Varanasi Day I
Started at 0545 odometer at 5197 kilos
Got taken to a narrow road parallel to the National Highway. Was brilliant. No traffic, no humans, no goats, no bumps.
Then, just as I was thanking google, the map took me off the good road, onto the highway we had been running parallel to. And, then on to another narrower mud road. Just to seriously test the suspension and contortions capabilities of the Thar. What a road that was. Unfortunately have not got the camera my kids wanted me to fit for capturing the video of the ride. The rock and roll was worse than a camel rising. The Thar did it, easy. Felt the rear wheels slide a few times, wet mud, but it just needed some power to get moving.
Across a narrow pontoon bridge with water flowing fast beneath.
I had decided to allow maps to lead me, come what may. The drive was an adventure, a creation of space. And, maps has definitely done it's part in allowing me to experience some driving I would never ever have otherwise done. Narrow roads, villages with gobar being dried, narrower bridges, pot holes that needed a boat. never once did I feel that the vehicle would let me down. Fuel and Time was on my hands.
Had been smart and ordered sandwiches for the road. Fed up of the bananas I had to buy for breakfast the last two days. This route is just not used to private vehicles. There are dhabas, but none that look half like those we have in the movies !! Had breakfast by the roadside.
Got into Varanasi on a four lane.
Varanasi was not the mess I remembered. Traffic was a pain. But, otherwise, it was not the mess it used to be.
Reached the hotel after multiple calls to locate it.Never ever trust what you read on the net. It's not that bad, but not really as good as on the net. Worst part, parking is on the road.
Got a auto set up for the evening to do the tourist stuff.
That's the Durga Temple.
Auto driver was shocked that I did not want to go in.
Went on to see the Ghats.
The first one - Aasi Ghat- was crowded, massively. Walking was an issue.
The festival of Jivitputrika or Jiuntia is today. Women fast thru the day for the wellbeing of their children. Prevalent in Orissa Bihar and UP. Will admit I was absolutely ignorant of such a festival.
Retreated as soon as the crowd allowed me to. Turned on my heels and went to Kedar Ghat. Got to the Ganges.
The Ganges fascinates me. Have been seeing the same river for the last three days. And, it is not enough. Give me more. If there was a place to sit, without crowds , I could spend a hours.
Cannot leave you without the picture of the NDRF guys on duty, going out on patrol.
Met someone else on the road. Thought you may like him
Great day. More tomorrow
Have set up the same guy at 0700 tomorrow for toursm. Well, he cannot come earlier !!!!
Good night.
Got taken to a narrow road parallel to the National Highway. Was brilliant. No traffic, no humans, no goats, no bumps.
Then, just as I was thanking google, the map took me off the good road, onto the highway we had been running parallel to. And, then on to another narrower mud road. Just to seriously test the suspension and contortions capabilities of the Thar. What a road that was. Unfortunately have not got the camera my kids wanted me to fit for capturing the video of the ride. The rock and roll was worse than a camel rising. The Thar did it, easy. Felt the rear wheels slide a few times, wet mud, but it just needed some power to get moving.
Across a narrow pontoon bridge with water flowing fast beneath.
I had decided to allow maps to lead me, come what may. The drive was an adventure, a creation of space. And, maps has definitely done it's part in allowing me to experience some driving I would never ever have otherwise done. Narrow roads, villages with gobar being dried, narrower bridges, pot holes that needed a boat. never once did I feel that the vehicle would let me down. Fuel and Time was on my hands.
Had been smart and ordered sandwiches for the road. Fed up of the bananas I had to buy for breakfast the last two days. This route is just not used to private vehicles. There are dhabas, but none that look half like those we have in the movies !! Had breakfast by the roadside.
Got into Varanasi on a four lane.
Varanasi was not the mess I remembered. Traffic was a pain. But, otherwise, it was not the mess it used to be.
Reached the hotel after multiple calls to locate it.Never ever trust what you read on the net. It's not that bad, but not really as good as on the net. Worst part, parking is on the road.
Got a auto set up for the evening to do the tourist stuff.
That's the Durga Temple.
Auto driver was shocked that I did not want to go in.
Went on to see the Ghats.
The first one - Aasi Ghat- was crowded, massively. Walking was an issue.
The festival of Jivitputrika or Jiuntia is today. Women fast thru the day for the wellbeing of their children. Prevalent in Orissa Bihar and UP. Will admit I was absolutely ignorant of such a festival.
Retreated as soon as the crowd allowed me to. Turned on my heels and went to Kedar Ghat. Got to the Ganges.
The Ganges fascinates me. Have been seeing the same river for the last three days. And, it is not enough. Give me more. If there was a place to sit, without crowds , I could spend a hours.
Cannot leave you without the picture of the NDRF guys on duty, going out on patrol.
Met someone else on the road. Thought you may like him
Great day. More tomorrow
Have set up the same guy at 0700 tomorrow for toursm. Well, he cannot come earlier !!!!
Good night.
The share market likes him too for the last two days...
ReplyDeleteGreat journey, take a ride on the Ganges and send us a video.