Varanasi Ghats

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The Mesmerising Ghats
The majestic Ghats of Varanasi have a unique appeal in them which not only attracts tourists, but also bounds them to come back again. The ghats on the banks on river Ganges, are not only a prime tourists attraction, but of equal holy status to the Hindus. Some of these ghats are very old, as old as pre-historic times, and some of them are very new ghats. The ghats are a way of living for the people residing near ghats. Specially for Hindus, all rituals of daily life are conducted on these ghats. From birth to death, all the necessary religious ceremonies are conducted on these ghats. The specialised 'Pandits' are always there to help in these rituals. One can walk on the ghats to see all of them.

Boat Cruise Along The Ghats
A morning ride on boat across river Ganga is something which no one would want to miss. Its really fascinating to see how life gets started at 3 a.m. in Varanasi and continues non stop till 8 in evening. Just after sunrise, on the banks of the river Ganges take a boat cruise, where one come across hundreds of Hindu devotees taking a holy bath in the river and offering water to God Surya (Sun). The entire environ is just full of devotion and sanctity. The boat ride starts from Dasashwamedh Ghat and ends at Manikarnika Ghat along the sacred Ganges. A boat cruise takes 1 hour for a complete trip. Another, most mesmerising scene on the ghats is the evening 'Puja' on the Dashaswamedh Ghat.

The Surroundings
The Ghats are a way of life for the people around the ghats. These ghats are involved with the life of people in many ways, like daily routine, religious activities, daily wage earning and tourism. One can come accross small children playing on ghats, Chillum smoking Sadhus, busy boaters, herds of cows, painters, musicians, students and many others on the ghats. To have a close look at the ghats and its lifestyle, one should take a walk from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat. There are some very good Hotels, restaurants, cafes, book shops, music shops on these ghats. Luxury and budget accommodations are also available on the ghats. Small stalls, selling religiously important things, like chains, stones, idols and religious books, are in plenty. Old houses and buildings on the ghats makes the ghats more beautiful. The ghats looks very busy and bustled with crowd, but the life is very slow and very calm on the ghats.

Major Ghats
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The most visited ghat of Varanasi by religious pilgrims, Dashashwamedh ghat is the most beautiful ghat in city. The ghat is close to the famous 'Vishwanath Temple' and is therefore of high religious importance. The most enticing part is the evening 'Puja' performed by the group of priests. Also called as 'Fire Puja', the ceremony is a dedication to River Ganges, Sun, Lord Shiva, Fire and the whole universe. The Ghats finds mention in the old religious texts, as it is said that lord Brahma created the ghats to welcome lord Shiva.

Assi Ghat
The most favored ghat of tourists, Assi ghat is the end of the continous line of ghats. The beautiful ghat is a regular for the local festivals, games and other activities. The ghat is very charming. Someone who has ever visited Assi ghat will long to go there again and again. The place is favorite haunt of the Foreign tourists. There are some very good restaraunts and cafes on the Assi ghat. Its best to hire a boat from Assi Ghat and visit Dashaswamedh Ghat and walk back. Assi ghat is also a favorite site for the blooming painters and photographers. Evenings are very special, as there are musical parties and gatherings on the steps of the ghat.

Manikarnika Ghat
A pre historic ghat, Manikarnika ghat is the place where dead bodies of Hindus are burnt. It is said that if a person dies in Varanasi, he/she will be free from the cycle of re-birth. Manikarnika ghat is said to be existing from the times of 'Ramayana'. As per folks, King Harishchandra worked here as a pyre-man. It is also believed that fire on the ghat has not stopped for thousands of years.

Lalita Ghat
Situated next to the Manikarnika ghat, Lalita ghat is known for Ganga Keshava Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the famous Nepalese temple, built in wood, in the typical Nepalese style, dedicated to Pashupateshwar or Lord Shiva. The image of the deity is said to be the manifestation of that in the famous pilgrimage place of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu valley.

Harishchandra Ghat
The Harishchandra ghat is the said to be the same ghat where the owner of Manikarnika bought King Harishchandra as a slave and made him work on the Manikarnika. The ghat is a funeral place for Hindus, though majority of dead bodies are taken to the Manikarnika Ghat.

Tulsi Ghat is another famous ghat, where the famous epic 'Ramacharitmanas' was written by Tulsi das. Other important ghats are Kedar Ghat, Pande Ghat, Shivala Ghat and Chausathi Ghat.

Reaching Varanasi Ghats
Varanasi Ghats can be viewed by taking a walk along the Ganges, on the ghats. The Dashashwamedh ghat is located in old Varanasi, which can be reached by means of navigating the mean streets of Varanasi. Most tourist prefer walking from Assi ghat to Manikarnika ghat, or vice versa.

Accommodations
Varanasi is a prime destination of India. Five star, four star and luxury hotels are available accross the city. Most the luxury hotel chain have there branch in Varanasi. Budget accommodation is also no problem in the city. Restaraunts, specializing is all kinds of cuisine are also an easy find on the streets of the city.