“There’s no dearth of food and water where Ganga Mata resides”-said the autowala(auto driver) as I stood muddled after a 4 hour train journey from Delhi to Haridwar. With no booked hotel and a starving tummy, I began my hunt for a shelter and came across Shri shiddha Ashram with the mighty Ganges in the front.
Achieving salvation: The next morning, I went to the Birla Ghat (you can choose any ghat) for the holy dip. According to Hindu mythology, the holy dip removes your sins.
Food junction:
There are tons of places to relish your hunger for north Indian food. Chole Bhature and lassi did the magic on me.
Haridwar provides you with loads of travel agencies. I found one and they booked me a cab for Rishikesh, 28 kms from Haridwar. After an hour, we reached Rishikesh(rishi=sages) commonly called the “place of sages”. The Rudraksha tree beside the roaring Ganges provides a serene environment. No wonder, this place has served as an ideal meditation ground for travellers and pilgrims for thousands of years.
Legend of Rishikesh:
Yudishthir, a pandava brother, was the only brother who was able to reach this dev bhumi( the place of the Gods) as he never did anything sinful. Hence, he was regarded as Dharmaraj (dharma= righteousness, raj=king).
My next stoppage was Shivanada jhula aka Ram jhula. The popular misconception is that the jhula was made by lord Ram. However, it was made by the indian govt. and was named Shivanada jhula, but later became popular as Ram jhula. Just 2 kms ahead of it, lies the Lakshman jhula(closed for safety reasons at present). The ram jhula with the fierce Ganges flowing underneath will provide you with a good adreline rush. It’s famous for river rafting. After crossing the 450ft bridge, we reached Shatrughana swami temple.
Must Read: 10 Travel Destinations in India by Rahul Banerjee Legend of the Shatrughana swami temple:
This is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Shatrughana, the youngest brother of lord Rama. After killing Ravana, as the four brothers reached Ayodha, their kulguru refused to do their rajavishek(coronation ceremony). He considered the killing of Ravana as a brahmapaap(sin). To achieve salvation, they were told to do tapasya(meditation). Satrughana did the meditation in this temple.
The popular attractions near Ram jhula are:
• Shivananda Ashram • Swargashram • Yog niketan etc.
Traveller’s advice:
This place provides excellent shopping centers with beautiful chikankari clothing pieces,bags, ayurvedic medicines etc.
Info on Rudraksha and Lakshmiyantra:
This place is flooded with Rudraksha shops. You can find people convincing you to buy these. The science behind them is – the ice that accumulates at the Himalayas are cut in a shape to form Sphatik(quartz). These are given the shape of Lakshmi yantra that is believed to remove all negative energies around you and keep you hale and hearty. Sphatik neck pieces are also sold .On the contrary, Rudraksha are of different kinds. Ek mukhi(1 faced), aat mukhi(8 faced) , nau mukhi(9 faced)- each providing different functionality.
Traveller’s advice:
After travelling Rishikesh, you can have good food anywhere near the place that provides dining experience with the enchanting view of the Ganges.
Some famous restaurants are : • The sitting elephant • Jal and Jalebi • Chotiwala etc.
After coming back to Haridwar, I prepared myself for the auspicious Ganga Aarti(worshipping river Ganga)at Har ki Pauri ghat. The aarti is done to worship Ganga mata as she provides life to millions of Indians and helps us to thrive.
The next morning I visited Mansa devi temple. You can reach there by ropeway or by walking. I opted the ropeway that provided wonderful view of the entire Haridwar city from the hill top. From there, I took a bus and reached Chandi devi temple built by Adi Shankaracharya, in the 8th century, making it one of the oldest temples in north India. One of the Shakti peeths is mentioned in this verse.. This place also has ropeways and a water fall on its way.
Legend of the Chandi temple: The demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha captured the kingdom of Indra. After intense prayers by the gods, a goddess emerged from Parvati, mesmerized by her beauty, Shumbha desired to marry her. On being refused, Shumbha sent Chanda and Munda to kill her. They were killed by goddess Chamunda who originated out of Chandi’s anger.Thereafter, Chandi devi rested for a short while at the top of Neel Parvat and later a temple was built here. There are two peaks in the mountain range known as Shumbha and Nishumbha.
