Keerti’s Romantic Anniversary Sojourn in the Heart of Uttarakhand
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and the aroma of coffee filled the air as my husband and I sat with our friends, at our favorite café. The conversation soon turned to our recent anniversary trip to Uttarakhand.
“So, how was the big surprise?” one of them asked.
I smiled, glancing at my husband. “Oh, it was incredible! He planned the entire thing without me having the slightest clue.”
“It wasn’t as hard as it sounds,” my husband said with a grin. “Thrillophilia made it so seamless. They handled everything— accommodation, itinerary, and even little surprises along the way.”
And so, we began recounting our magical journey, from spiritual moments in Rishikesh to snowy adventures in Auli, reliving every cherished memory as they listened intently, hanging on to every word.
Exploring Rishikesh and Haridwar
“Well,” I began, “we started in Rishikesh. The moment we stepped onto the iconic Laxman Jhula, trust me, I felt like we had entered a picture-perfect postcard. The suspension bridge was swaying gently as we walked, with the Ganges sparkling below us. It was absolutely surreal.”
“And Ram Jhula was equally beautiful,” I further added. “We even visited the Beatles Ashram. It’s such a peaceful place, with colourful graffiti and stories of the Beatles’ stay there. It felt like stepping into a different era.”
“And the temples?” Our friends asked.
“Oh, Neelkanth Temple was a highlight,” my husband chimed in. “First of all, the drive up the hill was stunning, and then the temple itself had this calming vibe. The chants, the aroma of incense—it was the best spiritual experience I have ever had.”
“We even attended the Ganga Aarti…and it was magical,” I said, my voice softening. “We attended it in the evening at Triveni Ghat. Watching the priests perform the rituals with the rhythmic chants and the sight of diyas floating on the river— it was mesmerising. I remember holding his hand and just soaking in the moment.”
“We even went to Haridwar,” my husband added. “We started with Shri Vaishno Devi Temple and then visited the Bharat Mata Mandir. Let me tell you guys, the architecture of Bharat Mata Mandir is otherworldly— it’s a tribute to India’s culture and history and I believe everyone should see it once. Each floor of the temple represents different aspects of India— freedom fighters, historical figures, and cultural heritage. It’s not just a temple, it’s an experience.”
“Oh, and the Ganga Aarti in Haridwar is a spiritual spectacle. The ghats were illuminated with diyas, and the chants created an aura I cannot ever describe in words. Watching the floating lamps drift down the river during the sunset was surreal”, I said.For a moment all four of us were lost in our thoughts- My husband and I were reminiscing our beautiful moments in Haridwar, whereas, our friends were trying to picture our words.
Romanticising in Auli
“Okay, now tell me what was the best part of your trip”, our friends pitched in with excitement.
“Oh, hands down, it's Auli. It's way more stunning than all the online pictures we had seen before the trip,” I said, my face lighting up. “The drive itself was so scenic. Snow-capped peaks, lush forests— it was like nature was putting on a show just for us. We stayed in this resort with a view of Nanda Devi and waking up to that view every morning felt like a dream!”
“I had no idea that our experience in Auli was going to be this special and beautiful”, my husband added.
Thrills in Auli: Skiing and Ropeway Rides
“Okay, apart from all this, did you try any adventure activities in Auli? I heard it's famous for that!” our friend asked, her excitement palpable.
“Oh, Auli is an adventure lover’s paradise,” my husband said. “We tried skiing for the first time, and let’s just say it was hilarious!”
“Well,” I interrupted him, before he could speak any further, “he fell more times than I could count. At one point, he slid halfway down the slope on his back. But by the end of the day, we were both managing to stay upright, and it was so much fun.”
“Also, the ropeway was just breathtaking,” I added. “Do you guys know that it’s one of the longest ropeways in Asia? And the views, oh my god, were out of this world. You’re gliding above snow-draped trees and valleys, with the Himalayas in the backdrop. We couldn’t stop taking pictures!”
“So, I think Uttarakhand is a perfect romantic destination?” our friend asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.
“Absolutely,” my husband said. “It’s the perfect mix of adventure, romance, and spirituality. And with Thrillophilia taking care of everything, it’s completely stress-free.”
I nodded thoughtfully and added, “Who knows, we might just plan another trip there.”
Read More: Thrillophilia Uttarakhand Reviews