Boating Along The Ganga In Varanasi

Maybe after taking the customary bath from one of the ghats in Varanasi you want to experience the holy waters of the Ganga river another way. Time to hop a boat for a little tour.

Boats are plentiful, moored every block or so along the ghat steps.

Life goes on between the boats: finding a private place to bathe or a little room to hang laundry.

Don't think that once you're on the water you're immune from the hard sell. This pesky vendor will come to you with all sorts of snacks and souvenirs.

A lazy moment on the river. The opposite shore is reachable and has been left undeveloped.

You build a boat with what you have. In this case, the exterior shell is covered with old sheets of metal that look like old airplane sections.

Into The Mist At Varanasi

You have to work for your good light and memorable experience. Up at 5 am, head down to the ghats in Varanasi, and hire a boat to get you out on the Ganges, so you can experience the misty morning and beautiful sunrise.

Don't worry about being alone on the river, it's India. People are bathing at all hours. The early Hindu gets the blessing?

Setting a lighted pooja and a family bathing in the heavy mist.

The light is just starting to emerge, but the crowds have already gathered.

Our captain. One ghat you can guarantee isn't sleeping: the funeral ghat. The smoke is from the several active pyres.

The city, coming through as the mist starts to dissipate.

Varanasi From The Ganges River

The ghats along the river are full of action, but to get a good appreciation of what Varanasi looks like, you need to grab a boat and cruise the Ganges.

The water view, looking like a Renaissance-era Italian painting.

A tighter view, all the action coming into view.

One of the mighty ghats. Many of the structures were built hundreds of years ago and are still supported by various religious sects. Cruising the river.

There are so many elements coming together in Varanasi: boats, ghats, water, people, color, action, stillness.