Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, holds a profound place in history, culture, and religion. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River in northern India, it is considered the spiritual heart of Hinduism and a city of immense historical and cultural significance.
It remains one of the most important religious centers for Hindus, especially for those seeking to perform the sacred ritual of cremation along the Ghats of the Ganges. Varanasi continues to attract pilgrims, scholars, and tourists from around the world, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Here, Varanasi tour guide will give you all required information for tour and guide of Varanasi.
How to Reach Varanasi?
To reach Varanasi, follow these steps:
By Train: You can take a train to Varanasi Junction from most major cities in India
Via Air: Book a flight to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi.
By Bus: Many buses run from nearby cities to Varanasi.
By Car: You can drive to Varanasi via highways like NH 2 or NH 19.
The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March. During the monsoon (July to October), heavy rains hit the city, and the Ganges level rises rapidly. So we should avoid Varanasi tour during this time.
Dev Deepawali of Varanasi
Dev Deepawali, also known as Dev Diwali, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in Varanasi, India. It occurs on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartika, which falls between November and December, precisely 15 days after the Diwali celebration
GREEN CRACKER SHOW: The event featured a mesmerizing display of fireworks. Green firecracker show in front of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham temple was a spectacular sight to behold.
Check out below links to get glimpse of cracker show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IJbHVqyHFg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahGFmK-XUiU&t=10s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_N7ybD9NcE&t=4s
LASER SHOW: Laser show is organized on each Dev Deepawali every year at Raja Chet Singh Ghat. Click Here to get the glimpse of laser show.
SPECIAL GANGA AARTI: Every year on Dev Deepawali, special ganga aarti is organized. Click Here to get glimpse of ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh ghat. Also, all ghats are decorated with Diyas. Explore different tourist place such as ghat, temples of Varanasi.
Places to visit in Varanasi in 4 days
There are multiple places to visit in Varanasi such as ghats, temples, nearby attractions etc. You can visit Varanasi in 4 days if you want including famous destinations along with delicious street foods. Check out Ghat, Temple and Street Food segment for more details.
Ultimate Travel Guide to Varanasi’s River Cruises/Boats: Book your adventure today!!
A cruise ride offers a unique and serene way to experience the holy city. It gives you an beautiful view of the iconic Ganges River (Ganga) and the ghats, temples, and life along its banks. Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, has a rich cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. A boat ride allows you to witness this heritage in an intimate and peaceful manner.
You will have magical and memorable experience, offering a chance to witness the city’s spiritual and cultural richness from the serene waters of the Ganges. Whether you choose a morning ride, a sunset cruise, or a boat trip during the Ganga Aarti. It provides a deeper connection to the sacred river and the vibrant life of this timeless city.
Types of Boat Rides
- Morning Boat Ride: A morning cruise is one of the most popular ways to start the day. Early in the morning, as the sun rises, the ghats are bustling with devotees performing rituals, offering prayers, and taking holy dips in the river. The calmness of the river at this time combined with the warm glow of the early sunlight creates a spiritual atmosphere.
- Evening Boat Ride: An evening cruise offers a fantastic view of the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. From the boat, you can watch the mesmerizing light and sound of the Aarti as it unfolds on the banks of the river. The reflections of the lamps on the water add a magical touch to the experience.
- Private Cruises: For a more personalized experience, you can hire private boats. These boats offer the freedom to explore specific ghats or enjoy a peaceful, private journey along the river.
- Sunset Cruise: Another serene option is the sunset boat ride, where you can enjoy the spectacular sight of the sun setting over the Ganges while observing the life and rituals along the ghats.
Places covered during Ride
- Varanasi Ghats: The boat ride gives you a wonderful view of the various ghats, such as Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Harishchandra Ghat. These ghats are central to the city’s spiritual life and are best seen from the river.
- Religious Rituals: From the boat, you can observe the early morning prayers, the Ganga Aarti, and the devotees offering their prayers and performing rituals like pujas, ablutions, and lighting lamps in the river.
- Ganga Aarti: If you opt for an evening cruise, the view of the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is especially breathtaking from the water. You can watch the synchronized waving of lamps, the devotional chanting, and the reflections of lights on the river.
- Temples and Historical Landmarks: You can also catch glimpses of important temples and landmarks, such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the Manikarnika Ghat (where the cremation ceremonies take place).
Types of Boats
- Traditional Wooden Boats: These are small, rowing boats that are traditional and offer a more personal and intimate experience.
- Larger Cruise Boats: For a more comfortable and luxury experience, larger boats with seats, sometimes even dining options can be hired. These cruises may include sunset or dinner cruises as well.
- Shikaras: Similar to those in Kashmir, shikaras are small boats offers more beautiful experience.
Cost of the Ride
- The price of a boat ride can vary depending on the type of boat and the duration of the ride. A morning boat ride may cost around ₹300 to ₹500 for a short, shared ride, while a private boat ride or a longer tour may cost ₹1000 to ₹3000 or more.
- Evening or sunset cruises with added services like dinner may be priced higher, especially for larger boats or private bookings.
Best Time to Take a Boat Ride
- The best times for a boat ride in Varanasi are during the early morning (around sunrise) or late evening (around sunset) when the ghats are the most lively and the natural lighting offers a pleasant experience.
- Winter months (October to March) are ideal for boat rides, as the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months (April to June) can be very hot, making morning rides preferable.
Daily Ganga Aarti
The Ganga Aarti is a beautiful and sacred ceremony that happens every evening on the banks of the Ganges River. It takes place at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi.
What Happens During Ganga Aarti:
- Time: The aarti is held at sunset, usually around 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
- Rituals: Priests perform the aarti by lighting big lamps (called “aarti diyas”) and waving them in the air, while chanting sacred mantras and hymns. They offer prayers to the Ganges River, treating it like a goddess.
- Chants and Music: There are chants like “Om Jai Gange Mata” (praise for the Ganga) and other hymns sung by the priests. The sound of bells and drums adds to the spiritual atmosphere.
- Devotees: People gather at the ghat or on boats to watch the ceremony. Many of them also offer flowers or light candles in small diyas (oil lamps) to honor the river.
Why It’s Special:
- The Ganga is considered a sacred river in Hinduism, believed to wash away sins and purify the soul.
- The atmosphere is peaceful, and the event fills people with a sense of devotion and spiritual connection.
- You can sit on the ghat or take a boat ride on the river to see the aarti.
