Varanasi : Cruising The Ghats
The most important facet of Varanasi is the Ganges and the ghats lining its western bank in the city. Virtually the raison deter, from dawn to dusk the ghats are thronged by thousands of devotees, who perform their holy rituals in the hope of attaining eternal salvation, or ‘Nirvana’.
One of the ways to assimilate this life on the ghats is to mingle with the crowds and let all of one’s senses experience. But this mode has limitations, too. Especially, if one has limited time or if one desires a panoramic view of the activity.
Alternative? Just cruise along the ghats on a country boat. Hire one from those moored along the ghats. Charges are fixed by the district administration:
Boating is not allowed on the river after sunset.
Note: Photography is prohibited at the crematorium Manikarmika and Harish-chandra ghats.
Ganga Arti is performed at Dashashwamedh Ghat at sunset every evening. The 45 min. programme is organised by local Ngos.
Related Travel Information
Varanasi : Living On The Ghats
The River Ganges and the ghats lining its western shore are the most important feature otVaranasi. Life on the ghats is bound in an endless string of rituals, ever-changing aspects of the river and a wide landscape across which has fascinated visitors from all over the world. From the earliest times the river was lined by important temples and mansions. With changing patterns of society and standards of living, many of these residences were abandoned. However, with renewed interest in the life of the ghats, some of these have ken repaired and adapted for tourist
Varanasi : Hotel Clarks Varanasi, The Mall
Hotel Taj Ganges also arranges Magic of the Ghats, a cultural and theme party reliving the traditional royal entertainment and devotion enjoyed and performed by the maharajas. The evening entertainments of classical arts and cuisine are held at Chet Singh Ghat.
Varanasi : Deluxe Hotels
Varanasi Ashok The Mall, Cantt
22 km from airport, 2 km from railway station, 5 km from the ghats.
Restaurant, Bar, Conference Halls, Secretarial Services, Net browsing and E-mail facility Swimming Pool, Travel Agency, Bank, Shopping Arcade, Credit Cards, Foreign Exchange.
Hindustan International C-21/3, Maldahiya
20 km from airport, one km from railway station, 2 km from the ghats.
Restaurant, Bar, Conference/Banquet Halls, Business Centre with Internet and E-mail fadlitv Health Club, Swimming Pool, Travel Agency, Shopping Arcade, Credit Cards, Foreign Exdiangc,
Clarks Tower The Mall, Cantt.
21 km from airport, 3 km from railway station, 7 km from the
Varansi : Culture on the Ghats
It is the Ganga that makes Varanasi so holy, so compulsive for ascetics and artists, for the lowest and highest of the land, and every faithful Hindu.
Hotel Clarks Varanasi presents a glimpse of the magic of Varanasi to visitors through a cultural entertainment on the river bank. The entertainment is organised by Clarks Cultural Centre at and around a 1807 AD vintage palace, Amrit Rao Peshwa Palace, set along the Raja Ghat on the river.
The programme begins with the Ganga Aarti (prayers to Mother Ganges) in which visitors can also participate by floating lighted earthenware
Varanasi : Standard Hotels
Pallavi International Hathwa Place, Chetganj
22 km from airport, 1.5 km from railway station, 2 km from the ghats.
Restaurants, Conference/Banquet Halls, Swimming Pool, Travel Agency, Shopping Arcade, Credit Cards, Foreign Exchange.
Best Western Kashika The Mall, Cantt.
21 km from airport, 3 km from railway station, 7 km from the ghats.
Centrally Airconditioned, Restaurant, Garden Barbecue, Conference /Banquet Facilities, Credit Cards, Foreign Exchange.
Vaibhav 56, Patel Nagar, Cantt.
18 km from airport, one km from railway station, 4 km from the ghats.
Restaurant, Bar, Conference/Banquet Hall, Secretarial Services, Travel Counter, Shopping, Credit Cards, Foreign Exchange.
India 59, Patel Nagar, Cantt.
18 km
