In a world bustling with deadlines and responsibilities, sometimes we all yearn for a break, an escape from the monotony of everyday life. For those seeking solace and adventure, I decided to embark on a transformative journey—a break from my career to explore the hidden corners of the world and discover myself along the way.
Embarking on a thrilling adventure, I explored the serene landscapes and spiritual havens of Rishikesh, Dhanolti, Tehri, Mussoorie, and Dehradun. This journey was filled with breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and moments of self-reflection. Join me as I delve into each destination’s highlights and unique experiences.
How did It start?
The journey started off from Pune, Maharashtra, to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The flight landed at the Dehradun airport at 5:15 PM. Upon arrival, we made our way to the nearby cab facility at the airport, where we conveniently hired a cab to take us to Rishikesh. The scenic drive from Dehradun to Rishikesh was a treat in itself, as we marvelled at the picturesque landscapes and the serenity of the surroundings. The cab journey allowed us to soak in the beauty of Uttarakhand as we traversed through winding roads and lush green valleys.
As we approached Rishikesh, we could feel a palpable sense of spirituality in the air. The town, known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” is nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas and is renowned for its sacred temples, ashrams, and the holy Ganges River. The drive from the Dehradun airport to Rishikesh took approximately an hour, offering us ample time to take in the natural beauty of the region.
Day 1 (Evening At Rishikesh):
After a long and exhilarating journey from Pune to Dehradun, we finally arrived at our first destination, Rishikesh. Eager to immerse ourselves in the spiritual ambience and natural beauty of the town, we chose to stay at the popular hostel called “Bunk Stay.” The clock struck 6:30 PM as we walked through the doors of the hostel, greeted by a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Opting for a budget-friendly option, we decided to stay in the 6 Bed AC Dormitory. To our delight, the dormitory offered a comfortable and cozy space for us to unwind and rest after a day of travel. With clean beds, individual lockers, and a well-maintained environment, we knew we made the right choice.
However, the real gem of the hostel awaited us on the top floor. We eagerly ascended the stairs and found ourselves in a vibrant and lively cafe. What caught our attention immediately was the breathtaking view of the holy Ganges River. It felt as if we were on top of the world, sipping our favourite beverages while gazing at the majestic river flowing below.
Feeling a bit hungry, we ordered some piping hot Aloo Paratha and refreshing Shikanje. The delicious flavours of the food energized us and prepared us for the adventures that lay ahead. As we indulged in our snacks, we marvelled at the ever-changing colours of the sky as the sun gracefully descended behind the mountains. It was a sight that left us in awe of nature’s beauty.
With the night sky adorned with twinkling stars, we decided to explore the mystical Ganga Ghat at 10:30 PM. Walking through the serene streets of Rishikesh, we arrived at the tranquil riverside. To our surprise, we found ourselves alone, surrounded by the soothing sound of the flowing river and embraced by a cool breeze that carried a hint of divinity. As we soaked in the peacefulness of the Ganga Ghat, we couldn’t help but feel a deep connection with the divine energy that permeated the air. It was a humbling experience, reminding us of the power and beauty that lies within nature. This serene encounter left an indelible mark on our souls, setting the tone for the rest of our journey.
Day 2 (Rishikesh- Dev Prayag- Rishikesh)
The following morning, I ventured to the forbidden shores of Goa Beach, nestled along the banks of the sacred Ganges. Goa Beach is nothing more than a white sand beach on the Ganga River near Lakshman Jhula. It is advised not to swim there and banned by the authorities! Despite its ban, the allure of this hidden gem drew me in, and I was rewarded with a serene and secluded retreat. However, took utmost care of not going close to the water flow as this has cost to life.
Setting out on a rented Scooty Activa, I embarked on a solo expedition to Devprayag. As I rode through the majestic mountains, I couldn’t resist stopping at the picturesque Sand Beach and a riverside restaurant with panoramic views of the Ganges. I visited Sand Beach which was on the way, I was lucky enough to witness BSF Training conducted in the River Ganges at Sand Beach. As I moved close I was scolded and asked to stay away from the BSF zone. I restarted the journey towards the Devprayag, in the middle I find an amazing restaurant again with the Ganges Breathtaking view. Had Aloo Paratha and Lassi there amidst the Ganges View.
