By Marcia Rodrigues & Sibi Arasu for India Today
If it’s a perfect holiday destination you are looking for then here’s the place you should visit. Atali Ganga is nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, overlooking the scintillating waters of the Ganga in Rishikesh. Located 256 kms from Delhi, the place offers it’s guests an outdoor experience within the comforts of a resort-like setting. It pledges to be the first ‘activotel’ in India, a hotel that offers various adventures activities like rafting kayaking, mountain climbing and more. The hote’ls astronomy sessions are sure to get your kids excited as the scenic beauty helps you get away from the chaos of the city.
Atali Ganga is a one stop shop for people who want to have a memorable and active vacation, but without the qualms of planning and waiting in lines. The resort has plenty of facilities from adventure sports, such as rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, to active exploration of the property through hiking and organised picnics.
Ideal for
Groups of family or friends who want to experience nature and adventure in the lap of luxury.
Where
Atali Dogi, Rishikesh-Badrinath Road, Tehri Garhwal, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Price
Starting from Rs 12,500 per night plus taxes
Accommodation
Atali Ganga values the need for privacy and space, offering only cottages for stay options. You can pick from one-room cottages, which can accommodate upto three people, two-room family cottages with interconnecting rooms suitable for 2 adults 2 kids and two-room unconnected duplex family cottages.
Activities offered
Atali Ganga is ideal for an active family or group of friends who are more keen on having an adrenaline packed holiday than a spa-cation. Here are the activities Atali Ganga organises and includes in its package.
Rafting
Rishikesh is globally renowned for its rapids that are suitable for both beginners and experienced alike. Atali Ganga offers a 2-day course, where you can either do short introductory stretches or the whole hog.
Rafting is not available from 1st July to 31st August.
Inflatable Kayaking
Another activity, besides rafting, that’s best experienced on the white waters of Ganga is kayaking, and inflatable kayaking makes the process faster and easily manoeuvrable. A guide from the resort keeps you company at all times, ensuring safety..
Birding
The best season to watch birds in the valley is from spring to post-monsoon when birds migrate from colder regions of higher Himalayas. There are a total of 400 species of birds that you can spot in the area.
Altitude at Atali
The high ropes course is a recent addition to the list of interactive and adventurous activities at Atali Ganga, that works as a brilliant team builder and ice-breaker for players
Climbing
Atali Ganga has an in-house climbing wall that serves as a recreational alternative to rock climbing. They also have a smaller wall suitable for children.
Yoga
The yoga expert at Atali Ganga can provide daily morning sessions to residents for a healthy start to the day. (Sessions need to be booked in Advance)
Things to do nearby
Definitely head to the main town to witness the ancient ritual of Ganga aarti at the ghats. While you are there, you can also hike to the famous Beatles Ashram from Ram Jhoola. If you are more curious about the culture of places around Rishikesh, then ask the resort to arrange a bicycle for you, and ride it to the revered Kunjapuri Devi Temple near Narendar Nagar.
