The boat ride
At sunrise.
Philip Nalangan — CC BY 4.0 · Philip Nalangan — CC BY 4.0 · Ravi Raj Gupta — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Buiobuione — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photoglob Co., publisher — Public domain
The ghats of Varanasi are stone steps leading down to the Ganges along the old city. There are 84 of them, the best known being Dashashwamedh Ghat, about 4 km from Varanasi station in a straight line. Most were rebuilt in the 18th century under Maratha rulers and the Maharajas of Benares, and many have their own legends and histories. Most are used for bathing and religious rites, while two, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are used only for cremation. Faded palaces and temples rise along the bank, colourful wooden boats line the water, and from dawn the steps fill with worshippers, bathers and vendors, so the city feels like an open stage facing the river. The classic visit is a boat ride on the river at sunrise, when the first light falls on the facades. Every evening a religious ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat draws large crowds. The place is sacred to Hindus, so do not photograph at the cremation ghats, respect worshippers, and expect crowds at festival times.
At sunrise.
Evening ceremony.
Palaces and temples.
Banks of the Ganges, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Yes, except at the cremation ghats.
October to March.