Boating at Yamuna Ghat: Delhi’s Best Sunrise Spot

Yamuna Ghat Overview

Here’s everything you need to know to visit Yamuna Ghat today.

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Location: Kashmere Gate, New Delhi, India

Entrance Fee: Free

Best Month to Visit: November to March

Best Time of the Day: Sunrise & Sunset

Boat Tour: ₹100 ($1)

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India’s Yamuna River

For centuries, the Yamuna River has flowed through the heart of India, deeply woven into its history, culture, and daily life. Originating in the Himalayas, it winds through several states before entering Uttar Pradesh, where it ultimately merges with the Ganges.

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In ancient times, the Yamuna played a vital role in Delhi’s rise, with emperors building magnificent monuments like the Red Fort along its banks. Even today, the river remains essential to the city, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and daily needs.

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But its importance goes far beyond the practical. Revered as one of India’s holiest rivers, it flows past sacred cities such as Mathura and Yamunotri. In Delhi, Yamuna Ghat serves as a spiritual gathering place where people come to bathe, pray, and perform rituals, believing the river’s sacred waters can cleanse sins and bring peace to the soul.

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Where is Yamuna Ghat?

There are several ghats along the banks of the Yamuna River. To find the right one, simply pull up ‘Yamuna Ghat’ on Google Maps and show it to your driver.

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This peaceful spot is located near Nigambodh Ghat, one of the oldest and largest cremation grounds in Delhi, with a history dating back to the 19th century.

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‍Google Location: Kashmere Gate, New Delhi, India

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Best Time to Visit

To make the most of your visit to Yamuna Ghat, plan to go during the winter months (from November to early March) when the weather is cooler and flocks of migratory birds gather along the river.

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Sunrise is ideal for a quieter, more peaceful experience, but sunset is just as beautiful, especially for photography, just be prepared for more crowds. We visited in late January and found that 7:30–8am was ideal with fewer crowds and perfect lighting for photos.

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Visiting Jaipur soon? Check out our 3-day itinerary and experience the best of the Pink City!

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How to Reach Yamuna Ghat

Here are the best ways to get to the Yamuna Ghat.

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Rickshaw: Taking a rickshaw is the easiest way to get there, especially from nearby areas. Just a heads-up: winter mornings can get really chilly, so bring a jacket if you’re heading out early.

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We paid ₹200 ($2.30) for a rickshaw from Paharganj, and the ride took about 20 minutes.

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Metro: The nearest station is Kashmere Gate. From here, exit gate 2 and take a rickshaw to the ghat, which costs around ₹100 ($1).

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Grab/Ola: If you’re visiting in winter and want to stay warm, book a ride through Grab or Ola. Just note that availability can be limited, especially in the early morning.

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Read: Best Ways to Get Around India

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A Morning at Yamuna Ghat: What to Expect

On a chilly winter morning, weave through the narrow alleys of Old Delhi as the city slowly stirs awake and the honking traffic begins to build.

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Want to see more of Delhi? Book this popular tour to explore the city’s history, bustling markets, and hidden gems with a local guide.

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From Mahatma Gandhi Road, turn onto Nigambodh Marg, near the corner where Parmanand Hospital stands. Follow the narrow street to its end, where a few local men usually linger by the walls, waiting to guide early visitors down to the river’s edge.

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Note: These men are mostly neighborhood residents offering boat rides along the river. You can politely decline if you prefer to wander on your own, but chances are they’ll still follow and show you the way nonetheless.

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You’ll find faded signs on the walls directing you to Yamuna Ghat. Take the stairs up and over the wall, then continue along a short lane past a few homes until you reach the river.

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At the riverbank, a series of stone steps leads down to the water’s edge. In the early mornings from November to March, flocks of migrating Siberian seagulls fill the sky, their white wings flickering against the soft morning light. Gathering mainly around Yamuna Ghat, they transform the river into a scene straight out of a painting.

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Looking for a place to stay near Yamuna Ghat? We recommend staying at Bloomrooms in Paharganj for its central location and easy access to most attractions in Old Delhi.

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This stretch of the Yamuna Ghat is a favorite morning spot for locals, photographers, and couples posing for wedding shoots. Despite its rising popularity, it’s usually easy to find a quiet spot to enjoy the stunning views of the river.

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Vendors nearby sell bird food, often packets of namkeen—a salty, fried Indian snack that the gulls love. In Hindu tradition, feeding birds is seen as an act of kindness, believed to bring good karma and spiritual blessings.

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Read:  How to Travel India by Train

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Boating on Yamuna River

For the ultimate experience at Yamuna Ghat, hop on one of the unofficial boat rides to get a closer look at the river and watch hundreds (or even thousands) of birds take flight over the water, soaring just above your head.

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Getting a boat is easy! Local boatmen are quick to offer informal boat tours along the Yamuna River as soon as you arrive. Prices can vary, but typically, a 20-minute ride costs around ₹100 ($1) per person.

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Read: Best Things to do in Agra beyond the Taj Mahal

And that’s our guide to experiencing the Yamuna Ghat in Delhi.

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Not only is it a haven for birdwatchers and photographers, but it also offers a refreshing break from the typical sightseeing and visits to tombs and mosques. If you’re looking for more to do in the city, check out our 3-day Delhi itinerary, featuring some of the best spots in Old Delhi, New Delhi, and South Delhi.

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If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.