Beware of scammers on the ghats. Touts and self-styled “guides” or “priests” roam the Ganga ghats and temple lanes, offering VIP darshan, pujas, boat rides or “donations for cremation wood”. Never pay anyone in advance, and never pay for a service before you have actually received it. Book temple services only through the official trust.
Choose your ride
~1.5 h · 5:30 – 7 AM
Sunrise ride
Bathers, prayers and the sun rising over the far bank. Usually Dashashwamedh → Assi and back, or on to Manikarnika.
~1.5 h · from 5 PM
Sunset & aarti ride
Drift along the ghats at dusk, then moor in front of Dashashwamedh for the Ganga Aarti.
Quiet & classic
Rowing boat
Slow, silent and close to the water. Best for small groups and photographers.
Faster & steadier
Motorboat
Covers the full stretch of ghats; easier boarding and seating for elders and families.
Fair prices
| Option | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Shared boat seat, ~1 hour | ₹100 – 300 per person |
| Private rowing boat, 1 – 1.5 hours | ₹800 – 1,500 per boat |
| Private motorboat, ~1 hour | ₹1,500 – 3,000 per boat |
| Dev Deepawali evening | Several times higher; book weeks ahead |
Rates vary by season, boat size and demand. The Varanasi administration has notified official boat rates in the past — ask to see the rate card.
Local tip. Always agree the total price, whether it is per person or per boat, the route and the duration before you step in.
Safety
- Choose licensed boats with life jackets on board — and ask for them.
- Do not stand up or lean out while the boat is moving.
- Boating may be suspended when the river is in flood (roughly July – September) or in dense winter fog.
Request a booking
Book a boat
Sunrise, sunset or aarti — private or shared. Tell us the date and how many people, and we send a confirmed price and meeting ghat.
- English-speaking coordinator
- International numbers welcome
- No payment to enquire
FAQ