If
you do not feel like staying in an ashram or meditation centre while in
Rishikesh then the Shivolok is a good choice.
Situated along the Laksmanjhula road and in
easy walking distance of the Rhamjhula bridge this is a lovely hotel. Mainly
catering for middle-class Indian tourists doing the yatra trail the rooms are
in outhouses grouped around a green and pleasant garden. Rishikesh is not too
far from the Rajiji NP so exotic birds and mongeese can be easily spotted in
the garden.
Single rooms
cost about 800 rupees a night and are moderately comfortable with bed, wardrobe
and fan whizzing around on the ceiling. The bathrooms are situated in an
outhouse reached by a concrete path. Which when used at night means you have to
brave the mosquitoes and noises coming from the forest.
But it is
exceptionally friendly and the restaurant serves good vegetarian food. The
ubiquitous Indian power-cuts brought diners together and one night we made
friends with a family who were on their way to Badrinath and the Shiva temple.
They gave us a crash course in Hindu mythology which served us well when
visiting the temples the next day. And we all tucked into a delicious cheese
and pickle paratha while chatting.
It is moments like these which make travelling
worthwhile.
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