The Mighty Ganga is believed to have come to Earth from Heaven because of Raja Bhagirat, and on Bhagirath’s request Lord Shiva had to cradle her in his hair locks due to the mighty force her flow possessed, which the Earth could not bear. Indeed, one has to visit the Himalayas (I believe THEY are Shiva’s hair locks) to witness the beauty and ferocity of the flow and to get awed by Ganga. Since childhood, I have heard various names for Ganga like Mandakini, Alaknanda,Bhagirathi and many more, much like multiple names of other Hindu Gods. The search for the origin led me to decode the various names given to Ganga.
In ancient times, many travelers made torturous journeys from the plains of Ganga in search of the source to understand her better. An expedition to Ganga’s origin is as mesmerizing as it is delightful. This reverse journey could lead one to amazing places, its tributaries, and the places along them. Each of these places still maintains the spiritual and adventurous spirit of the location which it has had throughout the ages.
Here, I am trying to list some important places along Ganga that still mesmerize you and make your journey of search meaningful when you reach.
Badrinath Dham
Known for the temple of Badri Vishal, one of the Chardham, this place is worth visiting even for non-believers. Nestled in the high Himalayas, it sits on the banks of the mighty Alaknanda River, offering a beauty that is as spiritual as it is captivating. Accessible to visitors only for six months, from AkshayTritatiya to Diwali, this location transforms into a snow-capped delight during the pre-monsoon months and a green paradise in the period leading up to Diwali. Faithful pilgrims also partake in a holy dip in the hot water springs along the riverbanks.
Kedarnath Dham
As one travels to the most beautiful valley of all Chardhams, the river Mandakini is following you all through the route. You pass along deep ravines and shallow hills; this gently flowing tributary of the Ganga keeps you company even when you are trekking on foot to reach the most scenic temple of Shiva. The place is beautifully showcased in the movie “Kedarnath”
Gangotri
When you travel from Uttarkashi to reach Gangotri, you cross some of the most beautiful valleys of the Himalayas strewn with small and big streams, all flowing to meet the mighty Bhagirathi on whose banks sits the small hamlet of Gangotri.
The Bhagirathi here is angry, ferocious, and has a powerful flow. Witnessing Bhagirathi in its most rustic environment inspires awe and fear like nothing else can.Taking a dip in its waters would require great bravery, and we chose to avoid it altogether.
Yamunotri
Situated on Yamuna, one of the more popular, well-known, and largest tributaries of the Ganga, Yamunotri involves a steep climb and is not suitable for the physically weak. The ascent is worthwhile, though, as when you reach the top, you are greeted with a majestic temple and a hot water spring that can alleviate your fatigue.
The four dhams are positioned at the sources of the four major tributaries of the Ganga, illustrating how the Ganga has fascinated people for ages. It also highlights how individuals have undertaken expeditions to discover and comprehend the mighty yet alluring Ganga.
Rudraprayag
This town is situated at one of the most forceful confluences, where the demure Mandakini meets the ferocious Alaknanda, leaving her identity to meld into one with the powerful flow of the mightier Alaknanda. The meeting is fierce, that is Rudra, and the submission of Mandakini is complete.
Visit this place to discover silence amidst the roaring sound of water.
Devprayag
Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, both massive rivers, both ferocious, both with a mighty flow, converge at Devprayag to become one—Ganga. It’s amazing, curious, and amusing to watch the two mighty flows attempting to dominate each other, with neither willing to relinquish its own identity. After a long journey, they finally yield to each other, giving rise to the mighty, beautiful, and enigmatic Ganga.
This is also the place where white-water rafting begins, as dangerous rapids and falls on the river are no longer present.
Rishikesh
The place is known far and wide for its ashrams. Indeed, there is a place where one of the Beatles stayed during his search for self and a Guru, which you can still visit.
This is also the first major town on the banks of the Ganga and lies at the base of the Himalayas. Thronged by Indians and foreigners alike, this is the proverbial place for a seeker.
Vishnu, in his avatar as Rishikesh, did his seeking through penance here, and that tradition still continues. People come here to stay with nature, heal with spirituality, find a guru, or meditate near the Ganga. And, of course, now there is another facet to the place. A growing number of people visit for the adventure it offers in terms of trekking, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, camping, etc. There is something for everyone here, including the most peaceful Ganga Aarti one can witness at Parmarth Ashram in the evening.
Haridwar
Indeed, a gateway to the abode of gods in the Himalayas, this sprawling town is where the Ganga meets the planes for the first time. Unlike the instant peace you encounter in Rishikesh, Har Ki Dun in Haridwar is a place of chaos, hustle, and bustle. Out of this chaos emerges the peace and calm that is truly felt and expected from a place situated on the banks of the Ganga. The sound of the waters and the pilgrims around make you calm and put you in a meditative state. The river is later tamed by dams and bunds, causing her to leave behind the ferocity she is known for. At Haridwar, she is the last time truly herself.
Prayagraj
Allahabad, as named by Emperor Akbar, the place of God himself, is truly worthy of both its names: Prayagraj – King of Confluence and Allahabad. The city has a rich history, spanning from ancient times to the Mughals and the freedom struggle, with the most famous event being Chandra Shekhar Azad’s final fight with the British in Alfred Park, now rightly known as Chandra Shekhar Azad Park.
The city’s most popular destination, however, lies just outside the town, where two mighty rivers, along with an invisible one, converge and become one.
The Triveni Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati can be reached by boat, and taking a holy dip at the confluence is a must for the faithful and adventurous traveler alike.
Varanasi
Center of the universe. Oldest living city. Earthly abode of Shiva-Parvati. All these, and any other epithets, are insufficient to describe the mesmerizing and delightful city. As one of the most immersive cities on the Ganga, you can read my blog on the city here. Make sure to check how to explore it thoroughly.
Kolkata
The largest city on the Ganga, this metropolis boasts a rich cultural and spiritual history. It is a bustling urban center where heritage meets contemporary, intellect meets the local, and people cherish their own pace of life. Here, the Ganga is also known as the Hooghly. With attractions like Dakshineshwar Temple, Howrah Bridge, Botanical Gardens, Victoria Memorial, and the festive celebration of Pujo, the list to explore the city is endless.
Ganga Sagar
A mesh of various hamlets, the Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal here. The beauty of the place is when the Ganga slows down, almost like an old, tired but wise person taking a pause before submitting herself to the sea. This place is peaceful and idyllic in a true sense.There is no sense of hurry or urgency to this place. Seeing Ganga leaving the limited land to meet the vast sea, one can get philosophical about life when visiting.
Keep in mind that the journey from Kolkata to Ganga Sagar is a little tiring with multiple transfers from road to ferry to road to ferry again .
