I have a new favorite place in India—actually two places—Haridwar and Rishikesh.  These two small towns are located  close to each other in north part of India on the Ganges. It’s actually the point where the all-important Ganges River comes down out of the Himalayas. 

I stayed in Haridwar at the end of a three week photo tour last November, primarily to see the Aarti ceremony and to enjoy this part of India, known for a hippie history and long time association with Yoga. 

Yep, this is the area where Steve Jobs went to meditate.  The Beatles wrote eighteen songs here  when they visited this area to study Transcendental Meditation.  And many Westerners come here for the plethora of yoga ashrams since it is considered to be the Yoga Capital of the World. 

Hindus travel to these towns to bath in the Ganges.  Devotees believe that bathing in the Ganges removes past sins.  With the name Haridwar meaning “Gateway to God” it’s no wonder this spot is popular with Pilgrims. 

I enjoyed  both towns.  In Haridwar, I meandered the narrow streets, enjoying the shops and the tea makers.   Our hotel wasn’t far from the river and  the gathering spot where cows get fed and men get shaved. 

The waterfront in Haridwar felt manageable.  I was stimulated by the foreign sights and sounds, but not so overwhelmed that I couldn’t focus.   Very few people turned down my request to make a picture. 

At Rishikesh, I enjoyed strolling on the narrow main street filled with stuff to buy, walking the huge bridge and seeing a very popular restaurant with an Indian version of Ronald McDonald out front.   We were only there a few hours.  I would have enjoyed more time.  

Like who knows where to point the camera?

I’d like to revisit the Aarti ceremony—sixty minutes of incessant chanting and rhythmic swinging of lanterns and bells—held nightly in both towns.  This ceremony is a slice of life presented by travel that I truly treasure.  Nothing happens like this at home. 

I left Haridwar and Rishikesh wanting more.  I’d like to visit a Yoga Ashram for a couple of days, maybe a week.  I’d like to go to the Kumbh Mela, a huge Hindu festival where the sadhus hang out.  I’d like to visit some the temples.   

One of the bloggers I read said that he thought that what draws people back to India is that it is the “Land of the Seekers.”  If that is true, then Rishikesh must be the heart of India.

My first glimpse of the area was all too short and left me seeking more.  

But before I leave I have to post this photo because it made me smile.  It’s the entrance to the bathrooms at the airport.  Do you think this is left over from when the British ruled India?  Too Funny.