Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world, and the holiest place for all of Hinduism. Situated on a crescent shaped curve of the Ganges it's an assault on the senses.
We're staying in the old quarter a stone's throw from the river. It's a labyrinth of narrow alleys littered with hazards. Cows block the way, mangy dogs sleep on every corner and monkeys rule the rooftops. The streets are clogged with people, rubbish, motorbikes, fires, food, beggars. There is an overload of sounds and smells. Sewerage smells enough to make you gag, cloying incense, spicy chai and curry cooking, burning braziers and bubbling vats of oil. Constant noise cymbals clashing, bells jangling and a mass of people washing, eating, talking, living.
All alleys eventually lead to the ghats. Steep embarkments of stone steps leading down to the Ganges where pilgrims come to perform ritual ablutions.
It's easy just to sit and watch. The thick green ganga river with its constant parade of boats, pilgrims and holy men. Kids tug at kites that flutter high in the pale blue sky and a never ending game of cricket takes place in the alley behind our vantage point.(it's out if the ball lands in the river or a rooftop).
It seems we don't have to go looking for things to do in Varanasi - it comes to us.
Varanasi city of temples and weavers. It's hot and exhausting and ultimately incredibly fascinating. We've decided to stay an extra day.
Namaste Sandy
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