What to Expect on a Ganga Cruise

If this is your first cruise ride on the Ganga, a few practical details help the day go smoothly - from boarding to what the ride itself is actually like.

Boarding

You will be given a reporting ghat and time when you book - this can be a short walk from where you are staying, or a short auto-rickshaw ride, so check the location in advance. Arrive a little early, especially for the Aarti slot, since boarding takes longer when several cruises are loading at once.

Safety

Life jackets are provided for every passenger on every cruise, and your boatman will explain basic safety points before departure. If a life jacket has not been offered to you, ask for one before the cruise leaves the ghat.

Duration and pace

Most standard rides run 1 to 1.5 hours, moving at an unhurried pace along the riverfront rather than rushing between points. Celebration and private bookings can run longer, and the pace is generally set around what you want from the ride.

Passing the cremation ghats

Routes along the central riverfront pass Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, two of the city's main cremation ghats. Cruises maintain a respectful distance and do not stop at these ghats - it is worth knowing this in advance so it does not come as a surprise, and being mindful about photography in that stretch is appreciated.

Weather

Mornings can be cool, especially October through February, so a light layer is worth carrying even if the daytime temperature is warm. During the monsoon months, river conditions can occasionally affect scheduling, and we will let you know in advance if that applies to your date.