Have you ever woken up one morning and felt that life is too hectic & monotonous ? Our routines can almost disconnect us from our true selves. While self care over the weekends can help us cope with the fatigue of a tough week, sometimes, we owe it to ourselves to embark on a journey which not only heals but also helps us discover and connect with our true self.
A spiritual journey is simply one where you slow down to connect with your true self in the guiding light of the Universe. Spirituality can take many forms ranging from action to religious intervention but in the end, it is about connecting with a Higher Power and matching our frequency with the Universe’s vibrations.
Indians have always acknowledged and revered the Universe and its many magical frequencies and built an entire culture of learned men & women engaging with the mystical located in our holy twin cities of Rishikesh & Haridwar. This year, take a trip to these sister cities in your rental self drive car and you may just encounter your true self.
Q. Why are Haridwar & Rishikesh holy?
Haridwar was originally named ‘Gangadwar’ which translates to ‘Gate for the Holy Ganga’ as it is at this point that the Holy river flowing from the mountains enters the plains of North India, making the land fertile. Haridwar is also one of the most important Indian pilgrimage sites and a sacred final resting abode for Hindus. The holy city also hosts the Maha Kumbh mela every 12 years and is recognized by UNESCO as an ‘Intangible Heritage’ of India.
Rishikesh is located approximately 20kms away from Haridwar, tucked away in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. The city is a holy mix of saints, spirituality, ashrams and adventure! Rishikesh is also the Yoga Capital of the World and people come from far & near to learn and practice Yoga and feel closer to the Universe. Rishikesh is also home of the ‘Beatles Ashram’ made legendary when the band Beatles visited and talked about the ashram in detail. Every year, thousands of people visit Rishikesh to participate in the annual International Yoga Festival held in the month of March and the city is transformed into a hub spot of cafes and music enmeshed with chants and spiritual sayings!
Rent self drive cars in Haridwar & Rishikesh to complete your spiritual transformation. These twin cities host India’s largest collection of religious and spiritual history. There are ancient manuscripts and sayings of learned men preserved here from centuries ago. Many here can help trace your family back generations, to its very origins and the teachings imparted here from Rishi Munis will help you gain perspective on how to interact with your own Higher Power.
Q. How To Get To Haridwar & Rishikesh ?
Haridwar is approximately five hours from its nearest international airport city, i.e, New Delhi. There are regular buses, trains and rental cars available for your trip. You can also travel domestically up to Dehradun and drive down to Haridwar which is approximately one and a half hours away. There are regular trains running from Dehradun too.
In view of the pandemic and keeping safety in mind, many trains might not be running on this route. As these cities get crowds all year around, it is better to get a rental car subscription and travel in smaller groups. You can also get self-drive cars in Rishikesh or Haridwar to go around the city.
Q. What To Do In Haridwar & Rishikesh ?
There is no defined route to self discovery. In Haridwar, you can map the points of self discovery in your self-drive car by visiting the many temples located on the banks of the Holy Ganga. Find intention within yourself, take the ropeway and make a wish at the famous Mansa Devi Temple where devotees flock in thousands to have their ‘mansa’ or ‘wish’ fulfilled. Pay your respects at Chandi Devi, Daksha Mahadev and Bilkeshwar temples and enjoy gorgeous views of the city from these holy sites.
As your wish is emboldened with each bow to the Gods, visit the ghat at Har Ki Pauri which is the epitome of spiritual activities in Haridwar. This is also the site where the Maha Kumbh takes place. Har Ki Pauri translates to ‘Steps of Lord Shiva’ and it is believed that this is the point where Ganga flows into the plains of North India. Take a holy dip in the Ganga and attend the Ganga Aarti in the evening where the hymns & chants will raise your vibrations and you will be in tune with the rhythm of the Universe matched with the flowing Ganga on your side.
Stay a few days in the Sapth Rishi Ashram where the seven holy saints are said to have meditated, and begin your practice or ‘Sadhana’ under the guidance of learned sages. Reward yourself for your practice with sweet milk ‘pedas’ at the Baraa Bazaar which taste divine and then get a car subscription to travel to Rishikesh.
Rent a car in Rishikesh or continue your self drive car subscription and be sure to bow your head in reverence at Trimbakeshwar temple, Neelkanth Mahadev temple and Kunjapuri temple. Sit at the Triveni Ghat and breathe in the clean, cool breeze coming in from the river and observe as devotees take a dip in the holy river to rid them of their sins. Drive down to see the famous twin suspension bridges-Lakshman Jhula & Ram Jhula- and get a view of the Garhwal Himalayas. When in Rishikesh, you must try catching the rapids! Go on for some whitewater rafting and other thrilling, adrenaline rush activities like cliff jumping, kayaking, paragliding etc.
The twin city visit is a must for those looking to explore the mystical and spiritual. The drive up to these picturesque pilgrimages is best enjoyed in a comfortable self drive car. Also you can get car subscription service in Rishikesh & Haridwar to enjoy an unencumbered spiritual journey where you can focus on finding life’s purpose.
