With 88 Ghats In The City, We've Narrowed It Down To 7 Must Visit Ghats Of Varanasi

Varanasi is believed to be a 5000 year old city founded by Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists. The city is located on the banks of the river Ganga and has 88 ghats, each of which has its own unique story associated with it. Exploring these ghats is a must so we've narrowed down the list of the best ones to explore! 

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most significant and spectacular ghats in Varanasi. The world famous Ganga aarti is held every evening at this ghat, adding to its appeal. According to legends, Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses for a yajna here, owing the ghat its name. So let's just say when in Varanasi, you just cannot miss out on visiting this one.

Location | Godowlia

2. Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat is located on the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Assi and is regarded as the Saimbeda Tirtha or a place where one can find salvation. The ghat is home to two Shiva Lingas, one located under a Peepal tree and the other, Asia Sangameshwar Lingam inside an auspicious temple. This ghat located at the southern end of Varanasi has various legends associated with it and is a very peaceful ghat which should be visited early in the morning to witness its serenity.

Location | Assi Ghat, Shivala 

3. Tulsi Ghat

Picture Credits: Ahnnik Choudhury

Tulsi Ghat is named after the famous Hindu poet, Tulsidas who is the genius behind Ramcharitmanas. The house in which Tulsidas died and many of his things are preserved at this ghat along with a temple dedicated to Lord Ram. According to myths, the manuscript of this great Indian epic fell in the Ganga but somehow it did not drown. Also, this ghat has many rituals associated with it. You should definitely pay this ghat a visit to know even more about it.

Location | Assi Road, Near Assi Ghat, Shivala

4. Panchganga Ghat

Panchganga ghat is the meeting point of the 5 rivers namely Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati,  Kirana and Dhutpapa making it a sacred point to take a dip especially in the months of October and November. The famous Alamgir mosque which was built by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb is also located at this ghat. You should definitely give this ghat a visit to learn more about its interesting and controversial history.

Location | Ratan Phatak, By Aurangzeb Mosque

5. Chet Singh Ghat 

One of the most aesthetic looking ghats of Varanasi, Chet Singh Ghat is divided into 4 parts and houses a beautiful fortress which has been witness to a battle between Maharaja Chet Singh and the troops of Warren Hastings. The famous 7 day long Budhwa Mangal festival is also organised at this ghat, giving you even more reasons to visit this ghat besides its beauty.

Location | Shivala

6. Man Mandir Ghat

A palace, an observatory, a beautiful building with ornately carved windows and a fine stone balcony make up some of the highlights of Man Mandir Ghat which was built by Maharaja Man Singh of Amer. This ghat is also home to the lingam of Someshwar, the Lord of Moon. The observatory has some huge instruments made from stone which were used to study about celestial bodies and also has its own Jantar Mantar. 

Location | Bangali Tola

7.  Munshi Ghat

Munshi Ghat is named after Sridhara Narayan Munshi and extends into Darbhanga Ghat which houses a palace made up of Chunar sandstone. This ghat has always been architecturally superior than all the other ghats in the city with its beautiful porches and Greek pillars. The palace at this ghat is now owned by Clarks Hotel Group. It is also considered one of the most photogenic ghats of Varanasi.

Location | Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Bangali Tola

Explore away!