尽管如今来到瓦拉纳西的旅行者和外国游客已不在少数，但它却不是一个真正的旅游城市。人们更多地是漫步在旧城的中错落小巷里，或是驻足观看恒河上形形色色的活着的生命或者死去的躯体。整个城市最具有魅力之处当属通往圣水的一个个沐浴伽特。水畔的石阶直接通向恒河，供沐浴者与朝圣者休息、谈话和冲洗。还有的伽特专门作为举行火葬的地方。在印度教徒心中，死在瓦拉纳西的人，灵魂会直接升入天堂，而不必再受轮回转世之苦。

    Consequently, there are many hospices in the city where the old and infirmed wait to die. There are over ten main Ghats but two of the best-known are the Manikarnika Ghat and the Kedar Ghat. The Manikarnika Ghat is the main crematory, and bodies are said to be burned there 24 hours a day, everyday of the week. It is a must-see destination for travelers but be warned. Many locals feel bitter toward tourists who come to the Ghats to point and gawk at their cremated loved ones. Sight-seers are therefore advised to keep quiet, be respectful, and never take pictures. The Kedar Ghat is a livelier area, brightly painted in stripes and bustling with bathers. It is generally possible to walk between the different Ghats except during the wet season, when they are only accessible by boat or through the labyrinth of narrow alleys behind the Ghats. The best way to see the Ghats is to charter a boat and see them from the river. Boat rides are very popular, particularly at sunrise and sunset. The sunrise boat rides take place when the Ghats are filled with Hindus bathing and starting their day - one of the most famous sights in India. ......