Shortest and Best Road Route from Vrindavan to Rishikesh

• • Mathura, Tehri Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand • Tags: ,
National Highway 58 and Yamuna Expressway

National Highway 58 and Yamuna Expressway

I started a solo journey by Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike from Rishikesh at 8:10 am. After driving approx. 140 km I stopped near Khatauli bypass NH 58 for a glass of sugarcane juice which cost Rs. 20/per glass. And another 275 km driving to reach Vrindavan at 6:40 pm via National Highway 2 passing via Faridabad, Palwal, Hodal, Kosi Kalan.

The above-said road route I have followed a few times to visit Vrindavan. This time I lost direction somewhere near Faridabad and had to drive 25 + km to reach National Highway 2.

Distance from Tapovan, Rishikesh to Vrindavan – 415 km.

While returning from Vrindavan to Rishikesh, I selected another route i.e., Yamuna Expressway. I was guided by a local friend about the recent Vrindavan’s connection with Yamuna Expressway.

I started Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike from Vrindavan at 7:05 am. After driving 13 km I was at Yamuna Expressway. And a few more km driving I paid Rs. 100 as Toll fee till Noida where Yamuna Expressway ends. During the journey, I stop to have patties and coffee at a food outlet. Rs. 30 for patties and Rs. 50 for coffee I paid.

After 123 km of driving (from Vrindavan) Yamuna Expressway ends. It was 9:50 am. Yes, mostly I drive at the speed of 40kmph.

At 11:30 am I was at NH 58 and at 4:50 pm I was at Rishikesh.

I lost direction at Noida/Greater Noida.

Distance from Vrindavan to Tapovan, Rishikesh via Yamuna Expressway – 394 km

Summary: Rishikesh to Vrindavan or vice versa via Yamuna Expressway is the shortest and best road route.

Total journey time from Tapovan, Rishikesh via Yamuna Expressway is 10 hours approx.

– excellent road condition

– clean environment

– minimum traffic

– save time.

Late Night Travel Option from Tapovan, Rishikesh to Haridwar Railway Station

• • Haridwar, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand • Tags:
Taxi Booking Office, Muni ki Reti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Late winter night train from Haridwar Railway Station and availability of an auto from Tapovan, Rishikesh is not possible. A taxi is the only option. I inquire during evening hours with the taxi stand situated at Tapovan Sarai, Laxman Jhula Road in Rishikesh.

Yes, they said it is possible and was suggested to book a taxi in advance.

Ok – said I. And how much is the taxi fare?

Tapovan, Rishikesh to Haridwar Railway Station Taxi Fare – Rs. 760.

Paid and received the receipt. Thank you very much – said I.

At 10:30 pm the taxi was ready. During the journey I inquire with the taxi driver – is pickup also possible from Haridwar Railway Station if the train arrival is late in the night or early morning.

Yes, said the taxi driver. One has to inform in advance via the mobile/phone and one has to pay a little more.

Ok – said I. Mostly auto was the best option from Rishikesh to Haridwar Railway Station but as the train was late in the night taxi was the best and most comfortable.

Another Taxi Booking Office is at Muni-ki-Reti near Ram Jhula. The above photo is an old one. Taxi fares are increasing nowadays. You may contact: Enquiry: (0135) 2430413 Head Office/2433861 Muni-Ki-Reti/2442097 for the latest taxi fare.

Have You Ever Missed Haridwar-Delhi Train? What Did You Do Then?

• • Delhi, Haridwar, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand • Tags:

The train was leaving Haridwar station at 7:45 am and I was stuck in traffic at Raiwala near Rishikesh. I can’t imagine even during the morning hours this will happen. By the time I reached Haridwar, it was 8:00 am. The train left the station. A train ticket refund was also not possible because of the Tatkal confirmed ticket.

Lesson: Usually from Tapovan, Rishikesh to Haridwar Railway station journey by auto is approx. 50 minutes, but one should start early at least one hour and 30 minutes before the train departure time.

Reaching New Delhi was urgent, or I would miss another same-day train during late afternoon hours for the next destination.

What to do next?

Is the bus an option?

Haridwar Bus Depot is approx. 100 meters from Haridwar Railway Station on the left-hand side. No need to be in a queue for a bus ticket. Many buses for ISBT, New Delhi are waiting for passengers at the exit gate. Uttarakhand Parivahan bus was about to leave. I walk straight inside the bus to have a seat. At 8:15 am the bus started. The bus ticket was given inside by the bus conductor. Rs. 203 bus fare from Haridwar Bus Depot to ISBT, New Delhi.

After 3 hours of journey, at 11:15 am the bus stopped for passengers to have snacks and tea near Pul Ganga, Khatauli. After 30 minutes of stoppage, the bus continued its journey. Noon hours 2:15 pm we reached ISBT, Kashmere Gate, New Delhi.

ISBT, Kashmere Gate to New Delhi Railway Station I reached via pre-paid taxi by paying Rs. 85/- (including luggage). One may reach New Delhi by Metro Rail situated at Kashmere Gate. Up-to you.

Travel Time from Haridwar Bus Depot to ISBT, New Delhi by Bus is approx. 6 hours.

Comfortable it was though the road condition is not that good till the bus reaches the four-lane highway.

I reached New Delhi railway station on time and was continuing my journey to my next destination. Thanks to Uttarakhand Parivahan.

Conclusion: If ever you miss the Haridwar-Delhi train, buy a general class train ticket to travel by the next train or travel by bus or maybe taxi. I like traveling via the government bus.

Holika Dahan (Phalen Village) – A Priest Walks Through The Flames

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags:
Holika Dahan at Phalen Village, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Phalen village is approx. 50 km from Vrindavan, famous for the Babulal priest walking through Holika Dahan. We hire an auto to and fro journey from Vrindavan for Rs. 1,100 in the middle of the night at 12:30.

At 1:30 am we reached Kosi Kalan via National Highway 2 and stopped for tea and snacks. Phalen village is 8 km approx. from Kosi Kalan. 2:30 am we reached.

The road condition between Vrindavan and Kosi Kalan was excellent, but the next few km were not that good. Traffic was on the road. Cars and motorbikes going towards Phalen village. After reaching the village first, we saw Nautanki (folk theatre) as there was still time (between 4:00 am – 4:30 am decided by the priest) for Holika Dahan to start. And then we saw a glimpse of Babulal holy priest walking through Holika Dahan.

More than thousands of people – locals as well as tourists including foreigners were present.

I was told Babulal priest will come out of a nearby temple and after having a bath at Prahlad Kund walk through Holika Dahan. I was also told that since Basant Panchami he is observing Falahari (fasting) for this day when he will walk through Holika Dahan.

Amazing experience it was for us. I suggest that if you are visiting, try to visit early to occupy your seats.