Escape to Paradise: Teertham Hotel, Your Haridwar Haven
Escape to Paradise: Teertham Hotel – My Haridwar Haven (Or, The Time I Accidentally Found Nirvana… and a Really Good Buffet)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the chai on my recent pilgrimage… well, escape… to Haridwar. Specifically, my stay at the Teertham Hotel. Now, I’m not saying I’m a seasoned travel blogger – more like a chronically curious adventurer with a penchant for packing too much and a knack for finding the offbeat. So, take this review with a pinch of salt (preferably pink Himalayan, if you’re asking).
Accessibility: Navigating the Spiritual & the Spatial
Okay, so, truth be told, I am a bit of a klutz. Not exactly wheelchair-bound, but let’s just say I value a good elevator and solid ground. The Teertham? Surprisingly good! They've clearly thought about accessibility, which, in a place like Haridwar, is a major win. There are elevators (Hallelujah!), and I didn’t feel this overwhelming sense of dread about navigating stairs. (Accessibility: ✅. Bonus points for making this clumsy chick feel safe!)
Internet: Wi-Fi Woes & Wonderful Wins
Let's get the bad news out of the way. The internet, like my ability to resist a samosa, was… a bit inconsistent (sometimes). They boast “Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!” and technically, yes, it's there. But sometimes it’s there like a shy ghost, flickering in and out of existence. Don't rely on it for critical video calls. (Internet: ✅, but with a caveat. Hope your patience is better than mine.) Still, the Wi-Fi in public areas, was generally stable… especially in the lobby, which, let's be honest, is where I spent a significant amount of time surreptitiously people-watching and scrolling through Instagram. I did spot Internet [LAN] options, which is a godsend for anyone who needs a reliable connection – I just didn’t use it because, well, I’m usually too busy trying to figure out how the air conditioning works.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Body Scrubs to Blissful Blunders
This is where Teertham really shines. Like, blindingly. They’ve got a full-on spa, people! A Sauna, a Steamroom (I may have accidentally stayed in there for… well, a suspicious amount of time), and all the usual suspects: Massage (🙌!), Body scrub, Body wrap. The staff was amazing, very chill and very good at pampering. I had a massage that completely erased the five hours I spent squeezed into a bus earlier that day. Pure bliss. I also made a total rookie mistake and booked a foot bath thinking it was going to be some kind of… massage for my feet? facepalm. It was literally a foot bath. Still, it was nice.
And the Pool with a view… chef’s kiss. Forget the Ganga Aarti for a moment. This pool overlooking the city, with the sun setting… I swear I felt all my worries melt away. My only regret? Not spending more time there. (Note to self: next time, pack a swimsuit and a book.) They also have a Fitness center, which I merely observed (I was too busy enjoying the aforementioned spa and pool).
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Playbook
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room – COVID. Teertham takes this seriously. They're using Anti-viral cleaning products, have Daily disinfection in common areas, and staff are definitely trained. I saw the Hand sanitizer stations everywhere (which, let's be honest, is a relief). I felt genuinely safe, and the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was observed. There was even a Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a thoughtful touch. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were definitely a comfort. (Cleanliness & Safety: ✅✅✅. They're doing it right, and that genuinely matters.) Their adherence to protocol was quite impressive, even though I am not in anyway associated to public health.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet Believer is Born
Alright, this is where I lost all semblance of control. I ate my way through the entire menu. No regrets!
- Restaurants: Multiple! The Restaurants themselves were a treat. The Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant was unexpectedly brilliant. Think fluffy parathas, spicy curries, and enough chai to fuel a small army.
- Breakfast Buffet: My personal highlight. Breakfast [buffet]! And it wasn't just functional; it was Buffet in restaurant - sensational. A vast array of both Western and Asian, the Buffet in restaurant made my day. From the Coffee/tea in restaurant on offer, to the sheer variety of pastries and freshly made dishes, it was an epic feast. I’m not ashamed to admit I went back for seconds (and thirds… and maybe a sneaky fourth). I had to sample the Salad in restaurant and the Soup in restaurant as well, but I was really there for the Buffet.
- Other options: They had a Bar, for those after a cocktail, a Coffee shop, and a Poolside bar. If you needed a quick bite, there’s a Snack bar. You could get Room service [24-hour], which, let's be honest, is always a good option. You can see the Desserts in restaurant and if the Happy hour kicks in there is nothing to stop you.
- Vegetarian restaurant: A good find for the vegetarian traveller.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Count
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and managed to get me a decent taxi.
- Luggage storage: Super convenient, especially if you're, you know, me, and tend to over-pack.
- Daily housekeeping: My room always sparkled, which was a welcome sight after a day of exploring.
- Cash withdrawal: Essential, because, well, Haridwar.
- Elevator: Did I mention how much I appreciate an elevator?
- Laundry service: Perfect for getting the dust and grime of the road off my clothes.
- Air conditioning in public area and Air conditioning: Crucial in the Indian climate.
- Complimentary tea and Free bottled water: Small, but thoughtful touches.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me)
I didn’t travel with any small humans, but it looked like they were well-catered for. They have Kids facilities and Babysitting service (if you needed it) – making it a solid choice for families.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
They offer Taxi service, and Airport transfer, which makes getting to and from the hotel a breeze. There’s also Car park [free of charge] and Bicycle parking if you’re feeling adventurous.
The Little Annoyances… and the Absolute Gems
- The Soundproofing in my room wasn't perfect. I could sometimes hear… well, the sounds of life happening outside. Not a deal-breaker, but if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs.
- The Wi-Fi for special events didn’t work.
- The Pets allowed section: unavailable.
Final Verdict: Would I Return to Paradise? (Absolutely!)
