Varanasi, also known as Banaras, we ventured deep into the passageways and narrow lanes of the ancient temple city. Varanasi has been shaped by Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist influences with the city being founded by Shiva (according to Hindu mythology), its proximity to Sarnath where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, and being located on the banks of the holy river Ganges, with its ancient trade and commerce routes. Although it’s better known for its religious sites, Varanasi is also famous for its silk weaving. I have written at more length on everything we did in my journal, and you can see more images in each post.
Early pre-dawn offerings and bathing in the sacred river.
The people of of Dal-Mandi and Hadahaa Sarai
