| Rainforest House, Brahmpuri, Rishikesh is a very special place, built with love by Steve and his wife Trupti. The guesthouse is hidden away from the bustle of the town and nestles into the banks of the Ganga. I spent 10 days of relaxation that felt endless and as their very first guest I was spoiled rotten. This was my first trip to India and my hosts were eager to show off this magnificent place. Whatever your reason for coming to this holy place this area will not disappoint you. If its yoga or a spiritual retreat you’re after Rainforest House is the perfect destination or if like me its a chance to unwind and enjoy some of the breathtaking scenery then there are plenty of other activities to experience this gateway to the Himalayas. The house is very newly built and the exterior a little rough around the edges still, but each room is remarkably luxurious. Cool rooms, each with tiled flooring and a sumptuous wet room, complete with writing desk and ornate lamps for you to write down your thoughts each day while sitting on your private balcony overlooking the Ganga and listening to the birds in the trees and the calls of monkeys. At night the waterfall that cascades down the bank lulls you into a dreamy sleep and being woken to a knock on your door to the finest cup of coffee is a simple luxury that never failed to please me! The plot of land itself is a wonder, spend your days reading and head down to the Ganga to sit on a rock and watch the sun dancing off the water, the calm only interrupted momentarily by the white water rafters, stopping to jump off the ‘Jumping rock.’ An initiation to India and one to try, but not for the fainthearted, it’s high! As lunch time comes around prepare your senses for the delicious home cooked Indian food lovingly prepared by Mukesh and delivered by Niraj, whatever your preferences, they will be happy to oblige. They also do a mean Pizza! As the last days turned to sunset I felt a pang of loss. I now understand why people up and leave the west for a new way of life and an Indian way of life is too simple and beautiful to put into words. I didn’t come for a spiritual awakening, but found it almost impossible not to leave refreshed physically and mentally. |
