The Mighty Ganges, Varanasi, India

Written on Thursday, August 15, 2019 by Emma Whiting Travel

I was so excited to arrive in Varanasi, after hearing so much about this interesting city and our long flight I was so happy to feel the warm sun on my arms and hear the crazy noise of Indian streets I loved so much on my first visit to this incredible country.

After our rooftop lunch over looking the mighty Ganges River we ventured out, walking along the riverbank suburb of Bhelupura. We started from Assi Ghat, walking past games of cricket, cows cooling down in the water, women washing clothes, people bathing, and even fishing. The river plays host to the full circle of life, from young children playing by the water, to the burning ghats – a sacred burial site to those of the Hindu faith.

The next morning we woke at 5am for a sunrise boat ride down the Ganges. It was pitch black and the streets unusually quiet with only the odd cow to be seen. We walked along the river, quickly realising we were too early, so sat under the glowing street lights watching the boat men arrive for the sunrise shift. We chose a boat that didn’t look too sinkable, and climbed in. The first 15 minutes of paddling were quite eerie, the sky is still dark so you can’t see around you or where you’re going, you can only wait patiently for the sun. As it slowly rose the riverbank once again came to life. The glowing pink sky was beautiful as it reflected on the water, the romantic view I’ve watched so many explorers take in across my favourite travel shows.

I love learning about other faiths and cultures and Varanasi has certainly been one of the most overwhelming yet fascinating places I’ve visited.

 

Read more of my adventures in India here