Ganges River
Ganges River
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
5,022 reviews
Excellent
3,606
Very good
986
Average
290
Poor
73
Terrible
67
Narender V
21 contributions
May 2023
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Written 23 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globetrotter55
Bucharest, Romania2,917 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
first meeting with the Ganges, but first of all first meeting with the most important place for Hinduism
the place is so animated on sunrise, the animation could be seen by boat, of course
all the temples on the cliff, those many steps and the people taking a ritual bath, and time to free some offerings on the river
and then, a stop to see the ritual of the death - preparing the body for cremation, the cremation itself, the ash heap to the final
Varanasi, the holy place for Hindu people; to be cremated here is similar to be burried to Mecca, for a Muslim
do not cry for dear who died, let him/her pass to a new life, looking to respect dharma and to reach nirvana
the place is so animated on sunrise, the animation could be seen by boat, of course
all the temples on the cliff, those many steps and the people taking a ritual bath, and time to free some offerings on the river
and then, a stop to see the ritual of the death - preparing the body for cremation, the cremation itself, the ash heap to the final
Varanasi, the holy place for Hindu people; to be cremated here is similar to be burried to Mecca, for a Muslim
do not cry for dear who died, let him/her pass to a new life, looking to respect dharma and to reach nirvana
Written 29 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
colin h
Ely, UK52 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We took a Ganges River cruise at Varanasi. We had one of the bigger boats (2 decks) giving good views from higher up than many of the available boats. The cruise was timed to see the worship beside the river that happens everyday at sunset. The 15 minutes or so from the set off point to the ceremony area enabled you to see life beside the river from pilgrims bathing to the ceremation area. Boat protocol is chaotic on the water as it is with cars on Indian roads. Dozens, if not several hundred, boats converge to watch the ceremony from afloat and all crush together - an experience in itself. Sunset, the River and ceremony all combine to make it an unforgettable experience. I would recommend the larger boats with a top deck - although further away you maintain a good view at all times during the ceremony. You will need plenty of insect spray - as the sun goes down so the insects emerge and without a good spray you will be bitten.
Written 18 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandeep A
Noida, India13 contributions
Apr 2023
It is always a dream to visit Maa Ganga. I advise people to visit ghats other than dashashwamedh ghat to avoid moving on foot for long distance. Government should make proper Changing rooms in plenty (on chargeable basis). Also, river must be cleaned further.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abha K
15 contributions
Mar 2023
We went to Varanasi and Sarnath in March 2023. Great site seeing. Varanasi guide Pappuji took us there. He's extremely punctual, efficient and caring. We had Senior citizens and kids with us. He took us siteseeing himself. We were able to attend Ganga aarti and Kashi Vishwanath Darshan very comfortable because of him.
He has great local knowledge as he's being doing this work for over 30 years.
Took us to the best places for food, Lassi and even Art galleries.
Would highly recommend him.
He is available on phone +919839067293
He has great local knowledge as he's being doing this work for over 30 years.
Took us to the best places for food, Lassi and even Art galleries.
Would highly recommend him.
He is available on phone +919839067293
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ratan
1 contribution
Mar 2023
The Boat ride on the ghats of the holy ganga river is absolutely not what i had come to expect after reading other reviews. First of all, I am surprised that kashi being a place where mainly senior citizens visit, does not have a single ghat which is accessible by wheel chair. The newest Ghat Ramghat has a ramp but was closed. The boat dock is a good 60 to 70 steps down. Next thing the boat operator takes you for the 30 min ride parallel to the ghats with out caring to explain the importance or history of any of the ghat. Most boats are motor boats which is so noisy, it just spoils the serenity of the holy ganges. Near the end of the ride arnd 6.30 pm, the boat operator steers the boat near to the ghats where evening Ganga Aarti is being performed, There are already about a 100 other boats and many more coming next jostling for space. Our boat guy managed to find space and we were about 6 to 7 rows of boats from the ghats. Now there are 2 groups of people in the Ghats who are performing evening aarti in the ghats and we were in the middle, so we are like listening to aarti, dhol and the chanting from both sides which is not is sync and chaotic. Then there are vendors who are selling tea and water and what not jumping from boat to boat. All in all not at all a pleasant experience for me unlike as mentioned in other reviews.
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis P
Melbourne, Australia2,084 contributions
Feb 2023
The River itse;lf is extremely important to the Hindu religion, but as a specticle it is just so so.
