Amatra By The Ganges – A Luxury Resort in Haridwar

Haridwar is a land where one witnesses a transition of the mind, body and soul. The environment is pure bliss as one submerges in the vibe of this holy city. We got to taste a dash of luxury at the recently opened Amatra by the Ganges.

We were booked for one night at the hotel but would advice minimum two nights to revel in the luxury of the resort. After a long overnight journey, we finally reached our destination that was camouflaged amidst the green hues.

Unfortunately there was no one at the reception, but minutes later a smiling attendant came to our rescue. After a speedy check in, we were shown to our room: a Classic room at the far end of the plush resort. There are 40 rooms in total, and as you wander across the well manicured lawns and garden, a feeling of bliss engulfs you. The resort is actually an amalgamation of luxury and serenity that offers a charming experience to anyone who comes here.

Stay

Our room was spacious, with high ceilings, classy paintings, stylish lamps and a chic décor. I loved the entrance of the room the most, which had a wide wardrobe to stack clothes, a safe locker and a place to slide in shoes. The washroom was stacked with all luxury amenities sufficient for us to have a pleasant stay. Our overnight journey was a tiring one and we preferred to take a nap before beginning the review.

The king size bed with soft mattress and extra soft pillows was perfect for a nice snooze and we soon fell fast asleep. We woke up feeling refreshed, after a relaxing sleep. As we peered out of the glass door, we could see the sun shining at us.

Dining

A flight of stairs takes us to a multi – cuisine restaurant that paved way for a panoramic view of the farms right outside the resort. I stood there for a couple of minutes to soak in the fresh air and seal the green hues in my heart.

The restaurant has a classic vibe that invites you to make yourself at home. We made our way to the self-service buffet spread. A smiling server comes over immediately, bringing us some fresh juice and welcoming us to sit down. The spread includes a combination of Indian and continental dishes. I was only impressed with the classic omlette which I relished with a glass of fresh watermelon juice.

We met the General Manager who helped us with the itenary and suggested how we can plan the day ahead, considering we had only one day for the stay. The plan had to be executed in the evening so I had some time in my hands to indulge in the spa.

Spa

The spa reception is adorned with simple elements that echo tranquility. The moment you step in, a vibe of wellness surrounds you. A smiling therapist greeted me and offered me a spa menu with all the massage treatments. I chose the aroma therapy massage that was both relaxing and therapeutic. Two massage rooms with a steam and shower comprise the wellness elements of Amatra by the Ganges. I was escorted to one of the rooms and was ready for the session. The massage was initiated by simple strokes with warm aroma oil. Spread evenly and gently, the oil was helpful in reducing stress and strain and helped in relaxation. The massage lasted for an hour and was definitely worth it.

After a steam and shower, I walked towards my room. The blistering heat was unbearable and so we preferred to stay indoors till the sun came down. Our lunch somehow was lacking in presentation and taste. We preferred to ignore it as we were happy with the other services at the resort.

Activities

It was 5 pm when I got a call from the reception to invite me for a cycle tour in the village and forest area. This was a refreshing change since I love outdoor sports. The cycle tour is worth experiencing as it connects you with the local life of the villagers and helps you to communicate with the natural habitat. I found several species of birds while cycling. My tour guide, a young local fellow helped me in the ride.

It was dusk when we finished the short cycling expedition. We reached back to the resort where an arti ceremony was about to commence. This is the biggest highlight of the resort where one can offer prayers to the Ganga River flowing so intensely. Watching the sun go down while listening to shlokas is an experience that I completely admired. The priest conducted the arti while the guests at the resort participated in chanting. It’s a breathtaking sight that one should not miss.

The evening arti was followed by some interesting outdoor games like badminton, croquet, turn ball, mini golf. The weather became pleasant as the night ushered in. We went for dinner before calling it a day. The dinner buffet had a few interesting dishes that we loved, especially the chicken, cottage cheese and lentils. The day ended on a satisfactory note.

The duration was short and we wished we could have stayed more. What we missed was the cocktail lounge and the poolside bar, which one should definitely experience during the stay.

Conclusion

With scenic views, stylish rooms and a glorious location, Amatra by the Ganges stands perfect for people looking for some solace and respite from Delhi chaos. The resort is one of the best resorts in Haridwar.