Secure your boat ride online with confidence, ensuring the best prices without the need for negotiation. Our reasonably priced services are accessible to all visitors, and the booking process is conveniently facilitated through our online booking portal dedicated to boat rides in Banaras.
| Boats / Pricing | Person 1–6 | Person 7–12 | Person 13–20 | Person 21–40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steamer Boat (Morning) | ₹ 1,800 | ₹ 2,500 | ₹ 4,500 | ₹ 10,000 |
| Steamer Boat (Evening) | ₹ 2,100 | ₹ 3,000 | ₹ 5,000 | ₹ 11,000 |
| Hand Boat (1–6 Person) | Morning: ₹ 1,500 | Evening: ₹ 1,800 | ||
Greetings from Bhakti Yatra Travels, your premier destination for unforgettable boat rides in the City of Heritage, Varanasi. Committed to providing you with the utmost satisfaction, we prioritize delivering pocket-friendly experiences that enhance your time on the sacred water.
Banaras, the spiritual capital of India, is celebrated for its enchanting ghats and the tranquil Ganges River. Devotees from across the nation flock to this holy city to partake in a sacred dip in the river. An absolute must for every tourist is a boat ride on the revered river, especially during the captivating moments of sunrise or sunset. Observing individuals descending the river in the early morning, and engaging in ritualistic bathing in the sacred Ganges, imparts a singular and cherished experience. Witnessing the mesmerising Ganga Aarti while sitting on a boat adds to the enchantment. Our diverse boat ride services allow exploration of the city’s scenic beauty while gliding across the waters. Opting for a boat ride remains a popular choice among tourists, providing a distinctive perspective on the city’s rich culture and traditions.
All kinds of boats engaged in navigating the River Ganga in Varanasi are very much well-maintained, prioritizing the comfort and safety of passengers. It is mandatory for tourists to wear life jackets, and the boats are steered by experienced and trained boatmen possessing profound knowledge of the river, as well as the history and culture of the city. The boat journey in Banaras guides visitors along the Ganges River, offering glimpses of the city’s numerous ghats, each boasting its distinct history and cultural significance.
Tourists often choose Row boats in Varanasi, operated with oars, for their leisurely journeys, particularly during the serene moments of sunrise or sunset. These boats, typically crafted from wood, are relatively small and can comfortably hold 5–6 people at a time.
Choosing a Steamer boat is the optimal selection for exploring the various Ghats of Varanasi during a boat ride. The entire journey, covering both upstream and downstream stretches, typically spans around 4–5 hours. Opting for a motorboat ensures a smoother experience, and it offers greater seating capacity and more speed compared to row boats.
Bajra Boats are double-decker boats with a larger carrying capacity, as compared to row boats and motor boats. These kinds of boats are also available for entire booking to celebrate any special occasion like birthdays, anniversaries and so on, where the boats are beautifully decorated according to the occasion.
Please note: Row Boats are of fixed size, whereas the motor boats and bajra boats are of small and large size. These boats can be booked both on a private and sharing basis. The hand-rowed boats are only booked on a private basis.
Mark your preferred date on the given calendar.
Select the number of travelers willing to boat ride.
Select your preferred boat type based on the number of tourists.
Select the Ghat from where you will embark on the boat.
Select the time slot.
Provide your Name, Mobile Number and Email ID, and press the ‘Book Now’ icon.
Continue with your payment and secure a boat in advance.
The timing for morning and evening boat rides differs according to the season. During summers the rides begin earlier as compared to the winters. Choose the time for the boat ride according to the preferred time.
The Banaras boat ride in the morning commences with the ascending of the sun from the horizon. The rides usually start from 5:30 am to 6:00 am. Going for a serene boat ride in the morning, especially by rowboat, is an out-of-the-world experience.
The evening boat ride commences as the sun starts descending. Boat rides during the evening Ganga Aarti is a must-have experience. The timing of the Ganga Aarti too differs in the summer and the winter season.
Whether opting for a morning or evening boat ride, winters remain the most suitable time to visit Banaras and opt for the enchanting boat ride. The early morning rides can be a bit chilly but the evening rides are absolutely mesmerising during the winters.
Banaras experiences quite hot summers and the boat rides during the daytime might become challenging. However, the boat rides in the early morning during sunrise and in the evening can be comforting. The cool breeze is a constant companion during the boat rides.
Tourists are not advised to take a boat ride on the River Ganga during the monsoon season as the water level gets elevated due to the rains. Sailing across the holy river might be a matter of safety issue as the ghats are also flooded with water and thick layers of mud and silt are deposited on the banks. The hot and humid weather is also unsuitable to enjoy the boat rides at Varanasi.
Pair your Ganga boat experience with a complete Kashi stay — temple darshan, city walks, Ramnagar Fort and Sarnath.
Best Seller
Explore the beauty of Varanasi both from the Ganges as well as walking on the ancient spiritual streets with morning/evening boat rides and Kashi Vishwanath darshan.
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Experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi with sunrise & sunset Ganga boat rides, Kashi Darshan, and a trip to Ramnagar Fort & Museum.
Short Escape
A compact 3-day spiritual getaway covering 4-5 hour Kashi Darshan boat ride, evening Ganga Aarti, and boat trip to historical Ramnagar Fort.
Heritage
Discover the vibrance Ganga Aarti of Varanasi the serene Buddhist heritage of Sarnath, including Dhamek Stupa, Deer Park, and ancient monasteries.
Everything you need to know before booking your Varanasi Ganga boat ride.
The best time for a boat ride in Varanasi is during sunrise and sunset. Morning rides offer peaceful views and spiritual rituals, while evening rides let you witness the famous Ganga Aarti at the ghats.
You can book a boat ride online through travel websites or directly at the ghats. Online booking is recommended during peak seasons to avoid last-minute hassle and secure better options.
Boat ride prices vary depending on the type:
There are mainly three types of boats available:
Yes, boat rides in Varanasi are generally safe. It is advisable to choose licensed operators and avoid overcrowded boats, especially during peak hours or monsoon season.
Most boat rides cover major ghats such as Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Assi Ghat, offering a glimpse of the spiritual and cultural essence of the city.
Yes, many visitors prefer watching the Ganga Aarti from a boat near Dashashwamedh Ghat, as it provides a unique and less crowded experience.
A typical boat ride lasts between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the package and route chosen.
Advance booking is not mandatory but highly recommended during festivals, weekends, and peak tourist seasons to ensure availability and better pricing.
Carry essentials like: