Varanasi is dotted with numerous ghats along the Ganges riverfront between the confluence of the river Assi in the south and the Varuna in the north. The ghats are long flights of wide stone steps leading down to the river and there are around 100 ghats in the city that are used for bathing and cremating bodies. Each of these ganga ghats holds some special significance and they are considered as the holiest spots in Varanasi and the concept of divinity. Most of the time, these ghats are flock with full of pilgrims to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins. Among the ganga ghats, the most sacred ghats are Asi, Dasashwamedh, Manikarnika and Panchganga. Tulsi Ghat, Bhadaini Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Maha Nirvani Ghat, Shivala Ghat, Gulariya Ghat, Dandi Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, Bachra Ghat, Karnataka Ghat, Mir Ghat, Dattatreya Ghat, Ram Ghat, Trilochan Ghat etc are some other ghats in the city. 

The best view of the Ghats can be had from a boat midstream or from the Malviya bridge and the ideal time to visit the ghats is at dawn when the river is bathed in a magical light. Burning pyres, people getting their hair shaved off, the chanting of sacred slokas, giving of alms to Brahmins, Pandas (Brahmin Priests) sitting under huge umbrellas offering prayers for their clients, devotees praying and drinking water from the holy river are the common sight at these ghats.