Romantic Varanasi: Palace Stays, Dawn Boats

October 18, 2026

Varanasi is an intense pilgrimage city, and romance here is quieter than a resort holiday: a dawn on the water, a heritage palace stay on the river and an evening aarti from a boat. The choice is small, so this page lists what is real and what to expect. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR, roughly 95 to the US dollar) and are approximate, so check before you go.

A palace stay on the river

BrijRama Palace at Darbhanga Ghat is a heritage palace hotel on the Ganga, part of the IHCL family since January 2026. Its journal says it offers dawn and sunset aarti boat rides to guests, so ask what is included when you book. Room rates and restaurant details are not confirmed, so check them with the hotel. See the Brij Hotels Varanasi guide for the property. For other places to stay, browse Varanasi hotels on Booking.com .

Hotels inland

The Taj hotels sit on the Nadesar Palace grounds, about 4 to 6 km from the ghats and not on the river. They suit couples who prefer a conventional luxury hotel and a car to the ghats, and who do not mind the drive through traffic. Do not expect river views from the rooms.

Sunrise on the water

A private rowboat from Assi at sunrise is the most romantic outing in the city, from October to March when levels are lower. Quotes run from a few hundred rupees to about INR 1,500 an hour, so agree the total, the route and the time before you board. Keep your hands out of the water, because the Ganga is polluted and should not be swum in or drunk. Do not photograph the cremation grounds along the river.

Subah-e-Banaras together

The free dawn programme at Assi Ghat starts before sunrise and runs about two hours, with Vedic chanting, a morning aarti, a fire ritual, classical raga music and open-air yoga. The start time moves with the season, so check the official site . It makes a shared dawn without the cost of a boat.

Evening aarti from a boat

The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is held around sunset and lasts about 45 minutes. A boat gives a view of the flames on the water and a place away from the crowd on the steps. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. In the July to September flood season boats are suspended at short notice, most recently in September 2026, so check that boats are running.

Etiquette for couples

Varanasi is a pilgrimage city, so keep public displays of affection modest. Dress with shoulders and knees covered at temples and on the ghats.

Timing

October to March is the comfortable season, and Dev Deepawali on 24 November 2026 fills the rooms. April to June is very hot, so dinner and walks work best after dark.