Any info or suggestions on Haridwar

noladoxiegal

I was thinking of going to Jaipur and Agra but wanted a different experience than the "usual" tourist triangle. Can anyone give me any input on Haridwar and Rishikesh? Is this a place that would hold any interest for someone not going there for religious purposes? Is it pretty, are there things of interest to do? Places to stay? I can't find much info online about it. Also, since we are going in early January, is it going to be really cold? Rainy? thanks for any help you can provide.

freenote

The whole area is " Religion " It is a very heavy Hindu site and you are looking for something off the "usual" tourist Triangle ? maybe hardwar and district will fit that bill ,and the only way you are going to find out is visit .
Enjoy

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kmalik

It's really difficult to say - given that tastes matter so widely. For someone trying to avoid the usual tourist triangle - you are, after all, starting with Agra and Jaipur! Agra I can understand, Jaipur less so.

Anyway, back to the original question. We go to Haridwar often for non-religious motivations (as my parents live there). The religious stuff is interesting to watch from a distance; and the Ganges is beautiful! There is a place called Chilla (a few short kilometers away) that is close to the Rajaji national park, and is otherwise on the banks of the river and a bit away from the religious hustle bustle. [But it is away from the main drag, though that's the point.] There is even a GMVN rest house there that looks interesting to stay in. If I were going to visit the area, that's where I'd stay in. Same with Rishikesh. You can enjoy the scenery - while keeping a distance from the religious standpoint.

Then again, you could also go deeper into the mountains and enjoy that. It all depends on what you are looking for...

ribhu95

January 2010 - there is a Kumbh Mela coming up. There are likely to be huge crowds in Haridwar around those dates......

Just watch out if your dates are on those dates, then it might indeed be an "experience".. Whether you enjoy it or not, would depend.

But for the above crowd factor around the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar and especially Rishikesh are nice places from a natural point of view...also, there are some easy treks et al..

And if you have quite some money to blow, there is also a five star spa just some distance away from rishikesh called - what else - ananda (happiness).

ribhu

noladoxiegal

Thanks for the great suggestions and comments. I think I'm sold on the idea of going. What is the weather like during early January? BTW the Kumbha Mela starts on January 14th several days after we leave so I think we are safe!

Amalfi

Rishikesh is surrounded by the Himalayas and the point where the Ganges gurgles out of the mountains onto the plains. Rishikesh is the Yoga capital of the world and has countless Yoga / meditation Ashrams dotting the hill sides. It is also a very popular White water rafting site besides offering countless nature trails in the surrounding hills. The area around the suspension bridge LaxmanJhula is tourist central with more Hotels /lodges than you can count, most of them offering a panoramic view of the ganges.

Haridwar is more full-on Religious but possibly the most sanitised version you will get in India with the air crisp , the water glacial and fast flowing and a holy dip to cleanse your soul will have no after effects. Haridwar is heaving wih temples and the area around the Ghats and Har-ki-Pauri will have hordes of astrologers offering to make sense of your life and beyond. The daily Arati or Fire ceremony at dusk on the banks is basically worshipping the river by the priests and hereafter devotees floating tiny lamps as their own offerings. You don't have to be religious or a Hindu to enjoy the visual spectacle and feel the extraordinary religiousity that binds the Indians. Hotel options are countless but ones near the ghats and overlooking the Ganges more advisable.

Weather will be similar to rest of North India.

noladoxiegal

This is a fantastic description you have provided and I wish I was there right now! I'm going to change my trip itinerary to incorporate this lovely area!

delhiwala

You'll love Haridwar and Rishikesh.....

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bks

Fully agree with amalfi
reading your post i think you will not be happy in haridwar it is very crowded and where you go urchins will follow you.

Rishikesh, laxman jula area is full of foreign tourist with german bakeries and coffee shops, if you are looking for peace you can go futher north to the river rafting area called shivpuri area there you can stay in a small woodern cottage just a few meters from ganga it is a heaven, but again evenings are dull and it is 1 hour from main rishikesh
if you can afford there are a few spas and expensive hotels north of rishikesh

noladoxiegal

[QUOTE=ribhu95;842658]January 2010 - there is a Kumbh Mela coming up. There are likely to be huge crowds in Haridwar around those dates......



Just watch out if your dates are on those dates, then it might indeed be an "experience".. Whether you enjoy it or not, would depend.

But for the above crowd factor around the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar and especially Rishikesh are nice places from a natural point of view...also, there are some easy treks et al..

And if you have quite some money to blow, there is also a five star spa just some distance away from rishikesh called - what else - ananda (happiness).

ribhu[/quote]

Hello again, if Kumbh Mela begins on January 14th, when do you think the pilgrims will begin arriving? I'm planning to go to Rishikesh and Haridwar on Jan 4-6...will I be okay as far as crowds at that point?