Uttrakhand is also called as Devbhoomi. A mystical land of mountains and mythologies, exquisite landscapes and exhilarating adventure. Uttrakhand has got something to offer for every person’s willingness.

We travelled to Uttrakhand from New Delhi via Uttar Pradesh. Our journey was towards the Garhwal region, our first stop was Haridwar. Holy river of Ganga flows through Haridwar and its known for the holy shrines as well.

Morning we drove around Haridwar to get a glimpse of the city. Then planned to do a session of rafting in the Ganges. MHE I have known them for years and we went straight to their camp site in Rishikesh. On the way had glimpse of Raman Jula and Lakshman Jula. Spent sometime relaxing with the view of the Ganges from the camp site.

Our rafting session started, we all were super excited. The beauty of river and mountains surrounding it was just a bliss. We paddled through the rapids of Ganges, balancing the raft. The golf course rapid was definitely one of the best, you can feel the adrenaline rush while crossing over the rapids.

After the rapids were done we got into the river floating with the help of life vest. Water was extremely cold but was relaxing and peaceful to float on the river. Rafting is something one shouldn’t miss if you are an adventure kind.

Afternoon we drove our vechicle along the Rajaji National Park on the highway which runs through the forest area. It was scenic but couldn’t spot any bigger mammals. Thought of doing a safari on the forest vechicle but there was huge rush hence decided against it.

Later in the evening had some spiritual experiences. We took a holy dip in the Ganges and offered some prayers. Started my regular mediation session for 21 mins sitting on the stairs along the river. That session was more powerful in terms of vibrations and inner absorption. I could definitely feel the difference practicing this at home and now doing it near the holy Ganges in Haridwar.

Then on we waited for the Ganga Arati to start. Witnessing the Arati is one of top most priority for travelers when visiting this holy city.

Next day we started for Guptkashi. Guptkashi is situated in the Garhwal region of Rudraprayag. It is one of the prominent spiritual sites in Uttarakhand. It lies en route to Kedarnath, nestled in the lush green Mandakini river valley.

Set against the backdrop of high snow-covered peaks, Guptkashi is a nature’s paradise. Guptkashi is home to several significant temples as well. Chief of these are Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnarishwar Temple. It is said that Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata were searching for Lord Shiva and the Lord hid in Guptkashi before going to Kedarnath. Hence the name Guptkashi (Hidden Kashi) came up. It is also said that it’s here Lord Shiva proposed to goddess Parvati to marry him. Hence devotees visit this temple before going to Kedarnath.

Very interesting and unique part about this temple is there are two water source here, one from Ganga and other from Yamuna. One could taste and find the difference. Locals here use the Yamuna water for house hold purpose and donot use the Ganga water.

We visited this temple and offered prayers. Then we moved on to the registration center for Kedarnath pilgrimage the next day. Next couple days we spent for Kedarnath pilgrimage.

On the way back to Haridwar, we also visited the Sangam of two beautiful rivers at Devprayag. One river is Bhagirathi and other is Alakananda. Bhagirathi is considered the source stream of Ganges and it meets Alakananda river in Devprayag, after confluence the river is called Ganga, the holy river.