Banaras Ghats
Banaras Ghats
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
One of the oldest cities of India, Banaras acts as an important religious center. The numerous bathing ghats (steps) along the bank of the Ganges attract huge crowds of pilgrims.
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- LolaGo1Washington DC, District of Columbia6,632 contributionsOne of my favorite ghatsI enjoyed watching the different architecture styles of the various ghats as our boat passed by them. I like the temple-like buildingsof this ghat. It seemed that there were people visiting it per my observation from the boat. I think boating is the best way to visit the 84 ghats located along the Ganges River. One can tell the boatman to park near the desired ghat and visit it. Walking up and down the many steps is avoided.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 19 March 2024
- Wander19777324188Itarsi, India11 contributionsNamed after the old city Banaras GhatOne of the most famous Ghats, named after old name of the city Banaras. It is an incredible experience to visit the ghat. Having a boating experience here is incredible. Each ghat has its own characteristic building built by the various kings of the time.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 June 2024
- chhavi j34 contributionsPeaceful visit.Visiting the Banaras Ghats in Varanasi was an unforgettable experience. The ghats are the lifeblood of the city, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into India’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions. Watching the evening Aarti ceremony was particularly moving, with the vibrant rituals and chants. It’s a must visit if you are in Banaras. But just be cautious while negotiating with the boat drivers, for a personal boat they will charge you a lot.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 August 2024
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4.5
1,857 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
497
Average
109
Poor
28
Terrible
19
pratimagoel
New Delhi, India187 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The much talked of ghats were indeed a sight to visit and the Ganga aarti has to be witnessed to know the aura. We took a boat ride on the evening and saw the aarti from the boat. Enough to say that you have got to be there once
The next morning we walked along the ghats. Now that was a mixed experience as it was crowded and though the authorities have tried very hard to make the area clean but people need to be more supportive and obey rules. One has to guard against the beggars and shopkeepers who try to call you and persuade you to buy ‘original’ rudraksh etc ! Definitely works better with a guide to take you through and explain significance of each ghar
The next morning we walked along the ghats. Now that was a mixed experience as it was crowded and though the authorities have tried very hard to make the area clean but people need to be more supportive and obey rules. One has to guard against the beggars and shopkeepers who try to call you and persuade you to buy ‘original’ rudraksh etc ! Definitely works better with a guide to take you through and explain significance of each ghar
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Poornima Shenoy
Patna, India49 contributions
Nov 2020
Its impossible to think of varanasi as just another pilgrimage place . It is lined with ghats - the best way to appreciate the ghats is to take a boatride either early morning or in the evening during sunset and arti time when it is beutifully lit . Each ghat is unique in its buidings , history and character
Written 10 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karansingh
Mumbai, India91 contributions
Dec 2022
Varanasi is known for it's ghats.. Built by different kings at different times, these ghats are clear art work of our culture, architecture and spiritual belief. Though many of these building have been modified into hotels, the charm still lies... one must visit the ghats early morning during sunrise..
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhavi j
34 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Visiting the Banaras Ghats in Varanasi was an unforgettable experience. The ghats are the lifeblood of the city, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into India’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions. Watching the evening Aarti ceremony was particularly moving, with the vibrant rituals and chants.
It’s a must visit if you are in Banaras.
But just be cautious while negotiating with the boat drivers, for a personal boat they will charge you a lot.
It’s a must visit if you are in Banaras.
But just be cautious while negotiating with the boat drivers, for a personal boat they will charge you a lot.
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandeep
6 contributions
Dec 2022
The Ghats present the best Varanasi can offer - architecture, beautiful sunrise, calm waters of the Ganga, temples, history and more. The best way to explore the ghats is to walk accross from the fist to the last ghat. While the distance may seem daunting, the trick is to do it in two installments - From Assi to Dashashwamedh and then from Dashashwamedh to Brahma Ghats or beyond till Raj Ghat. The best experience one can experience is the walk along the ghats of Banaras at sunsrise. As the sun rises the golden hues colour the Ganga waters. It is also the time when ghats seem less crowded and offer a calming and satisfying experience.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yogeshbhai
Leicester, UK1,258 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
We visited Banaras that and attend
The evening AARTI & POOJA. More than 100000 crowded. Evening is very colour, vibrant. If you can afford the Boat (Naav) hire it and after evening pooja Aarti,Boat will take you important ghat Darshan.
