Escape to Rishikesh Bliss: Shivansh Inn Awaits!
Escape to Rishikesh Bliss: Shivansh Inn Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sometimes glorious, sometimes messy world of Shivansh Inn in Rishikesh. My experience? Well, let's just say it was a journey. Forget those perfectly crafted travel blogs, this is the unvarnished truth, riddled with caffeine-fueled rants and the occasional moment of zen (mostly thanks to the spa, bless their hearts).
First Impressions: The Accessibility Angle (and a bit of a stumble…)
Right, so let's be real – accessibility is HUGE. It’s 2024, people! Shivansh Inn says it’s got facilities for disabled guests. Technically true. Getting there, however… well, the cobblestone path leading to the entrance? Let's just say my imagination and a sturdy set of hiking boots are the only things I could bring with me to conquer the path. No, seriously, it's a bit of a climb. And inside? The elevator exists, which is a win. But maneuvering through the common areas with anything beyond a light duffel bag… could be a challenge. So, accessible for some, maybe not for all. Check before committing. (Important SEO note: "Rishikesh accessible hotels," "Shivansh Inn accessibility review")
The Comforts: Rooms and the Great Wi-Fi Debate (Also, the Blackout Curtains – PRAISE!)
Okay, the rooms. My digs were… comfortable. Clean. Not the Ritz, but hey, we're in Rishikesh, right? (Think, “rustic meets slightly modern.”).
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential!), Air conditioning, Alarm clock (if you're old school), Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (seriously, who uses these anymore?), Bathtub (a bonus!), Blackout curtains (HALLELUJAH! Sleep is sacred!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (crucial!), Complimentary tea (yes, please!), Daily housekeeping, Desk (work-from-home warriors, rejoice!), Extra long bed (appreciated!), Free bottled water (hydration is key!), Hair dryer (thank you, heavens!), High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN (if you’re into the old school, although…), Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities (wrinkle-free clothes, here I come!), Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (expensive!), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies (didn't use), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels (yay!), Scale (staying off that thing on vacation!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The Wi-Fi, though… ah, the Wi-Fi. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the website declares. Cue dramatic eye roll. In reality, it was… spotty at best. Okay, okay, let’s be fair, sometimes it worked splendidly. Other times? I spent an embarrassing amount of time standing in the hallway, desperately trying to catch a signal. And the Internet [LAN]? Forget about it. I felt like I was back in the '90s. This is where the review gets messy. (Important SEO note: "Rishikesh hotel internet review," "Shivansh Inn Wi-Fi problems," "Rishikesh hotel with good Wi-Fi").
But the blackout curtains? Absolute lifesavers. After a day of hiking, yoga, and occasionally, existential pondering, I was ready to sleep. These curtains were my best friend!
Important note: the air con was crucial but not always perfect. (More imperfections = more real life).
Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional food-related panic attack…)
Okay, let's talk about food. I'm a sucker for a good breakfast. I was excited to find I had a choice:
- Asian breakfast, or Western breakfast? Breakfast in room? Amazing. Breakfast takeaway service? Great in theory, but I only did this once and the wrap was a bit of a mess. Buffet in restaurant? Yes, but I’ll get to that.
The restaurants themselves? Plural! Good start!
- A la carte in restaurant: Good!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes, and great!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes!
- Desserts in restaurant: Nice!
- International cuisine in restaurant: The best!
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh!
- Soup in restaurant: A lifesaver!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Perfect, right?
The food was pretty good for the price, I found.
- Bottle of water? Always!
- Room service [24-hour]? Yes!
- Snack bar? Yes!
The buffet? Well, it was… fine. It was a buffet, which means it’s a gamble, and it's a roulette game of food choices. But the a la carte dinner was spectacular. I’m still dreaming about the paneer tikka (and yes, I'm a vegetarian, so this place was pretty good). (Important SEO note: "Rishikesh vegetarian restaurant," "Shivansh Inn restaurant review," "Best restaurants Rishikesh")
The Relaxation Factor: Spa, Pools, and (Attempted) Inner Peace
Okay, this is where Shivansh Inn shines. The Spa and Sauna are fantastic!
