The Double Decker Bajra Boat
on the Ganga
The Bajra is Varanasi's traditional large wooden houseboat - wider, more stable, and more spacious than anything else on the river. The double-decker version adds an elevated upper deck that gives you a floating-porch view of the ghats that no standard boat can match.
Book it for a morning cruise through all 84 ghats, an evening ride to witness the Ganga Aarti, a birthday on the river, an anniversary dinner, a private music session with sitar or flute, or simply a slow, unhurried afternoon on the Ganga with family. The boat is yours - the occasion is yours to define.
Built for stability and comfort, the upper deck has proper chair seating - ideal for families, seniors, photographers, and anyone who wants to experience Varanasi at river level without the crowd, the rush, or the noise.
What You'll Experience
- 1Elevated Upper Deck - A proper balcony view of the ghats, the river, and everything unfolding on both banks - well above the waterline and the crowd.
- 2100% Private Boat - The entire vessel and crew are exclusively for your group. No strangers, no rush, no shared experience.
- 3All 84 Ghats - Sail the entire crescent-shaped riverfront from Assi Ghat (south) to Namo Ghat (north), covering the full spiritual and historical sweep of Varanasi.
- 4Comfortable Chair Seating - Ideal for seniors, families, and photographers. No floor sitting - proper chairs on a stable, spacious deck.
- 5Any Occasion, Any Time - Sightseeing, birthday, anniversary, private music session, family outing, or a quiet evening on the Ganga. The boat adapts to your purpose - not the other way around.
- 6Optional Add-ons - Enhance the experience with an Evening with a Storyteller, live sitar music, Banarasi high tea, or a dedicated photographer. Note: the boat comes with a basic guide who shares details about the main ghats.
How the Tour Unfolds
Board from your selected ghat - Assi, Dashashwamedh, Namo, or another closer to your hotel. Life jackets are provided for all passengers. Timing may shift slightly based on the sunset.
Glide along the Ganges past all 84 ghats - Harishchandra, Kedar, Manikarnika, Panchganga, and the newly built Namo Ghat. Your boatman is on hand to share insights about the ghats' traditions and rituals on request.
If you have booked an evening ride, the boat anchors at Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti - watch the priests perform the fire ceremony with incense, chants, and synchronized ritual from the elevated upper deck, above the crowds.
Return to Dashashwamedh Ghat. Alternatively, arrange drop-off near Manikarnika Ghat - one of the holiest cremation grounds in India, offering a profound glimpse into Varanasi's ancient spiritual traditions.
Optional Add-ons
| Service | Description | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Evening with a Storyteller | A dedicated storyteller joins your ride for in-depth ghat history, mythology & rituals. The boat already includes a basic guide for the main ghats - this is for a deeper, richer experience. | โน1,000 / person |
| Live Music | Local sitar or flute artist performing on the lower deck | โน6,000 |
| Banarasi High Tea | Masala chai & local snacks served in traditional clay cups | From โน500 |
| Aarti Offering | Floral leaf lamps (diyas) for river rituals | โน20 each |
| Photography | Dedicated photographer for high-quality candid shots | โน8,000 |
| Hotel Transfer | Private AC vehicle pickup and drop-off | โน2,000 |
From the Upper Deck
What Our Guests Say
His recommendations were spot-on, especially the early morning Subah-e-Banaras experience. The guided boat ride and temple visits were perfectly timed and smoothly executed. Truly a hassle-free way to explore this soulful city.
Loved the whole experience. Saurav is a master storyteller and he takes you through centuries just by his stories. Please book them. It's worth every minute you spend with them. Highly recommended.
Thank you VG Tours - because of your excellent service, my family and I had an amazing experience, especially the divine Gangaji ki Aarti. Saurabh and Rohan, you both were just so very helpful, accommodating every special need and request - you went beyond our expectations.
Everything was easy from the start - the booking was quick, they reached the pickup spot on time, and the boat was clean and comfortable. We got to see the aarti from the river, which looked beautiful. Overall, it felt organised without being too formal.
Common Questions
How is the Bajra boat different from a regular motorboat?
A Bajra is a traditional, large wooden houseboat. Unlike narrow rowing boats or noisy motorboats, the Bajra is much wider and more stable. The double-decker version adds a reinforced upper platform, giving you a balcony view of the riverfront that standard boats simply cannot provide.
Is the tour private or shared?
This is a 100% private experience. When you book, the entire boat and its crew are dedicated exclusively to your group. You will not be paired with strangers, ensuring a quiet and personalised atmosphere.
Is it safe for seniors and small children?
Absolutely. The Bajra is far more stable and less prone to rocking than smaller vessels. Life jackets are provided for all passengers, and the chair seating on the upper deck is designed for those who find floor cushions difficult.
Can we watch the Ganga Aarti from this boat?
Yes - if you book an evening ride, the boat anchors at Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti. The elevated upper deck gives you an unobstructed view above the crowd - far better than any standard boat. That said, the Bajra is not limited to evening rides. It can be booked any time of day for sightseeing, celebrations, music sessions, or simply a private cruise on the Ganga.
Does the tour cover all 84 ghats?
Yes. While many tours only visit the main 5 to 10 ghats, this tour sails the entire crescent-shaped riverfront from Assi Ghat (south) to Namo Ghat (north), covering the full 84 ghats.
Is there a toilet on board?
Traditional Bajras do not have built-in restrooms. We strongly recommend using facilities at your hotel or at the main ghats before boarding.
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 via WhatsApp.
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