You will really enjoyed .
The evening AARTI & POOJA. More than 100000 crowded. Evening is very colour, vibrant. If you can afford the Boat (Naav) hire it and after evening pooja Aarti,Boat will take you important ghat Darshan.
You will really enjoyed .
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seema60
Toronto, Canada970 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
It is an incredible experience to visit the ghats on foot or by boat. Each ghat has its own characteristic building built by the various kings of the time. Some amazing architecture and beautiful buildings can be seen. The new NAMO ghat and the corridor has also improved the look.
Written 24 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Windserve
Mumbai, India53 contributions
Dec 2019
Must see are the Dasashvamedh, and Assi ghats for their cultural functions (Ganga Arati etc). The Harishchandra and Manikarnika Ghats can be seen from boats or visited, they are for cremations. We saw 6 pyres burning at the same time.
It seems that the rich and famous of the Indian subcontinent would have liked to have their own beach house and stepped quay in ancient times. This manifestation are the ghats of Banaras.One view is seen by crossing over to the other bank of Ganga and viewing from afar. Another by sailing along and seeing all the 84 or 88 ghats by rowboat. or diesel boat, or Nordic cruise boat (enclosed with windows). But in the open boats you can dip your hand into the sacred Ganga and hear the rushing waters gushing over your hand. Or you could walk along from ghat to ghat as we did from Kedar Ghat to Dasaswamedh or even further back to further up.However we did see a break, meaning you would have to climb back up to street level and then down again between Assi ghat and Kedar Ghat. Along the Ghats are the remnants of mansions, palaces of the rich and temples and monasteries. Some decrepit, some converted to modern hotels. Possibly Vindhyan sandstone quarried from Chunar was used in the construction of miles and miles of these stepped quays. They also serve a most important function of allowing people to come down to the water level and take a bath or dip. Behind the ghats are the maze of streets of old Banaras , a zone of mystery, prayer and ancient shops.
It seems that the rich and famous of the Indian subcontinent would have liked to have their own beach house and stepped quay in ancient times. This manifestation are the ghats of Banaras.One view is seen by crossing over to the other bank of Ganga and viewing from afar. Another by sailing along and seeing all the 84 or 88 ghats by rowboat. or diesel boat, or Nordic cruise boat (enclosed with windows). But in the open boats you can dip your hand into the sacred Ganga and hear the rushing waters gushing over your hand. Or you could walk along from ghat to ghat as we did from Kedar Ghat to Dasaswamedh or even further back to further up.However we did see a break, meaning you would have to climb back up to street level and then down again between Assi ghat and Kedar Ghat. Along the Ghats are the remnants of mansions, palaces of the rich and temples and monasteries. Some decrepit, some converted to modern hotels. Possibly Vindhyan sandstone quarried from Chunar was used in the construction of miles and miles of these stepped quays. They also serve a most important function of allowing people to come down to the water level and take a bath or dip. Behind the ghats are the maze of streets of old Banaras , a zone of mystery, prayer and ancient shops.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niharika
3 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
My thoughts on Banaras
There's something about expectation, it always disappoints. Don't go to Banaras with any preconceived notions. Surrender. Don't make a must see, must do or must eat list. This place is not for that. Take your time, don't rush. This city couldn't care less about people in a rush. Just like it doesn't care about the incessant honkers on the roads.
'Banaras' is in the enthusiasm of the people who know something about life and can't wait to show you... It's the cool confidence of the babas out to con the next hapless tourist because what is life if not a game, it's the patience of the artist who has spent his whole life painting one ghat of Banaras in all its changing colors and festivals, it's the delightful conversion between the owner of a treasure trove of books on the ghats and his art curator client comparing notes on other friends and their works, it's in the familiar chatter of the household maid as she goes about displacing dust and gossip about the last guests, and the quietness of the younger more affluent looking maid but one who is not allowed to enter the rooms or kitchen, it's in the obligatory altercation between two motorists on the streets ending after just a few rough words, each on his way quickly, no gaalis in sight...
There must be something about being so close to life and death that puts everything in between into perspective. Why waste time on unpleasantness. Why carry the weight of the unsaid. Life ebbs and flows here. No problem of man or god is too big for The river.
