One destination's stories I lend my ears to, every summers, is Rishikesh. The aura of the place is such that attracts youngsters to it every year. So being the hotspot, this time I decided to make it a part of my travel plan. And after experiencing the liveliness of the place, I was compelled to scribble my thoughts and experience of the trip.
Day 1
Our road trip started 22nd April 2016 early morning. Chit chatting, munching and galloping, taking naps and caught by the attention of adventure, we reached Rishikesh by mid-day.
Located downhill (Havel River Cottage and Rafting Camps), with a perfect river side ambience, our cottage offered impressive naïve countryside feel.
It seemed as if the place was awaiting our presence when the weather took a toss and the scorching heat turned away its face and drizzles trickled down. After satisfying our tummies and relaxing for some time, we tucked into our trek suits to make way for a short trek.
Where first 2 kms were just a simple walk crossing the camps and striding on narrow side paths, next 1.5 kms were steep and little hard but the ultimate destination kept our spirits high. Paving our way through camps, steep cuts and turns, twists and jumps, stepping the stones and climbing the rocks, cutting through the lush emerald green hills, we finally witnessed the elegance of nature.
We knew we had made it to our destination when the distant sound of water gushing down the hills became clear with each step forward. The excitement and the satisfaction of reaching the final trek point, Patna Waterfalls, bought a deep smile on our faces.
The water descending from mountains started to splatter on and tickle our skin. We were bowled over by the mystical scenery like view, which left us spellbound. All we did in that moment was stand still, admiring the beauty of the place, feeling the breeze, and resting our brain cells.
I could not wait and in the very next moment I just popped out my camera and seized the moment forever with me. (Although no photograph can do justice to what a treat it was for my eyes to witness the magnificence of the waterfalls)
What could have been a better combination than feasting our bowl of happiness- steaming hot Maggi and Chai at Maggi Point snuggled somewhere in the arms of greenery; a group of buddies, perfect drizzling weather giving you goosebumps and the splendid misty view?
One could sit there the entire day, do nothing and just admire the exquisiteness of God’s crafty affair. All the effort was worth the wait and leave you mesmerized. Not just a lifetime experience but, an hour’s trek gave us lifetime of memories.
After paving way back to our cottage, we refreshed ourselves with the view of evening setting along the riverside.
Sitting under the blanket of stars, with serenity and tranquility echoing the surroundings, nature and I exchanged much more than its tenderness. In the favorite hour of the day, the sky dotted with stars and moonlight, laying on a rock beside the river, all we could witness was liveliness in our souls- what more could have one asked for. The river side silence was comforting and the subtle flow of river felt like music to ears.
Day 2
Ever woke up to the sound of cascading waters? Imagine the chilly breeze kissing your cheeks, you endlessly gazing at trees swaying by with rhythm of chirping birds, tiny splashes of water touching your face now and then and of course the calmly dawning sun. The peace and the connect you feel with your spirit in the moment cannot be described into words here.
With the basking sun spanning the horizon and shining on us, the next morning we woke up and spent time in the river playing like kids in the splashing water, snapping some memories and enjoying.
After being drenched in waters we got ready and bid goodbye to our cottage and the owner. It was already noon and we headed to explore and indulge into the new attraction of Rishikesh -Jumping Heights.
Offering adventure and fun, we all decided to take up for Flying Fox. Picture yourself being harnessed to a rope and released by gravity to roll down the wire upto 7 mtrs above the river level and then going up, finally returning & settling down at the lowest point. In all the excitement, releasing ourselves hanging in the air- to and fro from one mountain to the other- gave us adrenaline rush.
Holding our certificates proudly in our hands for completing the flying fox, we jumped in glee and headed towards our hotel.
In the evening we decided to go for some local sight-seeing and shopping. Walking through the famous Lakshman Jhula, savoring at pretty mini local cafes scattered across the place, feeding the monkeys, enjoying the serenity and the religious sentiment of the temples around.
Perched at the banks of River Ganga, relishing its sacred beauty and stillness from the foot of Ghats in the late evening accompanied with cool breeze was a moment to be cherished for lifetime. Nothing more could one have asked for - away from the city’s hustle bustle and fast moving life.
The short road trip gave us blend of emotions- harmony tugged with adventure in the foothills of Himalayas, complemented with thrilling sights and the unforgettable experiences.
After venturing into the interiors of Rishikesh and experiencing new things, it was time to head back. The next morning, 24th April, we bid aideu to the blissful place and started our way back to home.
P.S. All the photographs are clicked by me :)
Happy reading :)
#Rishikesh #Uttrakhand #JumpingHeights #Patnafalls #adventure
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