Ghats of Varanasi

Attractions

Ghats of Varanasi

The spectacular long swep of Ghats on the holy Ganga is unique and creates a fascinating sight, best viewed at dawn. Life, in almost panoramic detail, unfolds here from dawn to dusk as a steady stream of devotes, swelling to thousands on auspicious days, perform rituals. Varanasi's principal attraction is the long string of bathing Ghats which line the west bank of ganges. There are over 100 Ghats in all, of which Dasaswamedh Ghat is the most striking, near by are the Manikarnika and the Harishchandra Ghats where cremations take place. The Assi Ghat is further upstream, Panchganga, Tulsi Ghat, Dandi and Kali Ghats, Kedar Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Mir Ghat and Gai Ghats are other important ghats. The best way to enjoy Varanasi is by boat, which are available on hire at most of the Ghats

Lanes

Varanasi is the city of temples, Ghats and Galis (narrow lanes). The serpentine narrow lanes of this city mirror the typical life style of the inhabitants. Some of the famous Galis are Vishwanath Gali, Kachauri Gali, Thatheri Bazar, Khoa Gali, SAtti Bazaar, Phool Bazaar etc.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

This temple of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city, is also known as Golden Temple. Varanasi is said to be the place where the first Jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Lord Shiva manifested his supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth's crust. More than the Ghats and even the river Ganga, it is the Shivalinga installed in the temple that remains the devotional focus of Varanasi. Open only to Hindus. The 'Arti' is performed here at different times and by different names in a grand manner and is worth seeing. The Mangala Arti at 3.30 a.m., Bhog Arti at 12 noon, Saptarishi Arti at 7.30 p.m., Shringar Arti at 11.00 p.m., and the Shayan Arti at 11.00 p.m.

The Temple Trail

Varanasi has some 2000 temples. You cannot se all but make an effort not to miss the important ones- Annapurna temple (near Kashi Vishwanath temple), Durga temple (Near Durga Kund), Tulsi Manas Temple, Bharat Mata temple, New Vishwanath temple (in BHU campus), Sankat Mochan temple.

Waterfalls

Tanda fall, Wyndham fall, upper and lower khajuri reservoirs(all 14 kms. from Mirzapur), Sirsi fall (46 km from Mirzapur), Jargo reservoir (15 km from Chunar), Siddhanath Ki Dari (18 km from Chunar) and Mukkha fall (40 km from Robertsganj), are some of the water falls that are a favoured picnic spot by nature-lovers.