Varanasi is one of the most interesting places we went in India. But I still can't say I loved it. The streets once again are crowded, dirty and covered in shit but it's the Ghats that hold the most interest for travellers.
We stayed at the Scindhia Guest hose which was right on one of the main Ghats. The hotel itself wasn't anything to righ about but the 5.30am boat ride that they organised was great. We headed for the boat before the sun was up and slowly glided up the river towards the bathing Pilgrims. As you row along you past such things as the Burning Ghats which is where they cremate the dead before pouring their ashes into the river. The rivers is probably on of the dirtiest rivers in the world which is a surprise for the holy quality that it holds to Hindus. But everything is done in the river. As we snaked the shoreline we saw dead cows floating, people bathing, cremations being poured in. I've even heard that it's not uncommon for human bodies to be set afloat.
The interesting aspect of it all it the bathing and it's definitely worth a visit on a trip to India. But for me this is my last Indian blog as I have had enough and will be flying out tomorrow night with Singapore Airlines to Siem Reap, Cambodia.