The 84 Ghats Boat Tour
Why "84 Ghats" Matters
When you search "84 ghats boat tour varanasi," "boat riding in varanasi," or "varanasi boat trip," you're not looking for just the aarti ceremony. You want exploration—to understand the breadth of Varanasi's spiritual landscape, to see how each ghat tells a different story, to witness the full spectrum of Hindu devotion on the Ganges.
A ganga river in varanasi boat ride covers all 84 sacred ghats (ganga ghat in varanasi), each with unique spiritual significance.
The "84 ghats" concept is foundational to Varanasi's spiritual identity. The number 84 itself isn't arbitrary—it comes from Hindu cosmology: 12 zodiacs × 7 chakras (or atmosphere layers) = 84 sacred points of cosmic alignment. Legend says that bathing at all 84 ghats in sequence grants moksha (liberation).
This guide covers:
- Why there are 84 (and not 88 or 76)
- What makes each ghat unique
- How to experience them via boat tour
- Realistic logistics and pricing
- Best times to book group tours
The 84 Ghats Concept
Historical Overview: How Varanasi Built Its Ghat System
Timeline:
- Pre-1700: Varanasi existed, but ghats were natural riverbanks (no stairs)
- 1738–1748: Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Maratha ruler) funded construction of first permanent, structured ghats
- 1760–1774: Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (Indore queen) rebuilt ghats with architectural precision—designing drainage, step angles, temple placements
- 1800–1850: Various Maharajas (local kings) funded ghat additions in honor of their lineages
- 1900–1965: British colonial period saw some ghat maintenance; post-independence, government formalized the "84 ghats" designation
- 2000–2025: Modern renovations (electricity, safety rails, Corridor project) without changing spiritual essence
Current reality: There are actually 88 named ghats, but 84 are considered "main ghats" in traditional pilgrimage routes. The 4 additions (Na Mo Ghat, Buddha Ghat, Tathagat Ghat, Nishad Ghat) were built post-1970s and aren't included in the classical enumeration.
Why 84 Is Spiritually Significant
According to Hindu cosmology:
- 12 Zodiacs (Rashi) represent the annual cycle
- 7 Chakras/Atmosphere layers represent spiritual elevation
- 12 × 7 = 84 sacred points on the cosmic wheel
The belief: Pilgrims who bathe at all 84 ghats complete a full cosmic journey, aligning their soul with universal consciousness, thus achieving moksha.
Practical result: This philosophy drives the 84-ghat boat tour industry. Most pilgrims can't physically bathe at all 84 in one visit, but a boat tour allows viewing all main ghats in 2–3 hours.
Major Ghats on the Tour
North Section: Assi to Dashashwamedh (Starting Point)
Assi Ghat (#1 – Starting point)
- Significance: Confluence of Assi River with Ganges (creates spiritual whirlpool effect)
- When to arrive: 4:45 AM (sunrise boat tours depart here)
- What you'll see: Early morning yoga, pilgrims bathing, temple bells
- Boat stop duration: 5–10 min
Tulsi Ghat (#4)
- Significance: Birthplace of poet Tulsidas (wrote Ramcharitmanas, Hindu scripture)
- Notable: Tulsi's handprints supposedly impressed in stone (sacred relic)
- Boat stop duration: 3–5 min
Hanuman Ghat (#19 & #20)
- Significance: Two versions—Old Hanuman and Prachina (Ancient) Hanuman dedicated to the monkey god
- What distinguishes: Smaller temple, local favorite, less touristy
- Boat stop duration: 5 min
Dashashwamedh Ghat (#41 – Central Landmark)
- Significance: Most sacred ghat (Brahma's 10 horse sacrifices)
- Evening spectacle: Ganga Aarti (5:30 PM winter, 7:00 PM summer)
- If on extended tour ending at aarti: Boat arrives just as ceremony starts
- Boat stop duration: 10–15 min (stop longer if aarti is happening)
Central Section: North of Dashashwamedh (The Sacred Mile)
Rajendra Prasad Ghat (#43)
- Significance: Named after India's first President; logistics hub for boat operations
- Why important: All boats dock here for group tours; largest boat parking area
- What you'll do: Likely your actual boarding/disembarking point
- Boat stop duration: 2 min (unless you're starting/ending tour here)
Man Mandir Ghat (#44)
- Significance: Astronomical observation site built by Maharaja Jai Singh II (18th century)
- Architecture: Ornate palace structure overlooking river; Hindu-Islamic design fusion
- Historical note: Jai Singh was an astronomer-king; he built similar observatories in Delhi and Jaipur
- Boat stop duration: 5 min
Manikarnika Ghat (#53 – Cremation Site)
- Significance: Primary cremation ghat; where Hindu funeral pyres burn 24/7
