Holy river Ganga has been a perennial source of spirituality for Hinduism since eternity. Visiting Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dharmapuri on different purposes of MahaShivaRatri, rafting, and sightseeing, has always inspired me to write something about this holy river and today I am finally going to write about this holy river Ganga and its course from Dharmapuri to Rishikesh to Haridwar.
Rafting starts at Dharmapuri:
Dharampuri is a location famous as a mark of rafting beginning point along Ganga. Dharampuri lies a few miles ahead of Rishikesh along Ganga and a few rafting course which are mediocre in length and rapids start here. The Ganga at Dharampuri is cold and the currents are very rapids which make it an ideal location for rafting. Besides the rapid currents, the water tastes sweet and camping sites along the river use this water in daily life.
Apart from that, taking a dip in cold water and sitting on the fine white sand along the rocks just gives a heavenly pleasure. Here, the Ganga surrounded by the hills and it runs and flows along the valley. Along the same course of Ganga, highways to Badrinath from Rishikesh, follow it.
This picture along the flow of Ganga. You can see the white sands and camping sites in the right side of the picture. When the rapids gets over and river Ganga widens herself nearer to Rishikesh, in absence of rapids, the body floating over hundreds of feet in cold and sweet water is fun for the rafting people.
Usually the rafting ends on the stairs of the Ghats of Rishikesh. The rapids on the course are given name like “Double trouble” or “whirlpool” and the name of the rafting companies are motivated by the name of the rapids along the course of river Ganga. You can also see the famous ‘Laxman jhula’ in the background and the Ghats of Rishikesh.
Holy river Ganga in Rishikesh gets wider because of the flat lands and the width of the river is relatively larger when compared to the width in the upper of course of Ganga. Here the Ganga takes a huge shape and you can see a series of temple on the opposite side Ghats of the Ganga.
And the hill in the Background is ‘NeelKantha Mahadev’ hill on which temple of lord Shiva is situated. By road the temple is almost 14 Kms. There is also a trail to the top fo the temple. On Mahasivaratri, a huge queue forms outside the temple.
What you see in the picture is history now. Most of the buildings in the picture were washed away by the great flood of Ganga in June-July 2013. Local religious say that people encroached too much on the course which finally river Ganga took it back
Rishikesh
Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, a destination which has been blessed by the steps of devotees and pilgrims from all around the world visiting here to have an exquisite dip in the holy river Ganga. It is easy to visit Rishikesh and feel that you have not got under its skin. It offers a seemingly different stage-set experience during your every visit. Rishikesh has something to offer for everyone – from those looking for a month-long yoga vacation to the less fortunate, time bound, adventure seekers. During my last 4 years stay in Dehradun, I have visited Rishikesh on multiple occasions. Well, there’s a feeling in Rishikesh unlike anywhere else, and it draws you in.
Rishikesh lures those seeking knowledge and peace with its numerous temples, ashrams, and yoga institutes. Despite the growing number of visitors, the town’s lanes and alleys retain an old-world charm, and it remains a wonderful place to relax and unwind among nature. It has a spiritual, international feel.
Magical Rishikesh Vibe
Indeed the Beatles were successful in putting words to the feelings that one gets in fascinating Rishikesh. The emerald green water, the equally green hills and the shimmering white sand…If you think only Goa could spur such magic… then you are completely wrong.
I find Rishikesh a deceptively powerful place. Its robust, pristine nature, and the fact that it is probably the most easily accessible place in the Himalayas, from the capital city of New Delhi, makes it a fairly beatable tourist destination in the entire Himalayas. A 6-hour journey in a public bus and you find yourself being rejuvenated by the incense wafts on one its many Ganga ghats.
The vibe here is both relaxed and reverent. Temple bells ring incessantly, giving almost a musical healing therapy to your ears. The ubiquitous, charming company of yogis, and the never-dying incense wafts in its breeze is nonetheless, always a plus.
Landscape Overview Of Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a small town in the northern part of India, Uttarakhand, beside the scenic beauty of the Ganges river which gives the town a tranquility. Rishikesh is pretty much nestled across its two pedestrian bridges – Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula – which connect the eastern and the western sides of the city.
If you’re looking for a place away from any movement and where you apparently hear nothing but the sound of the gushing river during the night, then consider staying close to Lakshman Jhula.
