Private handboat ride
Glide along the sacred Ganges on a private hand-rowed boat, offering a peaceful view of Varanasi’s iconic ghats, serene sunrises or sunsets, and spiritual rituals at a relaxed pace.
Book Private hand boat tour
- Varanasi Ghats
₹2,499
Up to 6 people
Duration
3 hours
Boat Fare
covered
Group Size
1-6 Guest
Life Jacket
Included
About Tour
Immerse yourself in the peace and serenity of Varanasi with a private hand-rowed boat ride, starting from the sacred Vishwanath Temple and drifting along the Ganga towards Kedar Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. Experience the tranquil atmosphere at a slow, leisurely pace, where the gentle sound of the chappu (oars) cutting through the water enhances the calming ambiance of the river.
This intimate and personal boat ride offers a unique opportunity to explore the ghats and rituals of Varanasi in a peaceful, unhurried manner. Whether you’re looking to capture stunning photographs or simply soak in the spiritual essence of the city, this boat tour provides the perfect opportunity for reflection and connection with the Ganges.
Tour Highlights
- Private Hand-Rowed Boat Ride: Enjoy the tranquility of Varanasi aboard a traditional hand-rowed boat, offering a peaceful and personal journey along the Ganga.
- Leisurely Pace: Glide gently along the river at a slow, serene pace, allowing you to fully embrace the peaceful atmosphere and the soothing sound of the chappu as it dips into the water.
- Vishwanath Temple to Kedar Ghat: Begin your tour at the iconic Vishwanath Temple, before drifting peacefully towards Kedar Ghat, capturing the essence of spiritual life along the way.
- Manikarnika Ghat: Continue your journey to Manikarnika Ghat, where you’ll experience the profound atmosphere of one of Varanasi’s most sacred cremation ghats.
- A Unique Perspective: Enjoy an uninterrupted view of daily rituals, the ghats, and life along the river, offering a calm and introspective experience.
- Photography Opportunities: Perfect for photography lovers, this boat ride offers a chance to capture the timeless beauty of Varanasi’s ghats, temples, and rituals in a peaceful setting.
Itinerary
Begin your private boat tour from the Vishwanath Temple Ganga Dwar, a prominent and spiritually significant location in Varanasi. As you board your traditional hand-rowed boat, feel the serenity of the Ganga River and enjoy a peaceful ride at a relaxed pace.
As your boat drifts along the river, you will pass the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the busiest and most important ghats in Varanasi. This spot is renowned for its spectacular Ganga Aarti that happens every evening, but from the river, you'll get an uninterrupted view of the ghat's beauty and vibrant activity, especially as the light from the sun reflects off the waters.
Continue your serene journey towards Kedar Ghat, a peaceful and sacred place. This ghat is known for its spiritual significance and is quieter than the more bustling ghats like Dashashwamedh. It offers a tranquil spot for reflection, as you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and observe pilgrims performing their rituals along the riverbank.
After taking in the sacred ghats, return to the starting point at Vishwanath Temple Ganga Dwar. As you row back, continue to enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the chappu(oar) and the picturesque views of Varanasi's riverfront, allowing you to reflect on your spiritual and serene journey.
Tour Starts & Ends at
- Vishwanath Temple
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Hear It From Our Clients | Testimonials
Climber325274417752024-01-27Verified Walking with a friend Sourabh was the absolute best storyteller. He made us feel like we were walking around with a friend. He has a huge enthusiasm for history, and loves to tell you about what you’re seeing but also his thoughts on why it matters. He wants you to enjoy and you can’t help but do that. You’ll be asking so many questions as you learn more and more. We went first thing, seeing the morning aarti and meandered through the ghats, unexpected places and stories popping up everywhere. A storyteller, not a guide, Sourabh is a breath of fresh air for tourists looking to learn and gain a deeper understanding of Varanasi - anything else you learn is a welcome bonus. Enjoy. Gursimran Basra2024-01-27Verified Experience the core of Banaras with Varanasi Guru Saurabh from Varanasi Guru provided an exceptional walking tour experience, showcasing in-depth knowledge of the city. The tour encompassed food and culture exploration, delivering a superb overall experience. I was with Varanasi Guru for 4 days on the occasion of Dev Deepawali and couldn't have asked for more. Saurabh helped explore different ghats during different time's of the day to witness the life going around. I would highly suggest Varanasi Guru for your next visit to Banaras to experience the core. Ekaterina Karabanova2024-01-26Verified I am so glad that I did it! Thanks a lot for showing me your beautiful city. Picture strolling down old streets before sunrise, sipping hot chai, and hearing amazing stories from a guide who felt like a local friend. From the sunlight on temple spires to the boatman on the Ganges, every moment was like feeling Varanasi's heartbeat. It wasn't just sightseeing; it was a chance to truly connect with the city, understand its stories, and even share some Bollywood gossip. Sourabh made me feel like a welcomed guest, not just a tourist, and when I left, I carried not just souvenirs but a piece of Varanasi etched in my heart. If you want an experience beyond the postcard version, trust me, Varanasi Guru is the way to go – it's like making a new friend and letting your soul soak in the ancient vibes of this incredible city. ? Melissa2024-01-25Verified We had best heritage walk experience in Varanasi. Thank you! We had a great experience with them. The guide, Sourabh was very knowledgeable and was also kind enough to customize the walk as per our interests. We wanted to focus more on the history of the city and understand the Hindu rituals at the Ghats. The best part of the entire tour was the storytelling session on the boat ride. He was very patient and answered all our questions. Overall it was a great experience and we are looking forward to coming back in November for the Dev Diwali tour with them. Noah2024-01-16Verified Thank you, Varanasi Guru, for showing us the magic that lies beyond the obvious. Had a great experience exploring the city Our guide, Saurabh, wasn't just a walking encyclopedia. He was a storyteller, weaving together history, myth, and personal anecdotes, bringing the stories of Varanasi's temples, palaces, and hidden gems to life. The walk wasn't a rigid itinerary. It ebbed and flowed like the Ganges itself, adapting to our curiosity and questions. We stumbled upon local rituals, tasted forgotten delicacies in bustling alleys, and even ventured into a hidden courtyard where generations of silk weavers continue their ancient craft. Every moment was a surprise, a window into the city's hidden soul. But beyond the sights and sounds, Varanasi Guru's walk offered something deeper. It was a meditation on life and mortality, played out on the stage of the ghats. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the river, we witnessed the daily ritual of life and death, a stark reminder of impermanence and the enduring beauty of human connection. preeti72023-12-19Verified Getting to know Varanasi like never before! This was my third visit to Varanasi and the most memorable one. Accompanied by Sourabh Bhattacharya of Varanasi Guru, I was introduced to this incredible city like never before. Varanasi's rich treasure of history, mythology and culture was gently unravelled by Sourabh through his profound knowledge and understanding of the essence of the city. To anyone who wants to really know Varanasi, I'd recommend the walk by Varanasi Guru in a blink of an eye. Anyone can show you a city but it takes a team of special individuals who love Varanasi to help you know her well. Brian Dean2021-05-22Verified They make you feel the city Very well curated walk. The whole feeling of "Slowing down and living the moment" was the soul of it. Loved how the team was able to answer all our questions related to history and Indian mythology. If you're a traveler who likes to feel the places more than just visiting them just for the sake of pictures then do take a walk with them. They had a photographer and video guy so we didn't have to waste time on our stupid ass phone.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more