It is the scences along the river bank, and the vatrious Ghats which make a boat btrip on the Ganges the specticle that it is. Fron ritual bathing to nearby cremations the banks are full of inetrest and colour.
To take another boat ride in the evening presents even more spectacular sights along the bank
The river ride is slow and peaceful.
Certainly worth a visit and a ride on this holy of holy rivers
It is the scences along the river bank, and the vatrious Ghats which make a boat btrip on the Ganges the specticle that it is. Fron ritual bathing to nearby cremations the banks are full of inetrest and colour.
To take another boat ride in the evening presents even more spectacular sights along the bank
The river ride is slow and peaceful.
Certainly worth a visit and a ride on this holy of holy rivers
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaz W
Wallington, UK157 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
What great timing, we arrived in time to see the festival of mothers. Wow what an experience, the river was still quite high so not as many steps from the ghats were visible. We took a boat on the Ganges to see the festival from the river and what a sight, so many people and an explosion of colour.
We also saw a family funeral taking place and it was so peaceful, not as upsetting as I thought it would be.
We also saw the evening worship ceremony take place up high on one of the rooftops. Again the atmosphere, colours and sights were out of this world. I'm sure there are still more things to see, so we will be returning again one day
We also saw a family funeral taking place and it was so peaceful, not as upsetting as I thought it would be.
We also saw the evening worship ceremony take place up high on one of the rooftops. Again the atmosphere, colours and sights were out of this world. I'm sure there are still more things to see, so we will be returning again one day
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agni1
Munich, Germany202 contributions
Jan 2023
But what has become of Varanasi? Walt Disney on Ganges? Bholywood on Ganga? The (admittedly) clean ghats are now dominated by commerce. Pizza pujas everywhere, an orgy of neon tubes that ship the insatiable tourists, from countless tents on the other side of the river and from there a dull disco music roars. And Aarti? a bunch of disguised Brahmins waving their fire torches in all directions without rhyme or reason in a choreography of a boolywood wannabe performer!
I have often been alone on a boat in a long gone past, in the middle of the still and quiet night, admiring the stars and fully feeling the magic of Varanasi. Where has she gone? Now big passenger ships will cruise to Bangla Desh, balloons will show people Varanasi from above, as if Ganga would be nicer from above than sitting at Tulsi Ghat and meditating.
I have often been alone on a boat in a long gone past, in the middle of the still and quiet night, admiring the stars and fully feeling the magic of Varanasi. Where has she gone? Now big passenger ships will cruise to Bangla Desh, balloons will show people Varanasi from above, as if Ganga would be nicer from above than sitting at Tulsi Ghat and meditating.
Written 8 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rohit Sahani
Japan42 contributions
Nov 2022
The Ganges River is a magnificent and sacred body of water that runs through the heart of India. As someone who was born and raised in Varanasi, I have a special connection to this river. The Ganges is not just a water source but also a source of life, culture, and spirituality for millions of people. The river is considered holy by Hindus and is used for religious rituals, bathing, and cremation ceremonies.
Growing up in Varanasi, the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Ganges has surrounded me. I have witnessed the beautiful and colourful aartis (prayer ceremonies) performed in the evening, the peaceful boat rides down the river, and the bustling energy of the markets along the ghats. The Ganges is also a source of livelihood for many people in the region, including fishermen, flower sellers, boatmen, local photographers and many small businesses that rely on the river for their daily bread.
In conclusion, the Ganges River is not just a body of water, but it is a symbol of India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. As someone who was born and raised in Varanasi, I am grateful to have such a close connection to this magnificent river and will always hold it close to my heart.
Growing up in Varanasi, the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Ganges has surrounded me. I have witnessed the beautiful and colourful aartis (prayer ceremonies) performed in the evening, the peaceful boat rides down the river, and the bustling energy of the markets along the ghats. The Ganges is also a source of livelihood for many people in the region, including fishermen, flower sellers, boatmen, local photographers and many small businesses that rely on the river for their daily bread.
In conclusion, the Ganges River is not just a body of water, but it is a symbol of India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. As someone who was born and raised in Varanasi, I am grateful to have such a close connection to this magnificent river and will always hold it close to my heart.
Written 8 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the use of dipping hastikalu in ganga river? Can anyone pls explain its greatness
RicherTrips
Monterrey, Mexico3,992 contributions
Few people have the privilege of being cremated beside the holy river, so it’s very popular to have family members bringing their loved one’s ashes to the river tu purify their karma.
