Tucked away in the heart of Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, Tulsi Ghat is one of the most serene and historically rich ghats lining the banks of the holy River Ganga. Named after the revered poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas, this ghat holds immense religious, cultural, and spiritual significance.
Unlike the bustling Dashashwamedh or Manikarnika Ghats, Tulsi Ghat offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those seeking spiritual connection and cultural immersion. In this detailed guide, let’s explore the full essence of Tulsi Ghat tourist places in Uttar Pradesh—from its origins to its spiritual rituals and nearby attractions.
📍 Location of Tulsi Ghat
Tulsi Ghat is located towards the southern end of Varanasi’s riverfront, close to Assi Ghat. It’s easily accessible by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and on foot via the ghat walkway.
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- City: Varanasi
- Nearest Landmark: Assi Ghat
📚 Historical Significance of Tulsi Ghat
One of the oldest heritage sites in Varanasi, Tulsi Ghat is named in honor of Goswami Tulsidas, the great saint and poet who composed the epic Ramcharitmanas—a retelling of the Ramayana in the local Awadhi dialect. It’s believed that he resided here and even performed daily rituals by the Ganga.
There’s also a Tulsidas Akhara and a Tulsi Manas Temple nearby, dedicated to preserving the poet’s memory and spiritual works. Over the centuries, Tulsi Ghat has become a major pilgrimage site in Varanasi, attracting devotees, spiritual seekers, and tourists from around the globe.
🌄 Top Things to Do at Tulsi Ghat
🕉️ 1. Morning Ganga Aarti
Start your day at Tulsi Ghat with the morning aarti—a beautiful and peaceful ritual performed at sunrise. Unlike Dashashwamedh, the crowd is smaller, giving you an intimate spiritual experience.
🙏 2. Evening Rituals
Don’t miss the evening Ganga Aarti at Tulsi Ghat, accompanied by lamps, chants, and rhythmic bell sounds. It’s less touristy and more personal.
🌊 3. Holy Dip in River Ganga
One of the key religious rituals in Varanasi is taking a dip in the Ganges. Tulsi Ghat is known for clean waters, making it ideal for spiritual cleansing and meditation.
📷 4. Photography & Art
Tulsi Ghat is a photographer’s paradise—from sadhus meditating by the river to vibrant rituals and golden reflections of lamps on water. Ideal for cultural photographers and travel vloggers.
🎭 5. Watch Ramleela Performances
During Navratri, Tulsi Ghat becomes a stage for traditional Ramleela shows—folk dramatizations of the Ramayana. This cultural performance is a must-watch.
🏛️ Major Tourist Places Near Tulsi Ghat
Exploring Tulsi Ghat isn’t just about one ghat—it’s a doorway into Varanasi’s ancient history and vibrant spiritual culture. Here are some tourist places near Tulsi Ghat you shouldn’t miss:
🏞️ Assi Ghat
The most popular ghat for youth and spiritual tourists alike. Morning yoga, music, and lively cafes surround this ghat.
🛕 Tulsi Manas Temple
Located just a few meters from the ghat, this white marble temple is dedicated to Tulsidas and features inscriptions of Ramcharitmanas verses.
🐒 Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Built by Tulsidas, this is one of the most revered Hanuman temples in India. It’s especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
🎨 Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (at BHU)
Located within Banaras Hindu University (BHU), this museum showcases rare artifacts, sculptures, and manuscripts from across Indian history.
🌉 Ganga Mahal
An ancient palace adjacent to Tulsi Ghat, Ganga Mahal is a hidden architectural gem worth visiting.
🛶 Experience a Boat Ride on the Ganges
Boat rides from Tulsi Ghat are highly recommended, especially at dawn and dusk. You can either:
- Join a shared boat ride
- Hire a private rowboat
- Opt for a guided spiritual boat tour
The boat ride gives you a panoramic view of Varanasi’s ghats and temples, as the city awakens or winds down with prayers.
🎉 Festivals Celebrated at Tulsi Ghat
Tulsi Ghat comes alive during major Hindu festivals, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike.
