We spent a couple of nights in Varanasi, attracted by stories of early morning boat rides past ghats where pilgrims come to bathe.  Unfortunately, when we arrived Varanasi was under water…the ghats (which are 50 step high bathing places) were underwater, with only a couple of steps showing and hardly anyone bathing.  All boat rides were cancelled due to the dangerously high levels of the water, and the stroll we had planned along the river had to be changed into a stroll through the back streets of Varanasi due to the water level (while avoiding some of the streets that were still flooded or muddy).  We visited several ghats anyway – here are some of the pictures of Assi Ghat, Tulsa Ghat and Dasawamedh Ghat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also visited the Burning Ghat, where peoples’ bodies are burned after their death (no photos allowed here).  We ate some great food – fresh lime soda at a rooftop café, lunch at Open Hand, a great ethical business, and sizzlers for dinner with our friends (sizzling meat or veges on a hot plate in front of you!)

 

 

 

 

 

We wandered the streets and explored the bazaar. We had a good time, but when we looked at photos from one of Reuben’s previous trips here I couldn’t help but feel jealous…check them out below!