My blissful journey to the place of Gods ended here. It bought a sense of tranquility in my mind. As they say, Haridwar washes away your sins and brings you salvation.
“Life can be boring at times if there is no excitement intermingled with it”. As it’s been always known that “all work ad no play, makes Jack a dull boy”. Similarly, there has to be some kind of activity that counterbalances the daily mundane lifestyle. That’s why people seek alternative methods of spending their vacation time. Now that alternate method can vary for different people; for instance, some like to spend it with friends and family, others like to catch up time on pursuing their long lost passion, some spend it on meditation and self-introspection, and some people like to explore the world. These last particular categories of people are the ones who are constantly seeking thrill and excitement in their lives. They are always on the lookout for some adventure in their lives. It is for them only that the phrase “Life is an adventure in itself” has been phrased. They like to travel the world in search of adventure and thrill.
So here is a list of places where you can go and enjoy this very special moment of your life.
#1. Andaman Island, India
The Andaman Islandsare one of those destinations which have both historical and cultural significance, and hence is one of the most sought after locations for all kinds of tourists. As we all know that Andaman is historically significant as the place where leaders of the freedom struggle were kept in the most infamous ‘Cellular Jail’ during colonial times. Also during the Second World War, it was briefly captured by the Japanese troops and later recaptured by the British troops. What pales in comparison is the fact that it is also one of the most popular and frequently sought after tourist destinations in all of India. With its pristine beaches, historic forts and the Cellular Jail; it has been described as being one of a kind. Here you can also find tranquillity and serenity and spend some quality time with your partner, friends and family. Andaman is also famous for exotic water sports like deep-sea diving and scuba diving.
Dubbed as the ‘Switzerland of India’, Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmiris another such location. This city has also been dubbed as ‘Venice of the country’ by some tourists. This is because Jammu and Kashmir has many beautiful lakes to boast of. Take for example ‘The Dal Lake’. This has been described as a perfect honeymoon destination for newlyweds. With towering white cliffs on one side, and clear waters of some of the most famous lakes around the city. What is even more appealing is the fact that you can enjoy your time in houseboats that are plying on the lakes during this time. This aspect of Srinagar has even been captured in iconic Bollywood movies like ‘Kashmir ki Kali’, ‘Silsila’, ‘Roja’ and a plethora of other movies. Not only this, but you can enjoy horse and pony rides in the lush green mountainsides and valleys also. If you are a nature enthusiast and like being in the company of nature; then ‘Mughal Gardens’ and the ‘Flower Gardens’ are the most ideal place for you. It is not only that Srinagar is famous for just these; in fact, there are many more sights and places which you can enjoy there. Do visit these top places in Srinagar, Kashmir
This is another of the hill stations that is rapidly gaining international popularity because of its weather and location. It is situated in Tamil Nadu and was established as a hill resort by the British due to its favourable weather conditions. It was only after independence that the state decided to convert it into a tourist destination. The most unique about this place is that it is located at an elevation of 2,133 metres above sea level. This is also considered one of the most favoured tourist destination spots during summertime.
Darjeeling has been described as one of the most popular and sought after destinations in all of India. It is located in West Bengal and is considered both a municipality and a city as well. It was also established by the British as a resting place for its officials during colonial rule. The most enticing feature of Darjeeling is its lush green tea gardens and an exhilarating view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. This is also one of the reasons that UNESCO has described it as a World Heritage Site. Every year thousands of tourists; both Indian and international visit this exotic location. Due to its favourable weather conditions, exotic tea gardens and a view of nature at its best; this is an ideal location for all kinds of tourists. Another important aspect of Darjeeling is that it is the home to the internationally famous ‘Darjeeling Tea’. This tea is unique in its colour, flavour and also in its creation.
Termed the ‘City of Lakes, Udaipur is a destination that gives you a feeling of royalty. Located in Rajasthan, Udaipur is known for its historical significance and colourful cultural background. The historic forts, the amazing lakes, and the most amazing rich cultural tradition make it the most alluring place in the entire Rajasthan. Another most important aspect of this unique place is that the people here are warm-hearted in welcoming tourists and are known for their hospitality. What makes the place so special is that here you will find people dressed in rich, traditional colourful dresses. This is simply another reason that tourists from all over the world make their first stop in Udaipur; before carrying on with their journey.
