Varanasi Sunrise Boat Ride with Walking Tour

Varanasi , India

Varanasi Sunrise Boat Ride with Walking Tour

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About this experience

Early Morning Pickup Your guide will meet you at your hotel or a designated meeting point in Varanasi. Walk or drive to Assi Ghat, the starting point for your morning experience. Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges itananray Board a traditional wooden boat as the sun rises over the Ganges. Watch the city come alive with chanting priests, devotees bathing, and pilgrims performing morning rituals. Glide past famous ghats such as Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Manikarnika Ghat (the cremation ghat). Your guide will share insights into Hindu traditions, mythology, and life along the river. Walking Tour Through the Old City Disembark and begin your walking exploration through the narrow lanes of Varanasi’s old quarter.

Available options

Varanasi Sunrise Boat Ride with Walking Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Arti ceremony

Pick up assi Ghat

Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River

private local guide

Coffee & Masala chai traditional ceremony

Insight into the rituals and history of Varanasi.

Detailed itinerary

Your local guide will meet you at your hotel or a designated meeting point in Varanasi before dawn. From there, you’ll walk or drive to Assi Ghat, the starting point for your early morning experience.

Board a traditional wooden boat and witness the magical sunrise over the sacred River Ganges. As the golden light spreads across the water, watch Varanasi awaken — priests chanting, devotees bathing, and pilgrims performing ancient morning rituals.
Glide past some of the city’s most iconic ghats, including Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Manikarnika Ghat (the cremation ghat). Your expert guide will share fascinating insights into Hindu traditions, local mythology, and daily life along the riverbanks.

Stop 3

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest and most spectacular ghats on the banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi. Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, it serves as the city’s spiritual heart and is famous for its vibrant rituals, sacred atmosphere, and the iconic Ganga Aarti ceremony performed every evening.

According to legend, Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, performed a Dashashwamedh Yajna (sacrifice of ten horses) here to welcome Lord Shiva — which is how the ghat got its name.

Stop 4

Manikarnika Ghat is the oldest and most sacred cremation ghat in Varanasi, deeply rooted in Hindu beliefs about life, death, and liberation. It is said that those who are cremated here attain moksha — freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth — making it one of the most spiritually significant places in India.

According to legend, Goddess Parvati’s earring (Manikarnika) fell at this very spot while Lord Shiva was performing the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. The ghat thus became a divine site connected to both life and death.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, often called the Golden Temple, is the most sacred Hindu shrine in Varanasi and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva — the holiest abodes of the deity. Located on the western bank of the River Ganges, it has been a center of faith and devotion for centuries, drawing millions of pilgrims from across India and the world.

The temple’s gold-plated spire and dome, donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in the 19th century, give it its iconic golden appearance. Inside, the main sanctum houses the revered Shivlinga of Vishwanath (Lord of the Universe), symbolizing the eternal cosmic energy.

The Annapurna Temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the Hindu goddess of nourishment and food — an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. According to legend, Lord Shiva once told Parvati that the world was an illusion and that food was merely a part of it. To teach him the importance of sustenance, Parvati took the form of Annapurna and distributed food to all beings in Varanasi.

What's not included

Tips for the guide or boatman (optional).

Kashi Vishwanath donations

Personal expenses.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Varanasi

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is a spiritual and cultural hub on the banks of the Ganges River. Known for its ancient temples, vibrant ghats (riverfront steps), and rich cultural heritage, it offers a profound experience of India's spiritual traditions and historical depth.

Top Attractions

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a major pilgrimage site. The temple's golden spire and intricate architecture are awe-inspiring.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Dasaswamedh Ghat

One of the most famous ghats in Varanasi, Dasaswamedh Ghat is a bustling hub of activity. It's known for its evening Ganga Aarti, a spectacular ritual of worshipping the Ganges River.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (boat rides cost INR 200-500)

Sarnath

A significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It's home to several ancient stupas, temples, and museums.

Historical Half day Free (entry fees for some sites)

Manikarnika Ghat

One of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, Manikarnika Ghat is primarily used for cremation ceremonies. It's a profound and moving experience to witness the rituals here.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is one of India's most prestigious universities. The campus is vast and beautiful, with museums, temples, and lush gardens.

Educational 2-3 hours Free (entry fees for some sites)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kachori

A deep-fried, spiced pastry filled with a mixture of lentils, onions, and spices. It's a popular street food item in Varanasi.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Peda

A sweet made from condensed milk and sugar, often flavored with cardamom. Banarasi peda is famous for its rich and creamy texture.

Dessert Vegetarian

Malaiyo

A traditional Banarasi sweet made from reduced milk, sugar, and saffron. It's often served during festivals and special occasions.

Dessert Vegetarian

Chaat

A savory snack made with a variety of ingredients like potatoes, onions, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind sauce. It's a popular street food item.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Boat rides on the Ganges River Exploring narrow alleys and hidden temples Meditation and yoga sessions Attending the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat Visiting ancient temples and historical sites Swimming in the Ganges River (not recommended due to pollution) Attending winter festivals and fairs Visiting historical sites and museums

Best Time to Visit

October to March

This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and participating in various festivals. The city is lively with tourists and pilgrims.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hindi
Widely spoken: English, Bhojpuri
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Varanasi is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing, scams, and petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings, and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Use common sense and stay alert
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious of strangers and touts

Getting there

By air

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport • 24 km from city center

By train

Varanasi Junction, Manduar Diara

By bus

Varanasi Bus Stand, Sarnath Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Varanasi. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Varanasi Sarnath Cantt (Cantonment)

Day trips

Sarnath

10 km from Varanasi • Half day to full day

Sarnath is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, known for its ancient stupas, temples, and museums. It's a peaceful and historically rich area, offering a contrast to the bustling old city of Varanasi.

Chunar

55 km from Varanasi • Full day

Chunar is a historic town known for its ancient fort, located on the banks of the Ganges River. The fort offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Rajghat

20 km from Varanasi • Half day

Rajghat is an ancient site located on the banks of the Ganges River, known for its historic significance and scenic beauty. It's a peaceful and serene place to visit, offering a break from the bustling city of Varanasi.

Festivals

Diwali • October or November (dates vary by lunar calendar) Maha Shivaratri • February or March (dates vary by lunar calendar) Ganga Mahotsav • November (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Hire a local guide to navigate the city's narrow alleys and hidden temples.
Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat for a spectacular and moving cultural experience.
Try local street food and sweets, but be cautious and choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
Use common sense and stay alert to avoid scams, pickpocketing, and petty crime.