10 Famous Ghats in Varanasi That Are Important To Visit 2025
Often referred to as “Kashi” or the “City of Lights”, Varanasi is a city of great significance and deep among Hindus. Some say it was built around 1000 BC whereas other legends say it was created by Lord Shiva himself. One of the most prominent features of Varanasi, however, is its 87 riverfront steps or ghats. The ghats of Varanasi are mostly used for bathing and puja ceremonies. However, 2 ghats in particular, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are used exclusively for cremation. No matter which one you plan to explore, each ghat in Varanasi emanates a unique aura and energy. Here are some of the most famous ghats in Varanasi that you should keep on the top of your list.
List Of Top 10 Famous Ghats in Varanasi
The abode of Lord Shiva himself, Varanasi or Kashi is one of the oldest and most significant religious sites in the world. Here are the 10 most famous ghats in Varanasi that you must visit:
- Assi Ghat
- Chet Singh Ghat
- Darbhanga Ghat
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Man Mandir Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Scindia Ghat
- Bhonsale Ghat
- Panchganga Ghat
- Ahilya Ghat
1. Assi Ghat
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Located at the extreme southern end of the city, Assi Ghat is where the Assi River meets the holy Ganga. This spacious ghat is fairly accessible and less crowded compared to others. However, it is considered to be a pilgrimage place for Hindus. Here, you can bathe in the Ganga River before worshipping Lord Shiva in the form of a huge Lingam under a pipal tree. From there, you can also visit some boutiques and cafes such as Vaatika Cafe. A Ganga aarti ceremony is also held at the ghat.
- Location: Nagwa Rd, Assi ghat, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Major Attractions Nearby: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, Lolark Temple, Kedareshwar Temple
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2. Chet Singh Ghat
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Chet Singh Ghat has quite a bit of historical importance. Chet Singh Ghat was the site of a great battle between the ruler of Varanasi, Maharaja Chet Singh, and the British. Chet Singh had constructed a small fort at the ghat to fight the British. Unfortunately, however, he was eventually defeated. It is said that Chet Singh managed to escape using a rope made of turbans.
- Location: 72V4+QW6, in front of Chet Singh fort, Ghats of Varanasi, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Major Attractions Nearby: Chet Singh Fort, AG Palace, Jantar Mantar, Ganga Mahal Ghat
3. Darbhanga Ghat
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If you looking for some amazing pictures, Darbhanga Ghat is for you. This visually appealing ghat is located to the south of Dashaswamedh Ghat and is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi. Darbhanga Ghat is primarily used to perform religious rites related to the demise of loved ones. Moreover, there is a beautiful temple along with a huge Shiva Linga at this ghat. The premises of the ghat offer all kinds of facilities for performing religious rituals.
- Location: Near Ahilyabai Ghat, 8245+3VW, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Major Attractions Nearby: Bisanpur Ghat, Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary, and Raj Palace Rajnagar
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4. Dashashwamedh Ghat
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Dashashwamedh Ghat is the heart of the action and the top attraction in Varanasi. One of the oldest and holiest Varanasi ghats, it’s where the famous Ganga aarti takes place every evening. The carnival of goings-on is captivating, with a constant flow of pilgrims, Hindu priests, flower sellers, and beggars from dawn til dusk. It’s possible to sit and watch for hours and not get bored. There’s also a hectic marketplace around the ghat.
- Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Major Attractions Nearby: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Devi Mandir, Ramnagar Fort, Sarnath, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
5. Man Mandir Ghat
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Man Mandir Ghat is one of the oldest and most famous ghats in Varanasi. This ghat was built by Rajput King Man Singh of Jaipur in 1600. In addition, Man Mandir Ghat was the place of an observatory that was placed by Sawai Jai Singh II in the 1730s. The astronomical instruments are still in good condition, and it’s possible to take a look at them. Head up to the spacious terrace for fabulous views across the Ganges River.
