Private 3-hour River Ganges cruise at sunrise in Varanasi.
Sail along the holy river as the rising sun illuminates the riverbanks.
View Varanasi’s temples and 'ghats' (riverside steps) crowded with early morning pilgrims.
See the pilgrims bathe and worship the sun from the waters .
Go ashore to visit a ghat and watch the activity close up.
Boat ride, plus hotel pickup and drop-off included
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
5:30 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult
$178
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $221.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Boat Ride on the Ganges in Var
Experience Varanasi’s famous scenes of Hindu worship from the water on this 3-hour sunrise boat ride. Ride a private boat along the sacred River Ganges at first light
Pickup included
What's included
Included
Bottled Water
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Transport by private air-condition vehicle
Boat Ride in Sharing basis
Not included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
Any Hotel In Varanasi or Varanasi Airport
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
7 reviews
5
5
4
2
3
0
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 1 people per booking is required.
A maximum of 8 people per booking.
Group discount is available.
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi take?
Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi lasts about 2 days.
How much does Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi cost?
Prices start at $178 per person for this Varanasi experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $221. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 5:30 AM.
Can I cancel Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Any Hotel In Varanasi or Varanasi Airport Pickup points include Diamond Hotel, OYO 75149 Hotel Indra.
What languages is Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 7 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Deejohn Holidays India Tours.
Reviews(7)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
N
neeratraveler
March 16, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Best way to view the Ghats
The boat ride on the Ganges is a must while visiting Varanasi. The boat that I took started at the Assi Ghat and was a comfortable way to view all the Ghats. I was on the smaller ( less expensive) boat and we were given life jackets when we boarded.
Operator response
Dear Ms. Neerat
I thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience you had during your "Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi" and recommending our company. I am glad to know that you enjoyed your tour and we succeeded in providing you a memorable travel experience.
Your feedback is very important to us and encourage us to improvise further in order to provide excellent travel services to our future clients.
We wish you lots of luck and happiness and look forward to work with you on your next trip to India.
Best of health and good vibrations to you and your family.
Thanks & Regards
Manoj kumar
Call / Whatsapp (24/7): +91-9818718489
V
vnsrivatsan
March 16, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Early morning Boat ride to have unique experience
Unique experience of sighting all the ghats while riding on a boat along the Ganges. We get to see about 100 ghats on an hour long boat ride. Early morning ride during sun rise with misty layer topping the rives ganges with gulls flying/ swimming is an unique sight. Overall a must do exercise while in Varanasi
U
U8365TGmm
December 4, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Safe, secure, well organized, well planned tour
Dee John provided an unforgettable experience. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail ensured a smooth journey. The guides were knowledgeable and engaging, making each site visit more enlightening. The operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction was evident in their prompt responses to queries and issues. The accommodations and transport were comfortable and reliable, adding to the overall ease of the trip. This tour operator goes above and beyond to deliver a high-quality service. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking a hassle-free and enriching travel experience. Mr. Manoj Paul and the owner provided an exceptional service. Their special attention to my senior citizen mother was commendable. They ensured she felt comfortable and supported throughout the tour. Their empathy and care towards their clients is what sets them apart. This level of service makes them a trustworthy and reliable choice for any traveler. I am deeply grateful for their assistance and would highly recommend them to anyone seeking a personalized and caring travel experience.
Operator response
Dear Mr. Journey
I thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience you had during your "Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi" and recommending our company. I am glad to know that you enjoyed your tour and we succeeded in providing you a memorable travel experience.
Your feedback is very important to us and encourage us to improvise further in order to provide excellent travel services to our future clients.
We wish you lots of luck and happiness and look forward to work with you on your next trip to India.
Best of health and good vibrations to you and your family.
Thanks & Regards
Manoj kumar
Call / Whatsapp (24/7): +91-9818718489
N
Nomad48215960255
December 2, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing Varanasi Ayodhya Trip
I am solo traveller , always care ,start tour from our Delhi hotel at 4 am and Deejohn holiday staff mr. Manoj pick our hotel and rop at New Delhi station and vande Bharat train and ,Mr. Anand pick up at Varanasi station at 2pm and to hotel check in and start the tour , in Varanasi amazing Ganga aarti and Kashi Vishwanath temple and later go Ram temple in Ayodhya , and enjoy the whole trip , Deejohn holiday is best company and enjoyable every time . Thanks for the Deejohk holidays India tours and recommend to everyone
Operator response
Dear Mr. Nomad
I thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience you had during your "Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi" and recommending our company. I am glad to know that you enjoyed your tour and we succeeded in providing you a memorable travel experience.
