Ayurvedic Spa Treatments and other Haridwar, India Things to Do Tips

I had a wonderfull relaxing body treatment at the Spa at the Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel, where we were staying.
A full fruit body scrub, then a steamy hot soak and afterwards a 90minute Therapeutic Massage with Ayurvedic Oils. Included in the massage was foot and hand reflexology.
The young woman who attended to me was Nepalese, and her massage technique was perfect. She was very professional, and respectful. My body was always partially covered by steaming hot towels. Another bath filled with rose petals followed the massage. Heaven.
I do recommend this bit of pampering- I felt relaxed and refreshed afterwards.
The cost was R3000.00, but worth every rupee.
There is also a steam-bath available.
There is a separate facility for men, with male attendants.

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Address: Ayurvedic Spa - Haveli Hari-Ganga Hotel
Directions: Rooftop (3rd floor)
Website: www.havelihariganga.com

We spent one of our best ever days in Rajiji National Park. Only about a 30 minute drive from Haridwar, this unspoiled park is pristine, green, and filled with the sound of birds. The mountains are majestic.
We saw out very first wild tusker- chomping on some trees on a hillside. What a thrill that was. Having seen this in documentries, I never realised how awesome the behaviour of these magnificent beasts is. He was also sending out a mating call- it echoed through the forest.
The park has spotted deer, leopards and tigers. and many other species.The elephant population is large. We almost missed seeing a tiger- but we saw fresh pug-marks on the track, and followed. Eventually some luck.
The bird life is prolific- many colourful ones, that were perching in the trees. Trees are magnificent- a very wide variety, and all looking healthy and green. There were flocks of Peacocks in one field.
What also made the day so special was Sanjeev, who took us out on the tour. Sitting in an open jeep, he explained the mysteries of the park to us. Sanjeev is not only an Eco-warrior- he is a professional photographer (making documentry films for Discovery Channel, and a professional tour organizer). Without his sharp eye and perfect knowledge of nature & animals, we probably would have missed most of it.
When we finally arrived back at the Main Entrance Camp, Sanjeev gave us hot spicy chai-welcome because it was very cold, and introduced us to Yogi- his legally adopted baby elephant. He has had Yogi since he was 18 days old, and the baby is now 8 years old. It was the thrill of my life meeting this beautiful young elephant. Yogi is one of the first orphaned baby elephants to ever be successfully hand raised. Yogi loves attention- he will give you a gentle kiss with his trunk. He also loves to "explore" your face- watch out for the wet kiss.He is adorable. When he is all grown up, Sanjeev will release him into Rajiji, where he will have fun with the ladies. I have a feeling that he will be a popular guy.*

I cannot recommend seeing Rajiji Park with Sanjeev enough. He also runs other adventure tours, like trekking, cycling and manages group tours. He is listed in Lonely Planet

Cost of 5 hour tour is approx R1800 pp, and can be done early morning or mid afternoon.

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Phone: +91 9837100215 mobile
Address: Rajiji National Park, Chilla
Directions: 13kms northeast of Haridwar
Park is closed betwen June & November,but Sanjeev can arrange tours between seasons
Website: http://www.mohansadventure.in
Other Contact: mohans_india@yahoo.com

Go down to Har-ki-Pairi ghat at sunset and see the evening Aarti ( religious ceremony giving prayers and offering to the Ganga)
Very pretty- with crowds gathered to watch or taking part. The sound of gongs adds to the reverent and chaotic amosphere. We have watched this ceremony in Varanasi , and although it is not fair to compare them, I enjoyed Varanasi better)
Small baskets with flowers with a candle to light can be bought everywhere, and the idea is to place it into the Ganges after sunset. The sight of the flickering candles on the water is beautiful.
There is, however , a downside to all this- read about our unpleasant experience in my Tourist Trap tip

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Directions: Har-ki-Pairi Ghat