Dev Diwali Boat Ride Guide

These boats are the most accessible option during Dev Diwali, accommodating small groups at a reasonable cost. Seating is basic, but the open structure offers a direct line of sight to the ghats and riverfront activities. The presence of other passengers creates a lively social setting. Though space is limited, the boats are ideal for those who want a no-frills boat ride in Dev Diwali while being surrounded by the energy of a mixed crowd. Trips typically last 45–60 minutes depending on river traffic.

These are standard motorboats modified with decorative lights. The added illumination is not just for aesthetics—it plays a functional role during the evening by improving visibility on the river. While the seating and group size remain similar to basic shared boats, the experience is slightly more festive. The interplay between the lights on the boat and the diyas along the ghats adds an extra visual layer, enhancing the overall experience of a boat ride in Dev Diwali without significantly increasing the cost.

Bajra boats are traditional wooden vessels, often used for ceremonial rides and group sightseeing. Their wide deck and slow navigation offer a more spacious environment compared to motorboats. These are ideal for people who prefer to move at a slower pace and stay longer on the river. Though shared, the large size allows some room to walk or shift for better views. A Dev Diwali boat ride on a Bajra provides longer viewing time and a traditional experience on the Ganges.

These large wooden boats are ideal for private groups looking for extended time on the river. With more deck space than motorboats, they provide unobstructed views of the ghats and allow movement onboard. Operated either manually or with a slow motor, they move at a steady pace, allowing time to observe rituals and decorations. A private Bajra offers a traditional yet personal option for a boat ride in Dev Diwali, allowing more time to view the celebrations without the distractions of a crowded vessel.

Cruise boats operate as floating viewing platforms with structured seating, onboard guides, and food options. Their larger build offers more stability, especially helpful for older passengers or children. Most cruises are operated by private or government-licensed companies, and bookings usually include refreshments or pre-set meal options. Onboard audio often provides commentary on the ghats and Dev Diwali rituals.Choosing a boat ride at Dev Deepawali on a cruise offers a well-organised, comfortable way to experience the event without dealing with the usual crowds or coordination.

Located at the southernmost end of the ghat stretch, Assi Ghat is a common starting point for morning boat rides, particularly during sunrise. It’s less crowded than the central ghats and ideal for those looking to begin their ride in a more relaxed setting. Boat ride in Dev Diwali from here usually head north, covering a long sequence of ghats including Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika, making it suitable for those interested in a complete overview of the riverfront.

As one of the busiest and most well-known ghats, Dashashwamedh is centrally located and serves as a major access point for short and medium-length rides. It’s particularly popular in the evening due to the Ganga Aarti ceremony held here daily. Starting from this ghat gives riders immediate access to the busiest part of the river, lined with historic structures and constant activity.

Situated at the northern end of the city, near the confluence of the Varuna and Ganga rivers, Adi Keshav Ghat is ideal for those planning a longer route heading southward. Dev Diwali boat ride that start here allows for a gradual exploration of the city’s riverfront, ending at the more frequented ghats like Dashashwamedh or Assi. The area is relatively less commercialised, offering a broader and quieter view of the river to start with.

This ghat is one of the two main cremation ghats in Varanasi and is historically significant. Though not a typical tourist launch point, it is used by those looking to avoid crowds and begin their ride mid-route. Starting here offers a more direct glimpse into traditional rites and rituals performed daily along the river.

Named after the poet-saint Tulsidas, this ghat lies slightly south of the main activity hub. It is often chosen by locals or those staying in the nearby guesthouses. Boat ride at Dev Deepawali starting from Tulsi Ghat provide a quieter approach into the central belt and allow a gradual entry into the denser, more frequented areas.

Known for the evening Ganga Aarti, Dashashwamedh Ghat lights up like a grand stage during Dev Diwali. Priests line the riverbank holding tall brass lamps, while boats float past rows of diyas placed by devotees. The ghat’s proximity to Kashi Vishwanath Temple adds to its importance. During the Dev Deepawali boat ride, this stretch becomes the most visually packed point, with chants, fire rituals, and conch sounds filling the air as thousands gather along the steps.

The newly developed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor becomes a major highlight during the Dev Diwali boat ride. Lit with rows of diyas and focused spotlights, its wide stretch connects the temple to the Ganga ghats, creating a striking visual from the river. The corridor’s clean layout, restored structures, and grand gateway stand out in contrast to the older ghats nearby. From the boat, it offers a full view of the temple façade and the scale of the redevelopment effort.

Marked by its fortress-style architecture, Chet Singh Ghat stands out along the Dev Diwali route. The old ramparts and turrets light up with LED outlines and thousands of diyas. From the boat, it offers a visual break from the crowd-heavy stretches. It’s also a prime photo point with the contrast of historic red sandstone against the shimmering Ganges. You’ll often see locals quietly lighting lamps here, away from the more performance-heavy zones.

Known for its South Indian-style temple, Kedar Ghat looks like a slice of Tamil Nadu in the middle of Varanasi. During Dev Diwali, this ghat is adorned with oil lamps that outline its tiered steps and small shrines. From the boat ride at Dev Deepawali, the ghat’s colourful temple tower and the symmetrical layout of the lamps make it a standout spot. You may also spot groups of Tamil pilgrims chanting devotional hymns along the river edge.

As one of the oldest cremation ghats in India, Manikarnika holds a unique place during Dev Diwali. While cremations continue as usual, the contrast of rituals with glowing lamps on surrounding rooftops and river steps draws many to observe from a distance. The ghat’s eternal flame, said to burn continuously for centuries, adds to its significance. Those who prefer not to visit the ghat directly can still view it from the boat, without entering the cremation area.

This ghat marks the meeting point of five mythological rivers and holds strong religious value. On Dev Diwali night, the entire stretch is decorated with diyas, and the tall minarets of the nearby Alamgir Mosque are often lit up too. From your boat ride in Dev Diwali, you’ll see a convergence of cultures—devotees lighting lamps, Sufi chants from nearby shrines, and locals watching from rooftops. It's one of the more traditional ghats that retains its old-world charm during the event.