Ganges River (Ganga)

The Basics

The ancient city of Varanasi is the most visited of the pilgrimage spots along the Ganges. Considered India’s religious capital and home to about 2,000 temples and around 100 ghats—riverside steps where pilgrims bathe in Ganga’s water—the city is a must for those wanting to experience the sacred river at its most colorful.

Take a sunrise boat ride to see the ghats and bathers, and book a wider Varanasi tour to explore the city’s places of worship, such as the Golden Temple and bustling Dasaswamedh ghat. Other choices include walking or boat tours to view the evening aarti ceremonies, when the faithful float burning lights on the river. Some Ganges-focused excursions stop by religious sights in Rishikesh and Haridwar, and multi-day cross-India tours touch on Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and sometimes Himalayan towns like Darjeeling.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Be ready for some challenging sights along the Ganges at Varanasi and other cities (e.g. funeral pyres burning at the ghats).

• Be respectful when photographing religious rituals.

• Wear shoes with good treads to negotiate the often-slippery steps at the ghats.

• Most Ganges boat tours aren’t accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

The Ganges flows through several north India cities before reaching the sea and Varanasi, the most popular place to see it. The easiest way to reach its banks is by rickshaw, taxi, or tour that includes round-trip transport and guided commentary.

When to Get There

The cities along the Ganges tend to be extremely hot from April to October, with monsoons sometimes hitting between June and September. The best time to visit is the cooler October through March period—although April and May have numerous religious festivals, if you can stand the heat.

Bathing in the Ganges River

Don’t miss the chance to watch devotees bathing in the Ganges River at sunrise. The Hindu faithful consider Ganga a goddess, and immersion an act of purification. Dunking three times—to eliminate the sins of the past, present, and future—is believed to liberate you from the endless cycle of birth and death, ensuring salvation.

What is the cost of a Ganges River cruise?

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.

Is it safe to swim in the Ganges River?

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.

Can you visit the Ganges River?

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.

Where is the Ganges River most beautiful?

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.

Is the Ganges River clean?

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.

Does bathing in the Ganges River wash away sins?

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.