Your feedback is very important to us and encourage us to improvise further in order to provide excellent travel services to our future clients.
We wish you lots of luck and happiness and look forward to work with you on your next trip to India.
Best of health and good vibrations to you and your family.
Thanks & Regards
Manoj kumar
Call / Whatsapp (24/7): +91-9818718489
9
937nehak
October 22, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Enjoyable experience
I booked my travel in Varanasi with Dee John travels with guide and taxis. My agent Manoj ji was very accommodating of my requests on itinerary. My senior citizen parents were with me and the travel was planned keeping this in mind. Taxi provided was neat and clean and on time. Driver was very polite and drove nicely. Suggestions were given for eating and shopping as well. I visited all big temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Bhairon temple, Sankat Mochan, Tulsi Manas, Aadi Durga temple. Also visited Sarnath, BHU campus and enjoyed boat ride in Ganga, and attended Ganga Aarti. Overall very nice experience. Recommended.
Operator response
Dear Ms. Neha
I thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience you had during your "Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi" and recommending our company. I am glad to know that you enjoyed your tour and we succeeded in providing you a memorable travel experience.
Your feedback is very important to us and encourage us to improvise further in order to provide excellent travel services to our future clients.
We wish you lots of luck and happiness and look forward to work with you on your next trip to India.
Best of health and good vibrations to you and your family.
Thanks & Regards
Manoj kumar
Call / Whatsapp (24/7): +91-9818718489
B
baalakumarj
January 25, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Senior parents with physical limitations boatride on Ganges at Shivalaya Ghat Varanasi
Boarded the wood boat at Shivalaya Ghat for Ganga Arthi. Both my parents were seniors and had physical limitations stepping down the steep down steps to the Ganges and climbing into the boat but the boat boys were extremely supportive and patient to make it happen. This review is a heart blessing from them to the boys who made Ganga Arathi a reality. Thanks Chota Trishna and multi-lingual lead boatmen. Five star service but 4 star because of lack of easy onboarding
Operator response
Dear Ms. Boalak,
I thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience you had during your "03 Days Buddhist Tour Varanasi Bodhgaya Rajgir Nalanda Form Delhi By Flight" and recommending our company. I am glad to know that you enjoyed your tour and we succeeded in providing you a memorable travel experience.
Your feedback is very important to us and encourage us to improvise further in order to provide excellent travel services to our future clients.
We wish you lots of luck and happiness and look forward to work with you on your next trip to India.
Best of health and good vibrations to you and your family.
Thanks & Regards
Manoj kumar
Call / Whatsapp (24/7): +91-981871848
S
Scenic64442148476
December 29, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Awakening Varanasi at sunrise
Our guide first bams us to the morning ceremony on the beach After a short walk we went up the Ganges and got to hear a lot about the origin of the city and why it is so important for Buddhists
If the city is a bit grey at first, during the sunrise that changes. The houses get a warm glow
People prayed in the Ganges. Thirteen bring women in colorful saris to the other side of the river. Where on the one hand people celebrate life, others are publicly cremated here.
We are taken to the Viskwah temple for a short visit and the adjacent Nepalese palace is also visited, before sailing back to Assi ghat. Excellent explanation, friendly and welcoming. We had a great time.
Operator response
Dear Ms. Scenic,
I thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience you had during your "Boat Ride on the Ganges in Varanasi" and recommending our company. I am glad to know that you enjoyed your tour and we succeeded in providing you a memorable travel experience.
Your feedback is very important to us and encourage us to improvise further in order to provide excellent travel services to our future clients.
We wish you lots of luck and happiness and look forward to work with you on your next trip to India.
Best of health and good vibrations to you and your family.
Thanks & Regards
Manoj kumar
Call / Whatsapp (24/7): +9818718489
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