Aloha! Rishikesh: The land of the Ganges and mystics

Travelling in Summer: Life is all about making choices, and whether you choose to go to the hills or a religious destination for a holiday is purely a personal decision. When it comes to traveling, some people prefer to explore new places, but I find comfort and joy in revisiting the same destinations. Rishikesh, with its serene environment and spiritual ambiance, has always been my favorite, and it consistently tops my list. Even in the middle of May, despite the expected heat, I am drawn to Rishikesh because it resonates with my spirit.

This time, however, Rishikesh had a few surprises in store for me. As anticipated, the weather was hot, but what caught me off guard was the mismanaged traffic. The police, seemingly unaware or indifferent to the difficulties faced by tourists, had created painfully long diversions starting from Haridwar. This added a significant amount of time and frustration to what is usually a pleasant journey.

I wanted to stay near the Ganges to witness the daily Ganga Arti on the ghats and also to soak in its mesmerizing beauty; hence, I chose Aloha on the Ganges yet again. If you are looking for a luxury stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can choose other properties like The Taj and The Roseate, which offer views of the valley and the hills but are slightly away from the central hub of Rishikesh. I wanted to stay in the heart of the city, next to the enchanting Ganges, and yet experience serenity and solace, so I chose Aloha on the Ganges by Leisure Hotels. It is spread over a large area and includes individual flats, rooms, and suites, offering a panoramic view of the river. They have an in-house priest who performs Ganga Aarti, which is a boon for those who do not want to visit the crowded ghats near the Parmarth Ashram.

I had visited Rishikesh in 2019 and stayed in the same hotel, so it was an easy choice. The property was in a much better state this time with renovated rooms designed to ensure luxury and comfort. The balcony of my room overlooked the Ganga, the hills, and the manicured lawns of the hotel. Vandana Kala, the Room Division Manager, ensured that my stay was comfortable and memorable. I was pleasantly surprised to meet her after 5 years.

Food
Last time I visited Rishikesh was in early December, and that holiday still shines in my memory as one of the happiest experiences. What I cherish the most, akin to Wordsworth's "Daffodils," is the evening walk to the Parmarth Ashram, the Ganga Arti at the ghats with young guruji students beautifully singing the arti, encountering stray cows, tasting locally grown Ramfal, listening to the popular song "Jai Jai Shiv Shambhoo" by the German singer Anjel (Garden of Peace), buying nostalgia-inspiring books from the Gita Press bookshop, and eating a scrumptious buffet at Aloha. I can still feel the cold breeze in the lobby and smell the steaming hot kesar milk being poured into kulhads. Some memories are just encapsulated in time!

Summers here bring a different charm, with a delightful menu that includes chai and thela, and the ever-comforting kulhad milk with kesar. For wholesome meals, I explored Latitude—a multi-cuisine restaurant that offers a plethora of delectable options. I savored the comforting dals and the scrumptious paneer preparations. Patio, the alfresco dining restaurant, boasts an extensive menu featuring fusion dishes as well as traditional ones. A must-try is the Himalayan Thali, which showcases the rich flavors of the Himalayan foothills. Their mocktails and light bites like kebabs and pav bhaji are equally irresistible.

Evenings in Rishikesh are the epitome of tranquility. Simply sitting and gazing at the reflection of countless lights dancing on the waters of the Ganges is therapeutic. On the lawns of Aloha, on a balmy summer evening, sipping on hot masala chai and nibbling on Bihari-style spicy chuda matar, I found a slice of paradise that promises to remain etched in my memory forever.