‘Aloha’ happens to be a Hawaiian word that is used while greeting someone in the Hawaiian culture. But in literal terms, it also means love, peace and compassion. But I could realize the true meaning of this word only when I stepped into Aloha on the Ganges and what followed soon after was a 2 –day sojourn full of beautiful memories and experiences that I wished could last a lifetime.
A part of the Leisure Hotels, the place does not just boast of being a natural wonder but also as a spiritual sanctuary. I was glad to know that the Leisure Hotels has started another vertical – The Bungalows which has opened hotels in some offsite locations like Corbett, Naukuchiatal, Ramgarh and Rishikesh. These holiday homes will limit to 3-4 rooms and they will not only be confined to Uttarakhand alone, but also come up in other states. I felt that people leading a mechanical life are in need of such a place where they can find some solace and tranquillity.
The Accommodation –
Aloha on the Ganges is a 4 acres property. The property is a combination of both hotel and residential apartments; in fact with all the facilities and amenities provided, it loves to be called as the 2nd home for the guests.
While some of the apartments are owned by Aloha, most of the apartments are taken on lease from the resident owners by the property. Aloha also happens to be the maintenance agency for these fully furnished apartments that are divided primarily into 3 categories –
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2 BHK Premium Apartments – There are 30 of them and they all have the picturesque view of the mighty Ganges flowing between the Shivaliks. We were fortunate to have got the opportunity to stay in one of these rooms and were more than amused at having the pleasing sight of the green mountains and the river greeting us from the room window.
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2 BHK Deluxe Apartments – Just like the premium apartments, these apartments too have 2 private bedrooms and a separate living room and with a much bigger living space, but they are placed more towards the garden with only a limited view of the Ganges. Both these apartments are ideal for big/joint families visiting the place.
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1 BHK Apartments – These are studio apartments that have one bedroom with a small living room. They however are garden facing and do not have the Ganges view.
Besides the apartments, Aloha has its own inventory of rooms, which are 33 in number and are divided into 2 categories –
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Deluxe Rooms – These are 5 in number, all garden facing and though smaller in room size than the apartments they have the advantage of having a direct access to the property spa.
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Superior Rooms – There are altogether 24 rooms and they are all situated in the ground floor and so have the advantage of quick access to the pool and a beautiful view of the manicured garden.
The Food –
Just like the rooms, food is another area that Aloha on the Ganges can be best remembered for. Though non-vegetarian food and liquor is a strict no-no inside the premises, the vegetarian menu at the property is a thing to reckon, given the variety and the choice of vegetables and ingredients that are used.
Latitude – Latitude is the multi-cuisine restaurant at Aloha. This fine dining restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and based on the guests occupancy, the options of both buffet and a la carte is available.
Patio – This is the al fresco dining option at Aloha that started around 2 years ago. Once the restaurant is ready by October, both the options of buffet and a la carte will be made available for the guests. Overlooking the forested mountain and the Ganges with its gurgling sound of its water in the background, this is just the place for you to sit and relax. The management at Aloha feels that the restaurant has great potential as far as the location is concerned and so they have further plans to renovate it.
The Activities –
While at Aloha, you just cannot miss to be a part of its adventure sports activities like white water rafting, ATV ride, cycling, tent making that are conducted by Paddy Adventure, with whom Aloha has a tie up. Again, for activities like bungee jumping, zip lining and flying fox, Aloha has tied up with Jumpin Heights. These activities however remain closed during the monsoon and starts from September 15th every year.
Aloha also conducts sight-seeing tours to nearby places. So whether it is an open jeep ride to Shivpuri via the Neer Garh Falls to enjoy the stunning views of the mountains or visiting the evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Ashram by boat, you can splash into numerable activities while at Aloha. These however are their paid services and you can work out a package to indulge in the activities of your choice.
Under its complimentary services, the property organizes a Nature walk beside the Ganges leading to the Laxman Jhula bridge between 6 -7 AM every morning (6.30 – 7.30 AM during the winters) followed by the Yoga classes between 8 – 9 AM, which the guests can avail for free.
Similarly in the evening, there are various activities planned for the amusement of the guests like tambola, team building activities and occasionally even DJ events. There is also an arrangement for a high tea during both morning (8 – 9 AM) and evening (4.30 – 6 PM).
The property also has a spa, the Vilasa Spa which is managed by Tattva. It has 4 rooms and has in offer a multiplicity of therapies, messages and facials administered by a team of trained therapists. Aloha is also in talks for introducing the panchkarma therapy very soon.
If this was not enough, you can choose to go by the poolside to relax. Aloha has one of the finest pools – the Infinity pool that gets you the best experience of coming so close to nature. You have to visit it to experience this personally!
True, Aloha on the Ganges is the ultimate escape from a mundane life to a life that can be both relaxing and thrilling. I fail to recollect anything that I did not like about this place – for every single corner, every single thing and every single person ‘conspired’ together to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible!
Aloha!!!!
-Samrita / Anjali
