A day break from grueling Delhi Heat in laps of mighty Blue Ganga in Haridwar

By Neeraj Bajpai

As I wanted to leave early, so I was up with the lark on this Friday. Summer heat was lashing like a merciless whipper once  I reluctantly left cool confines of air conditioned bed room.

But mere thought of having dip in icy cold Ganga water at Hari ki Pauri in Haridwar-“Stepping stones to the doors of Gods’ Abode"-by  that afternoon hit me with an avalanche of thoughts – road journey in the scorching heat, quality of breakfast and food en-route, tricks of taxi driver, toll plaza and parking lot hassles, notorious traffic jams, swarms of alms seekers at Ghats and many unforeseen problems.

Much to my delight, all apprehensions gave way like quicksand as the day bode adieu. On my return from the Hill state of Uttrakhand  by early evening same day, I was dishing out a crisp advice to many acquaintances to leave behind work for a fresh cool break for the day with family.

A piece of caution, however, was laced with the advisory for the real time trip without wastage of a penny. we had hired commodious Maruti Suzuki’s Ertiga @ Rs.11 per kilometer rent though there was only one companion – My Sister.We left the city around seven am just to give a comfortable overnight sleep to the driver. It is always better to avoid even the remote chance of driver dozing off on the long road journey. More Commodious vehicle like Innova would have been better if number of passengers increase.

As the taxi sailed through slowly swelling traffic in morning hours,city congested streets were left behind and smooth ride on the highway took us fast through otherwise traffic jams prone Moradnagar and Modinagar townships. The highway traffic pierces through heart of these cities which are plagued by roadside encroachments by shopkeepers and fruits and other eatables hawkers.

It was after one and half hours drive , Dhabas on both the sides started appearing like mushroom ,but Grand Cheetal in Khatauli area of Muzzafernagar virtually beacons tourists flaunting its assets of clean toilets,loads of seasonal flowers pots lines and a sprawling AC dining hall with  neatly laid out  wooden tables and seats.

As fragrance of freshly baked eatables wafted through, waiters mill around holding shimmering dishes laden with variety of food items. Foreign tourists can be spotted easily diving their forks and knives in cheese or butter toasts while sipping hot tea from cups or glasses.

Inland tourists, many of them picnickers while others heading for religious rituals to Hariwdar, were mostly seen savoring piping hot Aloo –Parathas with  Razma and fresh Curd, served in small steel bowls. Assorted pakoras was another popular attraction in the restaurant. There are many other neat Dhabas ,but I happened to drop here.

Surprisingly,the cost of two Parathas plate was only Rs. 130/,and so was the price of spicy Pakroas. Well brewed tea was icing on the cake with a price tag of Rs.20/ per cup.(certainly a few taxes apart).

The road toll tax to be paid by travelers was mere Rs.75 one side and car parking at the Hari kI pauri was also only Rs. 50 for per 12 hours.

(Haridwar lies is in the Uttarakhand state of India. It lies in the Shivalik range amidst Bilva and Neel Mountains and is situated on the right banks of the river Ganga.

Haridwar means the Gateway to God, where 'Hari' - God and 'Dwar' - Gate. Haridwar is also known as Gangadwára or Hardwar. This is also mentioned in the Vishnu Purana. Haridwar was also known as Mayurapura ( Home of Peacocks) and Mayapura ( Goddess Maya Devi ) during olden times.

According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance in Haridwar to purify the souls of his ancestors who had died due to sage Kapil’s curse.

The penance was answered by Lord Brahma. Goddess Ganga fell on the earth held together by Lord Shiva's matted locks and revived the sons of King Sagara.

Haridwar is also the starting point of the Char dham Yatra. It plays great importance in the life of the Hindus as they come here, and pray to goddess Ganga for the salvation of their ancestors and to wash away their sins. Tghe informatuon is loaded on official website of the state )

The onward journey came to a pleasant halt at the traditionally crowded but majestic  Ghats – sitting and bathing places on banks of river- but spectacle of blue water of River Ganges which was flowing with full might at the Ghats was captivating and mesmerising .

In a reflex action, I took off clothes to take a dip but icy clean blue water virtually applied brakes on mounting enthusiasm. After gathering some courage,one takes a dip while holding tightly loosely   hanging iron chains or jute knotted ropes.

Annoying and continued gentle tapping on shoulders by of alms seekers diverts attention frequently. Some come with an offer to perform any sort of religious ceremony, other come with a donation receipt books, many others troop in with wheat flour globules for fish etc. As cool water currents virtually drench away every pinch of fatigue and pain from the tired body, such distractions turn meaningless. Simple dipping of feet in flowing water gives an instant freshness.

 Almost  throughout the route, We relished scenes of mangoes laden trees while Fire of forests- Gulmohur trees’ red flowers and low hanging bright yellow flowers of Amaltash added more beauty to road side scenes. 

The reverse journey  had some jerks too as at number of places repaired roads were higher by a few inches paving way for bumpy rides at several places. Drivers on the route to be extra cautious on the route as as villagers drive in with their tractors and trawlers laden with sugarcanes. They head for sugar factories to crushing of the produce.   

On way back, smaller version of Cheetal on other side of the road offers much awaited hot tea and other snacks and drinks. Lesson learnt on the Ghats was that it would have been better to avoid Aloo –Pooris(Potato with curry and Pooris-Small doughs of wheat (breads) fried in refined oil or Ghee--on a number of  restaurants near ghats as lunch. They serve to hundreds of visitors daily, the quality maintenance emerge as a stiff challenge. a number of good restaurants are also there if you walk down in lanes near the famous ghat.Better,if One can bring neatly packed lunch from the Cheetal like Dhabas itself because of its hygiene and spick and span surroundings to avoid greasy eatables.

By the time sun was setting on skyline of the national capital, we were back after having covered around 400  kms. As the motor able distance was short and crisp, so was the overall bill spent on the much sought after break from capital’s hustle and bustle and grueling daily chorus.