Kedar Ghat Varanasi
Kedar Ghat, Varanasi: A spiritual haven with the ancient Kedareshwar Temple and a unique South Indian cultural imprint along the sacred Ganges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Witness serene local life
Kedar Ghat Varanasi
Best Time
Witness serene local life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kedar Ghat, Varanasi: A spiritual haven with the ancient Kedareshwar Temple and a unique South Indian cultural imprint along the sacred Ganges.
"Experience the spiritual heart of Varanasi at Kedar Ghat, where ancient traditions meet a unique cultural blend."
🚶♀️ Walk the Ghats
Explore the interconnected ghats for a true Varanasi experience. Wear comfortable shoes!
🙏 Respect Cremation Sites
Manikarnika Ghat, near Kedar, is a cremation site. Be respectful and avoid intrusive photography.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kedareshwar Temple
Kedar Ghat
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is a spiritual anchor for the ghat.
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Ganga Aarti Ceremony
Ganges Riverfront
Witness the mesmerizing evening ritual of lamps and chants along the sacred river.
South Indian Community Presence
Kedar Ghat
Discover the unique cultural blend, as this ghat was built by and is home to a South Indian community.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Spiritual Pace
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Ghats
Explore the interconnected ghats for a true Varanasi experience. Wear comfortable shoes! +1
🙏 Respect Cremation Sites
Manikarnika Ghat, near Kedar, is a cremation site. Be respectful and avoid intrusive photography. +1
🚤 Boat Ride on Ganges
See the ghats from the water for a unique perspective, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🕉️ Spiritual Immersion
Engage with the spiritual atmosphere; many believe dying here leads to moksha. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Ghats
Explore the interconnected ghats for a true Varanasi experience. Wear comfortable shoes! +1
🙏 Respect Cremation Sites
Manikarnika Ghat, near Kedar, is a cremation site. Be respectful and avoid intrusive photography. +1
🚤 Boat Ride on Ganges
See the ghats from the water for a unique perspective, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🕉️ Spiritual Immersion
Engage with the spiritual atmosphere; many believe dying here leads to moksha. +1
📸 Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially during ceremonies or at sensitive sites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kedar Ghat is appreciated for its spiritual significance, particularly the Kedareshwar Temple, and its unique cultural blend with a South Indian community. Visitors enjoy the serene atmosphere and the opportunity to witness the Ganga Aarti. However, some find it less vibrant than other ghats and advise caution due to its proximity to cremation sites.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kedar Ghat is located in the heart of Varanasi. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi from the railway station or airport. Many visitors also walk from nearby ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat. +1
Yes, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are readily available near Kedar Ghat for onward travel within Varanasi.
You can often find boatmen offering rides on the Ganges directly from Kedar Ghat, especially for sunrise or sunset tours.
The narrow lanes can be confusing. Hiring a local guide or using a reliable map app can be helpful. Be prepared for a lot of walking.
During peak festival times like Dev Diwali, some routes might be closed for traffic. It's best to check local advisories or ask your driver.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kedar Ghat itself is a public space and does not require an entry ticket. However, some temples within the ghat might have separate entry procedures or donation boxes.
The Kedareshwar Temple is generally open from early morning until late evening. Specific timings can vary, so it's best to check on arrival.
The Ganga Aarti ceremony is free to watch from the ghats. However, if you wish to sit closer or on a boat for a better view, there might be charges. +1
Visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully, especially given the spiritual and sometimes sensitive nature of the ghats. +1
Yes, many tour operators offer packages that include visits to Kedar Ghat and other prominent Varanasi attractions. +1
🎫 🕉️ Onsite Experience
Kedar Ghat is known for the Kedareshwar Temple, its association with the South Indian community, and its serene atmosphere compared to some other busier ghats.
It's considered a sacred spot where Lord Shiva resides. Visiting the Kashi Kedarnath Temple here is believed to be equivalent to visiting Kedarnath temple seven times.
Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended out of respect for the religious sites.
While the ghats are generally safe, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. The Ganga Aarti is a popular evening event.
The steps leading down to the Ganges, the Kedareshwar Temple, and views of the river during sunrise or sunset are popular photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find numerous street food vendors and small eateries around Kedar Ghat and the adjacent Sonarpura area offering local snacks and meals.
Don't miss trying Lassi, Kachori Sabzi, and various chaats. Many small shops near the ghats offer these authentic flavors.
Yes, Varanasi is a predominantly vegetarian city, so finding delicious vegetarian options is very easy.
While Kedar Ghat is more about traditional experiences, you can find more upscale dining options a short rickshaw ride away in other parts of the city.
It's generally safe if you choose busy stalls with good hygiene practices. Many travelers enjoy the street food experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light. The evening Ganga Aarti is also a visually stunning event to capture. +1
While general photography is allowed, be discreet and respectful, especially around religious ceremonies and the nearby cremation ghats. +1
Capturing the ghats from the river, the Kedareshwar Temple, local life, and the Ganga Aarti are popular subjects.
Drone usage is generally restricted in sensitive religious and populated areas in India. It's best to avoid it to prevent issues.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the ghats, and a telephoto can be good for details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that Kedar Ghat is adjacent to Manikarnika Ghat, a cremation site. It's important to prepare children for what they might see and to maintain a respectful demeanor. Focusing on the positive aspects like the temple and the evening Aarti can help create a more balanced experience. Pack light snacks and water, as options directly on the ghat can be limited.
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
+1Engage with the local culture by observing the daily rituals and the profound belief system that permeates Varanasi. The Ganga Aarti is a powerful devotional experience that can deepen your connection to the spiritual heart of India. Consider attending a morning prayer or simply sitting by the river to meditate.
📸 Photographers
+1The Ganga Aarti provides dramatic opportunities for capturing movement, light, and emotion. Be sure to use a tripod if possible for low-light shots and a fast lens. Remember to be discreet and respectful when photographing people, especially during religious ceremonies or near sensitive areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Kedar Ghat
+1The ghat is also believed to be a place where Lord Shiva resides, making it a focal point for spiritual practices and rituals. The atmosphere here is often described as more serene than some of the more bustling ghats, allowing for deeper contemplation and connection with the divine. Many visitors come seeking spiritual solace and to partake in the ancient traditions that have been practiced here for centuries.
+1Beyond its direct religious significance, Kedar Ghat is also a place where life and death are observed in close proximity, a characteristic of Varanasi. While the nearby Manikarnika Ghat is a primary cremation site, Kedar Ghat offers a space for reflection on the cycle of life and liberation (moksha), a core tenet of Hinduism.
A Touch of South India in Varanasi
+1This South Indian influence is visible in various aspects, from the architecture and the specific deities worshipped in local temples to the community's way of life. It adds another layer to the diverse cultural tapestry of Varanasi, showcasing how different traditions have coexisted and thrived along the sacred Ganges. Visitors can experience this blend of cultures, making Kedar Ghat a fascinating microcosm of India's rich heritage.
+1During religious ceremonies or festivals, this community often plays a significant role. For instance, the re-instatement ceremony of the Sharadamba idol at the Sringeri Shankara Math in Kedar Ghat highlights the continued presence and influence of these southern traditions within the spiritual heart of Varanasi.
Experiencing the Ganga Aarti
As dusk settles, the ghats come alive with the rhythmic chanting and the flickering flames of the diyas. Priests perform the Aarti with large, ornate lamps, creating a captivating visual display against the darkening sky and the sacred river. The air fills with the scent of incense and the resonant sounds of bells and conch shells, creating an immersive spiritual atmosphere.
To get the best view, consider arriving early or opting for a boat ride on the Ganges. Watching the Aarti from the water provides a unique perspective of the entire ghat illuminated by the lamps. It's a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted faith and the enduring connection between the people of Varanasi and their sacred river.
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