Ram Jhula, on the other hand, is in close proximity to some of the most popular Hindu Temples and Ashrams (including the famous Beatles Ashram) and is, therefore, favoured by the local tourists.
From these bridges, Rishikesh wends its way along both banks of the river, at the bottom of a narrow valley. The east side is almost free of car traffic, and a walk from Ram Jula to Lakshman Jula takes about an hour and passes through many sadhu huts, parks, and scores of small shops.
How to Reach?
By Flight: Jolly Grant Airport situated in Dehradun is approximately 25 km away from Rishikesh. So it can be easily reached via bus or a taxi from there.
By Train: The nearest railway station of Rishikesh is Haridwar Railway Station which is about 25 km away from Rishikesh but many frequent buses commute every 5 min from Haridwar to Rishikesh and back.
By Bus: There are many buses that go directly to Rishikesh from Delhi and can be reached under 8 hours easily and with such popularity, you will never be out of options for buses.
Right Time to Go
As Rishikesh is located at the Himalayan foothills, it provides a cool escape during the hotter months. Therefore, the best time to visit is between March and April, and September to October. May starts to get quite hot there. Rishikesh is best avoided during the monsoon months from July to August, as it receives heavy rain. Rafting is also closed during this time. Winters, from November until February, are cold but pleasant, so bring woolens. Many people consider the couple of months just after the monsoon to be the best time to visit, as the landscape is alive, green, and soothing.
Where to Stay?
Substantial discounts are usually possible at hotels during non-peak times, so do ask! For smaller hotels, it’s best to just turn up. If you prefer to book in advance that would be awesome!If you’re looking for inexpensive accommodations, there are a number of groovy backpacker hostels that have opened up in the area. Check out Zostel and Bunk Stay.
A camp stay at Rishikesh for the adventure junkies is what I would suggest. Camping in Rishikesh won’t be a fun experience without staying at eco-tents, that are appointed with no frills yet all basic amenities. Nested amid a canopy of green trees, each tent equipped with three basic cots, and has a porch with pretty seating arrangements. With many tents adjacent to each other, it becomes a perfect choice for large groups looking for a fun-filled getaway.
For food, we were offered sumptuous breakfast, lunch and dinner in a buffet spread. And in the evening hours, when it is time for bonfires and some fun with dance and music, we were again served with delectable nibbles to gorge on.
What stands out is the number of activities that come inclusive of this stay.
Places to visit:
Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula
These two swinging bridges square measure the most important attractions in Rishikesh and attract plenty of travellers from around the world to only get an opportunity to even walk on this bridge. Opened throughout the year this place is additionally necessary for the pilgrims that involve this town since their square measure several temples located on its each finish.
Neer Gaddu waterfall
Only five kilometer from the renowned Laxman Jhula is a jewel in the crown of Rishikesh since it’s a mesmeric pond with shimmering water dropping at vertical-rigged rocks from several feet on top of the mountains. It’ll need a bit of a trek to achieve here however it’s price each step you may take. It’ll freeze you in its captivity for on time.
Neelkanth Mahadev
It is the key Shiva Temple tucked away twelve km aloof from the active town of Rishikesh. The image of God in the temple is as colourful and it’s been incised through completely different colours giving it a cloud of a sort of a canvas crammed with colours. It conjointly encompasses a water spring that attracts plenty of devotees to require a dip in it.
Triveni Ghat
The most jammed place in Rishikesh, Triveni stairway justifies each reason to be over packed with the crowd since the evening Aarti could be a delight for anyone’s eyes and heart. Devotees come from everywhere on the planet to measure tonight’s prayer session. Don’t forget to require your cameras here since it creates a number of the right postal card image which is able to brighten up your art gallery for an extended time.
Beatles Ashram
The Beatles visited this ashram in 1968 and I don’t think I have to say anything more now. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram is located at a beautiful place into the greenery of Rishikesh with the river Ganga flowing beside it.
This ashram was abandoned for a long period of time but recently it has been restored and opened for people to visit here. So if you are going to Rishikesh do visit here.
