This rafting trip downstream to Rishikesh until Muni Ki Reti, the point where it ends, was simply awesome! I got wet, felt butterflies in my stomach and was awed by the grand vista spread by Mother Nature all around. The boat sailed below the famous Laxman Jhoola followed by the Ram Jhoola. The river rafting adventure came to an end about 3.30 pm near the Ram Jhoola. As planned, Sanjay was waiting for me at the point. We drove back to the hotel.
About 5.00 pm we decided to go sightseeing. Famous for a variety of stones, yogic meditation and riverside rituals, Rishikesh bustles with tourists from all over the world. Since the Jazz was not allowed inside, we walked around to experience the place. A walk across the Laxman Jhoola and Ram Jhoola was exciting. We also walked around the ghats, markets, temples, ashrams, yoga and meditation centres and monasteries. It was 9.00 pm when we headed back for our dinner. Rishikesh is a vegetarian and alcohol-free city by law.
We had to leave for New Delhi the next day. We started by 10.00 am. On our way back, we were diverted via a longer route at Haridwar. A policeman informed us that the day being an auspicious day, a massive assembly of people was expected for a holy dip in the Ganga. The diversion luckily led us to the scenic ‘Chilla’ towards Haridwar. We passed through the Rajaji National Park en route. We also saw several dams built on various tributaries of the Ganga.
Needless to add, the Jazz never once deviated from her customary sang-froid throughout our drive back to New Delhi. We had the dual satisfaction of having been to a scenic place in a highly comfortable conveyance. What more can one ask for?
CAPTIONS:
1. Shivpuri, the hub of river rafting adventure. It all starts here
2. In the end, I sat wondering what happened. With River Zone guide, Manoj
3.Zooming past the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple, the Swaminarayan Akshardham, in Delhi
1. A substitute for rock-climbing, isn’t it? Local camp organisers exploit every bit of the resources available to them in order to woo tourists
2. The colourful market of Rishikesh is a great attraction for tourists
3. Jazzing up to the starting point at Shivpuri, on the bank of the River Ganga
6. On the way to Shivpuri. The Honda Jazz is a driver’s pleasure
5. Several groups with their respective boats at the starting point at Shivpuri, all set for the white water rafting downstream to Rishikesh
4.Many local river rafting organisers have their own starting points. The raw beauty is worth the adventure
1. A local eatery. Ask for the menu and the waiter points to this
2. The boat could accommodate all the rafting equipment of eight people
3.Our white water rafting organiser, River Zone. One can find several such local organisers around Rishikesh and Shivpuri
Honda designers have thought of every inch in the Jazz to offer such a commodious boot. Flexible rear seats further contribute to one’s convenience
1. A bridge over the Ganga a little ahead of Shivpuri. Jumping from such bridges into the river is strictly prohibited
2. The dried up bed of a local tributary. We encountered several such locations on our way to Haridwar via Chilla
3. The diversion to Chilla proved lucky for us
Rishikesh: A Few Facts at a Glance
>> The River Ganga flows from the Shivalik range of mountains towards the Indo-Gangetic plains of north India
>> Famous for ancient temples, religious rituals on the ghats, valuable stones, meditation centres, monasteries and market
>> Known as the world capital of yogic meditation
>> A strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free city by law
>> Must do’s include white water rafting, kayaking, jungle or riverside camping and trekking
>> Must visits include aaratis on the ghats, temples, the Ram Jhoola and Laxman Jhoola
>> On-the-spot bookings recommended for river rafting. Negotiable, one trip costs Rs 700 per head
>> Rafting equipment is provided by the organisers
>> If time allows, other places worth visiting are Dehradun, Mussoorie, Rajaji National Park, Haridwar, Jim Corbett National Park and Tehri Dam reservoir etc
BLURB
That’s another praiseworthy attribute of the Jazz. Its engine is almost inaudible not only when the car is stationary, but even at low speeds