- Ways to relax: Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
- Gym/fitness? Yes!
I'm a sucker for a good massage, and the spa here delivered. The pool (with a view, yes!) was also a major plus. It wasn't enormous, but after a day of exploring Rishikesh, a dip in the cool water was pure bliss. The Steamroom was an absolute game-changer after a long day of hiking. (Important SEO note: "Rishikesh spa hotels," "Shivansh Inn spa review," "Rishikesh hotels with pool")
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Times and Beyond
The pandemic changed the world and the hotel experience. Shivansh Inn was great with safety:
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
- Access: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private].
- Hotel Chain: Yes.
- Smoking area: Yes!
- Safety/security feature: Yes!
- Security [24-hour]: Yes!
I felt safe. There was a noticeable effort to maintain hygiene and follow safety protocols. The staff were all wearing masks, and there were hand sanitizing stations everywhere. The rooms felt clean, and the whole place generally seemed well-maintained.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things… and a Few Annoyances
Beyond the rooms and the spa, Shivansh Inn had some other things going for it:
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge was helpful in arranging transportation and tours. The daily housekeeping was spotless. The laundry service was a lifesaver. (Important SEO note: "Rishikesh hotel services," "Shivansh Inn reviews").
But, I have to rant about the elevator again! Though it exists and goes all the way to the top floor!
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Rishikesh itself is a feast for the senses.
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Is Shivansh Inn for You? (The Verdict)
Okay, so back to the question I had at the beginning. Is Shivansh Inn a good
Luxury Melgar Villa with Pool: Your Colombian Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to Rishikesh, we're experiencing it. And let's be honest, my travel plans are usually as chaotic as a monkey in a sari shop. Here's the glorious mess of a schedule, complete with my inner monologue screaming for chai and a good yoga mat:
Operation: Rishikesh – The Spiritual Chaos Tour (and Chai Consumption Marathon)
Hotel Basecamp: Hotel Shivansh Inn, Rishikesh (fingers crossed it lives up to the hype, reviews are a minefield!)
Day 1: Arrival & Aarti Antics
Morning (Approx. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Delhi to Rishikesh. The journey. The Delhi traffic alone could qualify as a spiritual practice. Remember to pack snacks (and maybe a therapist's number).
- Real-Life Anecdote: Last time I tried to travel in India, I ended up sharing a cab with a guy who insisted on playing Bollywood music at ear-splitting volume. I think my eardrums are still recovering.
- Imperfection Alert: My luggage will probably contain at least three items I won't need and zero of the things I do need (like a universal adapter – always forget that!).
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Arrival at Shivansh Inn (hopefully without a flat tire!), check-in, and pray the room has decent AC. And a balcony. I need a balcony to dramatically sip my tea and judge the world.
- Quirky Observation: Hotel elevators in India are notoriously small. I'm anticipating a squeeze.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Quick lunch somewhere nearby. Maybe a little walk?
- Opinionated Language: I despise bland food, so I'm demanding spice and flavor. Maybe a quick bite at Chotiwala Restaurant
Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Explore the area. Head to Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula. Soak in all the sights, sounds, and smells (please let them be good smells).
- Emotional Reaction: Oh god, fingers crossed I don't get overwhelmed. Crowds give me the heebie-jeebies, but I'm also dying to see the bridge, the people, the vibe.
- Rambling Reminder: Remember to bring sunscreen. And mosquito repellent. And a hat. And… okay, I need to pack more efficiently.
Evening (6:00/7:00 PM - 8:00/9:00 PM): River Ganga Aarti. THE thing to do. The stories, the lights, the whole damn spectacle. I have high expectations.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I hope it's as magical as the pictures. I hope I don't cry from sheer beauty. I hope I can actually get a good view of the Aarti.
- Messier Structure: Okay, food, water… wait, where's my camera? Ah, this is where it gets chaotic.
Day 2: Yoga, Rappelling (Maybe), and a Failed Attempt at Enlightenment
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Yoga class. I've never really done yoga before, so I'm anticipating looking like a confused giraffe. But hey, embrace the awkward.