How is the water level of Ganges in October?
My last visit was Sep. 2018, water level was too higt, so could not walk along the river.
I will visit Varanasi this Octber again, but I could not walk along the river, I will postpone the visit.
Thank you.
naochi2014
Kyoto Prefecture, Japan42 contributions
私が訪れたのは、3月で、乾季でした。 川の水は通常で、ゴートから小舟で川へ出ることができて、川からゴートの様子を見ることができました。 その時のガイドさんは、雨季にはゴートの中腹まで水があると、言っていました。
ガンジス河へは、乾季に訪れるのが良いかもしれません。
Doron N
Tel Aviv, Israel2 contributions
ok i like to order a tour with them on10/2 how can i do it
Roger D
55 contributions
Can we bring gange water home in a small bottle?
Jonahcardiff
Cardiff, UK137 contributions
You can, river accessible in Varanasi, however, would suggest that small bottle put in suitcase and not in hand luggage
Rajesh C
2 contributions
Need help with planning Varanasi-->Allahabad-->Gaya-->Varanasi trip. We will reach Varanasi on 4th June around 3PM and have a train back from Varanasi on 7th June at 5PM. Whats the best itenary to cover Kasi, other places in Varanasi, Allahabad and Gaya.
BISWABRATA
Kolkata (Calcutta), India130 contributions
You can try itenary as under. First start your trip from Allahabad, see all the place including Sangam ( a day trip) afternoon come to Varanasi. Next day morning visit Kashi vishwanath Darshan and after book a Auto or car for local Varanasi places and Ram Nagar Fort. and in evening Ganga boating and from the boat see Ganga Aarti. Next day check out from hotel book car to Visit Sarnath and back to Varanasi or Mughalsarai to catch train for Gaya.
If your booking is done than on 4th reach Varanasi and do river boating and Gangs Aarti in the evening.
On 5th early morning do Kashi vishwanath Darshan and book car for one day Allahabad tour and back Varanasi in evening.
On 6th can do local Varanasi Darshan and Sarnath visit.
And on 7th check out and catch train. In this case Gaya tour is not possible because it requires one more day in your hand.
Thanks
ash k
KL
I need to scatter my late father ashes in both Rameswaren and Kashi.
I m confused as to how to go about it as there are 2 versions.
1. I ve been told to do the rituals at Rameswaren..take the earth frm rameswaren and then proceed to Kashi do the rituals and return to rameswaren with the triveni water to complete the ritual.
2.While some advise to go to Kashi first and then to Rameswaren.
I am alright with both versions just that which is the correct method as per the scriptures..
Thank you
A.KUMAR
RajanSaravanan
Chennai (Madras), India155 contributions
Dear Sir, I have no idea about this. But Elders and friends told first rameshwaram should visit then kashi. Please confirm with elders or temple priest. Your question will be solved.
shannagh
Modbury, UK45 contributions
Is Mother’s Teresa’s house worth a visit?
Jacqueline F
Wellington, New Zealand201 contributions
I didn't go sorry there was too much to see on the Ganges. They didn't really promote it either.
Ganges River (Varanasi) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ganges River
- We recommend booking Ganges River tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 62 Ganges River tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Ganges River:
- Banaras Wala Tours (From ₹ 2,319.42)
- Varanasi Evening Ganga Aarti Tour (From ₹ 3,976.14)
- 7-Days tour of Delhi,Jaipur,Agra & Varanasi Includes Hotel and train tickets (From ₹ 49,701.79)
- Sunrise boat ride (From ₹ 2,070.91)
- Varanasi Morning Boat Tour [RowBoat] (From ₹ 3,534.63)
- Hotels near Ganges River:
- (0.00 km) Mythri Residency
- (0.00 km) HR Guest House
- (0.00 km) Hotel Four Seasons
- (0.00 km) Lotus Paying Guest House
- (0.00 km) Hotel KV Palace
- Restaurants near Ganges River:
- (0.16 km) Aadha-Aadha Café
- (0.13 km) Vishnu Tea Emporium
- (0.18 km) Sushi Cafe & Continental Restaurant
- (0.18 km) Jyoti Cafe
- (0.19 km) Shree cafe Vegatarian Restaurant
- Attractions near Ganges River:
- (0.01 km) Abhay Varanasi Cruise
- (0.01 km) Varanasi City walk
- (0.04 km) Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- (0.05 km) Dasaswamedh Ghat
- (0.10 km) Banaras Lanes