Nature at its best
SWAHILYA
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A trek in the Himalayas is refreshing and rejuvenating.
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ON THE GANGA: Fun and excitement.
Rishikesh is a six-hour drive from New Delhi. Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas it is bustling with activity. The Ganga flows a quiet sheet of water, beneath the Ram and Lakshman Jhoolas. The trees, plants and shrubs on the Himalayan slope at the Muni-Ki-Reti bus stand gives one a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Breathtaking view
Just outside the guesthouse where I stayed, the Ganga flows in deep silence. I walked on the soft sands, and took the ferry to the other side where there are many ashrams.
Little boys and girls sell fish food — tiny, light brown, wheat balls in leaf cups costing Rs. 5. I bought a cup and dropped the food in the water. Fiish, both big and small, swim up to grab them.
The foliage on the road up the hill is thick and lush green. I reach 13-floor temple. On the top most floor the view of Rishikesh is magnificent — the Ganga flows through the town flanked on either sides by buildings and mountains.
It is noon, the sound of crickets and other insects and birds, and the gurgling river form the background score for my walk downward. I see children washing clothes and playing in a mountain stream. They pose in shy groups for photographs.
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