Varanasi Ghats-Varanasi:

The holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh consists of nearly 100 Ghats in total, with rectangular steps leading down to the river. These Ghats are situated on the western banks of sacred River Ganga. The ghats and temples across the city make it an important religious centre for Hindus, who comes here in thousands to pay homage to the Almighty.

Numerous foreign tourists come here in search of spirituality and calm. The Ghats are very famous among the devotees of all religions. It is believed that the Ghats came into existence during the rule of Marathas in the area. There are lots of legends and mythological stories associated with the Ghats. Most of the Ghats are used for bathing while others are used as cremation sites. Huge number of Hindus visits these Ghats in order to perform last rites of their family members.

According to legend, a dip in the holy Ganga River could guarantee cleansing of all the sins and ensures freedom from the endless rebirth cycles. Beside this holy importance of these Ghats, people can also enjoy a boat ride on Ganga. A ride across the banks of the river offers a feeling of calm and tranquility to the riders. Many religious tourists can be seen taking a boat ride early in the morning on the banks of the Ganga River in search of enlightenment and spiritual gains. A boat ride is in fact considered to be the best way of exploring the Ghats, all at once.

In addition, these Ghats also offer a mesmerizing view of sadhus (ascetics) smoking chillum and pilgrims chanting aartis (Hindu prayer) amidst the charm of the Holy Ganges. Some of the famous Ghats are Ahilya Ghat, Assi Ghat, Mata Anandmai Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and Bajirao Ghat.