THE HAVELI HARI GANGA - A HERITAGE HOTEL IN THE LAP OF GANGA

My first moments in Haridwar were spent absorbing the sights from a rickshaw that picked me up from the railway station. I have got to admit, when I arrived in Haridwar, I wasn’t smitten like I am by so many other places. I fell hard for Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar!

There are some places that just pull you in – and Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar was that for me. The people, with their wide smiles and positive spirit, welcomed in a way that Hints of a rich culture could be found all over this Heritage property.

The Haveli faces the Ganga, and although you would swear you are off the beaten path, it’s just a short walk to Har Ki Pauri with more shops and small eateries than you can count. The rooms are spacious and have beautiful traditional touches.

It is unquestionably worth shelling out a little more for a Ganges View Suite room, with a cheerful sit out overlooking the river. Sipping morning tea in the balcony overlooking the holy Ganga in all its grace seems like worship in itself. The Superior rooms come with expansive living areas, with some of them opening towards the temple in the courtyard or colossal mountains of Haridwar.

EARLY MORNING BE LIKE

Okay, confession time. I am NOT really a morning person and especially not on Holidays (needless to add on work days, I certainly am very punctual which is a given for any person in the hospitality trade); and a Nature walk before the sun is up never sounds alluring to me. But the walk I do with the guide organized by the Haveli astounds me and makes me think, I should do this more often ( that’s something I keep saying to myself each time I do a morning walk). It was a pleasant walk all over the little town with not many people in sight. The Haveli also organizes Hiking trails for those interested.

FOOD

Prior to my trip to Haridwar I did not have much experience with Hindu Temple cuisine apart from the occasional Halwa & Puri, my grandmother makes during Navratri. But on this trip I did learn! The walk also includes a stop at the traditional market where we are able to check out the local fruits and vegetables. Pumpkin and potatoes are in abundance! Small eateries offering temple food occupy nearly every block, and you can’t walk far without almost bumping into people in the narrow alleyways. The landscape shifts flawlessly from quiet to a hustle and bustle. And the food -- with options from vegetarian to traditional Temple fare -- is as diverse as my cravings.

Haridwar is known for its amazing street food, and the best bites I have are from unassuming shops with plastic chairs.  Absolute must tries include the ‘Khasta Kachori’, ‘Samosa Chole’ and ‘Semolina Halwa’ from Mohan Ji Puri Waale.  Then there is the ‘Chotiwala’ which has been around for many years offering even Desi Chinese now, but I’d stay stick to the Indian when In Haridwar. But the highlight for me is all meal times at the Haveli Hari Ganga. Simple & homely food with the perfect amount of Oils & Desi Ghee used. The Lunch thali is exceptional as are the breakfast and dinner buffets with emphasis on freshness and seasonal produce. They also do a few continental and Asian dishes at dinner which can give any Non Vegetarian food run for its money.

TRANQUILITY

Sample this…. golden echo of thousands of floral diyas in the River Ganges! Trust me it is the most enthralling panorama that you get to observe during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat. And imagine I can actually witness this fascinating scene right from the sitting area of my suite.

Next morning I book myself for a Spa which revitalizes me like never before, have the decadent thali for lunch one last time, buy some ganga water to carry back home and soon it’s time for the evening Shatabadi… I have to come back to relive in this tranquility at the Haveli Hari Ganga…at least one more time!

FAST FACTS

The Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar

21 Pilibhit House, Ramghat, 

Haridwar - 249401 | Map

Phone 1: +91 1334 265207/ Phone 2: +91 1334 226443

Mobile: +91 7500263336/ Email: hhg@prasadheritage.com

Haveli Hari Ganga is located 6 km from the historic Chandi Devi Temple. It is 52 km from Dehradun Domestic Airport and provides free parking. The hotel also offers free railway station transfers via private rickshaws.

 

The Haveli Hari Ganga also has its private bathing Ghat

HISTORICAL FACT

Built in 1913 for the personal guests of the royal family, this Haridwar hotel was the personal residence of Maharaja of Pilibhit which now serves as the perfect hideaway for devotees visiting Haridwar. The tranquil river and hill views on one side, and the mesmerizing maelstrom of central Haridwar on the other will certainly complement your stay in Haridwar.