Varanasi

Varanasi is a city where earth and mysticism combine. It's one of the holiest cities of Hinduism and a place of one of the first preachings of Buddha. In the city you can find everything from the most typical small bazaars to small temples, and you can even see the cremations of the dead that take place on the banks of the Ganges. With all the colors mixed from the sun and the smell of incense and food, Varanasi is a delight for the senses. It's a perfect place to get lost wandering the streets, and discover little nooks where you can taste typical street food and desserts from the area (sensitive stomachs should be careful).

Varanasi smells like urine during the day, it smells like the pee of several men and I imagine that it has been that way for a long time, but for many years the water of the Ganges was transparent. It seems impossible that people bathe, wash clothes and carry out their cleaning routines along the river, while elsewhere they cremate the dead.

Benares is one of India’s holy cities and a place that will leave you speechless. The most iconic parts of Benares are the ghats, steps which lead down to the Ganges and are where many rituals and daily chores take place. It’s a holy place, so remember to keep a respectful distance and enjoy it with all your senses, but not by interfering. It’s best to see the ghats in the morning or in the evening to get a full sense of their activity. The old city is pretty incredible too, but it’s very easy to get lost. It’s like a maze of alleys, shops, restaurants, and temples. The smells range from mouth-watering to stomach-churning by the second.

It was really crowded but this city has something special. you should visit the ceremony at 7pm what is amazing to see many people around it every night.