A journey through India's top 5 ghat towns

Time of India

17-05-2025

You have been to hill stations and beaches, but ever wondered what next can be the highlight of your travel bucket list? Enter the world of ghat towns—India's riverside destinations, where steps lead to stories, rituals meet reflections, and every dip in the water feels like a soul reset.
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These towns aren't just spiritual hubs; they're living cities where the charm lies in watching the sadhus chanting mantras, diyas float, and where history lingers in the mist. Whether you're in it for moksha or just for a stellar selfie at sunrise, these ghat towns will offer you a mix of chaos, calm, and cosmic charm. So pack your bags, and get ready for ghat, set, go on a journey like no other! Find out more about these places.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh—Dashashwamedh & Assi Ghat
Varanasi, India's oldest city in the world, is characterized by ghats along the Ganges. Dashashwamedh Ghat is renowned for its elaborate evening Ganga Aarti, where priests recite hymns and light lamps facing the river. Nearby, within walking distance, stands the more understated but equally holy Assi Ghat, which calls to yogis, students, and visitors alike. Here, the sunrise dawns with cultural festivals, morning meditation classes, and soul-stirring sunrise moments.
These ghats are pilgrimage sites as much as entrances to daily life, spirituality, and ancient traditions. Seeing the ghats of Varanasi is a spiritual and cultural experience that haunts you long after you've bid adieu to the city.
Haridwar, Uttarakhand—Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar is among the holiest ghats of Hinduism. Lord Vishnu, according to legend, imprinted his footprint here, and pilgrims throng to be cleansed by the divine Ganga. Thousands of pilgrims come here each evening to witness the beautiful Ganga Aarti.
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Lamps are floated on the river, bells toll, and hymns resound—simply a magical sight. The ghat is abuzz with activity, yet there is a godly silence to it.
Whatever you come for—ritual, serenity, or sheer drama—Har Ki Pauri leaves an impression of spiritual majesty and timeless devotion that is characteristic of the city of Haridwar.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand—Triveni Ghat
With its tranquil beauty and serene atmosphere, Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh is a haven for both spiritual travelers and tourists.
It is where three rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—are believed to converge. Pilgrims bathe and offer their prayers early in the morning, and evenings are filled with the soulful Triveni Aarti. Against the Himalayan backdrop and the nearby ashrams, it's where reflection greets the river.
While pomp fills Haridwar, Triveni is serene and contemplative. You can recline on the steps, listen to bhajans, or just watch the river flow tirelessly, infusing an element of earthiness and tranquility for which Rishikesh is world-famous.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh—Ram Ghat
Ram Ghat is situated on the banks of the Shipra River and is one of the holiest places in Ujjain. It is kept alive during Simhastha Kumbh Mela times when millions bathe in the river to wash away their sin. Even during non-celebrations, the ghat is caressed daily by rituals, chanting, and temple bells ringing through the air. Surrounded by temples and history, Ram Ghat reflects the religious ambiance of this historic city, where poet Kalidasa and astrologers had lived.
The peaceful waters and ancient stone steps are a religious haven from contemporary life, reminding tourists of India's rich mythological and astrological heritage.
Kollam, Kerala—Ashtamudi Ghat
While the northern ghats are a peaceful hill experience derived from the backwater culture of Kerala, Ashtamudi Ghat in Kollam provides a peaceful, seashore experience. At the waters of the Ashtamudi Lake, the ghat witnesses religious rituals as well as the monotony of daily life.
People come with flowers, coconuts, and prayers, and houseboats move slowly. Coconut trees rustle at the periphery as temple songs provide a soothing background.
It's a different beat—less frenetic, more contemplative. The ghat is particularly enchanting in the evening, when the lake glows golden. There, spirituality ebbs as stealthily as the water, and it is a secret treasure for those looking for a southern ghat experience.