Varanasi, India  वाराणसी

Rana mahal Ghat (c.1670) on the Ganges, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

We had bad light conditions whilst in Varanasi; I don’t think we had a sunny day the whole time I was there— a photographer’s nightmare. I’ve done my best to show the true colors of this magnificent place, but I feel my photo efforts come to no avail compared to the vivid colors, smells and tastes found here. Next time I’m in Varanasi, I’ll be sure to pray to the weather Gods so that when the golden hour (before sunset) arrives, there will be sun enough to make this photographer’s dream come true. Until then, enjoy.

Brian and the view of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Festive street, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 8, 2004

Devidas says that these benches are provided by dhaba (small shop) owners in the hope that people will take a rest and order something from their stall. He also says that two women with no hair (green and purple sari) have journeyed to Varanasi from south India to visit Kashi Vishwanath.

Shiva temple at the Scindia ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Rolling beedis, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 8, 2004

Boat ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Gazing view, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Many boats, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Our boat guy rowing us on the Ganga, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Water buffalo in the ganga, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Façades on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Ride on the Ganga, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Orange people boat ride, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Brown muddy river, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Burning ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004

Brown muddy river, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India — July 6, 2004