Perfect Weekend Road Trip from Delhi: Haridwar, Rishikesh + Tehri Lake
PC- Respective Owner
Escaping the usual work routine, we headed out for a peaceful weekend getaway. Rishikesh and Tehri Dam, hidden in the hills of Uttarakhand, welcomed us with calm and beautiful views. Haridwar and Rishikesh gave us exactly what we needed — slow mornings by the river, quiet ghats, and the gentle sound of the holy Ganga flowing nearby.
Waves and Wonders: A Short Escape to Haridwar
Our road trip began in the afternoon, but we soon got stuck in traffic near Haridwar. It was frustrating, but once we finally arrived, it felt worth the wait. After all, visiting Haridwar without taking a dip in the Ganga wouldn’t feel right. So, the first thing we did was step into the holy river — a quiet, refreshing start to our trip.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with soft shades of orange and pink, we stood quietly by the Ganges, feeling the calm settle around us. The evening aarti was beautiful—small lamps flickered along the riverbank while the steady sound of chants filled the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere around the old steps. The scent of incense mixed with fresh marigold flowers, and for a moment, the busy city felt far away.
Holy Bath During Brahma Muhurta
Brahma Muhurat is considered one of the most sacred times of the day—a quiet window just before sunrise, when nature is still, and the mind is most at peace. At Chandi Ghat, under a sky still wrapped in darkness, the Ganga flowed calmly. The air was cool, the world silent. Stepping into the water at that hour felt different—not just cold, but deeply purifying.
There were no crowds, no distractions. Just the gentle rush of the river and a sense that time had slowed down. It was a simple moment of stillness that stayed with me long after. Peaceful, grounding—something words don’t fully capture.
Morning Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri — A New Beginning
The morning aarti at Har Ki Pauri holds a quiet, gentle magic of its own. As the first light of dawn breaks over Haridwar, the river awakens with soft prayers and flickering lamps.
The priests perform the aarti with calm devotion, their chants blending with the sounds of morning birds and flowing water. The cool air carries the fragrance of fresh incense and flowers, setting a peaceful tone for the day ahead.
Fewer crowds mean the experience feels personal, like a private conversation with the river and the divine. It’s a reminder that every day is a fresh start, blessed by Ganga Maiyya herself.
Rishikesh: Serenity in Passing
PC- Respective Owner
After Haridwar, I spent a few hours in Rishikesh with no particular plans. I wandered over to the thirteen-story Trybakeshwar temple and just stood there, looking up at its quiet presence. Nearby, the blue waters of the Ganga flowed calmly — a simple sight that stayed with me. River rafting wasn’t on the cards this time, but maybe next visit. It was a brief stop, but one I won’t forget. After that, we headed off toward our next stop—Tehri Dam.
The Tehri Trail
Remember what we studied in our school days in our NCERT books about the Tehri Dam being the highest in India? With that curiosity, we set off on our journey to Tehri Dam—to see how it feels when the picture from our schoolbooks comes to life before our eyes.
Located in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, Tehri Dam is built at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers. Standing at a height of 260.5 meters, it is known as the tallest dam in India.