Swarg Ashram
If you have not visited here in Rishikesh then you have visited nowhere since this is often the oldest ashrams of the Asian country and can positively offer you one thing to require away in your heart and memory from this Ashram. It still holds its tradition and is ideal for anyone who likes to meditate and realize themselves within the chaos of this world.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Situated at the banks of Ganga and foot of the Himalayas this ashram is perfect for anyone who wants to take a dip in the holy water of Ganga without too much of a crowd around them. It was founded in 1942 and has been serving its visitor from that time only it believes in Atithi Devo Bhava so if you are visiting here then you will receive a good welcome.
Adventure Activities to do:
River Rafting
Hands down the foremost in adventure journey activity in Rishikesh. Your trip to Rishikesh will certainly be incomplete if you didn’t strive stream rafting here. It is most likely the most effective activity to try to in Rishikesh as confessed by several journey lovers returning to the present divine town. With wave by wave touching your boat you’ll ne’er have a second to rest throughout your fun activity. Read the most enthralling and amazing river rafting experience story here.
Best Time to do: Anytime throughout the year except for monsoon. River rafting charges: Anything from Rs 600 – Rs 1300.
Mountain Biking
The road less traveled and also the journey less here. However Mountain Biking is perhaps the foremost totally different journey activity in Rishikesh. Researching those rocky terrains and feeling the internal secretion throughout each vein of your body is one amongst the numerous experiences that terribly less folk’s square measure lucky to possess. With lots of firms dealing bikes, you’ll have all of the fun you wish for the way long as you wish in Rishikesh.
With the complete Rishikesh and its encompassing space, you have got countless things to explore with ample of your time pedalling through your bike and use caution to avoid monsoon season for this activity.
Bungee Jumping
What a heart stopping journey jumping freely from quite eighty meters higher than from above with nothing stopping you between you and your journey junkie. It’ll be the foremost lingering experience of your life as told by many.
Age Limit: Minimum twelve years Weight Requirement: 35-110 kilogram
Paragliding
There you have got it your dream journey glide within the sky for the maximum amount as you want to and look over the complete town of Rishikesh with solely you between the white clouds and also the land of earth. an ideal activity for anyone with any age bracket WHO desires to explore the sky of this world and feel the expertise of flying free during this world for a minimum of once in your life. This activity ought to even be avoided throughout Monsoon.
Flying Fox
Only hooked up to a harness and flying freely from one station to a different is pleasant because it sounds to be. On a height of seven meters higher than from ground and at a speed of a hundred and sixty km/hr. all of those no. combined square measures as thrilling as something will be. so megabat absolutely defines the word journey activity and will be taken as a challenge by everybody. With the minimum age demand for twelve years and weight demand of 20-130 weight unit, some rules square measure have to be compelled to be revered before trying this activity.
Patho Village Trek
A serene beauty is the Patho village with the bird’s eye view of Rishikesh. This is one of the best views of Rishikesh city. With little to no effort, you will reach this village and as soon as you enter it creates a wow effect because of its sheer beauty. This place holds an important site for pilgrims since it has Shiva Temple which many believed to be the holiest temple to visit in and around Rishikesh.
Kunjapuri Temple Trek
Waterfalls, Temples, Village sights and Yoga, and meditation are all the things which will be included in your trek to Kunjapuri Temple and I don’t think there is more to be asked since it provides everything for everyone and taking you out of your comfort zone to experience this spectacular view from the temple especially during the sunset.
Side Trips
Shivpuri is a highly recommended side trip, especially if you’re into adventure. Located 22 kilometers (14 miles) upstream, it’s a place of mesmerizing natural beauty. You’ll find excellent white water rafting there, with Grade 3 and 4 rapids. Tented accommodations with attached bathrooms, such as those provided by Camp AquaForest and Camp Ganga Riviera, add to the uniqueness of the setting in the middle of white sand beaches and jungles.
There’s also an excellent bungee jump zone on the road to Neelkanth at Mohanchatti village (around 15 kilometers from Rishikesh).
Travel Tips
Rishikesh is a holy town, so eggs, fish and meat are difficult to find there. Rishikesh is a great place to shop for religious items, books, clothes, and handicrafts. Try to walk around as much as you can, although auto rickshaws are readily available to provide transport from the bus or train station to either of the bridges. Make sure you watch out for the plentiful monkeys which make quite a menace of themselves, particularly on the bridges.
.
Rafting Experience Story in Rishikesh:
Scene 1 (If you could correlate it with ‘Saving private Ryan’):
“Gulp”.