With just 10 mins of the further ride, I reached the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers that forms the Ganges, I paid my respects at the temple and found solace by dipping my feet into the cool, flowing water.
Leaving the spiritual haven of Rishikesh behind, our journey took us deeper into the mystical realms of Devprayag. The name itself, derived from Sanskrit, translates to “Godly Confluence,” signifying the spiritual significance of this sacred place. Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayan ranges, Devprayag is the divine meeting point of two majestic rivers, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, which merge to form the holy Ganges.
As we reached Devprayag, a sense of awe and reverence enveloped us. The town exuded an ethereal charm, with its picturesque landscape and the rhythmic flow of the sacred rivers. Devprayag is known for its ancient temple dedicated to Raghunathji, situated on a terrace in the upper part of the village. The temple, constructed with colossal stones and adorned with a white cupola, stood as a testament to the timeless spirituality that thrived in this sacred land.
Post Visiting Devprayag, I started by Journey Back to Rishikesh with the intent to witness the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan – Ganga Ghat which was altogether a different spiritual experience. People leaving Diya for Good Will was an amazing thing to witness. The Ganga Aarti was concluded with the National Anthem which was the Goosebumps moment for me.
Day 3 (Rishikesh – Dhanolti):
After a well-deserved rest, the second day of our adventure in Rishikesh began at a leisurely pace. Waking up a bit later than planned, I embraced the relaxed vibes and prepared myself for an exhilarating activity scheduled for the morning. By 9:30 AM, we were geared up and ready for the thrilling experience of river rafting on the Ganges.
Opting for the 24-kilometre rafting route with a Level 3 difficulty, we embarked on a journey filled with adrenaline, joy, and adventure. This stretch featured a total of 12 rapids, including three particularly challenging ones. As a team, we skillfully navigated through the rapids, singing songs and chanting “Jai Maa Gange” slogans to keep our spirits high and motivation intact. The entire rafting activity lasted for approximately three hours, leaving us with unforgettable memories of conquering the mighty river.
Returning to our hostel after the exhilarating rafting experience, it was time for check-out. We securely stored our belongings in the locker room and decided to make a stop at the renowned Little Buddha Cafe before continuing our journey. This vibrant cafe exuded a unique vibe, with both locals and foreigners enjoying the mesmerizing views of the Ganges. We refreshed ourselves with a revitalizing pomegranate juice, appreciating the blend of flavours and the peaceful ambience that surrounded us.
However, before bidding farewell to Rishikesh, there was one more place I desperately wanted to visit – The Beatles Ashram. This legendary spiritual retreat, also known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, gained international recognition when The Beatles themselves sought enlightenment and creative inspiration here in 1968. Their stay at the ashram left an indelible mark on their lives and musical careers, resulting in the creation of numerous songs for their iconic “White Album.”
Nestled within the lush greenery of the Rajaji National Park, The Beatles Ashram offered a serene and tranquil atmosphere for seekers of spiritual wisdom. As the abode of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a revered spiritual teacher and the founder of the Transcendental Meditation technique, the ashram held an unmistakable aura of profound spirituality and introspection.
With the clock ticking towards 5:00 PM, it was time to bid farewell to Rishikesh and make our way to the next destination – Dhanolti. En route, we were captivated by a stunning sunset, capturing breathtaking pictures and indulging in a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant. Along the journey, a natural stream of flowing water caught my attention, beckoning me to take a sip. The water, fresh from the mountain, offered a refreshingly crisp taste that left an indescribable impression, forever etching the memory in my mind.
As we drove towards Dhanolti, our hearts filled with anticipation for the adventures that awaited us in the higher altitudes and cooler temperatures. The journey continued, and we eagerly looked forward to the experiences that lay ahead in this serene mountain retreat. I reached the Hotel at 10:00 PM, Had dinner and slept in peace with the natural AC touching the lowest temperature of 7 Degrees in Summer.
Day 4 (Dhanolti – Tehri- Dhanolti):
Waking up at Dhanolti was absolute bliss as I witnessed the very unexpected beautiful Mountain filled with the green lush beauty of Deodhar Trees. The view was so amazing that I spent 2 hrs just sitting in the gallery and feeling the absolute oneness with nature this was so a satisfying experience. I had breakfast with Aloo Paratha and Chai. I planned the journey to Tehri, a place known for its significant historical and engineering marvel – the Tehri Dam. Situated on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, Tehri Dam is one of the tallest dams in the world, standing proudly at an impressive height of 260 meters (853 feet). The dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control.
