Beyond The Bustle of Rishikesh - Unwind at Raga on the Ganges

After a drive of almost an hour, we reached our resort. More like a nature retreat with a terraced-step construction, Raga on the Ganges is located at a distance of just 260 km from the National Capital. Perched right by the sacred Ganges, there is plenty to soak in at this beautiful resort. From the gurgling of the holy river itself, to vistas of lush green forest and lofty hills right in front of you, relaxation and solitude takes a different meaning at Raga.

The rooms are spacious, with large bay windows and even private viewing decks making #roomswithview a defining thing here. As we opened our curtains, we were greeted by a couple of monkeys (resident neighbors here) welcoming us by playing around in our balcony. While the monkeys are a common fixture here, it is advisable to keep your balcony doors closed at all times to ensure they don't come inside.

Why Choose Raga?

If you are looking for a long and thorough digital detox with spa, great cuisine and of course breathtaking views akin to picture postcards, this is one of the best places near Rishikesh.

Wake up to views of the river, lounge in your private deck or simply soak in stunning sunsets from the resort. At Raga, you get to experience the wholesome ecosystem in all its glory. Rare birds and vibrant butterflies fluttering around, glistening white powdery sand and a shimmering night sky punctuated with the various shapes of the moon always accompany you. A recent addition to their line up of activities and experiences are the Ganga Aarti at the resort and a guided group trek to a secluded beach nearby. Rest assured, your itinerary is filled to the brim with things to do.

Book your stay today to experience bliss amidst nature.

And I found just this place on one of my recent trips to Rishikesh. Nestled amidst forest and villages, Byaasi is located at a distance of around 40 km from The Land of Yoga and the Beatles.

As soon as our cab left the Rishikesh bus stand, there was a tranquil silence engulfing us. Apart from the occasional roar of your car's engine, the valley and the entire route from Rishikesh to Byaasi is profoundly peaceful.

Winding mountainous routes punctuated with lush dense forests, the perennially flowing Ganges and the chirping of birds were a pleasant surprise and a welcome change. When they say the journey is as important (if not more) as the destination, they mean routes like this. Driving to Byaasi was a memorable experience in itself.