Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner

Varanasi, an ancient city on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, beckons travelers with its rich spiritual heritage and captivating nightlife. Embarking on a night boat ride offers a unique opportunity to witness the city’s illuminated temples and ghats, culminating in the mesmerizing aarti ceremony – a ritual of rhythmic chants, brass lamps, and fragrant incense. As the evening unfolds, visitors can savor the flavors of authentic Varanasi cuisine, seeing the vibrant cultural tapestry that has drawn pilgrims and explorers for centuries. This enchanting experience promises to leave a lasting impression, inviting further discovery of Varanasi’s timeless allure.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Dinner Tours In Varanasi.

Key Points

• This 4-hour experience in Varanasi includes a sunset boat cruise, attendance at the mesmerizing aarti ceremony, and dinner at a local café.
• The boat cruise allows visitors to witness the illuminated temples and ghats along the Ganges River and learn about Varanasi’s history and significance.
• The aarti ceremony features rhythmic chanting, ringing of bells, and a synchronized dance of brass lamps, offering a captivating display of faith and spirituality.
• The dinner experience at a local café provides an opportunity to savor authentic Varanasi cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the city’s culinary heritage.
• The experience is suitable for adults and fully covered attire is required, with restrictions on large bags and tripods.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Varanasi night boat ride and aarti ceremony is a 4-hour experience that provides visitors with a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heart of the city.

Priced from $99.17 per person, the activity includes a sunset boat cruise on the Ganges River, witnessing the mesmerizing aarti ceremony, and enjoying a delicious dinner at a local café.

The tour is available in multiple languages and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors are advised to wear fully covered attire as this is a spiritual tour, and aren’t allowed to bring large bags or tripods.

The experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Experience Highlights

A sunset boat cruise on the Ganges River allows visitors to see the city of Varanasi illuminated at night. Travelers will witness the spiritual aarti ceremony, which features lights, cymbals, and chanting. After the ceremony, guests will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local café with a cozy ambiance. Throughout the experience, a live tour guide will share insights about Varanasi’s rich history and culture.

Experience Highlights
Sunset boat cruise	Aarti ceremony	Dinner at local café	Guided tour
See Varanasi at night	Lights, cymbals, chanting	Cozy ambiance	Learn about history and culture

Itinerary

Starting at 5:00 PM, guests commence their evening with hotel pickup before embarking on a boat ride along the river to witness the city of Varanasi illuminated at night.

After the tranquil boat ride, they’ll attend the mesmerizing aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. This spiritual ritual features a captivating display of lights, cymbals, and chanting.

Following the ceremony, guests will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local café with a cozy ambiance.

Inclusions

This experience encompasses a comprehensive suite of inclusions to provide guests with a well-rounded and enriching exploration of Varanasi’s sacred traditions.

The package includes a sunset boat cruise along the Ganges, allowing guests to witness the city illuminated at night. Visitors will then attend the mesmerizing aarti ceremony, where they’ll observe the ritual lighting of lamps and listen to the chanting and cymbal-playing.

Afterwards, guests will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local café with a cozy ambiance. Throughout the tour, an English-speaking guide will provide insights into Varanasi’s history and culture.

Mineral water is also included, ensuring guests stay hydrated during the memorable evening.

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Important Information

Guests should bring their passport or ID for identification purposes, as well as wear comfortable shoes for the evening’s activities. This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and large bags or tripods are not allowed. The dress code for this spiritual tour requires fully covered attire.

What to Bring	Restrictions
Passport/ID	No Pregnant Women
Comfortable Shoes	No Luggage/Large Bags
	No Tripods
Dress Code: Fully Covered Attire

This evening experience on the Ganges provides an immersive look into Varanasi’s rich cultural heritage and sacred traditions.

Boat Cruise on the Ganges

As the sun begins to set over the holy city of Varanasi, guests embark on a mesmerizing boat cruise along the Ganges River.

From the comfort of the boat, they witness the city’s skyline come alive with the glow of illuminated temples and ghats. The serene waters reflect the vibrant colors, creating a stunning visual display.

During the cruise, the tour guide shares captivating insights into Varanasi’s rich history and cultural significance. Guests have the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of this sacred river, preparing them for the spiritual aarti ceremony that awaits on the riverbanks.

Spiritual Aarti Ceremony

Witnessing the spellbinding aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges is the highlight of the evening.

The ceremony involves:

1. Rhythmic chanting and the ringing of bells.
2. Elaborately decorated brass lamps being waved in a synchronized dance.
3. Clouds of fragrant incense filling the air.
4. Devotees offering prayers and flowers to the river.

This centuries-old ritual is a captivating display of faith and spirituality.

As the sun sets, the ceremony unfolds, drawing onlookers into the mesmerizing spectacle.

Visitors are left in awe of the powerful spiritual atmosphere that permeates the sacred Ghats of Varanasi.

Delightful Dinner Experience

After the spellbinding aarti ceremony, visitors can indulge in a delightful dinner experience at a cozy local café.

The dinner is included as part of the tour package, allowing travelers to savor authentic Varanasi cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The menu features a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, providing a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

Diners can expect flavorful curries, fragrant rice dishes, and freshly baked breads, all complemented by mineral water.

This dining experience not only satisfies the palate but also offers a glimpse into the local culture, making it a memorable part of the Varanasi night tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Experience Suitable for Children?

The experience may not be suitable for children, as it involves a nighttime boat ride, an aarti ceremony, and dinner, which could be more appropriate for older participants. However, the suitability may depend on the child’s age and interests.

Can I Bring My Pet Along?

Pets are generally not permitted on this tour. The experience is not designed to accommodate animals, and their presence could disrupt the spiritual atmosphere. Guests are advised to leave their pets at home for this activity.

Is There an Option to Customize the Dinner Menu?

Unfortunately, the activity doesn’t offer customization options for the dinner menu. The dinner is a fixed menu at a local cafe, providing a cozy ambiance to conclude the evening’s spiritual and cultural experience.

Will the Boat Have Life Jackets for Safety?

Yes, the boat will have life jackets for safety. The tour provider ensures all necessary safety measures are in place to guarantee a secure and enjoyable experience for participants during the night boat ride on the Ganges.

How Many People Can Be Accommodated in the Boat?

The boats used in this experience typically accommodate up to 20 passengers. They’re equipped with life jackets for safety, and the tour guide will provide instructions on their proper use.

Recap

Enjoy the captivating essence of Varanasi. Witness the city’s illuminated temples and ghats during a captivating night boat ride along the Ganges River. Attend the mesmerizing aarti ceremony, filled with rhythmic chanting and the glow of brass lamps. Conclude your journey by savoring authentic Varanasi cuisine at a cozy local café, savoring the rich culinary heritage of this ancient city.

You can check if your dates are available here: