Varanasi, Kashi or Banaras is considered one of the oldest living cities in the world.
Present on the banks of the holy river Ganga, the city is visited by pilgrims and devotees from all over the world.
Ghats of Varanasi (A series of steps that lead you down to a river) are the main source of attractions of tourism in Varanasi.
Many of these ancient ghats have been rebuilt over the years and have a unique story to their credit.
Many pilgrims and devotees congregate at Varanasi ghats and take a boat trip to experience the scenic beauty of the famous ghats.
There are as many as 88 ghats in Varanasi city.
The most popular and important ghats among them are Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and Panchganga Ghat just to name a few.
Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat are best known as a traditional cremation ghats.
Assi Ghat is one of the very famous ghat mentioned in Puranas located at southern end of Varanasi city at the confluence of Assi and Ganga rivers.
This ghat has easy access to several lodges and popular locations in Varanasi.
This is one of the most preferred ghat of the Varanasi during the festival period. It is also a best ghat where tourists can start their boat trips along the holy river Ganga.
According to an ancient history, Goddess Durga killed the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and threw her sword in the Assi river.
That's why on the banks of the Assi river this holy ghat is present today.
Nearby attractions are a huge Shiva Lingam under the Peepal tree.
Address: Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 22100.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most spectacular ghat in Varanasi where the Vedic king Divodasa performed the famous 10 horse-sacrifices.
Dashashwamedh Ghat was built by the famous Maratha ruler, Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in the 18th century. Its ancient name was Rudrasara and is close to the famous Vishwanath temple.
Dasaswamedh Ghat is known for 'Ganga Aarti'. It is a prayer offered to the Ganga river at the dusk by the priests holding Deepam and moving it according to the rhythmic tune of spiritual bhajans.
A Maha Ganga Aarti is performed during the Kartika Purnima period attracting a huge crowd of devotees from all over the world.
Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Phone: 087072 22624
Manikarnika Ghat is very famous from the ancient days as a cremation place.
This place is also known as the Maha Shamshan (great cremation ground) where the ear ornament of Goddess Sati had fallen.
Here, in this ghat, Lord Shiva called as Taraskeshvara spells the sacred Taraka Mantra in the ears of the dead.
Address: Near Manikarnika Ghat, Garawasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Phone: 084180 87678
Scindia Ghat along with its tilted Shiva temple partially submerged in the Ganga river is a must visit place when you are in Varanasi.
Bordering the famous Manikarnika Ghat, this famous bathing ghat is originally known as Viresvara Ghat.
It was later renamed as Scindia Ghat after Daulat Rao Scindia fortified this ghat in 1937. Agni, the Fire God is believed to be born at this place.
Address: Near Manikarnika Ghat, Ghats of varanasi, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Pin: 221001.
Unlike other ghats, Panchganga Ghat is a less crowded peaceful ghat in Varanasi. It is an ideal place for prayer, holy bathing and to take part in festival events.
Of all the ghats in Varanasi, this one has the clear water and calm atmosphere.
Panchganga Ghat is basically a confluence point of 5 sacred rivers: Ganga, Saraswati, Dhupapapa, Yamuna and Kirna.
Many traditional rituals and ceremonies are performed at this ghat.
Take a holy dip in Panchganga Ghat and visit the nearby temples like Bindu Madahav Perumal Temple, Balaji Temple, Mangala Gauri Mandir, Maa Brahmacharini Devi Durga Mandir.
Address: By Aurangazeb Mosque, Ratan Phatak, Katesar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Harishchandra Ghat is named after the great King Harishchandra who stayed here at this place and worked in the cremation grounds during his testing period of life.
Harishchandra Ghat is one of the two burning ghats (the other being Manikarnika Ghat) of Varanasi situated between Mysore Ghat and Ganga Ghat.
Often referred as Adi Manikarnika, the cremation ground present here at this ghat is believed to be much older than the one present in Manikarnika Ghat.
An electric crematorium was opened here in this ghat in late 80's.
Address: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Built by 19th-century Nepali king Rana Bahadur Shah, Lalita Ghat is named after the famous Goddess Lalitha (Incarnation of Goddess Durga) stretching from Vishnu Ghat to Raja Rajeshwari Ghat.
This famous ghat enshrines Lalita Gauri temple and Nepali temple, a replica of Pasupati Nath temple.
This is one of the most revered ghat in the vicinity. Many devotees from all corners of India and Nepal throng to this ghat for a holy dip in the sacred Ganges.
Address: Near Meer Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Phone: 090156 66524
Shivala Ghat is named after Lord Shiva and is one of the biggest ghats in Varanasi built by the King Balwant Singh of medieval period.
This ghat has a peaceful calm atmosphere and is an ideal place to bath in the clear waters of Ganges.
This ghat is located close to Hanuman Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat.
