Hello, travel enthusiasts! Dheer this side!!!
Embarking on a journey from the bustling streets of Ahmedabad to the serene banks of Rishikesh. I found myself caught between the vibrant festive season of Holi and the peaceful vibes of the Himalayas.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi and Shopping Spree in Connaught Place
Started my trip at Ahmedabad International Airport. My flight to Delhi left at 6:30 am, and I got to Delhi by 8:00 am. Also, the round-trip ticket set me back Rs. 11,500 and booked it 20 days beforehand. After getting my bags, took some cool photos at Delhi International Airport and then went to explore New Delhi.
Places to visit in Delhi: Around 11:30 am, I headed to Connaught Place for lunch and shopping. I took an auto from my hotel, which cost me Rs. 200 (it could’ve been Rs. 100 if I shared and took the metro). At Connaught Place, I grabbed lunch at Burger King and splurged a bit on a meal with some chocolate lava cake, spending a total of Rs. 480.
After lunch, I walked over to Palika Bazaar for some shopping. Picked up a few high-neck t-shirts, a leather jacket, a couple of tracksuits, a trekking t-shirt and cargo pants, a couple of jeans, and a snazzy pair of Caterpillar shoes.
What to shop from Connaught Places: Clothes have a good variety but always bargain. Always check the things you have shopped for any damages. The cost of my clothes is as below:
- Got two tracksuits for Rs. 1800. It is hard to stick to this price.
- Picked up two high-neck T-shirts for Rs. 1200. I checked for damages, and all was good.
- Also, kept a leather jacket for Rs. 1600, a decent deal.
- Bought bought two jeans for Rs. 1900. Overpaid a bit due to time constraints, but could’ve bargained lower.
- Snagged trekking wear for Rs. 1300 (includes top and bottom). The quality’s good, but I bargained for a better deal.
- Moreover, got Caterpillar shoes for 2500. They bargained and would have scored them for as little as Rs. 1800, but the quality’s worth it.
After shopping, I rested at my hotel till 8:00 p.m. Then I freshened up and checked out at 9:00 p.m. Also, I took an auto to Dhaula Kuan metro station, which cost me Rs. 250. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private Volvo from Akshardham metro station for Rs. 900 on Paytm or any other bus app.
Also, I met my 22 fellow travellers, including both girls and boys. We departed from Dhaula Kuan metro station around 11:30 pm as a traveller.
Day 2: Exploring Rishikesh and Camping at Tito Beach
We got to Rishikesh by 6 a.m. and were greeted by a stunning sunrise over the mountains. After soaking in the scenic beauty, we made our way to our rafting spot near Janki Setu, arriving around 7 a.m. The rafting agency, “Rafting in Rishikesh,” offers an 18-kilometre route called Shivpuri for Rs. 1000 per person.
After an exhilarating 2.5-hour rafting adventure, we headed to Chotiwala for brunch around 9:30 a.m. Also, the menu offered a variety of dishes, costing between Rs. 155 and Rs. 200 per person. Following lunch and some leisurely photography, we embarked on our journey to the campsite at Tito Beach Camping around noon.
Located 13 km from Janki Setu up the hills, Tito Beach Camping offers picturesque views. Depending on traffic, the journey can take between 1 and 3 hours. Also, we reached the campsite by 3 p.m., where we booked a cottage with attached bathrooms for Rs. 1600, accommodating four people. This included three buffet meals, a bonfire, and a music night. Despite the beautiful location, the food and amenities were average, with higher prices for alcohol, cigarettes, and hookah.
After settling in at the campsite, we rested until 6 p.m., enjoying complimentary tea and engaging in group conversations. At 7:30 pm, unlimited snacks were served, kicking off an alcohol-fueled party by the bonfire with fellow travellers. We had a mini-holiday with white gulal, danced a lot, and laughed like crazy. The music played until midnight, and then we all went to bed.
Day 3: An Adventure in Rishikesh
The day kicked off at 8:00 a.m., greeted by the warm sun. After a quick breakfast, the group dived into recording some videos before the real fun began.
By 9:30 am, the vibrant hues of Holi filled the air, accompanied by lively music and colourful gulal. Laughter echoed as the group immersed themselves in the festive spirit. As the sun climbed higher, the party shifted to the pool, where splashes and laughter mingled in harmony.
Around 1:00 pm, the journey to Rishikesh commenced. Upon arrival at 3:00 pm, the streets of Rishikesh became a canvas for Holi revelry. Also, the adventure continued with a hike to the serene ghat near Laxman Jhula, where the group shared Holi joys with foreigners and took a refreshing dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga, capturing moments to cherish forever.
At 5:00 p.m., Sanskriti A Café beckoned with its picturesque view of the Ganga. Sipping on strawberry lemon tea, the ambience casts a spell of tranquillity. Also, nearby, Ram Jhula offered a plethora of street food and shopping delights.
By 6:30 pm, the group gathered at Triveni Ghat for the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti, a divine spectacle that bridged the earthly and the divine.
As night fell, the group gathered drinks for a late-night celebration, then said goodbye to Rishikesh at 8:30 p.m. Returning to the campsite by 10:00 p.m., we freshened up, had dinner, and gathered around a bonfire for a cosy party. Later, we ventured to a nearby waterfall, just a 5-minute hike away, where we sang and savoured the tranquillity of the night.
Day 4: Heading back to Rishikesh-Delhi-Ahmedabad
In the morning, we woke up around 10 a.m., had breakfast, and had some pool time. We checked out around 1:00 p.m. and then started our journey back to Delhi.
However, we faced a delightful dilemma: to visit the Beatles ashram or experience India’s highest bungee jumping.
Later, around 10:00 p.m., the traveller kindly dropped me off at Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan metro station. Also, from there I hopped into a cab bound for the airport, ready for my midnight flight to Ahmedabad.
Best time to visit Rishikesh: Embracing the Colours of Joy
The ideal times to visit Rishikesh are March–April and September–October. May gets quite hot, so it’s not the best time. Avoid July–August due to heavy rain during the monsoon season. Also, rafting is also closed then. Moreover, we visited at the time of Holi, i.e., in March.
Necessary things to pack:
- Pack some snacks and a water bottle.
- Also carry sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and appropriate clothing for varied weather conditions.
- Also, keep comfortable in cotton clothes for the March season.
Travel Tips:
- Plan your itinerary to make the most of your time and avoid last-minute hassles.
- Also, stay hydrated and carry a water bottle with you, especially during long journeys or outdoor activities.
The total cost includes a return flight ticket to Ahmedabad, trip charges covering a campsite, a traveller with a driver from Delhi to Rishikesh and back, meals, snacks, and rafting for Rs. 7500, along with personal food expenses of Rs. 1000 and personal travel expenses of Rs. 1000, totalling Rs.21000.
Whether you seek adventure, spirituality, or simply a moment of comfort, a trip from Ahmedabad to Rishikesh promises an unforgettable experience that will stay in your heart forever.Lose yourself in a world of fascinating travel stories at https://sowl.in/stories/ and let your imagination fly!
