Dashashwamedh Ghat is located on the Ganges River and is a popular attraction in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. You can find it in between Prayag Ghat and Munshi Ghat, also sacred places of worship. This riverside Hindu temple is open 24 hours and is the place where Ganga Aarti, a daily ritual of offering prayer to the Ganges River, is held in the evening. Apart from this daily ritual, special aartis are held here on Tuesdays and religious festivals. If you’re keen on witnessing this approximately 45-minute long ritual, be sure to arrive before sunset. In this guide, we will specifically look at Dashashwamedh Ghat, the things you can do and buy, places you can dine at, travel tips and more. Read on to know more in our guide to Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi.
Things to do/ highlights
Ride a boat
Embarking on a boat ride especially during sunrise or sunset is considered one of the best things to do when visiting Dashashwamedh Ghat. If you don’t have a day to spare, what about spending an evening at Dasashwamedh Ghat? You can take a boat from Assi Ghat, which is believed to symbolically represent the start of life and end your trip at Manikarnika Ghat, which symbolically represents the end of life. Thereafter, make your way to Dashashwamedh Ghat to catch the Ganga Aarti.
Take a bath
Locals believe that bathing in the ghat in the morning is an act of washing off their existing sins. If you would like to partake in the activity, observe how other people do it and follow along. If you’re unsure, just ask the friendly locals.
Snap photos
Taking photos is a good way to remember the times spent at a destination and you can do the same at Dashashwamedh Ghat. However, instead of simply snapping photos, sit by the steps at the ghat and observe the ongoing activities. See if you can spot the locals going about their traditional rituals, including flower offerings, and capture those moments.
Where to eat
Spicy Bites Restaurant
Located a short four-minute walk away from Dashashwamedh Ghat, you will find Spicy Bites Restaurant along Bangali Tola Road. Open from 7am to 10pm daily, they serve local and international food, including several vegetarian options.
Varanasi Cafe & Restaurant
Just a minute away from Spicy Bites Restaurant is Varanasi Cafe & Restaurant, located on the same street. This eatery is a good place for breakfast and their homemade peanut butter and papaya jam is to die for. Stop by in the morning before visiting Dashashwamedh Ghat and enjoy a delicious start to your day.
Sushi Cafe And Continental Restaurant
If you’ve had your fair share of local Indian cuisine and are searching for international food, visit Sushi Cafe And Continental Restaurant, a three-minute walk away from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Bowl of Compassion
Located near the ghat, Bowl of Compassion is a place to relish scrumptious food and admire stunning views. The restaurant serves a delicious range of vegetarian dishes, including comfort food such as roti, sabzi, and dal.
Brown Bread Bakery
Brown Bread Bakery offers some of the best vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food options in Varanasi. You can enjoy a tasty breakfast here before heading to the nearby ghat.
Things to buy
You will able to find several souvenir shops near Dashashwamedh Ghat. See if you’re able to spot these items to bring home as gifts.
Glass beads
The world’s largest manufacturing unit of glass beads is said to be in Varanasi. Thus, you can easily pick up a handmade bracelet or jewellery that represents India from the many shops near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Rudraksha Mala
While searching for unique jewellery, we’re sure you will come across Rudraksha Mala, a necklace-like item made from the seeds of a Rudraksha tree. The seeds are believed to be the tears of the Hindu deity, Rudra, and worn by devotees in ancient times.
Flutes
For music and instrument lovers, why not take home a flute from Varanasi? This will help you remember famous Indian musicians like Ravi Shankar and Girija Devi who were born in Varanasi, India.
Travel tips
Do not drink from the Ganges River
While the water from the Ganges River is considered holy, it is not pure. It may look clear but is not safe for drinking. So, avoid consuming the water, especially if you’re travelling with children.
Stay clear if you have sensitive skin
Those with sensitive skin should avoid taking a bath in the Ganges River. Since the water is not very clean, it may result in skin inflammation.
Places to watch the Ganga Aarti
You can watch the Ganga Aarti either from the steps of Dashashwamedh Ghat or observe it from a hired boat. Alternatively, you could even visit a rooftop hotel near the ghat if you want to steer clear of the crowds.
Where to stay (from USD 486)
BrijRama Palace – A Heritage Hotel, also known as BrijRama Palace Varanasi, is situated at Munshi Ghat, a mere three-minute walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat. This five-star hotel was built in the 18th century and offers two dining options and a rooftop terrace. All its rooms and suites are air-conditioned and come with a private bathroom fitted with a shower. Stay in one of the oldest structures in Varanasi, just steps away from the main ghat by booking a room or suite at BrijRama Palace – A Heritage Hotel.
BrijRama Palace, Varanasi - By the Ganges
Address: Munshi Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat, Dashashwmedh
645 meters (0.5 ft) from Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Dashashwamedh Ghat information
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Official website: Dashashwamedh Ghat
Department of tourism: Visit Uttar Pradesh
Private Day Tour in Varanasi, India
Duration: 10hrsDuration
History
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