1 Sep – 3 Sep
Varanasi
Loves – Sunrise boat ride
Hates – Early rise for Sunrise boat ride!

Varanasi was the last stop on my group tour before I headed out on my own. It sits on the Ganges river where there are 4miles of Ghats – places where people come to wash and perform their rituals as well as cook food and sometimes sleep. We took a boat ride in the evening and saw the Burning Ghat and the evening prayer whilst drinking Chai tea. The Burning Ghat is the only ghat where people are cremated 24hours a day – I think 200 per day was the figure we were told! Its pretty surreal watching as bodies get put on the fires but a great insight into the Hindu tradition.

The next morning we took another boat ride in the opposite direction and saw the sunrise which was amazing – see pics for a look. Despite it being 6am and dark there were STILL traders trying to sell us bracelets and ornaments on their boats!! People take early morning baths in the river which I am sure would make them more dirty – it is unbelievably polluted - I would choose the Thames anytime! There is also a washing ghat where you can see people washing their clothes – again the irony!

On my last night we had another party at our hotel and a few hours dancing in the club downstairs. I don’t seem to get hangovers like I England here which is absolutely fantastic!!