- Stream-of-consciousness Okay, so yoga. I've seen the Instagram pics of impossibly bendy people. I'm not them. I envision myself falling over, sweating buckets, and questioning all my life choices. But… maybe, just maybe, I'll find some inner peace amongst the chaturangas.
- Food I might go with a green smoothie after the yoga class.
Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel.
- Food I anticipate going with some of the local dishes
Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Rappelling. (If I'm brave enough).
- Opinionated Language I'm so scared. I can't do it. But I WANT to do it.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a cafe.
- Real-Life Anecdote I'm going to want to try the pancakes. Last time I ordered pancakes the syrup was out of this world. .
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Explore the Beatles Ashram.
- Quirky Observation This whole thing is so iconic… The Beatles went there, I've seen pictures. Am I worthy?
Evening (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Head back to the hotel and relax.
Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Free time
- Messier Structure: My phone is dead, I can't watch a show, I don't have a book. Okay, what to do?
Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner and review the day. Maybe write in my journal?
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I felt like a total fraud the entire day, and I can't handle it.
Day 3: Temple Visit & Departure (or Maybe I'll Just Stay Forever)
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast, pack (again, will I remember the adapter?).
- Rambling Reminder: I need to buy souvenirs. Definitely. And maybe a new yoga mat. And…
- Imperfection Alert: I'll probably misplace something. It's just a matter of time.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visit a temple. I'm not particularly religious, but the architecture is beautiful.
- Messier Structure: Which temple? The reviews are all over the place.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Relax, eat lunch. Contemplate life.
- Stream-of-consciousness Maybe I should just stay here. Open a tiny vegetarian cafe. Become that person. Nah…
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Travel back to Delhi.
- Emotional Reaction: Goodbye Rishikesh. I'm already missing the chai.
- Real-Life Anecdote: I'll probably fall asleep on the way back and miss my stop. Happened last time.
- Quirky Observation: I wonder if they serve chai on the bus. Fingers crossed.
Important Notes (Because I'm That Person):
- Food: I will consume copious amounts of chai. It's non-negotiable. And momos, of course.
- Transportation: I will be at the mercy of rickshaws, taxis, and my own two feet. Pray for me.
- Budget: I've set a budget. I will probably overspend. It's inevitable.
- Expectations: Try to manage them. India has a way of throwing some unexpected curveballs.
- Flexibility: This plan is very flexible. Things will change. That's part of the fun (I think).
So, there you have it. My beautiful, messy, and completely realistic (I hope) itinerary for Rishikesh. Wish me luck. And send chai.
Unbelievable Ooty Luxury: Venture Suites Kodanad Awaits!
Escape to Rishikesh Bliss: Shivansh Inn - Your Questions Answered (Probably, Maybe...)
Okay, so... Shivansh Inn. Rishikesh. What's the *deal*? Is it actually "bliss"? Because let's be real, travel brochures lie.
Alright, lemme be real. "Bliss?" Dude, that's a *strong* word. Rishikesh itself, yeah, it can hit those zen zones sometimes. The Ganges flowing, the chanting... you know. Shivansh Inn? Well, it's... comfortable. Look, I went there expecting a super luxurious, spa-filled experience. My expectations? Shattered faster than my phone screen on a particularly clumsy yoga pose (more on that later...).
It *is* conveniently located. Close enough to the action, but also far enough away from some of the *really* aggressive touts who'll try to sell you a yak-hair comb at 6 AM. Bonus points for that. And the views? Yeah, the views of the mountains *are* pretty legit. I definitely spent an embarrassing amount of time just staring at them during breakfast, contemplating the meaning of life... or just if I should order another paratha.
So, "complete utter bliss" is pushing it. But solid, chill, and with a decent breakfast? Yeah, I'd say so.
The rooms... are they clean? Because, pandemic and all. I’m a germaphobe! Don’t judge!
Okay, here's where I'm going to be brutally honest. Cleanliness is… relative. Like, "Indian clean" versus "Swiss clinic clean." It wasn't *dirty*, per se. I didn't see any rogue cockroaches playing poker under the bed (a personal travel fear). The sheets *felt* clean. The bathroom was… well, the shower worked, and that's a victory in Rishikesh!
