Banaras aaye aur Ghat Darshan na paye? In other words, if you are planning places to visit in Varanasi in 1 day, the ghats are non-negotiable. These aren’t just steps leading to the Ganges…they are where the city’s spiritual pulse lives. 

From sunrise prayers to evening aartis, every ghat tells a different story. Some are for bathing, some for cremation, and some just for sitting and watching life unfold. 

There are nearly 100 ghats scattered along the river, but you don’t need to see them all. Here are the ones that should be on your list if you’re figuring out places to visit in Varanasi with family in 1 day or even with friends.

• Dashashwamedh Ghat – Where Spirituality reaches Hearts

Can’t wait to witness the famous Ganga Aarti? It’s at the Dashashwamedh Ghats. It is one of the top places to visit in Banaras in one day trip. The energy here is something else entirely. It’s chaotic, crowded, and exactly what you’d expect from Varanasi. 

For the evening Ganga aarti, you will see 7 pandits in saffron robes, massive brass lamps will perform mahaaartis in a synchronised movement. The ringing bells, vibrations and hundreds of people chanting from the ghat steps – it’s once in a lifetime experience.

Learning Fact: Did you know the story behind this ritual? According to the Hindu Vedas, Lord Brahma created this ghat to welcome Lord Shiva and performed a grand horse sacrifice here. That’s why it’s called “Dashashwamedh”—the ghat of ten horse sacrifices.

Best time to visit: Evening aarti happens around 6:30-7 PM. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to grab a decent spot. Alternatively, hire a boat and watch the entire ceremony from the river (honestly, that’s the best view). 

• Assi Ghat – The Calm Alternative

The vibe at Assi Ghats is noticeably more relaxed compared to Dashashwamedh. Pilgrims come here to bathe before worshipping a massive Shiva lingam under a pipal tree. There’s also a smaller aarti ceremony in the evening. 

Besides, the surrounding area has become quite trendy lately. There are cafés serving different cuisines, bookshops, and little boutiques. So it’s become a bit of a hangout spot for long-term travellers and locals alike. 

What makes it special: Morning yoga sessions happen here, there are cultural programmes in the evenings, and it’s genuinely pleasant to just sit and watch the river flow by.

• Manikarnika, aka the Burning Ghat 

This one’s heavy. Manikarnika is the main cremation ghat. Around 28,000 bodies are cremated here every year, and the fires never stop burning.

For Hindus, being cremated at Manikarnika is considered incredibly auspicious. It’s believed to break the cycle of rebirth and grant moksha (liberation). So, despite how confronting it might seem, for believers, this is actually the most sacred spot in all of Varanasi.

Now, should this be on your list of places to visit in Varanasi in 1 day with friends? That depends entirely on the group. If you’re curious, you can watch the cremations from a building nearby, but be respectful and don’t take photos. 

Some walking tours, like “Learning and Burning”, offer context and insight if you want to understand the rituals better. Just know what you’re walking into.

• Man Mandir Ghat – For History Buffs

This one’s often overlooked, which is a shame because Man Mandir Ghat is absolutely gorgeous. Built by Rajput king Man Singh of Jaipur way back in 1600, it features stunning Rajput architecture that’s held up remarkably well.

 There’s also an 18th-century observatory with old astronomical instruments still intact. Climb up to the terrace for killer views of the Ganges. This ghat doesn’t get as much tourist traffic, so it’s a nice breather.

• Darbhanga Ghat – Pure Instagram Goals

Let’s be honest, some ghats are just more photogenic than others, and Darbhanga is definitely one of them. 

Originally a fort, it became the palace of the King of Darbhanga in 1915. Now it’s been beautifully restored and turned into a heritage hotel. Even if you’re not staying there (it’s quite pricey), the ghat itself is lovely to visit.

Quick tips for Ghat Hooping:

• Dress appropriately: This should go without saying, but cover up. Shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect. It’s a holy site for millions of people, not a beach.
• Watch your belongings: The ghats can get incredibly crowded, especially Dashashwamedh during aarti time. Keep valuables secure and be mindful of pickpockets.
• Don’t be afraid to just sit: Sometimes the best experience is simply finding a quiet spot on the steps and watching life happen. People taking holy dips, saints meditating, boats passing by—it’s hypnotic in the best possible way.

Guides can be helpful: If it’s your first time and you don’t want to lose yourself and want proper context about what you’re seeing, a good guide is worth it. Connect with us, and we will make your trip memorable.