A Racquet Social Travelogue

VARANASI

Observations of a curious tourist.

Varanasi (a.k.a Banaras) is a city located in the Ganges valley of Northern India.  It traces its origins back to 1800 BC.

A 90-minute flight from Delhi will get you to Varanasi.

After a day in the heat and the crowds of Varanasi, you could do worse...

Taj Ganges Hotel

The crowds, the motorcycles, rickshaws, buses, and cows were great to watch from the quiet comfort of a car.

Varanasi is mostly about temples, ghats (river-front structures,) and salvation. There are over 80 ghats in Varanasi.

Over 30 thousand bodies are cremated every year using wooden pyres on the banks of the Ganges. The remnants are often floated into the river.

Despite the pollution, the faithful believe that a dip in the River Ganges will wash away all their sins. 

Varanasi's ghats and the temples are best seen from boats that ply the River Ganges.

The hordes of pilgrims and tourists have spawned a river cruise industry that caters to the  comfort-seeking traveller.

The co-ordinated performance by a group of elegantly dressed young priests, held every evening on the banks of the Ganges (Ganga,) was riveting!

The Ganga Aarti

You can watch the Ganga Aarti from a docked boat for a small fee.

Varanasi is home to Banares Hindu University. With over 18,000 resident students, it is considered the largest residential university in Asia.

BHU

Some of the finest silk saris in India are made in Varanasi. They are considered formal wear and are known for their gold and silver brocade and intricate embroidery.

Banaras Silk Saris

After a day full of temples, ghats, pandas (priests), and pilgrims, I was ready to kick back with a beverage at the Prinsep Bar at the Taj Ganges.

Varanasi

Varanasi is the stairway to heaven for believers.  You can just be a tourist.