Varanasi Ghats: Evening Boat Tour, Ganga Aarti & Manikarnika

Summary

Evening boat ride with Ganga Aarti and burning ghats in Varanasi

You’ll join an evening boat tour along Varanasi’s legendary ghats—watching sunset prayers at Dashashwamedh Ghat, feeling the energy of Ganga Aarti up close, then drifting by Manikarnika’s burning pyres as your guide shares stories that linger long after dusk.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell—incense, river water, something smoky and sweet all tangled up as we waited outside Green Ganga Café near Assi Ghat. There was this low hum from the crowd, people shuffling sandals on stone, a kid selling flowers. Our guide (he introduced himself as Anil) grinned and handed us bottled water before we squeezed onto the boat. The sun was just starting to dip; everything felt gold and a little unreal. I kept thinking how close the city presses against the river here—like it’s always been this way.

We drifted along the Ganges while Anil pointed out each ghat—Dashashwamedh first, crowded with priests in saffron robes setting up for evening prayers. He told us about Brahma and Shiva (I tried to follow but honestly got lost in the story). Then suddenly drums started up and everyone turned toward the steps. The Ganga Aarti isn’t quiet or solemn—it’s loud, bright, smoke everywhere, bells ringing so hard you feel it in your ribs. I tried to take a photo but just ended up watching instead. There’s this moment when everyone lifts their hands together—I didn’t expect to feel anything but I did.

Later we floated past Manikarnika Ghat. It’s different there—quieter somehow even with fires burning. You can see families gathered close to the flames, some crying softly, some just silent. Anil spoke quietly about life and death on the river; he said Varanasi is where endings meet beginnings. I didn’t say much after that part—it felt like you shouldn’t fill it with words anyway. The air tasted like ash and flowers mixed together. So yeah, that sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening tour of Varanasi Ghats

• Meet at Green Ganga Café
• Watch Evening Ganga Aarti
• Boat ride to popular Ghats
• Visit Dashashwamedha Ghat
• View Manikarnika Ghat

Top questions

Where does the Varanasi evening city tour start?

The tour starts at Green Ganga Café opposite Assi Ghat entrance.

Is a local guide included in the evening boat tour?

Yes, a professional English-speaking guide is included.

What time does the evening city tour begin?

The tour starts at 5:00 PM in winter and 5:30 PM in summer.

Does this day trip include seeing both Dashashwamedh & Manikarnika Ghats?

Yes, you’ll visit both Dashashwamedh Ghat for Aarti and see Manikarnika Ghat from the boat.

Is bottled water provided during the Varanasi ghats tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for all participants.

Are public transport options nearby for reaching Assi Ghat?

Yes, there are public transportation options near Assi Ghat.

Is this evening city tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels since most of it is by boat.

What’s included

Your experience includes an English-speaking local guide who meets you at Green Ganga Café near Assi Ghat; a shared boat ride along the main ghats of Varanasi including Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika; witnessing the full sunset Ganga Aarti ceremony from the river; plus bottled water throughout your evening journey.