People from around India come to Varanasi for the Ganges River, and life (and death) in the city revolves around the river.
You’ll find sadhus, or Hindu holy men, throughout Varanasi, often napping in the sunshine or deep in meditation.
There’s nothing better to do when you’re in Varanasi than walk along the Ganges river. Doing laundry is also a popular activity.
Ghats are a series of steps that lead down to a river, and in Varanasi you’ll find ghats continuously along the river. One of my favorites, for its beautiful painted steps, is Kedar Ghat.
Like in all of India, Varanasi is full of color. From the colors painted on buildings to the clothing of pilgrims, you’ll be immersed in colors when in Varanasi.
Taking a seat on a step and watching life and death happen is one of the most incredible things to do in Varanasi.
Though you can go to one of the burning ghats and see bodies being burned (I didn’t take any photos), you can also see funerals taking place where a body is just sunk to the botton of the river. Here’s a funeral I witnessed along the ghat early one morning.
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Watch my Varanasi video to see more of this ceremony.
People not only bathe and wash their clothes in the Ganges river, but it’s also consumed!
Taking a morning sunrise boat ride is a great way to see Varanasi waking up and to observe rituals and traditions taking place along the banks of the river.
Every night, and also in the morning (but less), there’s a ceremony to honor the Ganges river. It involves lots of burning incense and fire.
Throughout Varanasi you’ll see many interesting shrines.
You can really sit or lay down and take a nap wherever you please in Varanasi. This man just decided to take a nap in a cage… why not!?
Like I mentioned above, all over Varanasi there are many sadhu holy men. Sometimes they ask for their photos to be taken in exchange for a few Rupees.
Even if a goat starts licking your face, just keep on snoozing!
While walking along the main road of Varanasi, I came across a dead monkey. People would passby and toss coins as the monkey rest.
Exploring the Ganges River and the ancient narrow alleys are the highlights of visiting Varanasi.
A very colorful boat full of people in Varanasi, India.
If you get onto some of the main streets in Varanasi, you’ll find all sorts of delicious street food. During my stay, I frequented the peanut man and the green pea man.
Varanasi is a great place to get lost in the craziness and just explore the city.
You’ll find lots of delicious food in Varanasi too!
If you plan to visit Varanasi, be sure to check out tips and information on my Varanasi travel guide.
Ashok Vada Pav: $0.30 For The Most Amazing Vegetarian Burger
Excellent Bombay Duck Fry at Gomantak (Must-Eat in Mumbai)
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High Rated Gabru
2 years ago
Awesome blog photos. They are telling the story of Varansi.
Victor Matthews
3 years ago
Though I have been to India many times, I have never visited Varanasi. Thanks for the beautiful depictions and great info.
Vishal Kaushik
4 years ago
Keep Writing.
Vishal Kaushik
4 years ago
That’s great.
Vishal Kaushik
4 years ago
wow…
Sagari
7 years ago
I hope to visit Varanasi soon. Twice I missed the chance to visit this place. India is a place where we can find lot more places to keep on exploring. That’s a nice collection. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Vishaljit Sinha
8 years ago
Really love your photos , showes the real India.I really love your videos till it make me hungry and make me realise that I had nothing in the kitchen rake.. to eat after that its tease full to watch…… but really appreciate your work and passion towards food ……
Mark Wiens
8 years ago
Thank you very much Vishaljit!
Prasad
8 years ago
Hey Mark , I am Prasad from India. I am a regular follower of your videos. Despite being a pure vegetarian , I enjoy your food videos. I wanted to make a humble request. I may not be able to afford to travel , so I request you to kindly dedicate some more time to the tourist places in your videos . Overall your videos are excellent and I do get a feeling that I am personally visiting the place. Thank you Mark.
Mark Wiens
8 years ago
Hi Prasad, nice to hear from you, thank you for the kind comment, and for your support. Will try to do so, and thank you!
Siddhartha Joshi
10 years ago
Absolutely fantastic pictures…loved them all…
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thank you very much Siddhartha.
Amit
10 years ago
Wonderful Varanasi. Its a place which has a reputed position in Indian Culture, Many Indian religious Purana’s have also mentioned of it.
flipnomad
10 years ago
Varanasi is one of my fave places on Earth. It may not be exactly as beautiful as other places but it’s unique and photogenic in my opinion. There’s always something going on in every corner.
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Hey Flip, I agree, it was just incredible, I was fascinating looking in all directions.
Mike
10 years ago
Wonderful photos, Mark. I think there is an opportunity for an amazing scene no matter where one points their camera!
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thank you Mike, yes in Varanasi that is so true, and I couldn’t even turn off my camera!
Christoffer Moen
10 years ago
Varanasi is as beautiful as the photos you’ve captured of it — altogether lush, intense, colorful, moving, and thought-provoking. I’m in awe.
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thanks a lot Christoffer!
namy
10 years ago
Your photos always astound and impress me. Just want to go there 🙂
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thank you Namy!
Christina
10 years ago
Crikey, intense! I’ve never been to India, but hopefully one day I will go. I need to mentally prepare myself for that many people though. Great photos!
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thanks Christina, hope you can visit in the future!
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence)
10 years ago
I’ve never been to India never mind Varanasi, but looking at your photos, I felt like I was there, Mark! I love how you really captured the spirit of the place and I really look forward to getting to see this wondrous city one day with my own eyes!
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thanks a lot Steph, Varanasi is really a fascinating place, unlike anywhere else I’ve been. Hope you can visit in the future!
Stephanie – The Travel Chica
10 years ago
Beautiful photo essay
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thank you Stephanie!
Noel
10 years ago
These photos are amazing! They really made me want to go to India right now!
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thanks a lot Noel!
Maria
10 years ago
Definite show stoppers here. Beautiful, sad, intense and energetic simultaneously.
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thanks Maria!