In the hustle and bustle of corporate life, where deadlines never end, and stress is a constant companion, we found ourselves longing for a break—something beyond the usual city weekends or casual get-togethers. We needed a complete reset, a soul-refreshing experience that would take us away from our office cubicles and into the arms of nature. That’s when the idea of an adventurous road trip struck us. And what better place than Rishikesh—the land of spirituality, thrill, and tranquility?
Planning the Trip
Once the decision was made, we knew we had to ensure a smooth travel experience. Given how exhausting our work schedule had been, none of us wanted the added stress of driving or handling logistics. So, we started looking for a comfortable yet reasonably priced travel option. After browsing through a few service providers, we came across Malhotra World Travels, which offered Toyota Innova Crysta Rental in Delhi with a driver cum guide. The reviews were promising, the pricing was reasonable, and the vehicle—Innova Crysta—was ideal for our group of five.
We quickly finalized the booking, and the journey was set for a 3-day adventure, covering Rishikesh and even the lesser-known but wonderful Mana Village, which turned out to be the highlight of our trip.
Day 1: Journey Begins – Delhi to Rishikesh
Our driver arrived right on time early in the morning, and we were pleasantly surprised by how clean and well-maintained the vehicle was. The driver, who also acted as our guide, was not only polite but knowledgeable about the routes and local spots. The comfortable seats, ample leg space, and smooth ride of the Innova Crysta made the journey enjoyable from the start.
We reached Rishikesh by afternoon and checked into our pre-booked riverside camp. After a quick lunch, we headed straight for some adventure—river rafting on the Ganges. The thrill of maneuvering through the rapids, with icy water splashing over us, instantly made us forget all our work worries. By evening, we attended the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, which left us spiritually uplifted.
Sitting under the starlit sky near our campfire later that night, we felt more alive than we had in months.
Day 2: Journey to Mana – The Last Village of India
The following day, we set out for Mana Village, which is located near Badrinath and is famously known as the last village before the Indo-China border. It was quite a long drive from Rishikesh, but thanks to the comfort of our ride and the scenic beauty along the way, the hours just flew by.
Our driver-guide made several pit stops, allowing us to capture the Himalayan beauty and enjoy local snacks. Reaching Mana was like stepping into a mystical realm. Snow-capped peaks, quaint wooden houses, and an aura of untouched serenity welcomed us.
We visited Bheem Pul, a naturally formed rock bridge said to be built by Bheem from the Mahabharata, and the Vyas Gufa, where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata. The spiritual energy of the place, combined with the natural beauty, made the visit unforgettable.
That night, we camped near Mana in a local homestay-style tent setup. It was cold, but the warmth of the people and the simplicity of the place added to the magic. Bonfire conversations and locally cooked meals created a unique bonding experience for all of us.
Day 3: Return to Reality—But with Recharged Spirits
On the third morning, we began our return journey to Delhi. Although tired from all the travel and activities, we felt a deep sense of rejuvenation. The break had done wonders. We had laughed more in three days than we had in the past three months. The quiet mountains, the holy Ganga, the thrill of rafting, and the ancient vibes of Mana Village had reconnected us with a part of ourselves that had gotten lost in the noise of deadlines and meetings.
Throughout the trip, Malhotra World Travels proved to be a reliable travel partner. Our driver was more than just someone behind the wheel—he acted as our guide, caretaker, and even a friend. The Toyota Innova Crysta for outstation was ideal for such a trip—spacious, powerful, and comfortable for long hill drives.
Final Thoughts
This 3-day adventure was more than just a trip; it was therapy. It reminded us of the joy of being present in the moment, of nature’s healing power, and of the importance of taking breaks to live genuinely. We returned to Delhi not just with photographs but with renewed minds and happy hearts.
Suppose you’re looking to escape the routine and explore the mountains without the hassle of driving or planning. In that case, we highly recommend Malhotra World Travels for a comfortable and budget-friendly ride. And if you’re heading to Rishikesh, don’t miss the chance to visit Mana Village—India’s last village, but the first in our hearts.
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