Hindu Bathers in Ganges River - Varanasi, India |
Be forewarned that your visit to Varanasi will be one of the most unique,
colorful, chaotic, and likely unforgettable places you will ever experience.
You will witness, hear, and smell the most intimate rituals of life and death. Visiting Varanasi has been one of the most memorable travel experiences we have ever had!
Colorful Streets of the Old City - Varanasi, India |
Bottom of Dasaswamedh Ghat - Varanasi, India |
Varanasi is located on the banks of the sacred
Hindu Ganges River. It is a major Hindu pilgrimage site because Hindus believe bathing
in the Ganges remits sins and has healing properties. Many Hindus also arrive
here to die because they believe that after death cremation and throwing your
ashes into the Ganges at Varanasi brings salvation, releasing a person's soul.
Hundreds of Bathers in Ganges River - Varanasi, India |
Sunrise Over the Ganges River - Varanasi, India |
Cremations at Manikarnika Ghat - Varanasi, India |
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Naked Hindu Holy Sadhu Man - Varanasi, India |
At
Varanasi’s Old City we saw many Hindu holy
Sadhu men (see photo). Sadhus are wandering monks often
wearing saffron-colored clothing or no clothing at all giving up all worldly possessions.
They are widely respected for their holiness and solely dedicated to achieving
liberation through meditation and contemplation. There are about 4 million
sadhus in India.
Holy Man at the Ganges River - Varanasi, India |
Ganga Aarti Ceremony Praising Mother Ganga (Ganges River) |
Flower with Candle Offerings - Ganges River |
Travel tips... India has three main seasons - hot
and humid Summer (March to May), Monsoon (June to September), and Winter
(milder summer). The best time to visit is during the winter between November
and February. We visited in February with wonderful weather. Locals in India
speak in broken English and those working in corporates and belonging to
middle, upper middle and high class can speak fluent English.
Colorful Shops - Varanasi, India |
Washing Laundry in Ganges River - Varanasi, India |
Please see
our other 6 posts about incredible India:
Taj Mahal, India
Goa Beaches, India
Mumbai (Bombay), India
New Delhi, India (Capital)
Jaipur (The Pink City), India
Khajuraho (Kama Sutra Temples) - Orchha, India
Taj Mahal, India
Goa Beaches, India
Mumbai (Bombay), India
New Delhi, India (Capital)
Jaipur (The Pink City), India
Khajuraho (Kama Sutra Temples) - Orchha, India
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Good post. Hindus have craving to water, cow, their scriptures and complexion. The Ganges means a lot to a devoted Hindu.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting reading about Varanasi. I've been to India quite often but I still haven't been to Varanasi. At times it seems too raw, too confronting for me and I don't think I'd enjoy it but at other times I'd love to go. We'll see which side wins!
ReplyDeleteThis was very interesting to read and I enjoyed your pictures. I have to confess that personally I would not want to go there because of the crowds, pollution of the water and the Indian culture of rape but it's nice to read about your experience!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry I missed this city on my trip to India last year. Hope to visit someday.
ReplyDeleteIndia is such a fascinating and exotic country. I've never been, but Varanasi is on my list when I do. I especially liked your travel tips about the weather.
ReplyDeleteI am in the amidst of planning another trip to India and trying to decide about Varanasi. Overtime I read about it, I put it back on the list-magical!
ReplyDeleteGreat posting, Wayne. The area around the Ganges river is indeed full of history and so colorful! We also enjoyed the Mughal Town area in Varanasi.
ReplyDeleteI admit that although I've traveled all over the world, including southeast Asia, South America and South Africa, I'm not sure I could handle India. Whenever I read an article about India, there are sure to be mentions of the chaos, noise, dirt and poverty. Now, I can add the 5th most polluted river in the world to that list. I know this is a terrible attitude and I hope I can overcome it some day.
ReplyDeleteI also having plan to go Varanasi Ganges river of Indian tourist attractions places which really historical spots of there. https://goo.gl/c1eZVY
ReplyDeleteWhat a great article and you captured awesome pictures. Thank you so much for sharing this post! If you want to visit Taj Mahal then book a tour package with Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour is the best option to travel at very affordable price.
ReplyDelete