Day 9 - Varanasi (first day)

08.10.2022

Day 9

Jamshedpur to Varanasi is approx 550 kms with an estimated travel time of about 10 hours.

Once again it was an early start and we hit the road by 5.15 am. To save time en-route we carried packed breakfast from the hotel.

Our route NH18/NH43 took us through some hilly terrain to Tikra (several humps slowing our progress). We stopped at a place with plenty of open space to have our packed breakfast, where we met a villager on a bicycle carrying his farm produce (bitter gourd and ladies finger) to local market, with whom we shared our breakfast. We are told, he makes this trip every other day and makes approx Rs.1000/- each trip. Nice to see an Indian farmer making a decent living. 

After a quick and healthy breakfast we are on our way in a short while.

In a while, the route merged into the highway, but the progress continued to be slow. It was heavy traffic in most parts - the truck traffic slowing us down much. Though it was a four lane highway, there were several unfinished sections and un-tarred stretches at several places. We reached Varanasi also known as Anandvan or Kashi or Benares -  at around 4.00 pm and checked in to Ramada by Wyndham. 

We planned two nights halt at Varanasi and as suggested by friends we hired a cab for our local travel. Traffic is chaotic and roads pathetic in this city and our decision to hire a cab was proven right in no time!

After check-in, we went to see the Bathing ghats on the Ganges…boating on the river is magnificent and not to be missed. Ganges in all its majestic glory and the bathing ghats and river puja (Ganga Aarti) is a once in a lifetime experience.

Bathing ghats are unique. We are told there are about 100 such ghats of which 80 are still in use, but many are run down and require maintenance.

We also saw several funeral pyres burning, and many more dead being brought there. According to Hindu belief one attains moksha if cremated in this holy city and remains sprinkled in Ganga.

Ganga aarti is a magnificent event in Varanasi. The Aarti takes place in the evening after sunset. This beautiful ritual performed with brass lamps and accompanied by mantra chants is very special and fills one with spiritual thoughts.

We had dinner at the hotel and decided to have an early night…

Looking forward to an exciting Day two in Varanasi!

At end of day nine - 3973 kms on our tracker.

#fulltankers