Varanasi

It was a twelve hour train ride from Delhi to Varanasi. I had problem finding my seat in the train, settled in someone else's seat, and a little later the conductor came and placed me in an empty spot. Sleeper class, although crowded, is comfortable with your own place to lay down. Other backpackers I chatted with later in the journey mentioned that they tried the more expensive sections in the train but it was a waste of money, and confirmed that the sleeper is the best value for the price. The cheapest section with only seats and no beds are over crowded and not very suitable for long journeys. I paid 7 dollars for the train ride from Delhi to Varanasi, it's not all that bad since I didn't have to stay in a hotel for the evening. I rented my first rickshaw in India for 20 rupees when I got to Varanasi, and came to a hostel by the Ganj River that is very popular with backpackers. We sat at the rooftop cafe with a view of the Ganj River with other backpackers I met, and waited for some rooms to become available after 12 pm...


I spent two days among Hindu pilgrims. Varanasi is India's oldest city where people have practiced the same rituals for thousands of years, presented their offerings to their gods, repeated the same prayers. A city where numerous temples are surrounded by the dark houses of Indians alongside the Ganj river. Labyrinth-like streets, constant smoke arising from Ganj side where they cremate the bodies, endless Saree shops, old canoes, bell sounds, and Sadus... Ceremonies, starting at sunrise around 6:00 am, go 'till sunset. I'm leaving this holy Hindu city for Nepal.


kids being kids

Cremation of the bodies by the Ganj River
Sunrise over Ganj





Starting the day by washing up in the holy waters of Ganj


Evening ceremonies by the river

monkeys are a common sight
rickshaws everywhere
getting ears cleaned on the street

little buddha