Home / Boat Rides / Hand-Rowed Boat Ride in Varanasi
The traditional rowboat, slower and quieter, best for photography and sunrise.
Quick answer: A hand-rowed boat is the traditional way to see Varanasi's ghats: slow, quiet and close to the water. It is best for sunrise and Aarti viewing over short distances. The price depends on the route and time, and we confirm it on WhatsApp before you pay.
Before engines, every boat on the Ganga was rowed by hand, and many boatmen still prefer it. A rowboat moves at the speed of the current, which suits photography and listening: temple bells, morning chants and birds carry across the water in a way they do not over an engine. It is the ride for people who want to sit still and take the city in.
A rowboat is quieter and sits lower in the water, so you are physically closer to the steps, the bathers and the priests. Because it is slower, it suits shorter stretches, such as the ghats between Assi and Dashashwamedh, rather than the whole river.
If you want to cover many ghats in a short time, a motor boat is more suitable. For atmosphere, a rowboat is hard to beat.
The rate depends on the route, the time and the number of people. Message us the date and group size, and we will confirm the price and slot on WhatsApp before you pay anything.
Related: Top boat rides in Varanasi · Boat ride price by ghat · Ganga Aarti timing · Dev Diwali guide
Price on request
Sunrise, photography and Aarti viewing
Slow and quiet, rowed by hand
Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat and back
Small groups of 2 to 6
A day ahead on weekends and festivals
Share your date and group size. We confirm availability and the final price on WhatsApp before you pay anything.
It depends on route, time and group size. We confirm the rate on WhatsApp before you pay.
A rowboat is better for atmosphere, photography and short stretches. A motor boat is better when you want to cover many ghats quickly.
Yes, with life jackets and an experienced boatman. Avoid high-water days when boating may be restricted.
Sunrise and early evening, around the Ganga Aarti.
Yes. Tell us in advance so we can arrange a stable boat and life jackets in suitable sizes.
A motorboat for up to 6 people that covers the ghats quickly, from Assi to Dashashwamedh and beyond.
From ₹300 per person (1–8 guests)A private motor boat for your family or group, from ₹300 per person, with Ganga Aarti viewing and celebration decoration.
₹1,500 to ₹5,000 by packageA large decorated bajra for sunrise cruises, Aarti viewing and celebrations, priced from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 by package.
Price on requestA river ride accompanied by live music, for celebrations, couples and small gatherings.
Price on requestA longer, more comfortable cruise on the Ganga for groups and special occasions.
Share your name and number and our Varanasi team will call you back, usually within a few hours between 9 AM and 9 PM IST. Prefer chat? Message us on WhatsApp.