Varanasi River Cruise
The best way to understand Varanasi is from the water.
Get Free Ganges Cruise QuotesA Varanasi river cruise is the best way to understand the city. From the water you see all of it at once: the long sweep of ghats, the temples and old palaces, and the daily life of one of the world’s oldest living cities.
What You See From the Boat
Most rides run along the crescent of ghats on the west bank. In the south, Assi Ghat is where many visitors start, with a morning ceremony at dawn. Heading north you pass the colorful palaces of Darbhanga Ghat, the busy steps of Dashashwamedh, the main ghat and home of the evening aarti, and Manikarnika, the principal cremation ghat, where fires burn day and night. Farther north is Namo Ghat, a newer riverfront development. The opposite bank is open sand, which makes the city side all the more striking.
Choosing your boat
- Hand-rowed boat: quiet and close to the ghats; the classic sunrise choice.
- Motorboat: covers more of the riverfront in less time.
- Larger cruise boats: seating, commentary and sometimes refreshments, often timed for the aarti.
- Private boat with your own guide: what most cruise packages arrange.
Tips for Your Time on the River
- Go early: sunrise boats leave in the dark, and the light changes fast.
- Dress modestly; you will visit temples and walk the ghats afterwards.
- Agree on time and route before you set off if you book a boat locally.
- Book aarti boats ahead during festivals and the busy winter season.
- Do not drink or swim in the river; it is sacred, but not clean.
For health advice, read the CDC Travelers’ Health page for India before you go. If you would like Varanasi as part of a full cruise package, see Varanasi to Kolkata.
Varanasi Boat Questions
What is a Varanasi river cruise?
In Varanasi the term covers everything from a private rowboat along the ghats to larger motorized boats that run sightseeing and evening aarti cruises. Most last from about 45 minutes to a few hours. Multi-night cruise packages include guided boat rides here as part of their Varanasi stay.
Sunrise or sunset?
Both, if you can. Sunrise shows the city waking up: bathers, prayers and soft light on the ghats. Sunset leads into the evening aarti, seen from the water.
Can I photograph the cremation ghats?
Out of respect, do not photograph cremations at Manikarnika or Harishchandra ghat. Your guide will tell you when to put the camera away.
Beyond the Boat: The Old City
A boat ride is usually paired with a walk through the old city behind the ghats, a maze of lanes too narrow for cars, with small shrines, sweet shops and silk weavers’ workshops. Varanasi is famous for its silk saris, and many tours include a visit to a weaving family. Go with a guide the first time; the lanes are easy to get lost in.
See Varanasi From the Water
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can include guided Varanasi boat rides in a Ganges cruise or an India tour. Free quotes.
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