Celebrating Forever: Keerti’s Trip to Uttarakhand with Thrillophilia
You know that moment when you catch yourself smiling at your partner for no reason? That was me, sitting on a wooden bench overlooking the tranquil waters of the Ganges in Rishikesh.
My husband was busy fiddling with his camera, trying to capture the golden rays of the sun reflecting on the river. "You know," I said, breaking the silence, "this is why I fell in love with you. You always manage to make every moment special."
He looked up, gave me his signature smirk, and replied, "Well, someone has to keep you entertained!"
That’s my dear husband for you— effortlessly charming, endlessly caring, and the mastermind behind this incredible anniversary trip to Uttarakhand.
This trip wasn’t just about exploring a new place, it was also about celebrating us. And what better way to do that than amidst the serenity and beauty of Uttarakhand?
Spiritual Bliss in Rishikesh
Our first stop had to be Rishikesh, the spiritual heart of Uttarakhand!
Walking across the Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, we marvelled at the engineering of these iconic suspension bridges while admiring the views of the Ganges flowing below. We walked soaking in the peaceful ambiance- it was the perfect romantic moment for me!
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple left us awestruck with its spiritual energy and intricate carvings. My husband, who isn’t usually the religious type, stood there silently, taking it all in.
One of the highlights in Rishikesh was visiting the Beatles Ashram. As music lovers, we were fascinated by the graffiti and stories of the Fab Four’s time here. My husband got so fascinated by it that he even started humming Let It Be as we strolled through the ruins.
But the pinnacle of our Rishikesh experience was the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. The sight of the diyas floating on the river, the rhythmic chants, and the golden hues of the lamps were surreal.
Joshimath: The Meeting of Sacred Rivers
The next leg of our journey took us to Joshimath, a quaint town brimming with spiritual and natural beauty. The drive itself was mesmerising, with the confluence of rivers marking our path.
At Devprayag, we watched the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form the Ganges. My husband, ever the curious one, asked our guide a million questions about the significance of the spot.
Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag were equally stunning, with each confluence telling its own story. Him and I sat on the riverbank, our feet dipping into the cool waters, talking about everything and nothing. “This is what life should feel like,” I said. He smiled and replied, “With you, it always does.”
Joshimath was a delightful mix of tranquility and charm. We explored the ancient temples and soaked in the peaceful ambiance. He, of course, found a small café serving local delicacies and insisted we try everything on the menu.
Auli: A Winter Wonderland
If you ask me, Auli was the highlight of our trip, and it literally felt like stepping into a postcard. The snow-covered slopes, the crisp mountain air, and the breathtaking views of the Himalayas were nothing short of magical.
We started our day with a chairlift ride, and he couldn’t stop teasing me about my fear of heights. “If you scream, I’m pretending I don’t know you,” he joked.
Skiing in Auli was an adventure in itself. My husband, being the athletic one, picked it up quickly, while I spent more time falling than skiing. “You’re doing great,” he lied, laughing as he helped me up for the umpteenth time.
Our second day in Auli was completely reserved for the exciting Gurson Bugyal trek. The lush meadows blanketed in snow were a sight to behold. We stopped frequently to catch our breath and take pictures, but mostly to soak in the serenity. To my surprise, he had arranged a small picnic for me at the top, complete with sandwiches and hot coffee. I was taken aback at first, having zero clue how he even managed to pull this off.
A Heartfelt Farewell
As our trip came to an end, we found ourselves on the flight back home, reminiscing about the past few days. He was flipping through the photos on his camera, and I couldn’t help but lean over to look. Each picture was a snapshot of a memory— us laughing on the chairlift, holding hands at the Ganga Aarti, or simply sitting by the river.
“You know,” I said, “this was the perfect way to celebrate us.” He looked at me and replied, “Here’s to many more adventures together.”
For my husband and I, Uttarakhand was just any vacation getaway, instead, this place was a celebration of love, life, and the little moments that make it all worthwhile. Uttarakhand will always hold a special place in our hearts, not just for its beauty but for the memories we created there. And for that, I’ll forever be grateful to my dear husband— and, of course, Thrillophilia for making it all possible.
Read More: Thrillophilia Uttarakhand Reviews