawn or witness the grand Ganga Aarti from Dashashwamedh Ghat, each boat ride offers a unique lens into the city’s soul. We’ve made it easy for you to start from any ghat you prefer, away from the crowds and close to the stories that matter.
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