New Delhi might be India’s bustling capital, but it’s also surprisingly rich in opportunities for boat tours and cruises. While most travelers focus on its markets, monuments, and vibrant street life, there’s a unique side of Delhi that involves gliding along rivers, exploring ancient ghats, and soaking in spiritual rituals. Among the options on our list, the Ganges boat rides in Varanasi stand out for their spiritual depth and visual beauty, offering peaceful moments amid the chaos. Whether you’re interested in a full-day culture or a short sunset cruise, these experiences reveal a different facet of India’s capital region. If you’re curious about the sacred river life or want to combine sightseeing with a touch of serenity, these tours are well worth considering.
While Delhi itself isn’t a city of lakes or large rivers ideal for cruising, it serves as a gateway to some of India’s most iconic river journeys—like those in Varanasi or Agra—and even excursions to the Taj Mahal that include boat rides. We’ve handpicked a variety of options that suit different interests and schedules, from spiritual boat rides and flying visits to Varanasi to photography-focused Taj Mahal tours. Let’s explore the top choices so you can decide which fits your trip best.
1. Varanasi Day Tour with Ganges Boat Ride & Evening Aarti
Starting off with something truly spiritual, this full-day private tour in Varanasi includes an early-morning boat ride on the Ganges and a chance to witness the famous Evening Aarti. The experience is designed to showcase the sacred rituals that make Varanasi a pilgrimage destination. Your guide will customize the itinerary to include highlights like the Dhamekh Stupa at Sarnath or the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, ensuring you get a well-rounded taste of this ancient city. The boat ride on the Ganges at dawn offers stunning views of the ghats as they come alive with pilgrims and ritual offerings, setting a serene tone for the day. The private nature of the tour means you can ask questions and move at your own pace, making it perfect for those who want a personalized experience.
This tour scores a perfect 5.0 based on 4 reviews, and many travelers appreciate how the guide blends history, spirituality, and local culture. The price is $80 per person for roughly 10 hours, making it a good value considering the depth of insight and authentic moments included. The boat ride, in particular, is a highlight—offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets. Bottom line: If you want a intimate, cultural, and spiritual immersion in Varanasi with a memorable boat ride, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Delhi: 1 Day Varanasi Tour with Flight & Sacred Boat Ride
This tour is perfect if you’re short on time but want to experience Varanasi’s spiritual essence. Starting from Delhi, you’ll hop on a quick 2-hour flight to Varanasi, then dive straight into sightseeing, including Sarnath, the Bharat Mata Temple, and the Ghats. The highlight is the serene boat ride on the Ganges, which offers stunning views of the temples and rituals along the river. Guided tours of key sites like Dashashwamedh Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Temple ensure you won’t miss anything.
What makes this tour stand out is the efficient flight connection, allowing you to experience Varanasi’s spiritual sights in just a day. The reviews are glowing, with a 5/5 rating from 2 travelers, praising its thorough itinerary and expert guides. For around $134, the value lies in the swift, comprehensive experience—especially suitable for travelers with tight schedules or those wanting a taste of India’s most iconic spiritual city. The boat ride is often a memorable highlight, providing a tranquil moment amidst the vibrant ghats.
Bottom line: This tour offers a compact, well-organized way to combine air travel and culture, with a peaceful boat cruise as a serene highlight.
3. Delhi: Photography Taj Mahal Tour with Boat Ride & Transfers
For those passionate about photography and iconic sights, this full-day private trip from Delhi is tailored to capture the Taj Mahal at its most photogenic. Starting with a pickup from your hotel, you’ll visit the Taj Mahal itself—where a guided tour will help you get the perfect shot of the world’s most famous mausoleum. After exploring, you’ll enjoy a long-tail boat ride on the Yamuna River, with the Taj’s reflection creating stunning photo opportunities at sunset. The tour also includes visits to Agra Fort and a delicious Mughlai lunch at a five-star hotel.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on photography—your guide acts as a personal photographer, helping you frame the best angles. The boat ride adds a peaceful, scenic element, providing a unique perspective of the Taj Mahal from the river. It’s a 10-hour experience with a price of $88 per person, including transfers and guided sightseeing. Guests have appreciated the flexibility of the private guide, along with the chance to capture memorable images of one of the most beautiful monuments in the world.
Bottom line: If you want a tailored photography experience combined with scenic boat views, this tour is well worth considering.
4. From Delhi: Same Day Varanasi Tour By Flight With Boat Ride
This quick-paced tour is designed for travelers who want to combine air travel and spiritual sightseeing. Starting early from Delhi, you fly to Varanasi, then visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, and the Banaras Hindu University. After absorbing the history and culture, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges at either sunrise or sunset—an experience that many find deeply moving and photogenic.