This is considered the most prized of all tourist destination spots in India. Goa has been the most favoured destination for all kinds of tourists for many years now. Known for its exotic and clear beaches, for high adrenaline water sports and also for its most famous party scene. Goa is always considered a dream destination for everyone. Rich for its ancient and colonial heritage, this place is teeming with tourists throughout the year. Goa is also renowned for hosting amazing beach parties that continue until the wee hours of the morning. These parties are so famous that even international tourists are seen enjoying these kinds of events. It is also famous for hosting all kinds of international cultural events like movie festivals and music festivals. Rock bands and musicians flock every year to Goa to participate in musical competitions.
This is one of the most popular and most visited wildlife sanctuaries in India. It was established in the 1930s to protect the ‘Royal Bengal Tiger’, which was quickly becoming extinct due to excessive poaching. It is named after the famous British writer and naturalist Jim Corbett. Jim Corbett was himself a renowned hunter and he used to hunt tigers that had become man-eaters. Some of his exploits can also be read in his famous book ‘The Man-Eaters of Kumaon’. This wildlife is famous for its preservation of one of the most amazing, beautiful and powerful animal species of the world; that is the ‘Royal Bengal Tiger’. This is truly a majestic animal and earlier it was considered a royal prestige to hunt this royal creature and have trophies made out of it. This practice has long been terminated and strict laws and regulations have been enacted to protect this animal species. This reserve is also home to another unique tiger species; that is the ‘White Tiger’. The White Tiger is a unique and endangered species of tiger that can be seen in Jim Corbett National Park. There are also many other rare and unique species of animal and bird species that can be seen in this national park. This is the main reason why Jim Corbett is one of the favourites of all wildlife sanctuaries even amongst international tourists. Another added advantage of this wildlife sanctuary is that it is only a five-hour drive from Delhi. So the next time when you are planning on a trip to a wildlife sanctuary; Jim Corbett National Park should be on the top of your list.
If you are a wildlife enthusiast and want to have some real excitement in life; then Sundarban National Park in West Bengal is the ideal place for you. With marshy lands, dense mangroves and tigers, this place is a paradise for any naturalist and wildlife enthusiast. There is a popular saying associated with this national park, ‘that tiger will spot you irrespective of the fact whether you have spotted one or not’. Sundarban is also one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries with its borders spilling over to neighbouring country Bangladesh also. You can also see other unique species of animals like Asiatic crocodiles, which are considered to be one of the largest in the world, Bull Sharks, varied species of the primate family etc. The amazing beauty and popularity of Sundarban have also been captured in many Bollywood movies. So next time you visit West Bengal, make sure that you give this amazing place a try.
Rhinos are considered one of the most majestic and powerful beasts of the animal kingdom. Kaziranga National Park is home to this fast becoming extinct population of this rare species of animal. What is more fantastic and alluring about this national park; is that it is home to the ‘One-Horned Rhino’, one of the most beautiful and powerful beasts in the world. The tragic aspect is that this amazing species has been quickly becoming extinct from the face of the earth. It is only due to the relentless and painstaking efforts of the Indian government, that these most amazingly powerful and rare species are being preserved in Kaziranga National Park. This park also boasts of being home to a varied species of animals and birds. For instance, tigers, elephants, wild buffaloes, swamp deer and a multitude of other rare species of flora and fauna. Another important feature of this park is that it has been declared the ‘Tiger Reserve Forest’ in 2006. This is also one of the most popular and frequently visited wildlife national parks in the country.
#10. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
Rishikesh is also known as the ‘dwelling spot of the gods’. Apart from its ancient religious and mythological background, you can also find that it is a hotbed of extreme sports and adventure activities. You can enjoy white-water rafting in the rapids of the Ganges, bungee-jumping, cliff-jumping, mountain trekking etc. in Hrishikesh. From the moment you step into this place, you will be overwhelmed by a sense of adventure and the awesome natural beauty of the place. It is also famous for being the Yoga Capital of the country. That is why many tourists from all across make a beeline for Hrishikesh, the moment they land in India.
My name is Rahul Banerjee and I am a writer from India. After a long stint of 12 years in a professional environment, I decided to call it quits and pursue my long time passion; which was writing. This culminated in my first book written in the horror fiction category and it got published in October, 2017. The book’s title is ‘Revenge of the Evil Tantric and Horror Stories From India.’ Not only this, but I also contribute on various digital platforms and write/blog on various topics, especially, ancient & unexplained mysteries. This is a short description of myself.
