Haridwar and Rishikesh

Haridwar is one of the very first places where the River Ganges emerges from mountains to touch the plains. Accessible from any part of India, Haridwar is located close to Dehradun and it mostly consists of highlands suitable for rivers to flow south. Haridwar is well-connected by roads and railways. The famous Shatabdi Express is available from Delhi (capital of India) to Haridwar. Travelling in Shatabdi Express to Haridwar, one can get a gorgeous view of the pastoral lands and terrains throughout the journey. On reaching Haridwar, you will be welcomed by the auto-rickshaw drivers, taxi-drivers and cycle-rickshaw drivers, who will badger you in the process of trying to offer a ride. Succumbing to their constant bugging, you can take a ride on any of those vehicles available. Mostly all the aforementioned vehicles are available for affordable prices, provided you need not travel long distances. Penetrating through the busy roads of Haridwar- which is filled with noises of life and unbearable horns of vehicles with the noises disproportionate to the size of the vehicle, zigzag movement of vehicles and pedestrians both trying to find a way in the maze, street-vendors and road-side eateries making steaming hot batures and gulab jamuns amidst all the chaos- you will realise this is what characterises the city.

1.       Har ki Pauri: Har ki pauri is the focal point of Haridwar. It is the most famous ghat on the bank of Ganges. You can witness the daily Aarti ritual that takes place in the evening which is attended by flocks of devotees. Also called Brahmakund, Har ki pauri has a temple built around a large footmark which is believed to be the footprints of Lord Vishnu. The Hindu Mythology suggests that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu had visited this place during vedic period. The vigour of the flowing River Ganga in Har ki Pauri can push you away to next town in a matter of few minutes. However, there are fences that will help you stay ashore. Taking a dip in the flowing mighty River Ganga is considered to be purifying the soul off our sins. Devotees also place lamps (made of dried leaves that are stitched together with flowers filled in it) in the water and observe its journey through the flowing water.

Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world, is the most tranquil place in Northern Uttarkhand. It is surrounded by hills and bisected by wide and sluggish River Ganges flowing through the mountains. Rishikesh is an hour away from Haridwar. Trains are available from Haridwar to Rishikesh which is the most convenient way to reach Rishikesh if you are interested in using local transport. Buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis are also available from Haridwar to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is difficult to access from other parts of the state due to its geographical location. Hence, the best way to reach RIshikesh is through Haridwar. Rishikesh is an excellent place to practise yoga. Back in 1960s, the Beatles visited Rishikesh with their Guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This site became extremely famous for practising Yoga after that occasion.

Raihbya Rishi performed severe penance here and as a result, God appeared in front of him and granted his wishes. As this happened in the spot of present day Rishikesh, the place is called Rishikesh. Rishikesh is a starting point for several Himalayan treks that starts from Lakshman Jula (in Rishikesh) to places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Rishikesh has numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognised as centres for philosophical studies, yoga and meditation. An international yoga week is organised in RIshikesh every year during February. The geographical location of Rishikesh has endowed it with pleasant weather throughout the year. The popular attractions and touristy activities are listed below:

1.       Lakshman Jhula: Located 3kms from Swarag Ashram, Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge with temples on either side of it. The suspension bridge is 450ft long and was built in 1939.

2.       RamJhula: Ram Jhula is located 3kms to the North of Rishikesh. It is very popular among tourists as it picturesque and it serves as the icon of the town. It also has ashrams on the either side of it. Most notable ashrams are Geeta Bhavan and Swarag Ashram. According to Hindu Mythology, this is the place where Lord Shiva drank a venomous liquid which was produced by Gods and demons while they were looking for amrit (the portion of immortality) which was to be churned out of the cosmic churning of oceans.

Rishikesh is not only known for offering spiritual experience to its visitors but also adrenaline pumping eco-adventures for the young and young at heart. Rishikesh is famous for activities like river-rafting and bungee jumping. Rishikesh is also known for trekking to peaks of Himalayan ranges with the former being the base camp or starting point. We would recommend you to try river-rafting here in RIshikesh as the rapids are strong which will provide an exciting experience. There are several agencies that facilitate river-rafting. But, beware of the money-minded service providers as they set exorbitant rates for river-rafting.

Travelling to Rishikesh and Haridwar will prove to be a memorable experience, no matter what kind of trip it is. The abundance of lush greenery and natural beauty, the ever-available mighty River Ganga, the people and their culture, the climate etc, is going to make it hard for you to bid adieu to the Nature’s abode- Haridwar and Rishikesh.