Trip to Rishikesh and Haridwar

Rishikesh and Haridwar:

The day started with the thoughts of the splendid journey ahead, of the serene Ganges and the temples of Rihikesh and Haridwar, but even before reaching there, there was another pleasant surprise awaiting us in the form of a magnificent view of the jungle on the road side.

see it yourself in the pic below....

About 42kms drive from Dehradun will take you to the yogacapital of India, Rishikesh situated on the banks of the river yester yearsGanges and now the Ganga. One of the prime attractions of Rishikesh is theLakhman Jhula, supposedly the first hanging bridge of India, swaying mildly upon the river Ganga as one takes a walk on this bridge taking in the quite flow ofthe Ganga. Not only can one walk on this bridge, but people take their vehiclesalso. The water though is very cold, is very clean but the mere thought of taking a dip in the Ganga here, will bring shivers to one and all. There are many ashrams and ghats once you cross the Lakshman Jhula and reach the other side.

Haridwar is is 32kms from Rishikesh, which has many pilgrimageattractions such as Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple. To reach Manasa DeviTemple which is situated on a hill top surrounding Haridwar, one has to travelthrought the rope way which provides a picturesque view of the whole place ofHaridwar consisting of the Ganga river bed, the temples on the banks of Ganga. As we approached Haridwar, the first thing that caught our eyes was the huge statue of “LordShiva” on the banks of the river Ganga, as if assuring the people living in the place of being there showering his mighty blessings.

The Har ki Pouri Ghat which provides a breath taking view of huge Ganga River is worth visiting. The Ganga flows here with great force as it descends from the slopes of the Himalayas. Many people take a holy dip in theGanga here as there is an age old belief that one can wash their sins off justby taking a dip in the Ganges here. The Ganga here provides a magnificent view at night when the devotees float small “diyas”in the water, resembling the stars in the sky.

An areal view of Haridwar...pic taken from the ropeway carriage.