🌕 Kartik Purnima
The entire ghat is lit with thousands of lamps during this auspicious full moon night, believed to be extremely beneficial for spiritual merit.
📖 Tulsi Jayanti
A celebration of Tulsidas’ birth, marked by recitations, bhajans, and spiritual talks.
🕯️ Dev Deepawali
A magical time when Varanasi’s ghats glow with millions of diyas (lamps), celebrating Lord Shiva’s victory over demons.
🍛 Where to Eat Near Tulsi Ghat
No trip to Varanasi is complete without tasting its iconic street food. Around Tulsi Ghat, you’ll find:
- Kachori-Sabzi – Spicy, deep-fried deliciousness.
- Banarasi Paan – A famous post-meal treat with a sweet twist.
- Lassi Shops – Served in earthen cups, often topped with malai (cream).
- Tamatar Chaat & Chena Dahi Vada – Street food legends of Varanasi.
🏨 Where to Stay Near Tulsi Ghat
Whether you want a luxury stay or a cozy guesthouse, here are your options:
💰 Budget Stays:
- Baba Guest House
- Shree Ganesha Palace
🏨 Mid-range Hotels:
- Hotel Temple on Ganges
- Ganga Monastery
👑 Luxury Options:
- Taj Ganges Varanasi
- BrijRama Palace (closer to Dashashwamedh but worth it)
All these hotels are within 2–5 km of Tulsi Ghat, and many offer Ganga views and rooftop cafes.
📅 Best Time to Visit Tulsi Ghat
- October to March: Ideal for sightseeing, rituals, and festivals.
- April to June: Hot and dry—less crowd, but challenging heat.
- Monsoon (July–September): Risk of high water levels; limited access to some ghats.
🧭 How to Reach Tulsi Ghat
From the Airport:
- Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is 25 km away. Taxis and pre-booked cabs are available.
By Train:
- Varanasi Junction or Manduadih are the nearest major railway stations.
By Road:
- Buses and taxis from Lucknow, Allahabad, or Gorakhpur make for easy travel.
Local Transport:
- Auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and even boat ferries from other ghats.
🌱 Local Culture and Vibes
Tulsi Ghat reflects the soul of Banarasi life—simple, spiritual, colorful, and ancient. From sadhus in saffron robes to students reciting the Ramayana, from soft temple bells to flute music in the breeze—this place is as authentic as it gets.
📝 Travel Tips for Tulsi Ghat Visitors
- Avoid visiting during peak afternoon heat.
- Remove footwear before entering temple premises.
- Carry cash—many local vendors don’t accept cards.
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable footwear.
- Always respect local customs and don’t interrupt rituals for photos.
✨ Conclusion
If you want to experience the true essence of Varanasi, beyond the touristy noise and into the heart of tradition—Tulsi Ghat is your calling. It’s a place where time slows down, the Ganga flows timelessly, and spirituality whispers from every corner. Whether you’re a pilgrim, poet, or curious traveler, Tulsi Ghat offers an unforgettable blend of culture, devotion, and peace.
❓ FAQs About Tulsi Ghat Tourist Places
Q1: What is Tulsi Ghat famous for?
Tulsi Ghat is famous for its spiritual connection to Saint Tulsidas, the daily Ganga Aarti, Ramleela performances, and its calm atmosphere.
Q2: Can I attend Ramleela at Tulsi Ghat?
Yes, during Navratri, Tulsi Ghat becomes a venue for live Ramleela plays, showcasing tales from the Ramayana.
Q3: Is Tulsi Ghat safe for tourists?
Absolutely. Tulsi Ghat is one of the safest and most peaceful ghats in Varanasi. Just follow standard precautions.
Q4: Are there any temples near Tulsi Ghat?
Yes! Visit Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, and others nearby for a complete spiritual tour.
Q5: What is the best time to attend Ganga Aarti at Tulsi Ghat?
Both early morning and evening aartis are beautiful. Arrive 15–20 minutes early to find a good spot.