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One agency offers two Gange boat River Cruises:
"Evening, we visit the ghats of Varanasi to witness the performance of Ganges Aarti. We enjoy a special evening cruise on the Ganges. See the Hindu devotees performing the "Puja" with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizing and the ambience is spectacular in the backdrop of the beating of cymbals and bells as well as the incessant chantings. "
plus the next morning
"At dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride. Every morning at dawn hundreds of worshippers can be seen bathing in the sacred waters. The great river banks are lined with an endless chain of stone steps—the ghats—that stretch from one end of the city to the other. The Ghats form an impressive part of the religious landscape of the city."
Other agencies only offer the early morning cruise.
Do you think we might loose something doing only the morning one or maybe both two are just similar, so one in the morning would be enough ?
Varanasi Gange River evening or morning cruise ?
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You certainly want to do both. They're actually quite different. The evening Aarti, which takes place on the shore, is a lengthy and rather loud formal ceremony which is fascinating to watch. Dawn on the Ganges, accompanied only by bells and chants, features individual worship. You will never forget the Ganges. (Bring insect repellant to both!)
No question at all - you need to do both for the reasons Marija offered - insect repellent needed especially at night.
Oh, yes to both: the river is going to be different any time you go, let alone going at two totally different times of day.
Yes absolutely both. If you happen to have bad weather in the morning (fog, rain) just go later in the morning as it is still worth it. If you do go later though make sure you take a sun hat or the like because the sun can be strong if it is beating down on you. In the evening the cremation ghats do seem to be even more striking than in the morning.
Both, although you can also watch the evening ceremony without going on the river. And you don't need an agency - just go down on the ghats and negotiate with a boatman.
great ! we won't miss both !! thanks !!
Evening aarti is lovely from the steps so no need for a boat. Morning time is unmissable on the river, in a boat, imho. You can get a boat around 7am for 100 rupees per person, very simple! Just ask. After the tourist rush hour prices are reasonable! Still, it's a nice peaceful time to contemplate the wonder of the Ganges!
Lyndie
Is it safe to be just on the steps without a boat guided tour, I mean independently as a family with 2 kids aged 8 and 15 ? Of course we would have cameras and camcorder to keep FOUR eyes on
We saw the aarti from both the river and from a "restaurant" behind and above the steps. The restaurant view was the better of the two. Our guide arranged it for us as we needed reservations. I don't think the view from the steps themselves would have been as good as either of the other venues. I have heard that there are pickpockets on the steps, so take precautions. It can be crowded. You needn't worry about your cameras/camcorder as you will likely be using them to record the action.
We went on an evening boat ride and then saw the aarti from shore at the restaurant terrace. The evening boat ride past the cremations was very interesting. Don't miss it! The terrace has the advantage of good seats and an elevated view. The kids can also move around more than in a boat. The disadvantage is that you're segregated and not part of the real activities.