Despite a few minor hiccups (the internet, a slightly noisy room), my stay at Teertham Hotel was fantastic. The friendly staff, the incredible spa, the amazing buffet, and the genuine sense of calm made it a true escape. It's a great base for exploring Haridwar, but honestly, I could have happily stayed there for the entire trip, just indulging in spa treatments and the buffet. I came seeking… something. And I found it. Not just a hotel, not just a place to rest my head, but a genuine haven. I’m already planning my return. (Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½. Highly recommended!)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: OYO Xiangban Yisheng Hotel Huizhou - Your Dream Getaway!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because my itinerary for Teertham Hotel in Haridwar is less "smoothly curated guidebook" and more "slightly frantic, but utterly genuine, account of one person's descent into the Ganga's embrace." Hold onto your hats.
Teertham Hotel, Haridwar: A Spiritual (and Slightly Chaotic) Immersion - My Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the "Welcome to India!" Slap
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Fly into Delhi. Honestly, the air smelled like a spicy car exhaust and hope. The taxi ride to the hotel? A rollercoaster! Holy cow, the traffic. I swear, I saw a cow wearing a traffic cone. Is this real life?
- Afternoon (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check into Teertham Hotel. "Okay," I thought, "serenity. Clean. Calm." The room? Actually, nice. The view? Stunning. The river. The mountains. Suddenly, breathing deeply became a priority.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Hotel restaurant. Ordered a "safe" butter naan and dal makhani. Okay, the naan was amazing, and the dal? My first, truly authentic taste was a spiritual experience. I'm now a dal convert.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Walk around the hotel in the local markets, The sound of the shops was a symphony of honks, chatter and the smell of spices. I had to bring a saree. The saree shop owner was very pushy, but in a charming way, insisting I try on about 20 different ones. Felt like a queen!
- Early Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Ghat Exploration. Went to Har Ki Pauri. The chanting, the smell of incense, the sheer volume of life… it was overwhelming and beautiful. Dipped my toes in the Ganga, which was initially freezing then instantly felt cleansing. It was an assault on my senses, but the good kind. The chaos was the point.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): The Ganga Aarti. The chanting, the fire, the lights… it was breathtaking. I cried. What's wrong with me. The beauty and devotion were just… everything. I felt oddly small and big at the same time.
- Night (8:00 PM Onwards): Dinner at the hotel (again, naan!) and journaling. Trying to process the day. My inner monologue is currently a jumbled mess of "Wow," "How?" and "Did I really just do that?"
Day 2: Spiritual Deep Dive (and a Near-Disaster)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Sunrise yoga on the hotel rooftop. Attempted yoga. Mostly flailed around while contemplating the power of downward dog. The air was crisp, the view was amazing, and I felt ridiculously self-conscious. But the instructor was lovely and didn't shame my lack of flexibility.
- Breakfast (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Hotel breakfast. My hotel is really good at breakfast. The fruit was sweet and fragrant, which is always a relief
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Guided meditation. I was expecting to feel zen, and well, I did. I spent most of the time trying not to giggle at the guide's unwavering pronouncements. However, I realized I actually found a sense of peace. I felt truly content with myself and my role in the present.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch. Ordered a curry. The waiter gave me the "are you sure?" face. I said yes. It was… intense. Delicious, but intense. My mouth is still on fire.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Exploring the local temples. The temples are amazing, but I got very lost, and, at one point, stumbled into what I think was a very important religious ceremony. Everyone was staring. Possibly awkward, but I snuck out gracefully.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): River cruise. That was so peaceful. Watched the sunset over the Ganga. I felt connected to something greater than myself.
- Night (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Strolling through the local market. Attempted to bargain for a scarf. My attempts were pathetic, but I got it for a vaguely reasonable price.
- Night (8:00 PM Onwards): Dinner. Went back to the safe option. Naan. And journaling. Trying to figure out if I've evolved or just have a stomach ache.
Day 3: Farewell (And a Plea for More Naan)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Farewell yoga, but this time, I was slightly better. I think I'm making progress on the downward dog.
- Breakfast (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Hotel breakfast. One last (and hopefully, not as spicy) Indian breakfast. Trying to memorize all the flavours.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Final walk around the Ghats. Saying goodbye to my favorite places, promising to come back.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch. The butter naan was like my best friend. This hotel gets it.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Time for airport transfer. I’m going to miss this place, the hotel, the people, and the entire experience. I have a sense of peace in my mind and soul.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Taxi to Delhi airports.
- Night (6:00 PM Onwards): Flight back home. Feeling emotionally and physically drained, but also ridiculously happy. My mind is still processing everything.
Reflections: This trip was more than something I expected. I came here to find myself, and I definitely lost and discovered a few things. I came out of this trip a completely different human being.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- The Food: I'm going to miss it all so much.
- The People: Everyone was so kind and welcoming. Especially the waiter.
- The Chaos: Surprisingly, I learned to love it.
- The Ganga: Still processing…
- The Naan: Seriously, someone send me some naan.
Alright, so, Teertham... Escape to Paradise, huh? Is it actually *paradise*? Because I've been lied to by hotel brochures before.
What's the vibe? Like, is it all stuffy clergy or can I wear my ripped jeans and questionable t-shirt?
The Rooms. Spill the tea. What are they actually LIKE?
The Food! Because let's be real, that's important. What about the dining situation?
Any hidden gems or things that REALLY stood out? Something I should absolutely NOT miss?
What about location? Is it easy to get to the main attractions? Or am I going to be stuck in a rickshaw hellscape?
The Wi-Fi. Because, let's face it, we all need it. Is it reliable? Will I spend half my time staring at spinning wheels?
Would you go back? (Be honest!)
