A Spiritual Walk along the Banks of Ganges at Haridwar

For a family where spirituality prevails, the holiday destinations sometimes are the holy cities where one can find solace from fast-paced urban life. Just like masses of people who consider 'Twin National Heritage Cities' Haridwar and Rishikesh as one of the most religious pilgrimage destination, my father always loved visiting these mystical places. 

I've fond memories of visiting these places since childhood, so here is what delights me about the locations.

Har ki Pauri:

The most pious ghat at the banks of Ganges, Har ki Pauri, offers the most divine experience to devotees during Ganga Aarti every evening. Watching thousands of the diyas floating on the waters while the hymns being recited by the priests fill your heart with purity and devotion for Almighty. A dip into sacred waters of Ganges is believed to wash away all your sins.

Mandir Darshan:

At this major spiritual landmark of India, you'll find temples (mandir) of many Hindu Gods and Goddesses in every corner of the city. Chandi Devi Mandir, Daksheswara Maharaj Mandir, Maya Devi Mandir, Vaishno Devi Mandir, Doodhadhari Barfani Baba Mandir, Bharat Mata Mandir etc. are some popular temples of Hindu religion in Haridwar. 

Most revered of all the Haridwar temples is the Mansa Devi Mandir. The temple is located steep atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills. You can either trek, climb the steps or go via Udhankhatola (Cable Car/ Ropeway) to the temple.

The view from the cable car will simply amaze you and it's highly recommended to enjoy if you have children in the family.  

Adventure Sport at Rishikesh:

The Yog Capital of the World, Rishikesh, has many adventure activities to indulge into. It depends on the preference and age-appropriateness of the participant what you're allowed to partake. Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox, Powered Paragliding, Jungle Camping, Trekking, River Rafting are the best among the long list of other thrilling Rishikesh adventure sports.  

Food Trails:

Haridwar is a heaven for food lovers. Spicy Aloo Puri, Frothy Kulhar Milk, Crispy Kachoris and Samosas, Fresh Fruits, Seasonal Juices and Flavoured Kulfis have been my super favourites. Everything is available at such pocket-friendly prices that you need not resist your temptations because of expenses.

A visit to the ancient city of Haridwar is highly recommended for a peaceful stay with tranquil atmosphere, but should avoid travelling during the Hindu month of Shrawan around July due to heavy crowd and blocked roads because of Kaanwar Yatra by Shiv devotees in many parts of the country.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.

Fondest Vacation Memories From The Eyes of A Kid

 I can't agree more with the quote that goes like --
'Families that take time to travel together will have stories to share for years to come.' 

The fondest memories of my golden childhood are of those trips with my family that we took during summer vacations every year. Every trip had felt so far away when we counted days to leave for a new location every time and then every trip used to come and go so quickly. Every moment of those trips was like living a dream that met every expectations I had :)

Even now as a parent, when I go for the family trips; its an opportunity to relive the juncture that gave me immense pleasure in my olden days :)

 

Vacations teach kids important life lessons while spending quality time with their family. There is no arguments that kids bond with their family everyday, but do we realize how passionately we all sit together and have relaxed hearty chat !! The parents burdened-up for meeting their professional deadlines and the kids caught up with their curricular activities hardly get to convey their feelings to each other in normal routine ...

On the other hand, when we luxuriate on a trip with kids, there’s a touch of magic because there’s nothing more special that the kids cherish than One-to-One time with relaxed parents bcz they rarely get to see elders unwinding completely :)

Ask any kids n they will tell you how they feel unbelievably grateful for the family trips bcz it taught them some amazing things that they never expected to discover. It won't be hyperbolic if I say that the learning that goes in a short vacation is much more lasting than that they got in one whole academic session while schooling.

A fun moment captured at Tungabhadra dam during our Hampi Trip

Being one of the influential decision makers of the family, I hope n ensure to see every trip to fruition for my child specially. Bcz this is when he actually comes out of his shell, learns to share, being empathic and responsible overall.

My child has a special fantasy to jot down cute n humorous anecdotes of our trips in his scrap book or even draw incidents that took place on a specific day and then embellish those with our lovely pics to show to his classmates, friends and teachers. Its nothing less than a treasure for the innocent soul that gives him a sense of belonging.

Just like I cherish reading my child's expressions in his Memory Book, I think you would also love to read what other cute kids have to say when it comes to 'Vacation'. Follow the link & enjoy the heartwarming stories of Club Mahindra's Teddy Travelogue 

 Walking away for today, I couldn't be more thankful for each trip that brought the family members together for a reason and got us feel the warmth of a closely-knit family.

 This post is written exclusively for HappyHour activity about #TravelWithKids organized by Indiblogger in association with Club Mahindra.