I felt it was only appropriate that since I am going to Rishikesh to speak at the International Conference on Yoga this week that I share with all of you one of my favorite places to stay in that magical city. Hopefully, we'll run into one another while I am there!
Rishikesh is by far one of the most tranquil places in India. Surrounded by hills and divided by the great river Ghanges, Rishikesh is oftentimes called the "Yoga capital of the world". The banks of the Ghanges are lined with ashrams, and it's quite common to meet someone from almost any place in the world that has come there for yoga, spiritual knowledge or Ayurveda. When I need a strong dose of westerners in India, Rishikesh is my favorite place to go.
The Great Ganga Hotel is situated on a small hill right off of Laxman Jhula Road. From many of the rooms you can see the beautiful holy river Ghanges below. Looking out my window I could see the best of Rishikesh, the Ghanges, the famous Laxman Jhula bridge, and across the Ghanges I could see all of the beautiful ashrams located on the waters edge. What's so nice about the location of this quaint hotel is that it is situated perfectly for walking to the market at both ends of the city and at the same time, high enough above the traffic that you aren't listening to the daily sounds of cars and people.
I've had a number of rooms here and all of them were comfortable with great views, air conditioning, hot and cold running water, a t.v., safe deposit and a direct dial phone, a doctor on call, money changer, baby sitters, travel desk services, laundry facilities and room service around the clock. What's the big deal you say? Well, in Rishikesh, most of the hotels don't have such commonplace luxuries and when you find one that does, you feel like "Mother is at home!"
If you're a yoga enthusiast, the hotel has an incredible yoga hall and yoga classes that are conducted daily by trained yoga experts in just a few short weeks you too can sit like a pretzel.
For me, as always, no place is worth my rupee if the people aren't kind, considerate and courteous. At The Great Ganga all of the staff were always exceptional in every way.
When you're headed to Rishikesh I strongly recommend The Great Ganga Hotel.
PS-please tell the manager, Janet Attwood sends her love! Namaste
To find out more about The Great Ganga, go to www.thegreatganga.com
