A holly man gazes across the Ganges River.

When I crossed the bridge that spans across the Ganges River, the old city looked rather tranquil and sleepy. That moment quickly evaporated when we started to navigate through the vast labyrinth of narrow lanes towards the river and our guesthouse.

If anything, the network of small narrow lanes added some light relief from the sun during the day leaving the mornings and early evenings to stroll along the Ganges.

The Manikarnika Ghat was fascinating. Being meters away from families burning their beloved ones in a process of liberation from the cycle of birth and death will stay with me for a long time. 

Equally, I certainly wont forget having to move out the way for busy ‘outcasts’ carrying dead bodies through the small alleyways towards the Ganges River.

Being in Varanasi was a perfect time to re-watch Ron Fricke’s amazing “Baraka” film, which features shots of the Manikarnika Ghat and burning ceremony in high definition glory.

Onwards to Agra!