Sunday, November 17, 2013

Haridwar and Rishikesh

As an unplanned diversion Lalit arraigned for Mr. Omprikash to drive us to these two cities about 5 hours north of Delhi. Lalit sent another guide Veeru with us also.

Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site on the upper Ganges. We toured some temples there and were rather uncomfortable with the attention we were getting. We saw no other tourists from outside India in the two nights and day we spent there which is OK, but some people stared at us so openly with wide eyes and mouth open. Our guide said they were from very far in the country and on pilgrimage and probably had never seen a westerner in their lives. We liked the ghats and the evening puja along the river, but Haridwar is a city for Hindus.

Rishikesh of course famous for the Beatles visit in the 60s has many Yoga and Meditation Ashrams and the tourist uniform in the city looks like a Yoga class has just let out down the street at whatever hour we were out. The place was more comfortable for us and there was some really good food, chocolate, and banana lassis. If we go back we should stay longer in an ashram program.

We were really happy to get back to Delhi for a few days, we know the neighborhood well enough and have found some really good restaurants. The best South Indian drip coffee and great Thali,
Pam, you would love it! We took the girls at the Guest House a dark chocolate cake and I think it was devoured within 10 minutes of delivery!!

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