Abode of Calm on the Banks of the Ganga

Sudhir Mishra Sonali Sharma Mar 23, 2021

As an advocate who champions the cause of environmental protection − one who believes in sustainable development and is in harmony with the concept of conservation − a recent short sojourn at Ganga Kinare was an enriching experience for both the body and the soul.

Far away from the maddening rush of the capital and yet well connected by means of transport, the holy town of Rishikesh is a good escape for all. Rishikesh is the last pit stop after which the revered Ganga flows into the northern plains of India. Hotel Ganga Kinare literally rests on the bank of the holy Ganga and overlooks the lush green Rajaji National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Ganga Kinare proved an environmentalist’s dreamland in March 2021, after the long and bleak spell of confinement during the Covid pandemic, which has disrupted lives the world over. I was enchanted with the positive vibes of this mesmerizing place and bowled over by the simplicity of its people.

Ganga Kinare is a picturesque, quaint, warm, boutique hotel that has played host to many a celebrity over the years and yet retains an aura of homeliness and tranquility that is in sync with the spiritual environment of Rishikesh. Ankit Rawat, the General Manager is an exemplary leader who oversees a congenial and talented hospitality staff. The dine-in restaurant Jal Jalebi turned me into a willing vegetarian temporarily during my multiple back-to-back visits to the hotel in March 2021. Ganga Kinare boasts of some of the best vegetarian multi-cuisine chefs. Jal Jalebi customises a thali (platter) dish that is homely, wholesome and delicious.

My stay at Hotel Ganga Kinare felt like a home away from home. The personal touch of the staff and their positive attitude, dedication and hospitality made my heart swell with joy and love. Ganga Kinare exudes spiritual tranquility, peace and love. The entire enchanting experience made me feel oneness with the vast expanse of nature around me and helped me embrace spirituality more profoundly. For the religiously inclined, Ganga Kinare offers an exclusive, enriching and signature Ganga Aarti that has continued with proper ceremony for decades and has its own tiny temple for worshippers. For those seeking physical relaxation, Ganga Kinare has its own unique Ayur spa.

Carefully designed to offer the best views, some of the rooms offer breathless views of the holy waters, and the family room fits well as an apartment for an entire family. Attracting nature lovers, pilgrims, spiritual seekers and those who need a breather away from the stressful lives we endure, Ganga Kinare is a fine choice.

To sum up, there are as many as nine reasons for choosing Hotel Ganga Kinare at Rishikesh for a getaway, the first being accessibility. The quaint hotel is accessible and yet away from the stressful lives of cities. The hotel is in a clean and peaceful locale. The third factor that goes in favour of Ganga Kinare is the aura of the Ganga itself and the feeling of being on the banks of the river. My fourth reason for choosing the hotel would be its friendly, congenial and efficient staff. Fifthly, it gives a feeling of becoming one with nature, with the rich flora and fauna of Rajaji National Park all around it. The sixth reason should be its immaculate rooms and facilities. Seventhly, Hotel Ganga Kinare offers wholesome meals. My eighth reason for choosing this resort is its affordability and the value for money it brings. The ninth feather in the hotel’s cap is the Ganga Aarti − an exclusive experience!