Which are the most important ghats in Varanasi?
Dashashwamedh (for the evening Ganga Aarti), Manikarnika (the principal cremation ghat), Assi (the southern end, with a dawn programme), Kedar (Kedareshwar temple), Panchganga (the meeting of five sacred rivers in tradition), Scindia (with its half-submerged temple) and Bhonsale. About 84 ghats line the riverfront in all, though counts vary.
On this page
What is a ghat?
A ghat is a flight of stone steps leading down to the river. Varanasi's ghats — commonly counted as about 84 — line the west bank of the Ganga for roughly 6–7 km. Most were built or rebuilt from the 18th century onwards by rulers and patrons from across India, which is why many bear the names of Maratha, Rajput and other princely families.
Ghats are used for bathing, worship, cremation, washing, yoga, music, festivals and simply sitting by the river.
Key ghats from south to north
| Ghat | Known for | Approx. distance from Kashi Vishwanath |
|---|---|---|
| Assi | Southern end; dawn programme; cafés | 4 km |
| Kedar | Kedareshwar temple; South Indian pilgrims | 2.5 km |
| Dashashwamedh | Evening Ganga Aarti | 1 km |
| Lalita | Nepali Temple; river end of the Dham | Under 1 km |
| Manikarnika | Principal cremation ghat | 1 km |
| Scindia | Half-submerged Shiva temple | 1.2 km |
| Bhonsale | Fortress-like Maratha building | 1.5 km |
| Panchganga | Meeting of five rivers in tradition | 2 km |
Seeing the ghats
- By boat at sunrise — the classic view. See the Ganga.
- On foot — walk from Assi to Dashashwamedh (about 3 km), or north towards Panchganga. Steps are uneven; the route can be interrupted in the monsoon.
- At dusk — end at the Ganga Aarti.
In the monsoon
From about July to September the river rises and many ghats go under water. Walking routes along the river are cut off and boats may stop for safety.
Etiquette on the ghats
- Dress modestly and remove shoes where others do, near shrines and bathing areas.
- Ask before photographing people, especially those bathing or performing rites.
- Don't photograph cremations.
- Decline persistent offers politely; agree boat fares before boarding.
- Keep the river clean — no plastic or litter.
Guides to individual ghats
- Dashashwamedh GhatDashashwamedh Ghat guide: the tradition behind its name, its history, the evening Ganga Aarti, the best time to visit, boat rides, photography and how to reach it.
- Manikarnika GhatManikarnika Ghat, Varanasi's principal cremation ghat: its traditions of liberation, Manikarnika Kund, what visitors should know and strict photography etiquette.
- Assi GhatAssi Ghat guide: the southern end of Varanasi's riverfront, its tradition, the dawn programme and evening aarti, boat rides, cafés and nearby temples.
- Kedar GhatKedar Ghat guide: the Kedareshwar Shiva temple, the tradition linking it with Kedarnath, its South Indian pilgrim community, colourful steps and how to visit.
- Panchganga GhatPanchganga Ghat guide: the tradition of five rivers meeting, the Kartik month of hanging lamps, its historical landmarks and the story of Kabir and Ramananda.
- Scindia GhatScindia Ghat guide: the Shiva temple that sank into the river during construction, the ghat's history, its quiet atmosphere and its place on a northern ghat walk.
- Bhonsale GhatBhonsale Ghat guide: the fortress-like stone building raised by the Bhonsle rulers of Nagpur, its temples, its place among the northern ghats and tips for visiting.
Frequently asked questions
How many ghats are in Varanasi?
About 84 is the figure usually given, though counts vary depending on how adjoining ghats are grouped.
Which ghat is closest to Kashi Vishwanath?
Lalita Ghat, at the river end of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, is closest. Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika are about 1 km away.
Can I walk along all the ghats?
In the dry season you can walk most of the riverfront. In the monsoon many ghats flood and the path is cut.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Ghats in Varanasi (encyclopaedia entry with cited references) (opens in a new tab)
Wikipedia — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh — Government source, checked September 2026
- Banaras: City of Light — Diana L. Eck (Knopf, 1982; Columbia University Press reprint) (opens in a new tab)
Columbia University Press — Scholarly source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
Related guides
- The GangaThe Ganga's place in Kashi: why it is sacred, the north-flowing crescent, ritual bathing, boat rides, seasonal floods and respectful practice on the river.
- Ganga AartiGanga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: when it starts, how long it lasts, where to watch from (steps or boat), the morning aarti at Assi, monsoon changes and tips.
- Best GhatsThe best ghats to visit in Varanasi and what makes each special — from Dashashwamedh and Assi to Manikarnika, Kedar, Man Mandir, Chet Singh and Panchganga.
- Nearby TemplesThe temples to visit with Kashi Vishwanath: Annapurna Devi, Kal Bhairav, Sankat Mochan, Durga Temple, Kashi Karvat, Tilbhandeshwar, the Nepali Temple and more.
- KashiKashi, Varanasi, Banaras: the sacred city around Kashi Vishwanath. Its meaning in Hindu tradition, the Ganga and its aarti, pilgrimage circuits, ghats and temples.
- Assi GhatAssi Ghat guide: the southern end of Varanasi's riverfront, its tradition, the dawn programme and evening aarti, boat rides, cafés and nearby temples.