Rated a perfect 5.0 based on 2 reviews, this tour offers a balance of sightseeing, culture, and scenic river moments. The itinerary is packed but flexible, with each site guided by experts. The price of around $109 makes it a good value for a comprehensive day trip, especially considering the convenience of the flight connection and the exclusive boat experience. The boat ride is often praised for its tranquil charm, offering a peaceful vantage point of the ghats amid the bustling city.
Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers who want to see Varanasi’s must-visit sites in a single day with a memorable boat ride.
5. From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Tour with Boat Ride & Lunch
For those focused on India’s most famous monument, this tour combines a visit to the Taj Mahal with a boat ride on the Yamuna River and a traditional lunch. Starting early from Delhi, you’ll explore the Taj Mahal with a guide, then head to Agra Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage site—before enjoying the scenic boat cruise that offers unique views of the monument from the water.
Priced at just $25 per person, this tour offers remarkable value, especially considering the inclusion of a boat ride and a full-day itinerary. While some details like duration aren’t specified, travelers will appreciate the convenient hotel pickup and the opportunity to photograph the Taj from a different perspective on the river. It’s best suited for those interested in history and photography who want an affordable yet comprehensive day trip.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly option that combines sightseeing, photography, and a water-based perspective of the Taj Mahal.
$25 per person
6. Delhi: Spiritual Musing & Boat Trip with Folk Musician Guide
Looking for a short, soulful experience, this 2-hour boat trip along the Yamuna Ghat blends nature, spirituality, and music. Starting from Yamuna Ghat no 24, you’ll witness traditional prayers and flower offerings, then glide to a river temple where meditation and a live folk music performance will add a special ambiance. The journey ends with tea and cookies, offering a relaxed, contemplative moment in Delhi’s riverfront.
Rated on the basis of reviews, this intimate experience is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from the city’s noise, combined with a bit of cultural discovery. The guide’s local knowledge and the chance to connect with India’s river traditions make it stand out. Priced at $44, it’s an affordable way to add a spiritual dimension to your trip.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a short, meaningful experience involving river rituals, meditation, and local music.
$44 per person
7. From Delhi: Chambal River Safari with Jeep and Boat Ride
This two-day tour is for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. It combines a boat safari on the Chambal River with a jeep safari in the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll also visit the 101 Shiva temples at Bateshwar, exploring local heritage on foot. The boat ride offers chances to spot river birds and crocodiles, while the jeep safari gets you into the heart of the sanctuary to see wildlife.
Guests rave about the experienced naturalist guides and the variety of activities, including a rural village visit to observe local life. The package includes meals at a luxury resort and a chance to see some of India’s less-visited natural areas. At $201 per person, it’s a significant investment but one that promises a deep dive into India’s rural and wildlife landscapes.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers craving an immersive nature experience with wildlife, heritage, and river adventure in one package.
$201 per person
8. Kochi: 4 Day Private Tour of Munnar, Alleppey with Houseboat
While not in Delhi, this Kerala experience rounds out our list of Indian water journeys. Over four days, you’ll explore tea gardens, waterfalls, and backwaters, including a houseboat cruise through Kerala’s famous lakes. This tour combines scenic boat rides with cultural excursions like visits to Eravikulam National Park and historic landmarks.
Ideal for those wanting a relaxing, immersive escape, the tour’s highlights include backwater houseboats, tea plantation visits, and waterfalls. The package costs $318 per person, offering a comprehensive, private experience that’s perfect for a leisurely exploration of India’s water-centric regions.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want to combine river cruising with Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
$318 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour in New Delhi
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, time availability, and budget. For a deep spiritual dive, the Varanasi day tours are unmatched, especially if you want to experience the iconic rituals like the evening Aarti. If photography is your priority, the Taj Mahal tour with boat ride offers a chance to capture stunning images from the river. For a quick cultural fix, the same-day Varanasi flight tour balances efficiency with meaningful sights.
On a budget? The Taj Mahal & Agra boat ride delivers great value with its combination of UNESCO sights and water perspectives. Looking for more than just sightseeing? The Chambal River Safari provides wildlife and heritage, while the spiritual musing trip offers a quiet, meditative experience along Delhi’s riverfront.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, and always check the availability of boat rides—some depend on tides or weather conditions. For a memorable visit, match your choice to what excites you most: serene river views, culture, or iconic photography.
To sum it up, New Delhi and its nearby regions offer a surprising range of boat tours and cruises—from spiritual river rides in Varanasi to scenic Taj Mahal boat trips, and wildlife safaris in Chambal. If you’re looking for a peaceful moment amid your busy city trip or a deep dive into India’s river traditions, these tours provide authentic and unforgettable experiences. Consider your interests and schedule, and don’t forget to book in advance—these experiences are worth planning ahead for.