- Spiritual meaning: Cremation in Ganges believed to grant moksha (soul liberation)
- Tourist protocol: View respectfully from boat (no photos, silence, modest conduct)
- What you'll observe: Funeral rites, family members, wood vendors, priests chanting
- Reality check: It's solemn, not morbid. Cremation is seen as sacred, not dark
- Boat stop duration: 10–15 min (guides usually explain cremation process from boat)
Scindia Ghat (#55)
- Significance: Named after Scindia royal family; architectural marvel
- Notable: Temple partially submerged (illustrates Ganges erosion over centuries)
- Photography: Popular spot (temple towers reflected in water)
- Boat stop duration: 5 min
South Section: Downstream to Ramnagar Fort
Panchaganga Ghat (#67)
- Significance: Believed to be the "five rivers" confluence point (Ganga + 4 others merging spiritually)
- What to observe: Cluster of temples, intricate architecture
- Boat stop duration: 5 min
Durga Ghat (#68)
- Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Durga (warrior form of Shakti); multiple temples
- Cultural note: Durga Puja festivals here attract thousands
- Boat stop duration: 5 min
Ramnagar Fort Ghat (Extended tour endpoint)
- Significance: 18th-century royal palace of Kashi Naresh (Maharaja of Benares)
- Architecture: Red sandstone, Mughal-Hindu fusion style
- Museum: Veda Vyasa temple, antique collections (open for tours)
- Access: The Ramnagar Fort boat ride Varanasi takes 60–90 minutes from Dashashwamedh
- Optional: Disembark, tour fort (2 hours), return by taxi
- Boat stop duration: 15–30 min (if you choose to disembark)
Boat Tour Types & Logistics
For your varanasi ghat tour by boat, choose from these options based on time and budget:
Tour Option 1: Quick Ghat Loop (1 Hour)
Route: Dashashwamedh → Manikarnika → Scindia → back to Dashashwamedh Best for: Tight schedules, afternoon visitors, those focused on cremation ghat understanding Boat type: Shared motorboat Pricing: ₹250–300 per person (₹2,000–3,000 total for group of 8) Departure windows: 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM (flexible) Language: Guide narration in English/Hindi (basic)
Tour Option 2: Standard Extended Tour (2.5 Hours)
Route: Assi Ghat → Dashashwamedh → Manikarnika → Scindia → Ramnagar Fort → back to Dashashwamedh Best for: Half-day experience, cultural explorers, photographers Boat type: Private motorboat (6–15 people) or shared motorboat Pricing per person: ₹400–600 (shared) or ₹350–500 (private group split) Departure windows: 5:15 PM winter (arrives Dashashwamedh at 5:30 PM aarti), or 8:00 AM morning (sunrise loop) Language: Detailed guide commentary (30–40 min of narration) Includes: Water bottles, light snacks
Tour Option 3: Full Pilgrimage Tour (3–4 Hours)
Route: Assi → all 15 major ghats → Ramnagar Fort → return via evening aarti (if timed right) Best for: Spiritual pilgrims, multi-day visitors, those wanting comprehensive understanding Boat type: Private motorboat (best for comfort) Pricing: ₹3,500–4,500 (can split among 8–10 people = ₹350–500 per person) Departure: 4:30 PM winter (timed to end at 5:30 PM aarti), or 3:00 AM morning (sunrise + extended coverage) Includes: Guide expertise (60+ min narration), history of each ghat, mythology stories, tea/snacks Value-add: You visit MORE ghats than typical tours, gain deeper cultural knowledge
Tour Option 4: Photography-Focused Tour (3 Hours)
Route: Sunset boat loop hitting 8 major ghats with photo stops Best for: Photographers, Instagram-focused travelers, visual storytellers Boat type: Private motorboat (flexibility to stop longer) Pricing: ₹2,500–3,500 Timing: Depart 5:00 PM, capture golden hour on multiple ghats, end at Dashashwamedh aarti lighting Includes: Guide who knows photo angles, waits at scenic spots for optimal light (10–15 min per ghat)
Group Booking & Discount Structure
Pricing By Group Size
| Group Size | Per Person Cost | Total Cost | Boat Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | ₹2,000–2,400 | ₹2,000–4,800 | Private rowboat | Couples, quiet experience |
| 3–4 people | ₹1,200–1,500 | ₹3,600–6,000 | Small motorboat | Families, friends |
| 5–8 people | ₹500–700 | ₹3,500–5,000 | Shared motorboat | Larger families, tour groups |
| 8–15 people | ₹300–400 | ₹3,500–5,000 | Private motorboat (split cost) | Hotel groups, pilgrim groups |
| 15+ people | ₹200–350 | ₹5,000–7,000 | Multiple boats or bajra | Organizations, large groups |
Group booking bonus: Groups of 10+ often qualify for 10–15% discount + dedicated guide + complimentary snacks.
