Manikarnika Ghatमणिकर्णिका घाट
The cremation ghat of Kashi, where the fires never go out. Go quietly, and keep the camera down.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh
Purvanchal
Purvanchal
Kind of placePilgrimage Routes
Best time to visit15 October to 15 March
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February)
DifficultyEasy
Time needed1 hr
Base and nearbyChowk, Varanasi Junction
EntryFree · no photography of the pyres · ignore anyone demanding money for wood
About Manikarnika Ghat
The principal cremation ghat, where pyres have burned without pause for as long as anyone can record, tended by the Dom community who keep the sacred fire. Hindus believe dying here brings release from rebirth, so the dead arrive from across the country. Visitors are tolerated if quiet and respectful; do not photograph the pyres. In flood months the fires shift to the upper platforms and the steps go under water.
What to see and do
- The cremation platforms and the eternal fire
- Manikarnika Kund, the sacred tank
- Views from a passing boat
- Tarakeshwar temple above the ghat
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Varanasi
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All places in Varanasi · All places in Uttar Pradesh
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.