Haridwar and stopover at Baba Ramdev Ashram...

Rishikesh Trip is not complete without a stop at Baba Ramdev Ashram and prayers at Ganges at Haridwar. Rishikesh is only 23 km. from Haridwar, when coming from Delhi. Dip in the Holy water of River Ganga at Haridwar carry immense religious significance. Devotees from all over the world come to Haridwar for a dip at Brahm Kund, Har Ki Pauri, the most sacred ghat and spot in India.

Just on the outskirts of Haridwar is "Patanjali Yog Peeth", ashram of Baba Ramdev. Baba Ramdev is championing the cause of holy healing and YOGA. Ayurveda, Yoga, Surgery and one of the oldest treatises on medical treatment for Human Body "Charak Sanhita" have originated in India.

Reconnection with the legacy is on the cards as soon as we enter. Check out the sculpture of Maharishi Charak, author of Charat Samhita; the ancient treatise on Ayurveda.

The ashram is a complete health care centre as well, with Yoga centres, Hospital and a canteen.

Ashram is a self sustained unit. Whatever is consumed in the ashram from medicines to food is produced and processed in the Ashram farms only. People from far off places come here for holistic healing and treatment of numerous diseases.

All the preparations in the Canteen is done by the Cow Milk. No worries of any sorts, Happy Eating. We both enjoyed our breakfast, however Min was still on fasting. Now we were afraid, that he might die of starvation...he he he...His tears are real…
Canteen not only serve food, but also healthy eating tips. Very simple but effective.

After breakfast, we started again for Delhi and in next 15 minutes of driving we were in Haridwar at the Giant Statue of Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge) in the middle of river Ganga.

Ganga or River Ganges is considered sacred and worshipped as the holy river. Dip in the waters of river Ganga cures many skin diseases. 

Why, what is the reason...? The answer is that the self-cleaning quality of river Ganga leads to 25 times higher oxygen content than any other river on the world. That's why the river Ganga is worshipped in India, its scientific. Heavenly ambience of the evening worship prayer of River Ganga at Har Ki Pauri attracts devotees from far off places. Every inch of available space at the ghats is occupied by the devotees.

Watch the evening River Ganga Aarti/ worship...

On top of a hill is the holy Mansa Devi Temple. Cable car will take you to the temple. Mansa Devi is one of the holiest places in Haridwar. The visit to this temple shall be kept on priority as there is always a long queue of people to visit Mansa Devi temple and waiting time to catch a cable car sometimes goes upto 2 hours...

Seeing a number of devotees taking a holy dip in the sacred waters of river Ganges, Min too decided to dip his feet in the holy river...

One day at Haridwar and we again started our return journey. Nothing much after Haridwar, only a stop at local Dhaba/ restaurant for a cup of Tea...Road side Dhabas have their own charm, do try but be careful while taking a halt at night.

Rishikesh and Haridwar makes an ideal weekend getaway from the hustles of Delhi. Only 240 Km., one can leave on Friday night and get back by Sunday. Keep on travelling guys…