Beyond its engineering prowess, Tehri Dam offers breathtaking scenic beauty that captivates every visitor. The vast reservoir, surrounded by lush greenery and the majestic Himalayan peaks in the distance, creates a picturesque landscape that seems almost surreal. The tranquil waters of the reservoir reflect the sky above, enhancing the serene ambience of the place.
Visitors can indulge in various activities around Tehri Dam, such as boating, jet skiing, and even paragliding. These exhilarating adventures allow one to appreciate the dam’s grandeur from different perspectives while experiencing an adrenaline rush amidst nature’s splendour. However, it is essential to note that the weather in Tehri can get quite hot, particularly during the summer months. As we explored the area, we encountered scorching temperatures that challenged our stamina and endurance.
PS: The Food and Drinks are overpriced and also all the activities are overpriced (4x inflated). As I wanted to go close to the dam I just opted 300 Rs Boat ride which was a fair deal for 30 mins ride.
Back on the way to Dhanolti, I discovered the divine beauty of Surkanda Devi Temple. Perched atop the stunning Tehri Hills in Uttarakhand, this sacred temple holds immense religious significance for devotees and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Upon Reaching Dhanolti, We took Complete Rest.
Day 5 (Dhanolti – Mussoorie):
The next morning I still could not get off from the mountain views. I planned to take a small walk across Dhanoti Town and Guess what I witnessed crystal clear Snow Mountain which was a treat to the eyes. I never wanted to Say Bye Bye to this place and it will stay in my heart forever.
by 11:00 AM, We planned to Visit Mussoorie, Our journey led us to the breathtaking hill station of Mussoorie, fondly referred to as the “Queen of Hills.” Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is a picturesque town renowned for its lush green hills and panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
A visit to Mussoorie is incomplete without exploring Lal Tibba, the highest point in the town. From here, we soaked in the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including the renowned Nanda Devi and Bandarpoonch ranges. The view left us spellbound, reminding us of the immense beauty and grandeur of nature.
Later, we visited Mall Road, The Shopping of Mussoorie where we purchased some Himalachi Caps and Stole for my family. The Driver Took us to the Mussoorie Zheel which was not a very exciting place to visit to be Honest. We visited a restaurant had our lunch and we were good to take a see off from Mussoorie.
Day 6 (Dehradun):
Our journey took us to the enchanting city of Dehradun, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. Known as the “Gateway to the Himalayas,” Dehradun is the capital city of Uttarakhand and offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a vibrant urban lifestyle.
Our first stop was the iconic Robber’s Cave, also known as Guchhupani, a natural cave formation surrounded by lush greenery. We embarked on a short trek to reach the cave, and as we entered, we were greeted by a gushing stream of water flowing through the middle. It was a surreal experience, walking through the cave, with the water splashing against our feet and the cool air rejuvenating our senses.
Dehradun is also home to several educational institutions, including the renowned Forest Research Institute (FRI). We visited this architectural marvel, which houses a vast collection of flora and fauna specimens. The grandeur of the building and the serene atmosphere of the surrounding botanical gardens left us in awe of nature’s wonders.
For a taste of spirituality, we visited the famous Tapkeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated inside a natural cave, the temple is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, creating a mystical ambience. The sound of the flowing water and the divine aura of the temple provided a serene and tranquil experience.
Day 7 (Dehradun-Delhi-Jaipur-Pune)
As we bid farewell to the mesmerizing state of Uttarakhand, our hearts were filled with gratitude for the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories we had created during our journey. We embarked on our return journey, taking a cab from Dehradun to Delhi International Airport.
The drive from Dehradun to Delhi was a mix of nostalgia and excitement, as we reflected on the incredible moments we had shared in the lap of nature. The scenic landscapes, the serene rivers, and the majestic mountains seemed to bid us farewell, promising to welcome us back in the future.
Arriving at Delhi International Airport, we prepared for our connecting flight to Pune, with a layover at Jaipur for an hour. While waiting for our flight, we took a moment to reminisce about the diverse beauty of Uttarakhand. From the spiritual haven of Rishikesh to the breathtaking views of Dhanolti and the historical treasures of Tehri and Mussoorie, each destination had left an indelible mark on our souls.
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