Vedanta Retreat at Rishikesh: A trek up the hills!

The trek I was eagerly looking forward to finally happened! It was difficult to find time for this activity in our very busy schedule. Thanks to Bharadwaj it was finally organised and we set out after our Mundaka Upanishad classes on Sunday. We took a ride till Tapovan and then began our trek right in earnest!

You can see that I am full of determination as I walk with a bag on my shoulders ! Vanessa and Geeta look more relaxed!

We stopped often to admire the view and take pictures and I would take a welcome break from my climb!

Trying to catch them unawares!

What is David doing in this picture?

It was wonderfully cool and clear water! Later Geeta and Vanessa decided to halt here! They had a great time wading and bathing in the water for more than an hour while I trudged up the hill! I wish I could have done both!

Looking at the stream going down the hill. It was tempting to walk down along the stream, but it was too steep!

Geeta posing for Arun!


I realised that I was slowing down as we climbed higher and I felt that my neck was burning. I wondered why and then realised that the shoulder bag was too heavy for me to carry up the hill!

Bharadwaj came to my rescue to my great relief!

(I still have hopes of going on a trek in the Himalayas !)

Finally we were at the waterfall! Bhardwaj had earlier said it was an hours climb but it was much longer for me! I often would ask him 'How far from here?' as I strove to catch my breath and he would encourage me by saying 'We are almost there!'

We all took turns to get under the waterfall; it was an unforgettable experience to feel the water thumping down on us! My shoulder felt better after the pounding!

As we were wishing to stay there forever a buffalo strode in purposefully and we had to perforce make way for her and her calf. The calf moved out when we tried to drive them away, but the mother stood firm.

Even the ( Buffalo!) girl was unmoved and stood there calmly until she felt that the buffalo had its fill and only then moved away. The buffalo followed her quietly! I learnt a little more about the order under which we all live. The buffalo had a priority over us humans here and we sensibly yeilded!

Now you know why we had to move out of her way!

Surya making an attempt to be friends with the calf!

We were happy to go in again and Neema finally decided to join the fun!

A shrine where Neema, Surya and Bhardwaj performed a puja.

We all joined the prayer to thank Ishwara for his creation, especially for this beautiful spot which by his grace is still unspoilt and we could enjoy as well as truly appreciate his design!

The climb down was easy and fast! We were also hungry and looking forward to our lunch at a special place Bhardwaj had chosen for us. We had a really good lunch at this satvik vegetarian restaurant and Neema had the concluding session of The Bhagwadgita in its small cute garden. Great location except for the mosquitoes!