Ganges River (Ganga) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Ganges River. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Banaras Wala Tours

• Varanasi Private Guided Tour | Ranked 1 Tour Operator on Viator

• Full-Day Varanasi Private Tour With Temples, Ghats & Rituals

• One-Day Admirable Tour in Varanasi Private Guided Tour

• Varanasi Evening Ganga Aarti Tour

There’s no cost just to visit the Ganges River along most of its length. In Varanasi, taking a boat ride on the river is an essential experience that’s included on many city tours. Expect to pay upwards of around US$25 for a half-day guided tour that includes a ride on a small wooden boat on the river.

While the Ganges River is very long and travels through much of North India, it's definitely worth visiting the portion of river that passes through Varanasi and other cities you may visit on your India tour, such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Prayagraj (Allahabad), and even Kolkata. Spending time around the Ganges River is essential on any visit to Varanasi; be sure to walk along the riverside ghats (steps), ride a boat on the water, and watch a sunset aarti (worship) ceremony beside the river—alone or as part of a guided tour.

Per one customer who booked the Varanasi Evening Ganga Aarti Tour, "Vinod is a highly professional guide with deep knowledge of the history and traditions of Varanasi. His insights made our experience tonight truly memorable. Highly recommended."

The Ganges is a very long river, and it’s possible to cruise on different sections, so costs vary greatly. One of the most popular places to take a Ganges River cruise is the city of Varanasi. Early morning boat tours start at around US$40, while full-day tours that include a cruise start at around US$70.

No, swimming in the Ganges River is not generally safe, not least because of the water quality. However, the Ganges is very long, starting in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand and converging with many other rivers before entering the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, some parts are much safer to swim in than others. Always check local conditions before swimming.

Yes, you can visit the Ganges River in many places along its course through the mountains and plains of North India before it enters the Bay of Bengal. Popular, interesting, and beautiful places to visit the Ganges include the towns of Devprayag, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and, most of all, the holy Hindu city of Varanasi.

Many people believe the Ganges River is most beautiful at Rishikesh, a Hindu pilgrimage town in the foothills of the Himalayas, where the river tumbles from the mountains to the plains. Other beautiful places are Varanasi, especially during the evening aarti ceremonies, and Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers meet to form the Ganges.

No, the Ganges River is not generally clean. It’s one of the most polluted rivers in the world. However, it’s a very long river that originates in the Indian Himalayas before flowing down to the plains. It’s much cleaner nearer its source in Devprayag (where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers meet) than further downriver.

Whether you believe bathing in the Ganges River can wash away your sins depends on your belief system. Devout Hindus often believe bathing in the river, particularly on auspicious days and at especially sacred places, can wash away the sins of one’s current and past lives. However, people of other faiths don’t generally agree.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Ganges River. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Varanasi:

• Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

• Manikarnika Ghat

• Varanasi Ghats (Banaras Ghats)

• Kedar Ghat

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Varanasi.