Shubh Travel
Shubh Travel
Varanasi is defined by its iconic riverside. Learn the deep spiritual significance, history, and secrets of the 84 Ghats of Varanasi. Discover which ghats you absolutely cannot miss on your trip.
The word "Ghat" refers to a series of steps leading down to a body of water, primarily a holy river. In Varanasi (Kashi), the ghats refer to the monumental stone steps along the western bank of the holy river Ganga (Ganges). These steps serve as the physical and spiritual boundary where the mortal world meets the divine river.
Life in Varanasi revolves entirely around these ghats: birth rituals, daily bathing, yoga, washing clothes, evening aartis (prayers), and finally, cremation. There are exactly 84 main ghats in Varanasi, stretching over 7 kilometers in a crescent moon shape.
If you have limited time, ensure you visit these five historically and spiritually significant ghats:
Importance: The most spectacular and popular ghat in Varanasi. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva, and sacrificed ten horses (dasa-ashwamedha) here.
Why Visit? It is the site of the world-famous evening Ganga Aarti. The atmosphere here at 6:30 PM is electrifying, with thousands of lamps, chanting priests, and floating diyas. It is also the best place to hire a boat.
Importance: The holiest of the two cremation ghats in Kashi. Hindus believe that being cremated here guarantees Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). The funeral pyres here have been burning non-stop for over 3,000 years.
Why Visit? To witness the raw reality of life and death in Hinduism. It is a deeply humbling and philosophical experience. Remember to be respectful and refrain from taking photographs of funeral pyres.
Importance: Located at the southernmost end where the river Assi meets the Ganga. It is deeply associated with the poet-saint Tulsidas.
Why Visit? It is famous for the breathtaking Subah-e-Banaras (Morning in Banaras) event that starts before dawn with Vedic chanting, morning Aarti, and free yoga sessions. It is also the most popular hangout spot for foreign tourists, students of BHU, and has excellent riverside cafes.
Importance: The second cremation ghat, named after the legendary King Harishchandra, who once worked here fulfilling his vow of truthfulness.
Why Visit? It is less crowded than Manikarnika. It is one of the oldest ghats and holds immense mythological value.
Importance: Architecturally, this is the most stunning stretch of the riverfront. It features an imposing palace built by the royal family of Bihar (Darbhanga) in the early 1900s.
Why Visit? For photography! The magnificent sandstone palace (now the BrijRama Palace hotel) looks spectacularly beautiful from a boat at sunrise.
To truly experience the magic of Varanasi's riverfront, follow these tips:
1. Sunrise Boat Ride: Rent a rowboat or motorboat from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM. You will see locals bathing, performing Surya Namaskar (Sun prayers), and the golden sunlight illuminating the palaces.
2. The Ghat Walk: You can literally walk continuously from Assi Ghat in the south to Raj Ghat in the north. A steady walk takes about 3 hours. It is the best way to see the transition of life, architecture, and sadhus (holy men).
3. Best Time to Visit: October to March. During the monsoon (July-September), the river level rises significantly, submerging the steps, and Ghat walks or boat rides may be restricted for safety.
While talking about all 84 would require a book, here are a few other highly notable ones:
• Tulsi Ghat: Where Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas.
• Chet Singh Ghat: Features a formidable fortress where a battle was fought between Maharaja Chet Singh and the British in 1781.
• Man Mandir Ghat: Built by Maharaja Man Singh of Jaipur; it houses a beautiful stone observatory (Jantar Mantar) on its terrace.
• Scindia Ghat: Famous for the partially submerged Shiva Temple that sank during its construction in 1830.
• Kedar Ghat: Recognizable by its red and white striped South Indian style temple. Highly revered by Bengalis and South Indians.
Navigating the narrow lanes leading to the ghats can be overwhelming for first-timers. Shubh Travel provides reliable local sightseeing taxi services in Varanasi. We will drop you exactly at the right entry points for Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat, arrange certified guides for your walking tours, and pre-book your boat rides without the hassle of haggling.
explore Shubh Travel services to book your Varanasi city tour today!
As per official Varanasi tourism data and heritage guidelines, verifying timings of ancient ghats and temples ensures a flawless trip. You can explore more at the Kashi Govt Website.
Need reliable assistance reaching these historic places? You can effortlessly check our local travel services for safe, comfortable transport instead of worrying about the traffic.
There are traditionally 84 main ghats in Varanasi, stretching in a crescent shape along the western bank of the river Ganges. However, minor ghats bring the total to around 100.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous and busiest ghat in Varanasi, globally renowned for its spectacular evening Ganga Aarti.
Yes, tourists can walk through Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats. However, strict respect is required—photography of funeral pyres is considered highly offensive and is strictly prohibited.
Experience the 84 ghats with our local experts. Call for AC taxi drop-offs & boat arrangements.
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