India, Varanasi

Wherever you start in India you may be in for a shock. Most people don't like India when they initially land. It's too hectic, dirty, smelly and overwhelming. Don't worry though if you feel this way, you are not alone.

Varnanasi is very hectic, the dirtiest place we visited and a serious assault on the senses for a first destination in India but it has lots to offer.

Stay somewhere on the Ghats to be close to the action but you will probably be woken up early by the sounds of prayer at dawn. Take a boat trip down the Ganges at dawn. See the Ganges prayer offering at sunset on Dashashwamedha Ghat. Go and see a cremation on the cremation ghats but don't take photos and be respectful. Try not to be scammed into donating money to take scenery photos from buildings. Varanasi has some of the most persistant touts and con artists around so don't be afraid to say NO!
Take a walk around the university to see some greenery.