/ / /

Varanasi Ghats (Banaras Ghats) Tours and Tickets

🎧 Available audio guides (5)

Local Insights (EN)

🔗 Open in new tab

Practical Information (EN)

🔗 Open in new tab

Emotional Experience Guide (EN)

🔗 Open in new tab

Hidden Gems (EN)

🔗 Open in new tab

Photo Opportunity (EN)

🔗 Open in new tab

0 Reviews

1. Varanasi Ghats, also known as Banaras Ghats, are a series of steps leading down to the banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi, India. There are over 80 ghats in Varanasi, each with its own unique history, significance, and purpose. Some of the most famous ghats include Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Assi Ghat.

One interesting fact about Varanasi Ghats is that they are not just used for religious rituals and ceremonies, but also for various cultural, social, and economic activities. People come to the ghats to take a holy dip in the Ganges, perform cremation rites, attend evening aarti ceremonies, and even participate in yoga and meditation sessions.

2. The Varanasi Ghats are open to the public 24 hours a day, though the best time to visit is early morning or in the evening to witness the aarti ceremony. There is no entry fee to visit the ghats.

Phone: There is no specific phone number for the Varanasi Ghats as they are a collection of different ghats along the river.

3. Transportation to Varanasi Ghats is easily accessible as Varanasi is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, located about 26 kilometers away from the city. Varanasi Junction is the main railway station in the city, with frequent trains connecting it to major cities in India. Once in Varanasi, you can easily hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle rickshaw to get to the Ghats.

Ghasi Tola

As you stand on the ancient city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras, the gentle sound of the flowing Ganges river greets you, filling your senses with a sense of calm and serenity. The Varanasi Ghats, with their stone steps leading down to the holy river, are a sight to behold, each one telling its own unique story of devotion and spirituality.

As you make your way down to the ghats, the warmth of the sun caresses your skin, while the scent of incense and flowers fills the air, creating a sensory symphony that surrounds you. The buzz of activity is palpable, with vendors selling colorful flowers for offerings, and priests chanting mantras as they perform sacred rituals.

You can feel the smooth stones beneath your feet, worn down by centuries of pilgrims and devotees seeking salvation in the sacred waters of the Ganges. As you walk along the ghats, you can hear the soft lapping of the river against the steps, a soothing sound that seems to echo the eternal cycle of life and death.

Each ghat has its own unique atmosphere, from the bustling Dashashwamedh Ghat, where elaborate evening aarti ceremonies take place, to the serene Manikarnika Ghat, where funeral pyres burn day and night, sending prayers and hopes up to the heavens.

As you sit on the steps of the ghats, watching the colors of the sunset reflect on the shimmering waters of the Ganges, you can’t help but feel a sense of peace wash over you. The blend of sounds, scents, and sights creates a tapestry of emotions - awe, reverence, and a deep connection to something greater than yourself.

And as you finally tear yourself away from the beauty of the Varanasi Ghats, you carry with you a sense of the profoundness of this place, where life and death meet in a timeless dance, and where the sacred and the mundane coexist in perfect harmony. The Varanasi Ghats are not just a place, but an experience, a journey of the soul that leaves an indelible mark on all who visit.

Accessibility details for Varanasi Ghats in Varanasi:

1. Audio Descriptive Guides: The availability of audio descriptive guides may vary. It is recommended to contact the local tourism office or tour operators in Varanasi to inquire about the availability of audio descriptive guides for a visit to the Varanasi Ghats.

2. Sensory-Friendly Hours: There is no specific information available regarding designated sensory-friendly hours at Varanasi Ghats. Visitors with sensory sensitivities may want to plan their visit during quieter times of the day to avoid crowds and noise.

It is advisable to check with local tourism authorities or organizations in Varanasi for any specific accessibility services or accommodations at the Varanasi Ghats.

The Varanasi Ghats, also known as the Banaras Ghats, hold a special place in the hearts of locals. These ancient steps leading down to the Ganges River are not just a physical structure but a reflection of the spiritual and cultural essence of the city.

Local writer, Ravi, who has spent his entire life in Varanasi, describes the Ghats as the soul of the city. According to him, each Ghat has its own unique vibe and purpose, catering to different rituals and activities. He believes that the Ghats are not just a place for religious practices but also serve as a social hub where people come to connect with each other and with the river that sustains life in the city.

Artist, Ananya, finds inspiration in the vibrant energy of the Ghats. She describes the colors, sounds, and movements of daily life that she observes while sitting by the river and sketching the scenes around her. For her, the Ghats are a source of endless creativity and a reminder of the continuous cycle of life and death that is so intrinsic to the city.

For many locals, the Ghats are not just a tourist attraction but a way of life. They take pride in the rich history and traditions that have been preserved for generations along the banks of the Ganges. Whether it’s taking a dip in the holy waters, performing rituals for their ancestors, or simply watching the sunrise over the river, the Ghats hold a special place in the daily routines of the people of Varanasi.

Overall, the Varanasi Ghats are not just physical structures but an embodiment of the city’s culture, spirituality, and heritage. They are a living testament to the resilience and devotion of the people who call Varanasi their home.

### Varanasi Ghats (Banaras Ghats), Varanasi: Directions and Transportation

#### Directions:

- Address: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

- GPS Coordinates: 25.3100° N, 83.0100° E

#### Transportation Options:

1. By Air: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi, approximately 26 km away from the ghats. You can take a taxi or a rickshaw from the airport to reach the ghats.

2. By Train: Varanasi Junction is the main railway station in Varanasi, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to get to the ghats.

3. By Road: Varanasi is well-connected by road, and you can reach the ghats by hiring a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or using a bus from within the city.

### Varanasi Ghats (Banaras Ghats), Varanasi: Ticket Booking and Discounts

- Tickets: Entry to the ghats is free for visitors. However, if you plan to take a boat ride on the Ganges to see the ghats from the water, you can book tickets from authorized boat operators at the ghats.

- Discounts: There might be special discounts or packages available for group bookings or during specific festivals or events. It’s advisable to check with the local tourism office for any ongoing offers.

### Varanasi Ghats (Banaras Ghats), Varanasi: Local Amenities

- Parking: There are parking spaces available near the ghats for cars and two-wheelers. It’s recommended to park at designated parking areas and follow parking regulations to avoid unnecessary fines.

- Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at various locations near the ghats for visitors to use. Additionally, some restaurants and hotels may allow non-customers to use their restroom facilities for a small fee.

- Dining Options: You will find a variety of dining options near the ghats, including local eateries serving traditional Indian cuisine, as well as restaurants offering international dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and Jain food options are also available to cater to different dietary needs. Be sure to try some local street food while exploring the area.

Overview

More Info

More Adventures for You

For Individuals with Hearing Loss

Access for Seniors

Accessibility for wheels

Access for Visually Impaired