18th - 21st Varanasi

A 16hr bus journey bought us here, this bus driver was very good and seemed quite safe...which made for a nicer journey although very hot.. 42c most days now!!!

As for Varanasi, is was a pleasant surprise our first walk along the River Ganges took us past many of the famous Ghats.. We sat with locals enjoyed chai. Left our real adenture for tomorrow...

Up early of to see sunrise.. We had local boatman who took us up river past all the ghats including the burning ghat Where people are cremated in open view. surprising how many people come to view just this...

Amongst all the ghats their are indian families enjoying the ritual of Puja bathing and even swimming. Young boys swim out to the boat to hang on for a free ride, The boatman says politely to let go so he can continue our tour. We reach the last Ghat Tulsi Ghat, This has fallen into the river makes for crazy photo...

boatride complete we take a walk through the old city with its many small streets everyone is about their business but still find time to talk.. More Chai & completey lost and very tired we resort to take cyclo back to hotel, which we would never have found it took the cyclo over 15mins...

Next back on the boat for sunrise pictures. The boatman we promised to use after being dug out from some little place, was comically high on stuff. His boat trip was different he spent along time going round in circles eventually straight over the side managing to ground it on sandbank. Mark jumps out to give helping hand takes charge of the ores takes us back, Our man very happy takes his money and falls asleep ( it could only happen in india!!!)

Our last day was spent at Sanarth a 15km ride away byauto ricksaw. We actually agreed to having a guide for this trip as it is famous for Bhudha first sermon.His remains are still in a 34mtrs high Stupa. (Dhamekh Stupa) Another worth while museaum with archelogical finds dating back to 2nd Century...

To finish off our Varanasi experience we visit the cinema built inside a brand new shopping complex.. The film in hindi was very easy to follow. The families around us laugh shout and make comments all the way through with kids running around & chair service for all the estentials one requires at a movie Popcorn Ice creams etc...another first

Next Stop: Flight to Amritsar via Delhi