This ghat is highly recommended for elders and senior citizens and one can easily hire a boat to see other ghats from Shivala Ghat.
The fortress of Chet Singh, Shiva temple, Brahmendra Math built by Kashiraj are the prominent nearby attractions of the ghat.
Hanuman Ghat is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This famous ghat was earlier known as Rameshwaram Ghat. This is a clean and more concrete ghat in Varanasi.
The surrounding area of this ghat are occupied by South Indians and is very close to Harischandra Ghat and Kedar Ghat.
Hanuman Ghat is ideal for wrestlers and body-builders and you can find a lot of monkeys moving freely all around the ghat.
Nearby attractions of this ghat are the image of Ruru Bhairava and Hanuman Temple.
Tulsidas, the great 16th-century Bhakti poet wrote his famous epic poem "Ramcharitmanas", that tells the story of Lord Rama at a place just above Assi Ghat.
So, a part of this ghat was named after him as Tulsi Ghat. Tourists can visit his house and temple present at this ghat.
Just North of Tulsi Ghat is the famous Lolarka Kund, which is a small pool dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God.
An annual event is celebrated here at this place in the months of August/September.
Address: Assi Rd, Assi ghat, Near, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Nepali Ghat is another famous ghat in Varanasi and is a part of Lalita Ghat.
This place is often called as Little Nepalese Island as this ghat area is surrounded mostly by Nepalese residents. It resembles the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal.
Nearby attractions are Kathwala Temple built in 1843 AD with termite-resistant woods brought from Nepal.
Address: Ghats of varanasi, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Ganga Mahal Ghat is an extension of the Assi Ghat known for its majestic looks. It is a nice ghat to visit in the evening times.
The ghat got its name because of a beautiful palace called 'Ganga Mahal' built at the top of the ghat by the rulers of the Narayan dynasty in 1830 CE.
Stone steps between Assi Ghat and Ganga Mahal Ghat separate these two ghats.
There is another "Ganga Mahal Ghat" present between Sankata Ghat and Scindia Ghat.
Address: Near Assi Ghat, Assi, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005.
Ram Ghat is one of the holy Ghats in Varanasi built by Raja of Jaipur located near Harsiddhi Temple.
This popular bathing ghat attracts many visitors throughout the year and Ram Navami Mela is celebrated with great enthusiasm at this ghat.
Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Ganges before they visit the ancient Ram Janaki Temple located at the top of the ghat.
Address: Domari, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Man Mandir Ghat is a popular ghat in Varanasi and Somesvara was its ancient name. This ancient ghat is present just north of famous Dasashwamedh Ghat.
This place got its name from the presence of famous Man Mahal or Man Mandir Palace built by Raja Man Singh.
This ghat is also known for a splendid stone-built solar observatory called Jantar Mantar built by Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur.
Man Mandir Ghat is dotted with some famous temples on top of the ghat like Someswara Temple, Rameshwara Temple and Sthuladanta Vinayaka Temple.
Address: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
AhilyaBai Ghat is named after Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. It is the first ghat in Varanasi to be named after a person.
Kevalagiri Ghat was the older name of this ghat. It was later extended and completely re-built by the queen and made it a Pucca ghat in 1778.
This famous ghat is present in between Munshi Ghat and Ranamahal Ghat.
Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Named after Lord Shiva, Kedar Ghat is another important not so crowded ghat in Varanasi built by the Maharaja of Vijayanagar.
It is located close to Dashashwamedh Ghat and adjacent to Vijayanagaram Ghat. It is mostly visited by the south Indian devotees and pilgrims can hire a boat here to visit other ghats.
This is an ideal ghat for photography enthusiasts.
Nearby attractions are Kedareshwara Shiva Temple, Tarakeshwara, Bhairava, Parvati Kund/Gauri Kund - a sacred pond with medical properties.
Address: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
The lower part of Kedar ghat was separately developed as a south Indian style Pucca ghat in late 19th century by the rulers of Vijayanagaram.
This ghat was later given to Karpatri Ji Maharaj.
Nearby attractions at the top of Vijayanagaram Ghat are Svami Karapatri Ashram and the temples of Nilakantha and Nispaneshvara.
Address: Near Kedar Ghat, Sonarpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002
Meer Ghat is a less crowded historic ghat in Varanasi built with only bricks and cement. This famous ghat and fort were built in 1735 by the then governor of the city Meer Rustum Ali
Meer Ghat is a beautiful and peaceful ghat, perfect for morning walks. Its ancient name was Jarasandha.
Nearby attractions include the Jarasandheshwara temple and the famous Vishalakshi Devi temple.
Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Bachraj Ghat is an important ghat for Jain pilgrims. This ghat enshrines three Jain temples and Jain pilgrims take a dip in holy river before visiting these temples.
Address: Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Before 1931 AD, the Jain Ghat of Varanasi was also a part of Bachraj Ghat, but later the Jain community made a concrete ghat and named it as Jain Ghat.