“And the world is so silent inside water. Eyes almost letting away the vision underwater”
“You are into underwater never-land”
Scene 2:
“OooooooooO”
You inhale lungs-full and push your head out.
The world above 6 inches of water is so different. Ridges sliding behind. And you realize your temporal and spatial existence in this vast universe; feel your presence as a very small entity and there is so much remaining to explore. The water is cold and sweet. Sip them belly-full. People say that holy water has the power of providing immortality and washes away intrinsic and extrinsic sins. Agreed!
“Forward”!
“Stop”!
“Forward, forward”!
“Relax”!
Yup! this is how, in sync, oars kiss the water and raft moves ahead. The summer in North was high. A walk, for a couple of minutes in sun, was enough to soak you up.
OK. So when we landed in Rishikesh, we were skeptical about getting an on-the-spot spot in rafting. Luckily, we encountered an auto-driver at Rishikesh bus stand and he took us to the rafting booking center.
My advice: Though we were lucky to get a nice auto guy but most of the times it’s opposite is true in North India. so, to book a slot for rafting, go to Laxman Jhula / Ram Jhula and book yourself.
The white sands and the camping site beside Ganga, Brahmpuri
Having booked an on-the-spot slot, we were made to leave our bags behind at the store itself at Rishikesh. We were, however, asked to carry our purse, camera and mobile phones with us.
Wow! The Ganges had trillions of gallons of water and I had gallons of adventure rushing inside my veins. When I walked down and stood beside the Ganges, It reminded me of Justin Timberlake’s “My love” song, always reminds me of a nostalgic relationship.
Remember? The “toe in the sand” lyrical line of the song. So, it took me months to convert a lyrical beauty into heavenly pleasure and to see it for myself.
Ganga towards Rishikesh
- Deadly and sharp ridges
- There was a song in the air and I fell in love with mother Ganga and her beauty of white sand
- The spine-chilling cold water of Ganga; white sands; sweet water (It was unbelievable)
- Out of world
- That was a perfect camping site with every element of heavenly pleasure said above.
- So, our day started with a briefing about rafting and its technicalities.
The lesson I learned: Rafting though seems easy but is not easy. There are very deep technicalities:
- how should the oar be rested in lap safely?
- how to sit when you are sitting at various positions?
- how to row with synchronized body movement?
Though the briefing was not a brief, it was more like a verbose description but I, personally, liked the so many hidden secrets of rafting getting revealed.
Rafts full of foreigners in the Ganges
So when I landed on the cold white sands after babbooning over hot rocks, my feet looked up to me and smiled at me. The imagination and excitement that was built inside was almost going to overflow out of my brain. Oh my small brain. After the briefing, it was time to jump into the raft. Bloated rubbers. The guide was being over-descriptive. Anyway.
The first rapid called “Initiation”:
“Forward guys, forward”.
Muscles came into action and the raft gained momentum. I, sitting at front, was feeling luckier than anyone else in the world. Wanna know why? I would be the one who shall be facing each rapid first. There were plethora of zeal heaped inside me since my last rafting in Sikkim at Melli.
I could see the rapids amidst rocks and our raft was approaching there with high speed. “Splash” and a head on collision on of water with raft defying all the laws of physics and drenching the humanity for years.
Even a bigger Splash. we got shifted from our seats. messed up configuration. We gained our senses and re-figured our configurations. We were soaked and cold water dripped down our body. Everything happens in flashes of seconds.
Life stops when huge waves of Ganga approach us and when water collides head-on with raft. The potent of life, for a moment, leaves our soul and goes onto mercy of Ganges.
Everyone was mesmerized and awed with the beauty of rapids. The “initiation” rapid was over and everyone was hailing its heavenly pleasure. The life on mercy of Ganga was back into our hands safe guarded by life jackets and expertise of guides and your swimming skill.
With in-the-meantime commands of “forward” and “relax”, we were rowing ahead. Still the second rapid was far away. We glanced at guide and “go ahead and jump for body floating” was communicated with flashes of eyes.
“whoop”, for a sec or two you are on to scene one. It was cold but sweet. It looked scary but it was beautiful like the golden hen which would lay a golden egg once on hundred times and you still hope for that each time.
