Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Manikarnika Ghat
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
454 within 5 kms
Attractions
104 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- RYCP71The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom214 contributionsDead good, must seeVarinasi is the most amazing ancient city. There's many wonderful Ghats (the steps leading down to the Ganges), though this one is one of the most memorable. See the bodies being bought continually down to the river, dipped then laid onto a funeral pyre and set alight from the feet, slowly buring over the next couple of hours to take the whole body. Usually you can hear the load bank of the stomach or the head exploding; however all this happens with a sense of total calmness and organisation with no tears and most usually no smell of a summer BBQ anywhere around the area. Brings death to mind and the importance of enjoying the short time we haveVisited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 January 2024
- Laurie PPrinceton, New Jersey169 contributionsVery realAbsolutely amazing. Not for the squeamish as this is very, very real. Bring a mask (though you'll still be breathing everybody in). A firm, repeated, polite 'no thank you' to those that approach saying they are volunteers at the hospice or ghat worked for us.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 February 2024
- Wander19777324188Itarsi, India11 contributionsManikarnika Ghat is a spot for a cremation in the Hindu faithManikarnika Ghat is a fascinating ghat. On the holy Ganges river this is the most revered spot for a cremation in the hindu faith. The body of the deceased is carried down through the small alleys and placed in the Ganges for purificationVisited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,191 reviews
Excellent
665
Very good
335
Average
135
Poor
26
Terrible
30
Rachana K
Bhilai, India33 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
On Manikarnika Ghat dead bodies are burnt according to Hindu rituals. So it’s surrounded by logs of different woods needed and continuously dead bodies are coming as it’s considered very pious to be burnt in Kashi ( Varanasi) My advice would be to see the ghat from your boat ride on Ganges. If you are overly interested to see the rituals then only visit from land as things are very congested there.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K V K
Chennai (Madras), India81 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi held in great reverence by Hindus. There are different lores associated with this place. One of the lore is as follows.
It is believed that Mata Sati sacrificed her life after her father humiliated her husband Lord Shiva in a yagna. Lord Shiva took her burning body to the Himalayas. On seeing the unending sorrow of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu sent His Divine chakra to cut the body into 51 parts which fell at different places on earth. Shakthi Peets have been established at all these places. It is believed that Mata Sati's ear ornaments fell on this place by the side of the Ganges and hence the name Manikarnika ghat came into existence. The Shakti of Manikarnika is addressed as Vishalakshi & Manikarni.
It is believed that Mata Sati sacrificed her life after her father humiliated her husband Lord Shiva in a yagna. Lord Shiva took her burning body to the Himalayas. On seeing the unending sorrow of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu sent His Divine chakra to cut the body into 51 parts which fell at different places on earth. Shakthi Peets have been established at all these places. It is believed that Mata Sati's ear ornaments fell on this place by the side of the Ganges and hence the name Manikarnika ghat came into existence. The Shakti of Manikarnika is addressed as Vishalakshi & Manikarni.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CristinaMaymin
State of Sao Paulo254 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
Don't go alone as a foreigner, specially females. Place is filled with scammers. They spot you soon, get you before entrying the ghat and "pass" you to a second one. The second serves you as a "guide" who "won't lie to you in a sacred place", but manipulates you while wanting a set donation, a set amount of money for the homeless. If you give less, they do emotional blackemail and say you "don't need to give that", meaning, it is not enough money for donation. Males are intimidating there. Prefere Harishchandra ghat.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis P
Melbourne, Australia2,238 contributions
Feb 2023
What a fascinating ghat this is.
On the sactred Ganges river this is the most revered spot for a cremation in the hyundu faith.
The body of the deceased is carried down through the small alleys and placed in the Ganges for purification. While this is being done the chief mourner and family construct a pyre. AQftyer about 20 monutes the body is recoved from the Ganges and the gold wrappings removed leaving just a simply white linenm wrapping.
The body is then placed on the pyre and more ogs placed on top of the body.
The chief mourner then ignites the pyre and leaves as the remainder of the ceremony is the responsibility of the funeral director.
Tye cremantion lasts about 2 hours.
There is little in the way of mourning as in this religion death is just a beginning before reincarnation. In the respect it is a celebration, crying is generally not seen, however, just to be sure women are disuaded from attending in case they cry
The whole ghat is given over to the cremation ceremony with numeroius cremations going on at the same time
It is great to have this understanding.
Tourists are not allowed on the ghat but can view from about 300 metres away, or from boats being rowed on the Ganges
On the sactred Ganges river this is the most revered spot for a cremation in the hyundu faith.
The body of the deceased is carried down through the small alleys and placed in the Ganges for purification. While this is being done the chief mourner and family construct a pyre. AQftyer about 20 monutes the body is recoved from the Ganges and the gold wrappings removed leaving just a simply white linenm wrapping.
The body is then placed on the pyre and more ogs placed on top of the body.
The chief mourner then ignites the pyre and leaves as the remainder of the ceremony is the responsibility of the funeral director.
Tye cremantion lasts about 2 hours.
