The Wanderers’ Elixir with Amrit Bhawan
‘Every traveller is a pilgrim of the heart
and the heart desires simple pleasures
like ashram chants in the afternoon
Ganga gurgling under the moon
slow down and breathe deep
little chiming bells—sunlit window grills
a gentle breeze from the hills grazes softly
while there’re miles to go before we sleep
stop by the ghat and find your peace
stop by the ghat, find your peace
the ghat is peace’
In the ancient city of Haridwar, along the Ganges’ winding route where it debouches into the Northern Plains, stands the tranquil Amrit Bhawan. Every corner of this holy town tells a story steeped in the divine, and Amrit Bhawan has embraced this rich heritage with a contemporary style.
The Locale and the Legends
The land of the Gods, Haridwar, is the fabled place where a drop of amrit or the divine elixir fell from the pot or kumbha of Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda. Today, the city walls are decked with graffiti commemorating its rich mythology and pilgrimage associated. Named after the nectar of immortality obtained from the churning of the ocean of milk, Amrit Bhawan is a sanctuary of peace, spirituality, and simplicity. Here the old meets the new, and tradition meets modernity.
Amrit Bhawan calls the legendary Kankhal as its address. It is the oldest living area in the southern peripheries of modern-day Haridwar, dotted with ashrams and exuding a quietness that touches the soul. But the history of Kankhal is fraught with celestial rage and divine sacrifice. According to legends, Devi Sati immolated herself in the yagna kunda or the fire altar when her father, King Daksha Prajapati, insulted her husband, Lord Shiva, by not inviting him to the yagna. Provoked by his consort’s death, Shiva beheaded King Daksha, who was brought back to life only when Mahadev’s anger abated.
The Sati Kund and Daksheswara Mahadev Temple are just a stone’s throw away from this plush property.Kankhal is also mentioned in the Mahabharata in the Vana Parva and the Anusanika Parva as the favourite resort of sages where the river cleanses all sins and bequeaths ascension to heaven.From the fables of Samudra Manthan to the legends of Mahabharata and Shiv Puran, the spiritual aura of Haridwar finds its crescendo in the private ghat of Amrit Bhawan, where the shimmering river water beckons you to dip your toes and fill your heart with serene joy.
Simple Pleasures
Offering bespoke experiences to the modern traveller looking for a sojourn to the past, Amrit Bhawan is a family home turned into a luxury retreat. The building was constructed during the 1970s and still retains its nostalgic charm. The former architecture and furniture have been retrofitted and repurposed.
The mindful traveller can enjoy their perfect stay in the quiet and intimate homestyle setup.
Name your dream destination goals, and Amrit Bhawan will turn them into a reality.
A view of the Himalayan foothills while enjoying a luxurious dip in the hot tub on the terrace.
A dip in the holy waters of Ganga or perhaps a rejuvenating massage in the private ghat.
A cozy library to snuggle up with a book, exploring stories and lores in solitude.
Local cuisine served fresh in the garden amidst mango trees and chirping birds.
A yoga deck to meditate and discover your balance and alignment.
The staff and services ensure that all the little things that make a holiday escape memorable are brought to you with earnest effort and elan.
The Slow Life
An ideal experience for a slow traveller involves simple food and a rich ambience. A stay at Amrit Bhawan truly lets you immerse in experiences informed by local wisdom and relaxing wellbeing.The interiors are designed from a storyteller’s perspective, channelizing the city’s transformation from the Vedic era, through colonial rule, extending till the present digital age.
The three-storeyed house has atmospheric rooms with sunlight peeping from the ornamental window grills and jalis falling on the terrazzo tiled floors, cane chairs, and repurposed old pieces of furniture draped in ikat fabrics. Admire the crafts and culture of the local artisans from wooden carvings or Kholi to Kumaoni paintings called Aipan. Indulge your taste buds with a wholesome Garhwali thali or at the Naashta shop. Amrit Bhawan offers a unique take on local cuisine made with a modern twist. Think hot kadha with Panjiri granolas. Or maybe a glass of Manjoli, a pahadi version of chhachh. Every bite is delicious, freshly prepared, and nutritious. The aroma of ajwain, tulsi, and lemongrass will stay with you long after the meal ends.
A Transcendental Escape
A private ghat by the Ganges with stone platforms and a garden full of mango, jamun, eucalyptus, and semal trees are waiting to welcome wandering souls searching for peaceful moments. To think that such a magical place exists - ah, what a beautiful life!