And all roads lead to the ghats "kyunki aakhir aana toh wapas issi ghat pe hai"
There's something about expectation, it always disappoints. Don't go to Banaras with any preconceived notions. Surrender. Don't make a must see, must do or must eat list. This place is not for that. Take your time, don't rush. This city couldn't care less about people in a rush. Just like it doesn't care about the incessant honkers on the roads.
'Banaras' is in the enthusiasm of the people who know something about life and can't wait to show you... It's the cool confidence of the babas out to con the next hapless tourist because what is life if not a game, it's the patience of the artist who has spent his whole life painting one ghat of Banaras in all its changing colors and festivals, it's the delightful conversion between the owner of a treasure trove of books on the ghats and his art curator client comparing notes on other friends and their works, it's in the familiar chatter of the household maid as she goes about displacing dust and gossip about the last guests, and the quietness of the younger more affluent looking maid but one who is not allowed to enter the rooms or kitchen, it's in the obligatory altercation between two motorists on the streets ending after just a few rough words, each on his way quickly, no gaalis in sight...
There must be something about being so close to life and death that puts everything in between into perspective. Why waste time on unpleasantness. Why carry the weight of the unsaid. Life ebbs and flows here. No problem of man or god is too big for The river.
And all roads lead to the ghats "kyunki aakhir aana toh wapas issi ghat pe hai"
Written 21 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drsumitsinha
Indore, India17 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
City is situated in banks of river Ganges, having across 80 Ghats.
These Ghats hav many stories hidden in it,so difficult to narrate than feelings it on Ghats.Once you are there you are soaked in the divinity nd a trance world like state.Enjoy ur stay at varanasi by spending Max time here on Ghats.
Recently they got better cleanliness,lightings nd amenities,but still lot to be done thr.
These Ghats hav many stories hidden in it,so difficult to narrate than feelings it on Ghats.Once you are there you are soaked in the divinity nd a trance world like state.Enjoy ur stay at varanasi by spending Max time here on Ghats.
Recently they got better cleanliness,lightings nd amenities,but still lot to be done thr.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
According to news reports There is a cruise liner Alaknanda that has recently started which takes you for 2 hrs seeing the ghats and costs RS 750. How can one book tix. Can't see it on website.
Written 5 September 2019
Contact:-
Mr. Rajat :- +91-6392028999
Mr. Varun :- +91-8887532334
But, honestly I prefer the open hand rowed boats it's like time travel.
Written 6 September 2019
Hi , i am travelling to Varanasi next week for 2 days, please guide me how I can get best utilisation for visit to important places there and list some of them. should we book a guided tour or do it on my own ?
Written 17 May 2019
Since you are from India, you can do it on your own. Use a guide in Sarnath and Ramnagar. For seeing ghats take a boat and the boatman can be your best guide. Temples you should visit as per your priority on your own. Ghats are best in the evening and during sunrise.
Written 20 May 2019
What are the most visually stunning places in Varanasi for photography? I will be there only for a full day. Thanks.
Written 29 September 2018
Sarnath, Dasasumedh Ghat near the bank of River Ganga, Kashi, River Ganga View, RajGhat, BHU and mostly its a city of Temples
Written 27 December 2018
The boat ride price depends on whether you take a hand driven boat or a motor boat. Also on the size, season and time of the day.
A manual boat can cost approximately Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 for the whole boat. You have to bargain.
Written 19 June 2018
hi sorry for late, you can easily find local rickshaw.
Written 20 September 2018
from which ghat can we take a boat ride ?? how much do the charge for a single boat? i just me and my parents on the boat ? can we take a personal boat? how much do they charge? and do they gv a ride across all the ghats?? which which areas do they cover during the boat ride ???
Written 17 November 2016
Start from Dasaswamedh Ghat. Ask the boat to take you to a bit further than Manikarnika Ghat. Then turn around and head to Assi ghat. Take a "private boat", i.e., just for you and family for a more intimate experience. Hire a regular manual rowing boat and not the motorboat. Motorboat goes too fast and it is not fun. Start early morning, just before sunrise. Prince will depend on negotiation and will range from INR 500 to above. I paid the guy INR1,000 and it just me on the boat - I always think in US$ and the extra INR500 made the goy very happy and he took me on a nice and long ride with plenty of photo stops.
Written 20 November 2016
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