Our journey commenced with a 6-hour bus ride from Delhi to the enchanting city of Haridwar, a mere 300 INR ticket fare. We boarded the bus at Kashmiri Gate and arrived in Haridwar around 1 AM, ready to begin my adventure. After a prolonged search, we stumbled upon Hotel Gang Tarang, offering a cozy stay at 700 INR per night. Exhausted yet excited, we indulged in a hearty dinner at the hotel and called it a night.
The following morning, we greeted the day with enthusiasm, renting bikes and scooters for our group of five, a steal at 300 INR per day per vehicle. Our initial destination was the iconic Har Ki Pauri, a mere 8 kilometers from our abode. We embarked on a sacred dip in the holy Ganges, though the chilling waters compelled us to make it a short-lived affair. Following this spiritual experience, we savored a scrumptious local breakfast and proceeded to Mansa Devi Temple. Perched atop a hill, we opted for the ropeway, a breathtaking journey that only heightened our anticipation. Our visit to the temple was spiritually enriching, leaving us in awe of its beauty and serenity.
Upon our return, the clock had struck 4 PM, and we decided to explore the local market, conveniently situated nearby. Armed with shopping bags and an appetite, we strolled through the bustling marketplace before retiring to our hotel, as the next day would see us embarking on a journey to Rishikesh.
After a fulfilling dinner at the hotel, we retired to our rooms, brimming with excitement for the upcoming adventure. Dawn saw us setting off for Rishikesh, a picturesque town nestled amidst the lush hills. Nature beckoned, and we answered the call with fervor. Upon arrival, our first order of business was a refreshing dip in the sacred Ganges at the renowned Ganga Beach. By noon, we had embarked on a challenging trek to Neergarh Waterfall, a strenuous but incredibly rewarding hike that left us both tired and exhilarated. Amidst our trek, we paused for sustenance, savoring a meal in the heart of nature.
Reaching the waterfall was nothing short of mesmerizing, its cascading beauty an enchanting spectacle that left us spellbound. We spent an extended period basking in its glory, allowing the pristine surroundings to seep into our souls. Post this adventure, we explored Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, though our exploration was somewhat hampered by ongoing construction work.
As our adventure in Rishikesh unfolded, we couldn’t resist the allure of river rafting, a thrilling activity that the town is famous for. After a diligent search, we found a rafting operator offering an 18-kilometer rafting experience for 1200 INR per head. After patiently awaiting our guide’s arrival, we boarded our boat, the river’s rhythmic flow filling us with both anticipation and trepidation. The next few hours were a whirlwind of adrenaline, as we navigated through the river’s turbulent currents and cascading rapids. It was my first time rafting, and the initial fear was soon replaced by exhilaration. Our rafting adventure concluded at a serene point, where we enjoyed a meal of piping-hot maggi noodles.
With our hearts pounding and memories etched forever, we journeyed back to Rishikesh, completing yet another remarkable chapter of our 3-day escapade.
Before embarking on our journey home, we took a moment to visit a gurudwara, where we partook in a humble meal. With our stomachs filled and hearts content, we reached home around 8 PM, concluding our unforgettable 3-day adventure.
*Tips:* For an optimal experience, plan your visit during the summer months, ensuring you bring along comfortable cotton attire, sunscreen, and, above all, consider exploring the region on two-wheelers to navigate the often congested traffic with ease.
