Question 1

How do I book a boat ride in Varanasi online?

Accepted Answer

Browse the boats on GhatGo, pick a sunrise, sunset or Ganga Aarti slot, choose your boarding ghat (Dashashwamedh, Assi, Namo, Raj or Tulsi) and party size, and pay securely online. You will receive a confirmation with the boatman’s contact number on WhatsApp and email.

Question 2

What is the best time for a boat ride on the Ganga?

Accepted Answer

Sunrise (around 5:00–6:30 AM) is the most photographed slot — you see the ghats wake up and Subah-e-Banaras unfold. Evening slots (5:30–7:30 PM) coincide with the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and give the best aarti views from the river.

Question 3

Can I reserve seating for the Ganga Aarti?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GhatGo offers premium reserved seating on a boat anchored opposite Dashashwamedh Ghat for the daily Ganga Aarti. The boat is positioned 30–40 minutes before the ceremony so you can settle in before it begins.

Question 4

How much does a private boat ride in Varanasi cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the boat, duration and party size. Shared sunrise rides start from a few hundred rupees per person, while a private wooden boat for a small group typically ranges between ₹800 and ₹2,500 per hour. The exact price is shown live on every boat page before you confirm.

Question 5

Do you offer cab booking from Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We run a dedicated cab service from Varanasi for airport transfers, sightseeing within the city (Sarnath, BHU, Kashi Vishwanath) and outstation trips to Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Naimisharanya, Vindhyachal and Gaya. Choose from Swift Dzire, Ertiga, Innova Crysta, Kia Carens, Traveller or Urbania.

Question 6

How do I pay — fully online or partly to the driver?

Accepted Answer

Boats are paid fully online so the seat is locked in. Cabs use a 25% online advance and the balance is paid to the driver at the end of the trip. Payments are processed through Cashfree (UPI, cards and netbanking).

Question 7

Is GhatGo safe and verified?

Accepted Answer

Every boat partner and driver on GhatGo is onboarded with documents (boat licence / RC / driver licence) and we share your booking + the partner’s contact details on WhatsApp and email so you can reach support at any time.

Question 8

Do I need to book a boat in advance?

Accepted Answer

Sunrise and Ganga Aarti slots regularly sell out during peak season (October–March, and around Dev Deepawali). We recommend booking at least 24–48 hours in advance for those slots. Other slots can usually be booked on the same day, subject to availability.

Question 9

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

You get a 100% refund if you cancel more than 48 hours before departure, 75% between 24–48 hours, 50% between 6–24 hours, and no refund within 6 hours or for no-shows. If a trip cannot run for a reason on our side (unsafe weather, river in spate, operator unavailable, force-majeure), email services@ghatgo.com with your booking reference — we review the request through that channel and arrange a reschedule or full refund. GhatGo does not auto-cancel bookings on your behalf. Approved refunds reach your original payment method in 5–7 working days.

Question 10

Is photography allowed during the Ganga Aarti?

Accepted Answer

Yes, personal photography and video are welcome from the boat. Please avoid flash photography during the central aarti, do not block neighbouring guests, and check with the crew before flying any drone — drones are usually not permitted near the ghats.

Question 11

Can I book a private boat for a group of 10 or more?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Larger boats on the catalog seat 10–40 guests; for groups beyond that we arrange combined boats or a custom charter. Email services@ghatgo.com or call +91 97957 89111 with your date, headcount and ghat preference for a tailored quote.

Question 12

Are boats safe during the monsoon?

Accepted Answer

Operations continue through the monsoon when river conditions are safe. If the Ganga is in spate or local authorities suspend boating, the operator will not push a ride onto unsafe water. To resolve an affected booking, email services@ghatgo.com with your booking reference — we will arrange a reschedule or full refund through that channel. GhatGo never operates against a safety advisory and does not auto-cancel bookings on your behalf.

Question 13

Which ghat is best for a first-time boat ride?

Accepted Answer

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most iconic and the closest to the evening Ganga Aarti. For a calmer, less crowded experience, Assi Ghat (southern end) is excellent for sunrise. Namo Ghat (northern end) is the newest and easiest for accessibility and parking.

Question 14

How early should I reach for a sunrise boat ride?

Accepted Answer

Arrive at your boarding ghat 15–20 minutes before the scheduled departure. Sunrise rides typically start 30–45 minutes before sunrise so you are on the water as the first light reaches the ghats. Your boatman’s phone number is sent with the confirmation in case you need help finding the boat.

Question 15

What does the cab fare include — fuel, tolls, parking?

Accepted Answer

The fare you see at checkout includes the vehicle, driver, fuel and standard taxes. State permits, tolls and parking are billed at actuals and are paid at the time of the trip; this is shown clearly on the cab booking page before you confirm.

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