Haridwar - Rishikesh - Chilla Lake

When I was finally over my jetlag, Smita, my dad and I set off for Haridwar. This holy city represents the meeting point of the giant Himalayas and the plains, and is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. The city is alive at night, bustling with street stalls selling glistening trinkets, bright powders and garlands of marigolds. The beautiful, tiny streets, breeze from the river, sounds of chanting emanating from temples, transport you into an utopian era, one existing several lifetimes before. The peaceful Holy Ganga site is a microcosm in itself, inviting locals and travelers into its waters, promising purity despite the human emissions into its body. Leaf-made plates, toothpaste, soap, sweat, ashes - all make their way into the waters. The giant statue of Shiva near Hari-ki-pairi (feet of Shiva) overlooks the faithful bathers, turning into a majestic shadow into the evening, providing security and comfort to the city's sleeping inhabitants.

Rishikesh is our next stop - another holy city, this one, teeming with hippy-like foreigners, but equally enthralling. Camping, white-water rafting, and a mini safari in the Chilla forest are next in the itinerary.