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Banaras Ghats, Varanasi

4.5
#2 of 55 in Historic Sites in Varanasi
Religious Site · Landmark
At Banaras Ghats, see nearly 100 riverfront steps which Hindu devotees use to access their sacred river to perform religious rituals. Observe the native people as they cleanse their spirits in the holy waters, honor their deities, and sometimes even cremate the dead. Take a boat ride on the river to witness the ceremonies from a different perspective. Some of the ghats remain private and closed for visitors, but others welcome both newcomers and regulars. Avoid bathing in the river, however, since it has became alarmingly contaminated in recent decades. Put Banaras Ghats on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Varanasi trip builder website.
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Tours to Banaras Ghats

FROM $32 BOOK WITH VIATOR Varanasi Morning Boat Tour [RowBoat]
4.7
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $32 »
FROM $13 BOOK WITH VIATOR Alaknanda - A Divine Voyage (Evening Cruise Tour - 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM)
5.0
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tours from $13 »
FROM $113 BOOK WITH VIATOR Insight Varanasi Day Tour
4.8
Duration: 14 hours
Tours from $113 »

Banaras Ghats reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,834 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By cp_0010
    Varanasi is believed by Hindus as the oldest place on earth. A view of Benaras ghats on a boat ride on Ganga river is a lifetime experience in the city of Baba Vishwanath. It is just an ammmmmmazing.....  more »
  • By ajaykB8302EY
    Great views, great experience, sadhus, arti ceremony, hawkers, temples, cremation at Manikarnika ghat, palaces, havelis etc all were mind boggling. Everything was much more nice than we had expected.....  more »
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