As I panted and sweated my way up, the rucksack on my back felt heavy as a rock. The mild October sunshine lent, however a soothing touch. The view of the bridge over the river Alakananda came into focus and the town of Joshimath appeared on the opposite bank, as I gained altitude. A two hour trek brought me to a village. The first house I approached belonged to the village chief tain and his absence made no difference to the warmth of the welcome accorded by his young wife and daughter by a perfect stranger like me.
Relaxing in their courtyard after lunch , I gazed at the Alakananda flowing past , the ripples on its surface glittering in the sun. And I recalled how I had set out for Kagbhusundi Tal near Ratban Peak in the Garhwal region, putting up at the gurdwara in Govindghat, the starting point of the valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. The place had been as disolate as a haunted house, with nary a visitor in sight. The residents of the upper settlement , I was told, had already moved to lower altitudes for the winter. Getting a porter to accompany me would, I realised, be next to impossible. The only option I had was to change my route.
The following morning, I was on the new to the Chenup Valley. A Rishikesh– bound bus, starting from Badrinath, had taken me from Govindghat to the new bridge over the Alakananda, the starting point of my trek to the largely unexplored valley.
Here I now was, in this unknown village, with little information about the place apart from the name of my absent host, Bagicha Singh who soon turned up and greeted me as though we were old friends. It was here that the positive side of human nature acquired for me, the cynical city dweller, a whole new dimension.
Equipped with a great deal of useful information, I set off, the next day, for Rampur (popularly known as Thang), the last village on this route, lying at the end of a three- hour trek. And a picturesque little place it was too, clinging to the green slope of a mountain. Accustomed by now to the hospitality of hill people, I did not hesitate to make myself comfortable at the home of Bagicha’s brother.
The later was out, but soon returned with a bundle of wood he had been out collecting. The robust young fellow made me a cup of tea and gladly accepted the biscuits I offered him from my stock of rations. We took a stroll around the village in the evening and during dinner which he prepared and served, we chalked out our plans for the following day.
We set off right after breakfast, carrying only the bag containing my camera and walking at a brisk pace, because we planned to cover in a day a distance that usually took trekkers 48 hours to traverse. The main reason for our haste was to avoid a night’s halt in the valley, not the most desirable of experiences in late autumn.
As we gained height, the village fell away, looking like a picture postcard in the distance. To the east emerged the twin peaks – Hati and Ghori – the aptly named after the animals they resembled in shape. The Nandadevi towered over the other peaks in the famous circle of mountains to the south-east.
A trek of three hours brought us to the shoulder of the ridge we were heading for and we stopped for a well-deserved break. Lingering over our packed lunch, we drank tea prepared by my friend and allowed ourselves a leasurely smoke.
Which was just as well. For the last leg of ascent was so tough that I could not only had to hand over my camera bag to my companion, but was forced to take his help in scaling the bare surface of the sharp gradient. Hands and feet scrabbling for a hold, I finally managed to make it to a spot where I could stand erect and play the monarch of all I surveyed.
From this point, the valley stretched away to the north , from where a stream lay frozen in motion. Looking down, I was overcome by vertigo. Ahead, beyond Joshimath, stood the “beastly” duo, Hati and Ghori. Both the east and west summits of the Nandadevi were clearly visible in the distance.
The prelude to winter had turned grass and the juniper bushes a reddish brown. The trail to Sonasinker, a local pilgrimage spot, stretched to the north. My carefree explorations of the area were nipped in the bud by my companion’s warning that we were encroaching on the habitat of wild bears. I stopped in my tracks, noticing, for the first time, the large scythe he was carrying, ovbiously for self-defense. Within an hour, we were on our way back, spurred on, no doubt, by the need to avoid close encounters of the wild kind!
Within 24 hours, I was bidding goodbye to my friend, host and guide who had managed, within a brief span of time, to carve for himself a permanent niche in my heart. As I reached the bridge over the Alakananda and boarded a Haridwar- bound bus heading for the foothills, my thoughts continues to dwell on the people of this region who lent the concept of human kindness a new dimension and made every journey into the unknown an enriching experience.
