The Roseate Ganges – Love, Eat & Pray here

By Akanksha Dean

About a five and a half-hour drive from Gurgaon brings me to the hurried tourist town of Rishikesh, a 45-minute drive further brings me to a sleek, austere hotel, embracing the banks of the expansive Ganges, where bird songs and serenity replace the hustle and bustle of the outside world.  I am received amiably by the team. I am super impressed with my Villa’s clean lines and minimalistic décor, quite Scandinavian in design, you could say.

LOVE

It’s been a long bumpy drive and I am tired, the greys, greens, and woods soothe me. The bed nearly hugs me to sleep, as I tuck in for the night after a meal of hot soup and ‘Maggi’….bliss! As I wake up to tea in my private terrace, I see that the outdoors augment the interiors, with enormous slithering glass doors overlooking trees and mountain ridges, a view that I enjoy from my bed and the writing desk too ( I don’t mind such a workspace…totally). Sunlight pours in from the bathroom’s skylight as I get ready for the day. With my lushly soft slippers on, I am an incontestably convert to this zen-like experience.

EAT 

The restaurants, infinity pool and terrace, Aheli Spa, and the gym all congregate in a two-level building where the reception is. Whether at Roasted by Roseate, the casual café for snacks and coffee on the ground floor, or Chidya Ghar, on the first floor with an organic, locally inspired menu, the food is a highlight. Harvest is obtained from indigenous farmers and comprises ingredients like millet that are apt as per Ayurveda for the menu, which also structures appetizing native concoctions like the slow-cooked, and incredibly tender, bhuna Gosht and the Pahadi Chicken curry. For breakfast my order every day is the Ragi Pancakes….they are delicious and totally guilt-free.

PRAY

Every time I step out, I hear the easy rumble of the cascades from Ganga Ma below. A walk down for prayer over the forest to the reserved beach beside the river is a must. The trail is steep and needs a whole lot of energy than a normal walk in the park, but the incentive of being fenced by greenery with unspoiled water splashing the coast in an accurately tranquil setting is absolutely worth it. And yes, you do not need to be a grave follower of yoga, godliness, or wellness, to enjoy the property. I find my thrill at ‘The Beatles Museum’ (rafting I have done enough of at school camps) where I spend a whole day just taking in the amazing artwork, history, and ambiance. Do not miss a ‘Desi lunch’ at the 60’s Café replete with all things ‘Beatles’, located at Green hills on Badrinath road.

All in all, delightfully warm and courteous staff add an advantage to the completely enjoyable property. I leave The Roseate Ganges renewed and looking forward to the time when I next return.

QUICK TAKE
THE ROSEATE GANGES, RISHIKESH

CALL –91 9319903388 

WEB – https://www.roseatehotels.com/rishikesh/theroseateganges/

About the Author: 

With a background in Culinary Arts and the first Indian to have, staged at the best restaurant in the world aka 3 Michelin Star Osteria Francescana gives her an edge over any other food and travel writer. A young and hardworking young adult, she has been on various Travels in search of food and culture to various destinations across the world and in India. Akanksha Dean is also a keen photographer and aces in speaking Spanish.