Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is the northernmost ghat on the Ganges River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, located near the confluence of the Varuna and Ganga rivers and the Rajghat Bridge. It is one of the oldest ghats in the city and adjoins an important archaeological mound revealing ancient settlement remains. The ghat is less crowded than central Varanasi ghats, offering open river views, historic context, and a quieter setting for sightseeing, photography, and river observation.

Visitors can expect a wide, open ghat with stone steps leading to the Ganges, views of the river, Rajghat Bridge (Malviya Bridge) and the Varuna confluence. The area is quieter than the central ghats, with an adjacent archaeological mound and open riverfront. Visitors can walk along the steps, observe daily bathing rituals, take photographs, and access boat rides that connect to other ghats along the Varanasi riverfront.

Raj Ghat is associated with the ancient city of Varanasi (Kashi). Excavations at the Raj Ghat mound conducted from 1940 and 1957-1965 revealed continuous habitation from around 800 BCE to the 18th century CE, with remains from Mauryan, Shunga, Kushana and Gupta periods, including pottery, structures and artifacts indicating it was an early urban settlement and river port.

As a sacred ghat on the Ganges, Raj Ghat is used for ritual bathing and prayers. It marks the northern end of the traditional Varanasi ghat stretch and is included in pilgrimage circuits along the riverfront, reflecting the religious importance of the Ganges in Hindu tradition.