"An experience I will never forget"
Watching the Ganga Aarti from the boat as the sun set over Varanasi was one of the most profound moments of my life. - Sarah M., London
84 Ghats Boat Ride
with Ganga Aarti
Book your unforgettable boat ride through Varanasi's sacred waters, exploring all 84 ghats aboard a comfortable CNG motorboat. This private journey offers a serene and scenic experience as you glide along the Ganges River, allowing you to witness the timeless beauty of Varanasi's iconic ghats from a unique perspective.
As you drift past historic landmarks like Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, and Assi Ghat, you'll absorb the tranquil atmosphere of the city. An experienced boatman is available to offer insights and details about the ghats, the rituals, and the vibrant life that unfolds along the river.
Safety is a priority - lifejackets are provided for all passengers. As your journey concludes, you'll witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform prayers to the Ganges with fire, incense, and chanting.
What You'll Experience
- 1 Scenic Boat Ride - Relax aboard a comfortable CNG motorboat exploring all 84 ghats including Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, Assi Ghat, and the newly built Namo Ghat.
- 2 Ancient Ghats at Sunset - Experience Varanasi's ancient ghats bathed in the golden hues of evening sunlight, offering a unique view of the city's sacred waters.
- 3 Uninterrupted Views of Rituals - Glide smoothly past ghats to witness spiritual rituals in raw, unfiltered form - locals performing prayers, lighting diyas, and offering respect to the Ganges.
- 4 Photogenic Opportunities - Capture stunning photographs of the ghats, the river, and iconic landmarks including the Leaning Temple and towering Alamgir Mosque.
- 5 Untouristy Side of Kashi - Explore quieter, less-visited ghats where local life unfolds without the distractions of mass tourism.
- 6 Majestic Ganga Aarti - Conclude with the magnificent Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat - fire, incense, and sacred chants creating a powerful spiritual atmosphere.
How the Tour Unfolds
This is a tentative ~3-hour experience - from boarding, through cruising all 84 ghats, to the Ganga Aarti. The ride concludes after the Aarti is over, not at a fixed clock time, so actual duration can vary slightly. Departure time shifts with the season: 5:30 PM in summer, 4:30 PM in winter.
Begin your journey from your selected ghat - Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, or another popular spot. Board the comfortable CNG motorboat with lifejackets provided for all passengers.
Glide along the Ganges past all 84 ghats - Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, Assi, and many more. Your boatman provides information on request about the ghats' traditions and rituals.
The boat ride concludes at Dashashwamedh Ghat for the mesmerising Ganga Aarti. Experience the stunning ritual with fire, chants, and incense offered to the Ganges as priests perform the sacred ceremony.
Your boat ride concludes at Dashashwamedh Ghat once the Ganga Aarti is over. From here, you can step off and explore the ghat, or make your own way back - it is one of the most central and well-connected ghats in Varanasi.
From the River
Common Questions
Can we watch Ganga Aarti from a boat?
Yes - watching the Ganga Aarti from a boat is a mesmerising experience and offers a unique vantage point of the spiritual ritual. Due to high demand during peak seasons and festivals, we recommend booking in advance.
What is included in the Ganga Aarti Boat Ride?
Your package includes a scenic ride on the Ganges from Dashashwamedh Ghat, passing all prominent ghats including Assi and Manikarnika, while witnessing the Ganga Aarti ceremony. Life jacket is provided. The boat is private - no sharing with other groups.
How long is the Ganga Aarti Boat Ride?
The full experience is tentatively around 3 hours, from boarding to drop-off - including cruising past all 84 ghats and the Ganga Aarti. The ride concludes once the Aarti is over rather than at a fixed time, so actual duration can vary slightly by season and the day's ceremony.
Is the boat ride private or shared?
We only offer private boat rides for the Ganga Aarti. This allows a more intimate, safe, and personal experience - no strangers, no rush.
When can I take a boat ride for the Ganga Aarti?
Departure is timed to the season - around 5:30 PM in summer and 4:30 PM in winter - so the ride concludes right as the Ganga Aarti begins at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Exact timing is shared at confirmation.
Can I take photos during the Ganga Aarti Boat Ride?
Yes, you are welcome to take photos and videos throughout the ride. The view from the boat is perfect for capturing the Aarti ceremony. We recommend carrying a zoom lens for the best shots.
How do I book?
Simply fill the reservation form on this page and pay online - or send us a WhatsApp message. We will confirm your booking within a few hours.
Can I book this boat ride for 24 November (Dev Diwali)?
24 November is Dev Diwali, and we run dedicated boats and packages for that evening, with different timings and pricing to the regular Ganga Aarti ride. Please use our Dev Diwali boat booking page to reserve for that date.
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