Varanasi (25th - 26th March)
After
a very long overnight train, we arrived into Varanasi – the most
holy city in India.
We took cycle rickshaws to the Ganges, which was a great experience.
On the cycle rickshaw
Travelling TT's!
A sunrise boat cruise along the Ganges river was a truly interesting experience. Locals bathing, clothes being washed, floating dead bodies and raging fires...
Communal area where prayers are held each morning and evening
The ghats of the Ganges
Locals doing their laundry for the day
Beautiful sunrise
Cute baby goat along the ghats
The area on the Ganges where all cremations take place
We revisited the Ganges for sunset also, which was equally as interesting. We watched some of the cremation ceremonies take place and took part in a candle flower ceremony.
Evening candle flower ceremony
The Ganges at dark
The evening call to prayer
While in Varanasi, we
ate at an extremely cheap restaurant – only 55 Rupees ($1.10AUD)
for a Thali with flowing Roti and pappadums!
Chef and his kitchen at the local restaurant
To
finish our time in India, we visited Sarnath – the place where
Buddha came, after he attained Enlightenment in
Bodh Gaya.
Situated 13Kms to the north-east of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres in India and is also an important place for the followers of Jainism.
Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park in Sarnath to his five disciples after he attained Enlightenment.
Sarnath
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