It is the birthplace of Suparshvanatha, the 7th Tirthankara of Jainism.
Address: Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Chet Singh ghat is another historical fortified ghat.
Its name is derived from the great 18th-century fortress-style palace of Raja Chet Singh overlooking the banks of sacred Ganga river.
It is a less crowded ghat in the city and is located close to Tulsi Ghat. The ghat also houses the ancient 18th century AD Lord Shiva Temples.
This famous ghat is also known as Khirki Ghat and is now divided into four parts called as Chet Singh Ghat, Nirvani Ghat, Niranjani Ghat and Shivala Ghat.
Address: Ghats of varanasi, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Munshi Ghat was a small ghat in Varanasi named after Sridhar Narayan Munshi.
It was constructed in 1812 and was later purchased by the king of Darbhanga (Bihar) in 1915 and extended it. This extension later became popular as Darbhanga Ghat extension.
Munshi Ghat is located between Ahilyabai Ghat and Darbhanga Ghat.
Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Phone: 095062 04758
Darbhanga Ghat is another famous photogenic ghat known for its sandstone structure.
This beautiful ghat is named after Darbhanga royal family who extended a part of Munshi Ghat and named it Darbhanga Ghat.
This ghat is located next to Chausatti Ghat and Munshi Ghat.
This famous ghat is known for its beautiful Darbhanga palace (Brijrama Palace) which is now being converted as a royal hotel.
Address: Near, Ahilyabai Ghat, Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010.
Phone: 099885 85858
Dandi Ghat is a must visit for ghat lovers and is a sacred place for Dandi ascetics who belongs to Dandi sect.
It was made a Pucca ghat by Lalooji Agrawal.
Dandi Ghat is a nice and clean place for Ganga baths and is mostly occupied by the saints.
Nearby attractions are a small and beautiful Dandeshwar Maha Dev temple (Dandi Temple).
Address: Hanuman Ghat Rd, Hanumaan Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Phone: 099361 82575
Tripura Bhairavi Ghat is another holy ghat in Varanasi, mostly visited by devotees from Tamilnadu and Karnataka.
Although this is a spacious ghat due to its current pathetic condition, many pilgrims prefer to have a holy dip in the neighboring Mir Ghat.
Nearby attractions from Tripura Bhairavi ghat are the temples of Tripura Bhairavi and Varahi Shrines. This ghat was made Pucca by pt. Mayananda Giri and king of Banaras at the end of the 18th century.
Address: Tripura Bhairwi Rd, Beside River Ganga, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Near Dr.Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Bhonsale Ghat is another important clean and holy ghat in Varanasi.
It was built by the Maratha rulers who belonged to the Bhonsale family of Nagpur in the year 1780, hence the ghat got its name as Bhonsale Ghat.
Some important shrines present at this ghat are the Yamaditya temple, the Lakshmi Narayan temple and the Yameshwar temple.
Address: Near Ganga Mahal Gate, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Panchakot Ghat is another, less crowded ghat in Varanasi, built by the king of Panchakot at the end of the 19th century, A.D.
It is located on the north side of Prabhu Ghat.
Some important shrines present at Panchakot Ghat are Lord Shiva Mandir and Goddess Kali Mandir.
Address: Ghats of varanasi, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Rana Mahal Ghat is another well maintained small ghat in Varanasi. Most visitors prefer to see this ghat during their boat trip.
This ghat got its name from the Rana Mahal palace. This famous Rajasthani-style palace was built by the king Rana Jagat Singh of Udaipur (Rajasthan) in the year 1670.
Rana Mahal Ghat is present on the south side of Dasaswamedh Ghat and is an ideal ghat to start a boat trip.
Address: Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010.
Phone: 090156 66524
This ghat along with the Kund was constructed in 16th century by King Man Singh of Amber (Jaipur).
The Ghat was rennovated later and transformed as a Pucca Ghat today, but the kund/pool became smaller and reduced in size turned into a small well called Mansarover Kupa.
This well is now under the control of Kumara swamy Matt.
Address: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Reewa Ghat is one of the clean ghats of Varanasi, located between Tulsi Ghat and Ganga Mahal ghats and close to the famous Assi Ghat.
This famous ghat was built by Lala Misir who is the priest of the Punjab king Ranjeet Singh.
This ghat was later brought by the king of Riwan in the year 1879, so the name of ghat became known as Reewa Ghat. Later he donated this ghat to the Banaras Hindu University.
Tourists prefer to see this ghat along with other ancient ghats in Varanasi via a boat ride.
Address: Asi, Near Asi Ghat, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002.
Another interesting ghat in Varanasi is Narad Ghat.
There is a common belief that local people say about this ghat is that if husband and wife take bath together at this ghat, then they will have disturbances in their marriage life in the future.
