Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges – Experience the Soul of Varanasi

4.9 (7 reviews) Varanasi, India
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Duration2h - 3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesHindi, English, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Experience the soul of Varanasi from a private traditional rowing boat on the sacred River Ganga at sunrise. As the first golden rays illuminate the ancient ghats, temples, palaces and ashrams, watch Varanasi come alive with morning prayers, pilgrims, holy bathing rituals and the peaceful sounds of the river.

With your local guide, discover the history, legends and spiritual traditions of the famous Ghats while enjoying unforgettable views from the water. Cruise past iconic ghats including Darbhanga, Harishchandra, Man Mandir, Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh.

After the boat ride, enjoy a relaxed walk along the Ghats and experience the timeless atmosphere of Kashi from close by.

This is more than a boat ride—it is an authentic opportunity to experience Varanasi at its most peaceful, spiritual and beautiful, away from the busy streets.

Come early, slow down, and experience the timeless spirit of Kashi from the River Ganga.

What's included

  • Eco friendly tour guide..
  • Bottled water
  • Privet hand-rowing boat..
  • Vehicle for pickup and drop from/to hotel..
  • Breakfast
  • Snacks

What to expect

  1. 20m
    Godowlia, is most busy & crowded crossing, because from here, its easy to reach bank side of the river ganga.. We stop here for while to see arrivals of pilgrims hood, and their activities.. Later we proceed to the River Ganga..
  2. Ganges River
    30m
    River Ganga, is great river of the plains of the northern Indian subcontinent. Although officially as well as popularly called the Ganga in Hindi and in other Indian languages, internationally it is known by its conventional name, the Ganges. From time immemorial it has been the holy river of Hinduism. For most of its course it is a wide and sluggish stream, flowing through one of the most fertile and densely populated regions in the world. Despite its importance, its length of 1,560 miles (2,510 km) is relatively short compared with the other great rivers of Asia or of the world.
  3. Darbhanga Ghat
    15m
    Passing by Shitala Ghat (where exist the temple of Goddess Shitala, the goddess who protects from smallpox and chickenpox), Ahilyabai Ghat and Munshi Ghat- in commemoration of Sridhar Narayan Munshi, a financial minister of the Nagpur State, who resigned his job in 1812, settled in Varanasi to pass his last period of life and finally died here in 1824. Free time for own experience here..
  4. Banaras Ghats
    Pass by
    At the Munshi Ghat, we step on boat (our boat will start to go upstream) - a boat trip during sunrise is essential and a beautiful life experience. The principal attraction of Varanasi is the long string of bathing Ghats, which line the west bank of the River Ganges. Ghats are the steps which lead down to the river from which pilgrims make their sin-cleaning, after dip in the holy River Ganga.
  5. Harishchandra Ghat
    10m
    Harish Chandra Ghat, is another cremation ground in southern part of Varanasi.. The Harish Chandra Ghatname after a mythological King Harish Chandra, who once worked at the cremation ground here for the perseverance of truth and charity. It is believed that the Gods rewarded him for his resolve, charity and truthfulness and restored his lost throne and his dead son to him.
    From here our boat will return to go down stream towards northern part of Varanasi..
  6. Man Mandir Ghat
    Pass by
    Man Mandir Ghat, on which stands a palace built by the king of Amber (Rajasthan), Savai Man Singh in 1585-1605.
  7. Meer Ghat
    Pass by
    Meer Ghat, named in 1735 after the Muslim commander Mir Rustam Ali, provides access to the Vishalakshi temple, and Dharma Kupa.
  8. Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple)
    Pass by
    Nepali Ghat, close to the bank is a pretty little shrine of the goddess Ganga River, and from the bank a staircase lead to the Nepalese temple (Replica of Pashupati Nath Temple).
  9. Manikarnika Ghat
    20m
    After passing through Bauli, Jalashayi Ghat and Khiraki Ghat, we reach to Manikarnika Ghat- famous for cremation ground (photography of the cremation area is prohibited), where one can watch the cremation and related rituals. Later our boat will return back to the center, and over our boat trip at Dasashwamedh Ghat.
  10. Dasaswamedh Ghat
    20m
    Dashashwamedh Ghat, this Ghat is presumed to be the first historically recorded site associated with the horse sacrifice performed by the Shiva Nagas king around the 3rd century..

    Here we all get-off from boat, and have some free time for own experience, and walking around here you can get an idea of religious activities.. Later we over our tour at the starting point..

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Guest can call us or text us on whats app..

End point

Guest can call us or text us on whats app..

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (7)
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Operated by Kashi Journeys · Booked through Viator
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