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Take a boat ride on the Ganges to experience its spiritual significance, attend the evening Ganga Aarti, visit the ghats and temples along the river, and participate in the traditional rituals by the river. Visit Varanasi's old city to see the sacred rituals up close and explore local markets.
The Ganges River is located in northern India. It has a long history and rich folk customs and cultural colors. Even after thousands of years of civilization, people on both sides of the Ganges still maintain their ancient customs.
The Ganges River is revered by the Indian people as the "Holy River" and the "Mother of India". Legend has it that the water of the Ganges River can cleanse sins and ward off disasters, so bathing in the Ganges River is the most desired and enjoyable thing for Hindus.
The most spectacular event on weekdays is the morning bath in the Ganges in Varanasi. Most people who go here for pilgrimage and sightseeing come here for the purpose of bathing in the Ganges at least once in their lifetime so that the holy river can wash away all the sins of past lives.
Tropical monsoon climate, best travel period from January to September
1-3 hours
free
All day
The Ganges is considered the holiest river in Hinduism. It is worshipped as a goddess, Ganga, and is central to many spiritual practices, including ritual bathing, cremation ceremonies, and religious festivals. The river flows through several key cities, including Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world.
The Ganges River flows through northern India, passing through cities like Varanasi, Allahabad, and Kanpur. You can reach it via taxi, rickshaw, or by walking along the ghats in cities like Varanasi. There are no metro lines directly connected to the river, but major cities are well-connected by public transport.
The Ganges is open year-round and 24/7, with activities and rituals occurring at various times of the day. The best times to visit are early morning for a peaceful boat ride or early evening for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Ganges. However, there may be charges for boat rides or participation in rituals at specific ghats. Boat rides and tour guides can be booked locally.
Advance booking is not required for general visits. However, booking boat rides or a guided tour in advance is recommended during peak seasons to ensure availability, especially in Varanasi.
Visiting the Ganges and exploring the ghats, temples, and taking a boat ride will take around 2-3 hours. For a more immersive experience, including attending the Ganga Aarti, plan for about half a day.
Key highlights include the ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat (cremation ghat), the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the Ganga Aarti ceremony. Boat rides on the river offer a unique perspective of the ghats and temples.
Guided tours are available in English, Hindi, and other local languages. Audio guides can also be rented for a more detailed exploration of the ghats and temples along the river.
The best viewpoints are from a boat ride on the Ganges, especially at sunrise and sunset. The ghats themselves provide fantastic opportunities for cultural photography, especially during the Ganga Aarti when the river is illuminated with lamps and offerings.
Start with a boat ride along the river, explore the ghats, then visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and other nearby temples. Finish your visit by watching the Ganga Aarti in the evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Yes, night visits are popular due to the Ganga Aarti ceremony. There are no light shows, but the Aarti itself is a vibrant and spiritual event with flames and music. Special boat tours are available during the evening to experience the ceremony from the river.
The Ganges, especially in cities like Varanasi, is often crowded, particularly during festivals. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or during weekdays. The least crowded times are typically in the early mornings or on off-peak days.
Basic facilities like toilets, water stations, and food stalls are available at various ghats. Rest areas and shops can be found near the temples and in local markets around the ghats. However, the facilities may not always be very modern.
The Ganges ghats can be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to stairs leading to the river. However, children and families can enjoy the riverbank and boat rides. Accessible facilities may be available at certain temples and hotels nearby.
Cash is widely accepted, particularly for boat rides, offerings, and small purchases. Cards and mobile payments may be accepted in hotels, larger shops, or restaurants but are less common in smaller street vendors and local shops.
Nearby restaurants include "Aqua" at the Ramada, "Dolphin Restaurant," and "Varanasi Cafe" for a variety of Indian and international cuisine. There are also smaller street food stalls around the ghats.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan food options are widely available in the Varanasi area, as well as halal food in local eateries catering to Muslim visitors.
Accommodation options near the Ganges include "Hotel Alka," "Ramada Plaza Varanasi," and budget guesthouses like "Shiva Guest House" and "Baba Guest House." These are all within walking distance of the ghats.
Other nearby attractions include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, and the New Vishwanath Temple. The ancient city of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, is also a short drive away and can be combined with a visit to Varanasi.
Yes, souvenir shops around the ghats sell items like religious artifacts, brass idols, incense, hand-painted pictures, and spiritual books. Traditional clothing and jewelry are also popular items.
Taxis, rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are available for transport after visiting the Ganges. The Varanasi Railway Station and the nearby Varanasi Airport offer access for further travel.