So, you can witness only few crowd taking sacred bath at this place.
Sage Narada is said to have installed a Shivalinga in this place above the Ghat.
Address: Narad Ghat Road, Mansarover Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Pandey Ghat is not a crowded ghat and perfect for those who like peace and calm atmosphere.
This ghat was transformed into a Pucca ghat in late 19th-century by Kavindra Narayan Singh.
The wrestling site started by the famous wrestler Babua Pandey is considered a landmark for this ghat in Varanasi.
The Temple of Somesvara is present near this ghat.
Pandey Ghat is present between Raja Ghat and Digpatiya Ghat and is close to the famous Dashaswamedha Ghat.
Now, this ghat is mostly used by the Dhobis for laundry purposes and has a very narrow slope to the sacred Ganges River.
Digpatia Ghat is another famous ghat to visit in Varanasi.
King Digpati of East Bengal built this ghat together with a palace in 1830 AD. Once this ghat was part of the Chousatti Ghat/Chausathi Ghat.
This ghat was subsequently renovated by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 1965.
The palace was built in the Bengali style of architecture and was later known as Kashi Ashram.
The Yogini Temple present at the top of this Ghat is very famous during the Holi festival celebrations.
Address: Digpatia Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Chausathi Ghat or Chousatti Ghat of Varanasi was built by Raja Pratapaditya in the 16th century.
Later, East Bengal's Raja Digpati renovated this ghat in the 18th century.
The ghat got its name from the Chausatthi Devi Temple present at this ghat. This temple is dedicated to 64 Hindu deities.
Apart from this temple, you can find the Kali Devi temple and the famous Smarak of Raja Pratapaditya, which is very famous among the Bengali devotees.
This famous bathing ghat, located south of Dasaswamedha Ghat, is known for its religious importance.
Address: Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
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Also Read: Famous Temples in Varanasi
Ghats List
- 🔆 Assi Ghat
- 🔆 Dashashwamedh Ghat
- 🔆 Manikarnika Ghat
- 🔆 Scindia Ghat
- 🔆 Panchganga Ghat
- 🔆 Harishchandra Ghat
- 🔆 Lalita Ghat
- 🔆 Shivala Ghat
- 🔆 Hanuman Ghat
- 🔆 Tulsi Ghat
- 🔆 Nepali Ghat
- 🔆 Ganga Mahal Ghat
- 🔆 Ram Ghat
- 🔆 Man Mandir Ghat
- 🔆 AhilyaBai Ghat
- 🔆 Kedar Ghat
- 🔆 Vijayanagaram Ghat
- 🔆 Meer Ghat
- 🔆 Bachraj Ghat
- 🔆 Jain Ghat
- 🔆 Chet Singh Ghat
- 🔆 Munshi Ghat
- 🔆 Darbhanga Ghat
- 🔆 Dandi Ghat
- 🔆 Tripura Bhairavi Ghat
- 🔆 Bhonsale Ghat
- 🔆 Panchakot Ghat
- 🔆 Rana Mahal Ghat
- 🔆 Mansarover Ghat
- 🔆 Reewa Ghat
- 🔆 Narad Ghat
- 🔆 Pandey Ghat
- 🔆 Digpatia Ghat
- 🔆 Chousatti Ghat
Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Phone: 087072 22624
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat
Phone: 084180 87678
Scindia Ghat
Scindia Ghat
Tilted Shiva temple
Panchganga Ghat
Panchganga Ghat
Harishchandra Ghat
Harishchandra Ghat
Lalita Ghat
Lalita Ghat
Phone: 090156 66524
Shivala Ghat
Hanuman Ghat
Tulsi Ghat
Nepali Ghat
Ganga Mahal Ghat
Ganga Mahal Ghat
Ram Ghat
Man Mandir Ghat
AhilyaBai Ghat
AhilyaBai Ghat
Kedar Ghat
Kedar and Vijayanagarm Ghats
Vijayanagaram Ghat
Meer Ghat
Bachraj Ghat
Jain Ghat
Chet Singh Ghat
Chet Singh Ghat
Munshi Ghat
Munshi Ghat
Phone: 095062 04758
Darbhanga Ghat
Darbhanga Ghat - Brijrama Palace
Phone: 099885 85858
Dandi Ghat
Dandi Ghat
Phone: 099361 82575
Tripura Bhairavi Ghat
Bhonsale Ghat
Bhonsale Ghat
Panchakot Ghat
Rana Mahal Ghat
Rana Mahal Ghat
Phone: 090156 66524
Mansarover Ghat
Manasarowar Ghat
Reewa Ghat
Reewa Ghat
Narad Ghat
Narad Ghat
Pandey Ghat
Pandey Ghat
Address: Pandey Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001.
Digpatia Ghat
Digpatia Ghat
Chousatti Ghat
Chausati Ghat
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