Evening Ganga Aarti boat ride
An evening on the river as the ghats light up, then the aarti watched from the water.
Up to ₹4,000 per person
About 2.5 hours | Daily
Book a Ganga Aarti Boat Ride in Varanasi
THE EVENING AARTI FROM THE RIVER
Watch the Ganga Aarti from a boat on the Ganges.
Every evening, priests at Dashashwamedh Ghat perform the Ganga Aarti with large brass lamps, conch shells, bells and chanting. Thousands of people gather on the ghat steps, and many more watch from boats moored on the river in front of the ceremony.
Seeing it from the water gives you an open view of the whole row of priests and the lamp-lit ghats behind them, away from the crush on the steps. Divine Kashi arranges the boat, times your ride around the aarti, and tells you exactly where to meet us.
- About 2.5 hours including the aarti
- Daily, subject to river conditions
- Up to ₹4,000 per person, confirmed before you pay
- Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi
Boat ride options
Choose the time of day that suits your visit
Sunrise boat tour
A private early-morning ride as the city wakes and devotees begin their morning rituals at the ghats.
Up to ₹500 per person
About 2 hours | Daily
Dev Deepawali boat ride
Watch the laser show and fireworks from the river as the ghats are lit with lamps for Dev Deepawali.
Book now and get up to 50% off
Timings, meeting point and prices
What to expect before you book
When the aarti starts
The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat begins at around 7:00 PM. The exact time moves with sunset through the year, so we confirm your departure time when you book.
Reach the meeting point at least 30 minutes early. The lanes leading to the ghat are crowded in the evening, and much more so on festival days.
Where you board
During the aarti, boats gather on the river in front of Dashashwamedh Ghat. We send you the exact meeting point and a contact number when your booking is confirmed, and our team meets you there.
How pricing works
The evening aarti boat ride costs up to ₹4,000 per person and the sunrise tour up to ₹500 per person. Your price depends on your date, group size and the boat you choose; we quote it before you pay anything.
Meals are not included. Festival nights such as Dev Deepawali are priced separately.
Safety and weather
Stay seated while the boat is moving, keep children close, and follow the boat crew's instructions. Wear shoes with good grip on the wet ghat steps.
When the river is high during the monsoon, local authorities can suspend boat rides. If that affects your date, we will tell you before you travel.
How booking works
Four steps from enquiry to the river
1. Send your details
Tell us your date, number of guests and which boat ride you want, on WhatsApp or by phone.
2. Get your quote
We confirm availability and the final price for your group.
3. Pay 50% advance
Pay half by UPI and send the payment screenshot on WhatsApp. Your booking is confirmed once we verify it.
4. Meet us at the ghat
Pay the balance on arrival by UPI or cash, and enjoy the aarti from the river.
Cancellation: cancel 3 to 7 days before your date for a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 3 days before the date are not refunded.
Evening or sunrise?
Two very different ways to see the ghats
Choose the evening ride if…
you want the ceremony itself: lamps, music and crowds, with the ghats lit up after dark. It is the busier, more dramatic of the two.
Choose the sunrise ride if…
you prefer a quiet river, soft light for photographs and the morning bathing rituals. A morning aarti is also held at Assi Ghat at around 5:30 AM.
Read our Varanasi boat ride planning tips or see the Ganga Aarti timings and festival calendar.
Ganga Aarti boat ride questions
What time does the Ganga Aarti start in Varanasi?
The evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat starts at around 7:00 PM, a little earlier in winter and later in summer as sunset shifts. We confirm the time for your date when you book.
How long is the Ganga Aarti boat ride?
About 2.5 hours in total. The sunrise boat tour takes about 2 hours.
How much does a Ganga Aarti boat ride cost?
Up to ₹4,000 per person. The final price depends on your date, group size and boat, and we confirm it before you pay. Festival nights such as Dev Deepawali are priced separately.
How do I book and pay?
Send us your date and number of guests on WhatsApp or call +91 95599 05093. To confirm, pay 50% in advance by UPI and share the payment screenshot on WhatsApp. The balance is paid on arrival by UPI or cash.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel 3 to 7 days before your date you receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 3 days before the date are not eligible for a refund.
Do boat rides run during the monsoon?
When the Ganges is high during the monsoon, local authorities can suspend boat rides for safety. We will let you know if your date is affected.
Can I combine the boat ride with other experiences?
Yes. You can pair the evening aarti with a sunrise boat tour, a temple heritage walk or a Sarnath day trip. See all Varanasi experiences.
Ready to book your Ganga Aarti boat ride?
Send your date and group size and we will confirm availability and the price.