- Location: D31/178, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Bhairavi Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Major Attractions Nearby: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
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6. Manikarnika Ghat
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The most confronting ghat, Manikarnika is the place where the majority of dead bodies are cremated in Varanasi. Hindus believe that cremation on the banks of the Ganga will liberate them from the cycle of death and rebirth. And indeed, you will openly come face to face with death at Manikarnika Ghat. If you wish to stay, there are several priests and guides who will take you to the upper floors of a nearby building. However, make sure to negotiate and not give in to demands of outrageously high sums of money.
- Location: Near Lalita Ghat, Ghats of Varanasi, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Major Attractions Nearby: Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir, Nepali Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Ashoka Pillar
7. Scindia Ghat
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Scindia Ghat is quite a picturesque and peaceful place, with none of the grimness of nearby Manikarnika Ghat (the burning ghat). Of particular interest is the partially submerged Shiva temple at the water’s edge. It sunk during the construction of the ghat in 1830. The narrow maze of alleyways above the ghat hides several of Varanasi’s important temples.
- Location: Dattatreya Math, Sindhia Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Major Attractions Nearby: Hanuman Temple, Atmeshwar Temple, Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Ramnagar Fort
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8. Bhonsale Ghat
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Built in 1780 by Maratha King Bhonsale of Nagpur, Bhonsale Ghat is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi. It’s a substantial stone building with small artistic windows at the top, and three heritage temples — Lakshminarayan, Yameshwar, and Yamaditya.
- Location: Near Ganga Mahal Gate, Ghats of Varanasi, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Major Attractions Nearby: Manikarnika Ghat, Yameshwara Temple, Yamaditya Temple
9. Panchganga Ghat
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As far as the northern end of the ghats goes, Panchganga Ghat is definitely one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi. Panchganga Ghat gets its name from the merging of five rivers, the holy Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, and Dhutpapa. Panchganga is a fairly serene ghat that requires some effort to reach but is worth it. The Samadhi temple commemorates the great Hindu yogi Trailinga Swami. If you visit the ghat during the holy Hindu month of Kartik, you’ll be able to see it beautifully illuminated by candle-filled baskets hanging from poles to honour ancestors.
- Location: 7/111, Sonarpura Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Major Attractions Nearby: Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple
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10. Ahilya Ghat
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Dedicated to Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, Ahilya Ghat is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi. It was earlier known as Kevalgiri Ghat and later had its name changed in honour and memory of Rani Ahilyabai. She was also the one who built the famous Vishwanath Temple in Banaras, which is considered to be one of the most significant temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in India.
- Location: 8246+C29, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Entry Fee: Free
- Major Attractions Nearby: Queen’s Fort, Rajarajeshwara Temple, Rajwada, Narmada Ghat, Pandrinath Temple
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Conclusion
The numerous ghats in Varanasi speak volumes about the city’s religious significance and exude a unique aura. These ghats are not just steps towards the holy Ganga but places of mass gatherings and spirituality where people can come together and experience unique tranquillity like no other. So what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Varanasi today and embark on your journey to one of India’s most significant religious places.
FAQs About Famous Ghats in Varanasi
Which is the most famous ghat in Varanasi?
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the heart of Varanasi and also its most famous ghat. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the oldest and holiest Varanasi ghat, and it's where the famous Ganga Aarti takes place every evening
How many ghats are there in Varanasi?
In total, Varanasi has around 88 ghats. These ghats are riverfront steps that lead to the Ganges River.
Which ghat to take a bath in Varanasi?
You can take a bath in several ghats in Varanasi, including Assi Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Panch-Ganga, Manikarnika Ghat, Kedar Ghat, and Lalita Ghat.
Which ghat is famous for Ganga Aarti?
The Dashaswamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat in Varanasi are both famous for their Ganga Aarti rituals. You can watch the Aarti either by sitting on the stairs of the Ghats or on the boats.
When to visit Manikarnika Ghat?
The best times to visit Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi are early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds.
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