Whispers of Ganges, Echoes of Devbhoomi: Keerti’s Uttarakhand Trip Thrillophilia Review
Rishikesh (January 22, 2024)
“May my mind be pure, let it dive into the Ganga, let my thoughts dance in your waves. Hail, O Ganga!”
The soft chants offering prayers to the Holy Ganga resonated in the air, mingling with the smell of incense. Keerti stood on the banks of the Ganges; the Ganga Aarti had begun, and that scene was entirely mesmerizing. Each flame seemed to carry with it ‘a piece of prayer, a whisper of hope’.
Her partner stood beside her, captivated. “It’s like the river is alive,” he said.
“It feels spiritual, doesn’t it?” Keerti replied, her heart full with the energy of the moment. She looked around; hundreds of people lined the ghats, their faces illuminated by the golden glow of the aarti.
“This is why they call Uttarakhand, the Dev Bhoomi,” she thought. “It’s truly the land of the gods.”
Backstory: The Trip Planning (December, 2023)
Weeks before, in her multi-storey apartment, Keerti was exhausted from her job. Long hours spent coding and debugging had drained her spirit. One evening, after a long day at work, she jumped onto the couch, scrolling through her phone. Suddenly, a travel blog about Uttarakhand caught her eye.
“Heaven on Earth,” it read. She clicked on the article and read about the serene landscapes of Rishikesh, the spiritual vibe of Haridwar, and the snow-capped peaks of Auli.
That night, over dinner, she shared her excitement with her partner. “What if we escape the chaos of the city and explore Uttarakhand?” she suggested.
He, being an adventure enthusiast, replied. “I’m in! I’ve always wanted to see the Ganges and experience the mountains,” he replied with enthusiasm.
They spent hours planning their itinerary and finally booked a trip with Thrillophilia.
Transition: Haridwar (January 23, 2024)
Their trip started early in the morning , as they traveled to Haridwar, a charming town in the Garhwal Himalayas, known for its spiritual significance.
The energy was different here. The streets were filled with pilgrims and vendors selling colorful trinkets and religious items. The scent of fresh flowers and incense filled the air.
As they walked toward Har Ki Pauri, Keerti recalled the tales she had heard about this sacred ghat. It was said that taking a dip in the Ganges here could wash away sins. “Should we?” she asked her partner, looking at the swirling waters.
“Why not? It’s part of the experience,” he replied.
Keerti laughed, feeling adventurous. They both stepped into the cold water, gasping at the chill. “It’s insane!” she exclaimed. They splashed water at each other and soaked in the serene atmosphere.
As the sun began to set, they made their way back to the ghat for the evening aarti. The atmosphere was electric, with countless people gathered to witness the grand spectacle. Keerti was reminded of the magic of Rishikesh. The aarti at Haridwar was similar yet unique, filled with the chaos and energy of thousands of voices.
As the flames flickered against the darkening sky, Keerti remembered a quote from a book she once read:
"The Ganges is not just a river; it is a life force, a mother who nurtures the soul."
In that moment, she felt the truth in those words. She let the sound of the chants wash over her, becoming part of the river’s story.
Transition: Joshimath (January 24, 2024)
After two soul-stirring days, they set off for Joshimath.
The winding roads took them higher into the mountains, where the air turned crisp and fresh. As they reached Devprayag on the way, Keerti took a moment to bow down in devotion.
They continued towards Joshimath and the thunder of the mighty Alakananda created its own muse to their ears. They reached the town by noon, greeted by the towering peaks and deep valleys that surrounded them.
“We’re finally in the heart of the mountains,” her partner said, looking out at the stunning views. The quaint town had a charm of its own, with narrow lanes and ancient temples.
They visited the Narsingh Temple, a significant pilgrimage site. The intricate carvings and the soft murmurs of prayers created a peaceful atmosphere. The couple sat quietly for a moment, reflecting on their journey so far.
Sitting in the temple, Keerti turned to him. “What do you hope to find on this trip?” she asked.
He thought for a moment. “I want to reconnect with myself. Life gets so busy; I want to remember what it feels like to just be.”
Keerti nodded, understanding. “I think we all need that. A reminder of who we are, and what we truly want.”
Final Destination: Auli (January 25, 2024)
The next day, they traveled to Auli, a winter wonderland. When they arrived, they were greeted by a blanket of soft, white snow. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale.
“Look at this!” Keerti exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. They grabbed their gear and rushed outside, laughing as they played in the snow. Her partner attempted to build a snowman, while Keerti snapped photos of the magical landscape.
After a day of skiing, they returned to their resort, tired but happy. They sat by the fireplace, warmth wrapping around them like a cozy blanket.
As the fire crackled, Keerti sighed, “This is the happiest I’ve felt in a long time.”
He smiled, “It’s the magic of this place. Auli feels like home.”
Keerti closed her eyes, imagining the journey they had taken- the rivers, the mountains, the memories made. She felt a deep gratitude for each moment.
Departure from Devbhoomi (January 27, 2024)
As they packed to leave Auli, Keerti felt an emotional tug in her heart. “I’ll miss this place,” she said.
“Me too,” her partner replied. “But we carry the memories with us. And we’ll come back. There’s so much more to explore.”
They shared a smile and with a final look at the majestic mountains, they departed, taking with them the spirit of Uttarakhand- Dev Bhoomi, forever etched.
Read more: Thrillophilia Uttarakhand Reviews