Floating in Ganga? I had never imagined floating above hundreds feet of deep water. People say one dip into Ganga washes away all the sins and here, I was almost immaculate then. Scene one and scene two were on vicious cycle realizing me my existence and the small part, I share in this macroscopic universe.
Body floating in Ganga
Currents in Ganga were hard and fast. There was absolutely no need to try swimming. Just float and keep moving with the currents. Sometimes, I would float looking at the sky. Sometimes, Looking at the rocks, moving behind.
The world moves behind.
Shout like a kid;
close your eyes and float;
look at sky;
look at those sitting in the raft;
feel lucky;
take a dip and again emerge out.
This is what I call “living the moment”.“Guys, return. Second rapid is not so far away now”.
Returned to raft.
Double-trouble washing machine: the second rapid
Rocks amid river; whirls and twirls.
Whoosh!! the first hit of raft with water.
– Water splashes and we are soaked.
“Forward” – Shouts the guide.
Not finding the proper way to propel the raft. Everything happened just before our eyes lucidly and gone in seconds.
Heart thumped, breath stopped, eyes were closed and everything regained its normal shape. “Guys! you can float”.
Aha.
My favorite time again. It’s time to wash away all the sins. We jumped into the water. The same cold water. The sweet water. My nose was already running by then. But who cares. I began floating at my back looking at the sky. Water filling my ears and sometimes vacating it were giving me feel of “saving private Ryan” feeling.
I was on mercy of Ganga and as well as on mercy of life jacket. It was time for break. almost 1.5 hours were spent rafting. It was cliff jumping point as well as snacks point. There were also few small waterfalls around. Who cares for snacks; lets go and enjoy in the waterfalls.
Under the waterfall
We spent much time under the waterfall. Water was warm and coming out of chilled Ganga and sitting under warm waterfall was soothing. We sat there for minutes, taking water directly above our head.
What I felt?
I know it would be little personal and you might feel like I am extrapolating the things. I felt the abstinence and living my life. The purpose of my life. The actualization of my small presence in this Karmic world. I fruited the destiny I was looking into cold water.
Kids Enjoying in waterfall
Soon, we were called on to the raft. Thank god! we are safe: the third and the last rapid. This was not much of a big rapid. Or you can say, having crossed two bigger rapids, this one could not earn much weight into our eyes.
Handled well and we crossed it well too. Half an hour more and we would in Rishikesh. City was approaching. People looking at us from Ram jhula and Laxman jhula and so, we were feeling special being center of attraction. Even few were capturing our shots too. We reached at our destination. It was time to bid nostalgic adieu to the raft and step out.
Rafting was over. We were standing at the bank. Soaked. Did not come out of the mood set for the water. We sat there for hours at the bank. beating the heat. Finally, we left for Delhi. In a nutshell, the whole rafting and submerged body experience was out of world experience. Given a chance, I would prefer to float again in Ganga above every other adventures.
Ganga in Haridwar:
As river Ganga proceeds from rishikesh towards Haridwar, due to uneven topography and valleys, it gets divided into four to five distributaries which again join together later in the medium course of her flow. To facilitate the public for holy dip. The concrete and solid Ghats are made along the Ganga and the flow of Ganga is controlled by the channeled gates installed at the beginning of Haridwar while coming from Rishikesh.
Ghats are on the both sides of the river. Usually the main Ghat, on the temple sides, are more crowded. There are small gut-markets along the river for offerings and small things. and the Ghats are equipped with iron chains to facilitate in a dip against or along the currents.
There is a famous bridge which connects the old Haridwar with the new Haridwar and is mostly crowded. The river Ganga is not only the holy dip place of humans but for idols and statues of the Gods & Goddesses and cremated people too.
As the evening falls, The Ganga starts getting colder and changing her color. But the crowd of the believers never subsides until evening Aarti at 7 everyday.
For local people from Haridwar, it’s a daily business but in the eyes of a tourist, it’s a magnificent show of faith and religion. People chants the hymns and praise the river for her holiness and greatness. Even the bridge gets crowded to see the view of the evening Aarti at Haridwar. Evening aarti lasts for around half an hour.
People offer offerings to river Ganga in Haridwar on leaves. The leaves are folded in special way to float over the holy water and some flowers and incense sticks for some moment gives the true meaning and authenticity to the existence of Haridwar as being “The Gate to the God”.
