Rishikesh...

Rishikesh has been one of the few unspoilt pilgrimage towns in India. It still retains its charm and has something attractive about all its places. I especially like the Ram Jhoola more than the Laxman Jhoola!!! I had stayed in Shivananda Ashram and found the place enticing. Any other place you recommend to stay?? The place has good restaurants especially on the other side of the Ganga, near the Parmarth Ashram. Rishikesh is simply irrestible. In fact, I have named my daughter after the Place!!!

I consider myself fortunate enough that I could visit the upper reaches of Uttaranchal, from Haridwar Rishikesh to Kedarnath and Bandrinath and Gamukh. While I have not visited any religious place outside India, it is my firm belief that if we are to find God in nature, Uttaranchal is the place to come and seek. The very air of this place has divinity and purity in it…the pristine Ganges, the lofty mountains, the verdant forests and the clear air and sky…what more could one want to purify the soul! And add to that a visit to Kedarnath and trekking to Gamukh…the entire stretch is divinely blessed. I have heard of many ashrams in Haridwar – Rishikesh – Rudraprayag – Uttar Kashi belt, but I don’t know if there are any arrangements of women who want to give up family life and take up meditation. I think almost all ashrams are for men.