We took this trip in February 2006. It was a traditional Buddhist pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya (Place of Enlightenment), Lumbini (Birthplace), Sarnath (First Sermon), and Kushinagar (Place of Death). However, we started our trip with several days in Varanasi, traveled through Patna and Ragir, and finished up with a train to New Delhi via Lucknow
One of the most interesting places I have ever visited. However, it is a total shock to all of your senses.
Our hotel was at the top of the Manikarnika Ghat. Take the yellow steps on the right, then turn right at the tree. Direct view of the river from our room. Was not 5 star.
Looking back at the city from a boat at night.
Roof tops
“ The paradox of education is this - that as one begins to become conscious, one begins to examine the society in which one is being educated.”
James Baldwin
Our first stop was in Varanasi. It is a very religious city sitting on the Gange River. One of Hinduism's holiest cities, with more than 80 ghats lining the Ganges, with steps leading down to the river. The ghats serve many purposes: bathing, prayer, ceremonies, social gatherings, festivals and cremation rituals.
It was always smoky from the fires of the constant cremations just a few yards away from our hotel.
Most of the city is not on the river