Booking Timeline & Strategy
1 week in advance: Best pricing (₹300–400 per person for mid-size groups) 3 days in advance: Standard pricing (₹400–500 per person) 1 day in advance: Premium pricing (₹500–700 per person) + availability not guaranteed Same-day: Rarely possible; typically only shared motorboats available
Festival periods (Nov 5 Dev Deepawali, Nov 15 Kartik Purnima): Book 5–7 days in advance; prices 3–6x higher (₹1,500–2,500 per person).
Group Booking Process (Kashitaxi)
Step 1: Calculate headcount (include children; ask if special needs require accommodations)
Step 2: Message WhatsApp +91 94503 01573:
"Extended ghat tour, [date], [headcount], [time preference], [budget], [special requests]"
Example: "84 ghats tour, Dec 15, 10 people, sunset departure 5:00 PM, ₹400/person budget, one elderly person with mobility concerns"
Step 3: Receive confirmation with:
- Exact boat assigned
- Boatman name & contact
- Hotel pickup time (if requested)
- Group-specific guide details
- Itinerary with ghat stop sequence
- Payment method (advance deposit vs. day-of)
Step 4: Day-of checklist
- Confirm headcount 24 hours prior
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Bring small donation (₹100–200 for cremation ghat guides, if inspired)
- Camera with fully charged batteries
- Water bottle (bring your own or buy ₹20 at ghat)
Boat Ride Experience (Practical Details)
What to Expect During the Tour
Boarding (5 min): Life jacket fitting (insist on it), safety briefing, seating arrangement
Positioning (10 min): Boat moves to first ghat, engine off, guide begins narration
Ghat-by-ghat stops (15–20 min per major stop):
- Guide points out temple details, explains mythology
- You photograph, ask questions, absorb atmosphere
- Boat slowly moves downstream to next ghat
- At cremation ghats, respectful observation (no photos, silence)
Ramnagar Fort (if included): 15–30 min optional disembarkation (many tours skip this to avoid time crunch)
Dashashwamedh aarti finale (if timed right): Arrive exactly at 5:30 PM ceremony start; witness from water vantage point
Return (5–10 min): Boat returns to Rajendra Prasad Ghat (official dock); you disembark
Total time on water: 120–180 minutes depending on tour type
Safety Protocols
Life jackets: Mandatory (request in advance if you have size concerns) Boat capacity: Never overloaded (weight limits strictly enforced) Boatman experience: All operators minimum 5+ years experience Weather cancellation: Monsoon boats may be cancelled morning-of if water too rough Insurance: Kashitaxi boats carry liability insurance (standard in tourism industry)
Weather Impact on Tours
Winter (Oct–Mar): Ideal boating (calm water, clear skies, 70–75°F) Summer (Apr–Jun): Manageable (hot, 95–105°F, but water still calm) Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Risky (rough water, daily thunderstorms, 50% chance of rescheduling)
Recommendation: Book tours Oct–Mar for maximum reliability and comfort.
Photographic Opportunities
Best Light Windows for Photography
Golden Hour (Sunset): 5:00–6:30 PM winter
- Temple architecture glows warm
- Water reflections intensify
- Crowd activity peaks (good for people photography)
- Best ghats: Dashashwamedh, Scindia, Panchaganga
Blue Hour (Dusk): 6:30–7:00 PM winter
- Sky transitions from orange to indigo
- Lights on temples begin flickering on
- Atmospheric, moody feeling
- Best for: Artistic, dramatic compositions
Early Morning (Sunrise): 6:00–7:00 AM
- Mist rises from river
- Temples silhouetted
- Pilgrims bathing (human interest photography)
- Best ghats: Assi, Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika
Photography Restrictions (Respect Protocol)
Allowed:
- Temples, ghat architecture, landscapes
- Pilgrims (if they don't object)
- Sunrise/sunset scenes
- River reflections
- Boat-based distant shots
Prohibited:
- Close-up photography of cremations
- Photos of grieving families
- Disrespectful angles or mocking
- Flash photography in temples
Enforcement: Temple police may request deletion if you violate. Respect local culture; you're a guest.
