Overview of the 84 Ghats
The ghats of Varanasi stretch along the crescent-shaped western bank of the Ganga, creating a continuous stone staircase that descends from the city into the river. Built since antiquity by kings, queens, merchants, and holy men, each ghat has a distinct character — from grand palaces to crumbling temples, from bustling ceremonies to silent meditation spots. The riverfront is best experienced from the river on a dawn boat ride, when the rising sun lights up the stone steps in gold.
Of the 84 ghats, most are used for bathing and devotional rituals. Two are dedicated cremation ghats — the most important being the sacred cremation ghat at Manikarnika. Several host their own aarti ceremonies, including the evening aarti at Dashashwamedh, Varanasi's most iconic ritual. A handful have been converted into laundry ghats (dhobis wash clothes on the steps) or boat-docking points.
Local Tip
Must-Visit Ghats
Dashashwamedh Ghat
दशाश्वमेधThe most famous ghat in Varanasi and the site of the iconic evening Ganga Aarti. Named after a mythical sacrifice of ten horses by Lord Brahma. Always buzzing with pilgrims, tourists, priests, and vendors.
Best time: Evening (aarti at 6:45/7 PM)
Tip: Arrive 90 min before aarti for a good seat.
Manikarnika Ghat
मणिकर्णिकाThe principal cremation ghat of Varanasi, burning 24/7 since antiquity. Hindus believe cremation here grants moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). One of the most powerful and confronting places you will ever visit.
Best time: Any time (operates 24/7)
Tip: No photos. Ignore donation scammers.
Assi Ghat
अस्सीThe southernmost major ghat, where the Assi river meets the Ganga. Popular with students, backpackers, and artists. Morning aarti at sunrise, yoga classes, and a cafe-lined street above. The most laid-back ghat.
Best time: Early morning (sunrise aarti)
Tip: Great cafes on the lane above for breakfast.
Kedar Ghat
केदारA colorful, photogenic ghat with red-and-white striped walls. Linked to the Kedareshwar Temple (a form of Shiva). Popular with South Indian pilgrims. Less crowded than Dashashwamedh.
Best time: Morning
Tip: One of the most photographed ghats in Varanasi.
Tulsi Ghat
तुलसीNamed after the poet-saint Tulsidas who is believed to have composed parts of the Ramcharitmanas here. Beautiful crumbling architecture with an old-world charm. Hosts the annual Sankat Mochan music festival nearby.
Best time: Morning or late afternoon
Tip: Look for the worn stone steps and ancient temples.
Panchganga Ghat
पंचगंगाNamed for five sacred rivers believed to meet underground here. Topped by the striking Alamgir Mosque (built by Aurangzeb on a Hindu temple). The combination of Hindu ghat and Mughal mosque is architecturally striking.
Best time: Afternoon for light on the mosque
Tip: Best viewed from a boat for the full silhouette.
Scindia Ghat
सिंधियाFamous for the half-submerged Shiva temple that tilted into the river due to the weight of the structure. An iconic photography spot. Built by the Scindia royal family of Gwalior.
Best time: Morning
Tip: The tilted temple is best seen at low water levels (Oct-Feb).
Man Mandir Ghat
मान मंदिरBuilt by Maharaja Man Singh of Amber in the late 16th century. Features a historic observatory on the upper level. Beautiful Rajput architecture with intricate balconies and carved windows.
Best time: Late afternoon
Tip: Ask locally about visiting the observatory above.
Harishchandra Ghat
हरिश्चंद्रThe second cremation ghat, smaller and older than Manikarnika. Named after the legendary King Harishchandra known for his truthfulness. Less intense than Manikarnika and slightly more approachable.
Best time: Any time
Tip: Same rules apply — no photos of cremations.
Narad Ghat
नारदA quiet ghat associated with the sage Narad, who is said to have practiced devotional music here. It has a calm, unhurried vibe. Local musicians sometimes practice on the steps in the evening.
Best time: Evening
Tip: Look for the footprints of sage Narad carved in stone.
Cremation Ghats: Etiquette & Guidelines
Manikarnika and Harishchandra are active cremation grounds where Hindu funerals take place in the open, 24 hours a day. For many visitors, witnessing this is one of the most profound experiences in India — the acceptance of death as a natural, even sacred, part of life.
Heads Up
- No photography or video — this is strictly forbidden and deeply disrespectful
- Do not approach the funeral pyres or the bodies
- Do not engage with anyone who approaches you claiming to collect donations for "wood for the poor" — this is a well-known scam
- Observe silently from a respectful distance
- It is okay to walk through — the cremation ghats are part of the regular ghat path
Morning vs Evening Visits
Morning (5:00-8:00 AM)
- Sunrise over the Ganga — golden light on the ghat steps
- Pilgrims bathing, yoga on the steps, morning prayers
- Assi Ghat morning aarti (sunrise)
- Fewer tourists, more authentic local atmosphere
- Best light for photography (east-facing ghats catch the sun)
Evening (4:30-8:00 PM)
- Buildup to the Dashashwamedh evening Ganga Aarti
- Warm golden light on the ghats (west-facing sun)
- More lively — vendors, music, tourists, energy
- Boat rides at sunset are stunning
- Can be crowded and chaotic near Dashashwamedh
Walking the Ghats
The best way to experience the ghats is on foot. The riverside path (when water levels allow) connects most ghats in a continuous walkway. Here is a recommended walking route:
- Start at Assi Ghat — morning aarti, chai, and a calm beginning
- Walk north through Tulsi Ghat, Kedar Ghat — beautiful architecture, colorful walls
- Pass Harishchandra Ghat — smaller cremation ghat, observe respectfully
- Continue to Dashashwamedh Ghat — the beating heart of Varanasi, stop for chai
- Walk through Man Mandir, Scindia Ghat — the tilted temple, Rajput architecture
- Reach Manikarnika Ghat — the main cremation ghat, walk through quietly
- End at Panchganga Ghat — the mosque-topped ghat with river views
Local Tip
Photography Guidelines
- Cremation ghats: Absolutely no photography. Your camera or phone may be confiscated.
- Bathing pilgrims: Ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Many are performing private rituals.
- Sadhus (holy men): Some will gladly pose; others will demand payment (INR 20-50 is fair). Ask first.
- Dawn is golden: The east-facing ghats catch the sunrise perfectly. The warm light between 5:30-7:00 AM is extraordinary.
- From a boat: A sunrise boat ride gives you the iconic panoramic view of the ghats. No restrictions on photography from the river (except cremation areas).