"My most favorite place in India!" Varanasi by Vija_v

Varanasi Travel Guide: 619 reviews and 1,429 photos

When we first arrived in Varanasi it was already after midnight - streets were empty, just some lonely cows and riksha drivers.
Our hotel was located just by the Ganga, but we didnt know that it is in Old Town and no rikshas goes into the place. :) That was quiet interesting experience to walk in the streets of old town in absolute dark when u dont know where to go. :)
But we were lucky - we found our hotel and got an amazing room with the balcony, from which we could saw Ganga.

In the very morning we woke up from the sounds when locals were having they morning swim. They were laughing, talking, swimming, washing they clothes and doing meditation. All this was so new for us, but at the same time to see that makes you feel so very special.

We spent in Varansi 3 days and that was best time for me. I just loved to be there and that place will stay in my memories for really long time!

When i was going to India, my family asked me to promise that i wont jump into the Ganga! :)))
Ha, ha, ha temptation was big, but i managed to fill my promises. :)

But to be serious, Ganga and all history and traditions connected with this river is sth amazing!

Like this river looks every single morning! All Hindu people use to have swim in the river at least one time per day (even in the winter time).
In the town there is many muslims as well, and even Ganga is not the holy place for them, they are also coming to the river to have they bath :)

Last visit to Varanasi: Apr 2005
Intro Updated May 19, 2005
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Reviews (7)

Is there any fish in Ganga? Local Customs (3)

We notice some men who were doing fishing in Ganga, just by the people burning place. Um, i wonder what kind of fish... more travel advice

Temples Things to Do (3)

As a holy place Varanasi has very many different temples for all kinds of religions. If about me, then i preferred... more travel advice

Laundry Local Customs (3)

It is really amazing how many different things you can do in one river. Ganga are used for people cremation, as a place... more travel advice

People cremation Local Customs (3)

After the death Hindu people are getting cremated and it is a big honor to be cremated in Varanasi, as it is a holy... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Nice place just by the river

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Comments (8)

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goutammitra Feb 29, 2008 at 1:36 AM

Good observations on the Hindu customs. But the dead pregnant woman do also get burnt and not immersed. Slowly the govt is getting tough on pollution control. Electric crematorium is being installed everywhere, keeping intact the tradition.
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daugavpilietis Aug 30, 2006 at 10:27 PM

Varanasi is at the top of the list of places I most want to see -- so I'm delighted to see that you loved it! Someday... Burvīgas bildes! Kad atkal būsi Latgalē, atnāc ciemos!
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luckymiffy Apr 29, 2006 at 9:28 AM

Varanasi is also the best place in india for me. I love spending all days walking along ganga river!
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DaDrifter Jun 21, 2005 at 3:45 AM

Lovely pictures and great observations, Vija :) ... nice place to take a dip and wash away those sins :)))
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LanaFromRiga Jun 13, 2005 at 6:15 AM

India has great traditions and I hope to see more pictures of this amazing country.
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bugulma Jun 8, 2005 at 4:39 AM

Market!! Sunrise!!! cool place!!!!
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jto May 23, 2005 at 1:46 AM

Oh I like this:) The temple is great. Lovely decoration. Did you enter that temple?
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aadil May 22, 2005 at 8:20 AM

Interesting tips and pics!!! Will be back this June for the second time in three months!!!