There is little in the way of mourning as in this religion death is just a beginning before reincarnation. In the respect it is a celebration, crying is generally not seen, however, just to be sure women are disuaded from attending in case they cry
The whole ghat is given over to the cremation ceremony with numeroius cremations going on at the same time
It is great to have this understanding.
Tourists are not allowed on the ghat but can view from about 300 metres away, or from boats being rowed on the Ganges
Written 27 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Film G
New England1,051 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Built to accommodate the crush of pilgrims at the nearby Shiva temples, it’s an impressive accomplishment. Near the main cremation site on the river, and by a pipe dumping treated sewerage into the river, it’s worth a stroll. Hundreds of old houses were razed to build it. Which is sad.
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Petra W
15 contributions
Nov 2022
The river is really high at the moment so there is only a small area for the cremations.
It took me an hour to find this place on the crazy busy road and then I was hassled by two men telling me BS stories trying to get me to make a 'donation'. Fortunately I've been in India for a while and recognise scams.
The place is hot, dirty, busy, smoky and all together unpleasant. Bodies come regularly to be cremated and that's about it. I didn't feel safe there as a solo female.
There are other ghats where you can observe this funeral process that is less busy. Ask the locals. I would not recommend this ghat.
It took me an hour to find this place on the crazy busy road and then I was hassled by two men telling me BS stories trying to get me to make a 'donation'. Fortunately I've been in India for a while and recognise scams.
The place is hot, dirty, busy, smoky and all together unpleasant. Bodies come regularly to be cremated and that's about it. I didn't feel safe there as a solo female.
There are other ghats where you can observe this funeral process that is less busy. Ask the locals. I would not recommend this ghat.
Written 8 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sanju_222323
New Jersey16,664 contributions
Apr 2021
The perfect way to see all the ghats in Varanasi is - boat Tour. Agents will come to you when you will be nearby ghats and negotiate with you, make sure that before riding. but again, to see ghats and their beauty, you must have this in Varanasi.
Hindu cremations customarily take place here, most confronting ghat, Manikarnika (also known simply as the burning ghat) is the place where the majority of dead bodies are cremated in Varanasi -- approximately 28,000 every year!
Hindus believe it will liberate them from the cycle of death and rebirth. Indeed, you'll openly come face to face with death at Manikarnika Ghat. Piles of firewood line the shore and the fires continually burn with the stream of dead bodies, each wrapped in cloth and carried through the lanes on makeshift stretchers by the doms.
Of particular interest is the partially submerged Shiva temple at the water's edge. It sunk during the construction of the ghat in 1830.
Hindu cremations customarily take place here, most confronting ghat, Manikarnika (also known simply as the burning ghat) is the place where the majority of dead bodies are cremated in Varanasi -- approximately 28,000 every year!
Hindus believe it will liberate them from the cycle of death and rebirth. Indeed, you'll openly come face to face with death at Manikarnika Ghat. Piles of firewood line the shore and the fires continually burn with the stream of dead bodies, each wrapped in cloth and carried through the lanes on makeshift stretchers by the doms.
Of particular interest is the partially submerged Shiva temple at the water's edge. It sunk during the construction of the ghat in 1830.
Written 12 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan R
Civray, France131 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A visit to the main cremation ghat. I gave been to a few cremation in Europe and they are nothing like this place. The locals say there is an average of 200 cremations a day and when you listen to what is believed, you can understand and accept this place.
Very educational and interesting.
Very educational and interesting.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wander19777324188
Itarsi, India11 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Manikarnika Ghat is a fascinating ghat. On the holy Ganges river this is the most revered spot for a cremation in the hindu faith. The body of the deceased is carried down through the small alleys and placed in the Ganges for purification
Written 21 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crackers71
Melbourne, Australia74 contributions
Feb 2020
I'd been fascinated with the burning Ghats for a long time so to finally be able to visit was amazing. This is such an important ritual for Hindus and I felt very privileged to have been able to witness the cremations. You feel a little intrusive watching but be respectful and understand this is a time of mourning for loved ones.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Which is the most clean ghat in kashiVishwanath (Varanasi) to take bath?
Written 25 November 2018
I would pass on swimming in the Ganges....There is no such thing as a clean Ghat as all the Ghats are by the Ganges which is so polluted unfortunately.
Written 3 December 2018
At the kashiVishwanath temple is it allowed to pour water over the shivling?
Written 1 November 2018
Yes you are allowed to pour water on the shivling
But for pouring milk they have fixed timing
Written 2 November 2018
Is Manikarnika ghat clean to have a bath in Ganga river
Written 30 October 2018
No do not even dream of it but you can keep both your feet under water take a hand full of water and sprinkle it on your head. It has the same effect.
Written 3 November 2018
Hi Manika,
Please confirm if the boat ride is allowed, as i have planned on August 17th to August 21st to Varanasi.
Written 10 August 2016
In the flood you should not plan for which at least I can never advise.....never,Nowhere in this wide world.
Wish you all the best for other months in VARANASI when you can see the ARTI of MA GANGA and wherever you stay here in VARANASI,all will guide you properly.Thank you with regards.
Written 13 August 2016
Showing results 1-4 of 4
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing