Holiest of riversides
Along the Narmada in this district lie a series of sacred ghats — most famously at Chandod and Karnali, near the confluence of the Narmada with the Orsang and Mahi rivers — that are among the holiest riverside sites in Gujarat.
Here pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred waters, perform pujas and last rites for ancestors (the area is an important place for such ceremonies), and take part in the Narmada aarti as lamps are floated on the river at dusk.
The ghats, temples and the broad, slow river create an atmosphere of deep, age-old devotion, and are key stops on the Narmada Parikrama — the living spiritual heart of the river. These are public ghats, best enjoyed with respectful attendance.
The Narmada river.
Chandod, Karnali, and the confluence rites
The sacred river.
Chandod and Karnali are the best known of the Narmada ghats in this district, a stretch of stone steps and riverside temples that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
The site's standing comes from the confluence — the Narmada meeting the Orsang, with the Mahi not far off. Confluences are held especially potent for ritual across Hindu practice.
The ghats are a major centre for shraddha and pind-daan, the rites performed for ancestors, and families travel considerable distances to carry them out here.
At dusk the Narmada aarti is performed from the steps and lamps are floated out onto the water — the moment most visitors come for.
Reasons to make the time
Sacred ghats
Chandod and Karnali sit close together on the river and are usually visited as one, with temples and priests along both sets of steps.
Holy river
The Narmada is unique among Indian rivers in that darshan of the river alone is held to be purifying, without bathing.
Ritual bathing
Ritual bathing from the steps is the central act, performed before puja and before the ancestral rites.
Ancestral rites
This is one of Gujarat's principal sites for ancestral rites, which is why the ghats stay busy on days most visitors would not expect.
Evening aarti
Lamps floated at the evening aarti drift downstream in the current — the image everyone takes away from Chandod.
Parikrama stops
The ghats are fixed halts on the Narmada Parikrama, so walking pilgrims pass through continuously.
What to look for inside
THE GHATSChandod & Karnali
Sacred steps.
THE RIVERNarmada
A holy stream.
How to spend an hour or two
See the ghats
Be on the steps for the evening aarti, when the lamps go out onto the water and the recitation carries across the river.
Watch the aarti
Walk both Chandod and Karnali. They are close together and each has its own temples and character.
Sense the devotion
Go down to the confluence, the reason these particular ghats became sacred rather than any other stretch of bank.
Learn the rites
Be considerate around the ancestral rites. Families come here for funerary ceremonies, and it is not a spectacle.
Sit by the river
Look for parikrama pilgrims walking the river, and for the boats that ferry people between the banks.
Visit at dusk
Come early in the morning too — the bathing at first light is quieter and, for many, the better hour.
The Narmada ghats.
Sacred steps to the river
The Narmada ghats — most famously at Chandod and Karnali, near the river confluence — are among Gujarat’s holiest riverside sites, where pilgrims bathe, perform ancestral rites and float lamps at the evening aarti, key stops on the Narmada Parikrama. The living spiritual heart of the river.
For everything else the district holds, see our Narmada travel guide.
Sacred ghats at Chandod & Karnali
Near the river confluence
Ritual bathing & rites
The evening Narmada aarti
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season.
Lush and green by the river.
Hot — start early.
⏰ Visit at aarti time in the cooler months; combine it with the Narmada ghats and Kevadia.
Timings & entry
- Open at worship hours
- Morning & evening aarti
- Best in the cool season
- By the sacred Narmada
- Free entry
- Modest dress; remove footwear
- Respect worshippers
- Photography may vary
Getting there
By Air
Vadodara airport (~90 km).
By Rail
Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) station.
By Road
Kevadia / Rajpipla.
At Narmada Ghats
RIVER & RITUAL
Sacred steps to the Narmada
What to shoot
Lamps at aarti.
Setting
The river ghats.
Respect
Be considerate.
Best light
Dusk.
Know before you go
More to see close by
NATUREEkta Nursery
A vast green nursery & arboretum
DAMSardar Sarovar Dam
A colossal dam across the Narmada river
HERITAGERajpipla Palaces
The old royal town & its grand palaces
Rajpipla Temples
Royal-era shrines of the old capital
WATERFALLZarwani & Ninai
Forest cascades that roar in the monsoon
VIEWPOINTViewing Gallery
A gallery at the statue’s chest, 153 m up
Where to eat near Narmada Ghats
THALIGujarati Thali
Full sweet-savoury meals.
FARSANDhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks.
STREETKevadia food courts
Snacks for visitors.
Local fare
Gujarati & tribal food; Kevadia food courts.
Narmada Ghats FAQ
What is Narmada Ghats?
Along the Narmada in this district lie a series of sacred ghats — most famously at Chandod and Karnali, near the confluence of the Narmada with the Orsang and Mahi rivers — that are among the holiest riverside sites in Gujarat. Here pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred waters, perform pujas and last rites for ancestors, and take part in the Narmada aarti as lamps are floated on the river at dusk.
Where is it?
Chandod, Karnali & along the Narmada.
Is there an entry fee?
Free.
When should I visit?
October to March; at aarti time.
What's nearby?
The Narmada ghats, Statue of Unity and Kevadia.
How long does it take?
About an hour.
Related places across Gujarat
HERITAGEJama Masjid
A historic mosque of old Broach
1Gaumukh Spring
A sacred natural spring tucked into the forest
NATUREHiran River
The lifeline river of the lion forest
Subir Temples
Pilgrim shrines deep in the Dangs
ECO-CAMPMahal Campsite
Riverside forest camping in Purna
NATUREBhiloda
A forested town in the Aravallis
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026