Look, if you're expecting hospital-grade sterility, maybe pack a hazmat suit. But if you're okay with a little bit of dust on the fan blades (I mean, you ARE in India, after all), you'll be fine. Bring your own hand sanitizer. That's just good travel advice, period.
Let's talk food. Is the food at Shivansh Inn any good? Is it authentic? Do they have gluten-free options? (I’m high-maintenance, sue me!)
The food… ah, the food. Breakfast, included thank GOD, was decent. Think eggs (prepared about 10 different ways, which is nice), toast that may or may not have been from a week ago (a slight exaggeration), and some pretty killer fruit.
Authentic? Um, yeah, I think so. It's the kind of food you'd expect... maybe a little geared towards the Western palate, which isn't necessarily a bad thing when you're adjusting to new spices. The coffee, however... let’s just say it wasn’t the best. But hey, you're in Rishikesh for the yoga not the coffee, right? (I’m still not sure if I am).
Gluten-free? I'm not sure, I didn't ask, nor do I know how to ask those questions in Hindi. But I'm sure if you email them ahead of time, they'll try and accommodate. The staff is very accommodating!
Okay, Yoga. It's Rishikesh. Tell me about the yoga scene. Is it chaotic? Do I need to be a yoga master to survive?
The yoga scene in Rishikesh DEFINITELY lived up to the hype. It's everywhere. Every corner, every rooftop, every *frikkin'* tree! It's intense, but it’s also amazing. I swear, I saw a guy doing a headstand while waiting for his chai. Seriously.
Do you need to be a master yogi? NO! God, no. I'm about as flexible as a rusty door hinge, and I survived. There are classes for every level. Just be prepared to sweat, maybe humiliate yourself a little (I definitely did), and to feel *incredibly* relaxed afterward. (Unless you're like me and end up face-planting during a particularly complex pose... then the relaxation comes later, after the throbbing muscles subside).
Just find a class that suits you. There's a yoga studio on every corner, so don't be afraid to shop around until you find one you like. Trust me, you'll find your bliss. Eventually.
What about outside of Shivansh Inn? What's there to *do*? Beyond downward dog, of course.
Okay, so beyond the yoga, which, let's face it, takes up a *lot* of time, there's a ton to do! River rafting on the Ganges is a must! It can be exhilarating and utterly terrifying, all at the same time. I nearly fell out of the raft at one point! (Again, more on that later). Holy sites are all around. Walking around the temples, absorbing the atmosphere... it's really something.
You can hike, explore waterfalls (they're cold!), visit the Beatles Ashram (if you're into that sort of thing - I’m more of a Stones person, but still…), and generally soak up the laid-back vibe. The town isn't huge, so it’s easy to get around. Embrace the chaos, the incense, the general feeling that nobody is in any real rush.
Okay, back to you and that clumsy yoga pose. Fill me in! Anything you want to warn people about? Any *disasters*?
Alright, so the yoga incident. It was during a particularly ambitious class. The instructor, bless her heart, probably saw my utter lack of grace from a mile away. We were attempting a pose called "The Warrior" something-or-other. I lost my balance. In a flash, I was face-down on the mat, legs flailing like a dying beetle. The whole class erupted in laughter, the instructor gently helped me up, and I'm pretty sure my ego was a little bruised, alongside my pride.
But you know what? It was actually kind of hilarious. And it taught me a valuable lesson: Don't try to be a yoga ninja if you're basically a beginner. So, my warning? Be aware of your limits. Don't be afraid to modify poses. And most importantly, don't take yourself too seriously. Because Rishikesh is a place where you’re going to get humbled, maybe a little bit burned, but in the end, it’s beautiful.
Another thing: Watch out for the monkeys. They're cute, but they *will* steal your food. And maybe your sunglasses. And possibly your soul, if you stare into their beady little eyes for too long.
Post a Comment for "Escape to Rishikesh Bliss: Shivansh Inn Awaits!"