
Ghats on the Narmada
On both sides of the Narmada are ghats where, since time immemorial, the devout have come to cleanse their bodies and souls. Once upon a time, there were two towns – Vishnupuri and Brahmapuri – on the southern banks of the river. Together with Shivpuri on the island, the three are known as Tripuri and are said to symbolize the triad of Hindu cosmogony.
There are two bridges connection the mainland part of the town with the island, but tourists and pilgrims prefer to cross over by boats from Gomukh ghat. The boats moored on the ghat charge Rs 20 per head. You could also hire a boat to take a joyride on the Narmada. These boats sport colourful canopies and fanciful names such as Titanic and Jalpari (mermaid). For the sinners among us who want to attain redemption by taking a dip in the holy waters of the river, caution is advised. The steps of the ghat are slippery and as the Narmada flows through a gorge here, it is extremely deep. Also, crocodiles are known to stray here from time to time.
The ghat is located roughly midway between the two bridges. From here, another shop-lined lane winds up and down the hilly bank towards the newly constructed suspension bridge. Incidentally, both the bridges are for pedestrian traffic only. Although the policemen are known to turn a blind eye towards the occasional two wheelers.