Varanasi - Ganges River | INDIA

One of the most historical and spiritual cities and also one of my favorites cities in India! There is something magical over there and I could feel this energy by walking by the Ganges.

Peaceful walks by the Ganges


We arrived at 6am, had our host waiting for us where we got dropped off, it was wonderful. It felt so good having a lovely local with us after all that nightmare. 


Morning ritual
Our guest house was called Marigold and as he walked us to the guest house along the river locals were doing their daily rituals. 
So peaceful and beautiful. What a great start!

They have these ceremonies every morning and every night by the river and it is just fascinating. It attracts a lot of people at night time and it makes it super lively.


Monkey chillin





The guest house itself was pretty decent, we had a warm and knowledgeable host, we had monkeys greeting us through our bedroom window every day, a nice rooftop view and the Ganges was just at our doorstep!







The colorful ritual
During these 3 days, we did a little bit of everything, started exploring the area, walking both ways from the hotel by the water, walked and walked forever. I love walking, I find it the best way to explore on the first day and you get to see more this way too. You can see some of that walk in our Varanasi video!


Attended a full moon night ceremony which was amazing! It was very special since it was the full moon and we had clear skies the whole time.


Night Ceremony - Find Viv
Watched a cremation ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. We were not so close to it, but still a bit shocking at first. And for obvious reasons, no photos allowed.



Making friends





Saw beautiful holy cows everywhere, goats jumping around, lovely street puppies, monkeys jumping from building to building which made us feel like we were at the planet of the apes! Such a crazy mix and so much life.





Drank amazing Lassis watching people go by the alleyways together with cows, scooters, covered dead bodies being carried to the cremation ritual, kids playing, all the same time!

Kids flying kites from the boat

Our host took us to watch the sunrise from a boat floating down the Ganges which was just inexpressible! It was so magical and stunning. The peace is so intense and the energy of the sunrise mixed with the fog makes it even more amazing. I have no words to describe it. A must do.

Ganges sunrise boating 


Took a cycle rickshaw to a number of temples around the city, by the way, what a noisy city when you are not by the river haha!
Drank a LOT of Masala Chai and got a massage by the Ganges.
Watched the sunset from a rooftop restaurant, drinking Mango Lassis while seeing a 'Bollywood' movie being shoot on the building next door to us.

And, That's basically it, I would definitely go back to this special city. And again, if you go, I would recommend booking a place to stay near the Ganges. You will not believe how busy and crazy everything is once you leave the riverside and go to the main streets. 


Finding peace by the Ganga river

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