rishikesh-hardwar-roorke

After getting a bit of Himachal Pradesh last october I decided to check out Uttharkand. I headed to Rishikesh, a 6 hour drive from Delhi. Its been many years dreaming of seeing the Ganga. And off I was, on the way to rishikesh. Travel is a sort of way to de-stress.

Not a very religious person, a little spiritual, a little atheist, that’s me. The haridwar evening pooja for Ganga. It was something I had to watch. It was off season, not too many people where at the Pooja. On the banks where a thousand people, all chanting in rhythm waiting to dip them selves in Ganga. The water was freezing, I decided not to take a dip. After clicking a few photos I proceeded to Rishikesh.

It is holy city for Hindus and a famous center of pilgrimage. It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas. “Hṛṣīkeśa" is a name of Lord Vishnu. It is said Lord Vishu him self appeared in front of a rishi who had devoted to his life. It indecently is a holy place of followers of lord Ram, who came here to do penance after killing Ravana.

It was dark, I did not get to see Ganga properly. On reaching the camp site, Keerthi our, host treated us with a hot cup of tea and snacks. Lead us to our tent and gave us a brief of the next days plan.

The drive to rishikesh was quite bumpy, all I wanted was a good night of rest. Spent a few quite moments by the bank and slept outside in my handy sleeping bag. The night was cold, but the moon and the countless stars gave me the best view.

Slowly fatigue got the best of me, I quietly dosed off. Waking up at 6 to actually see what was around me. Few feet away the Ganga, and a beautiful blueish-purplish sky. The ganga flows through Rishikesh and is know for its fierce rapids and currents. The water is a mix of green and brown, which gives it a very distinct colour. Many rock and roll bands like the Beatles, rolling stone have come here. Back to my gyan ….

To be continued …….