For the longest time, I had been manifesting the desire to journey with a circle of women—kindred spirits seeking heartfelt sharing and soulful introspection. The mystical Rishikesh belt had been calling me persistently for the better half of last year, its whispers growing louder with each passing day.
And so, as I embarked on this odyssey with my dear friend, Shveta Narula, the universe began revealing its hidden designs. Despite months of planning that refused to materialise, the trip unfolded at the perfect moment, orchestrated by forces beyond my comprehension. I now see it as the beginning of a larger journey—an unfolding tapestry of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, flowing effortlessly like a river.
Our sojourn commenced in Dehradun, where we first paid our respects at the Anand Mahima Ashram before heading to Rishikesh. To visit this Ashram also came to me like a nudge from another friend who met me a day before my travel. Reaching Rishikesh, that evening, the revered Ganga Aarti illuminated our souls. The rhythmic chanting of prayers and the flickering Diyas cast golden reflections upon the river’s surface. It was transcendental. I didn’t want to get up from the river bank for hours. Though I had visited Rishikesh before, drawn by the thrill of river rafting, this time was different. I was delving into the heart of the Ashrams, the stories of mythology, and the spiritual legacy that cloaked the town in an ethereal aura.
The next day, we ventured deeper into the majestic Tehri Garhwal region, where towering mountains stood as sentinels of time, their silence whispering ancient secrets. There are stories found at every nook and corner. We found solace at the Darbar-A Heritage Farmstay, where warmth and hospitality embraced us like long-lost family. Here, fresh farm-to-table meals nourished our bodies, and the untainted air, kissed by the sun, nourished our souls. I felt a profound sense of belonging in this tranquil communion with nature. Perhaps I left a part of myself there—an invisible tether urging me to return.
The Pièce de résistance of our journey was our pilgrimage to the sacred Shakti Peeth, Surkhanda Devi, nestled in the Kanatal region of Tehri Garhwal. The energy of the place was tangible, a pulsating force that awakened something primal within me. The drive from our haven to the shrine took an hour, culminating in a ropeway ascent that carried us to an altitude of approximately 2,756 meters. Standing atop that divine peak, I felt an intimate connection with the Divine Feminine—an experience beyond words, a homecoming of the spirit. There is a powerful story in Hindu scriptures behind all the Shakti Peeths in India when Sati’s body was disintegrated in 51 parts by lord Vishnu. Here
As I reflect upon my travels, I see how intricately the universe wove each moment, each synchronicity guiding me towards a more profound understanding. Even my current reading of the Mahabhagwat Devi Puran feels like a continuation of this mystical journey, affirming that I was meant to be here at this time, with these experiences shaping me.
This journey was more than a mere exploration of places; it was an excavation of the soul. The memories linger, etched in the fabric of my being, a testament to the transformative power of travel and the boundless mysteries of destiny.
And we, the girls, are set to take on our next soul-seeking travel soon.