It is very tempting to hitch one’s wagon to the cavalcade of cliches that is Rishikesh. I really have no interest in yoga. No time at all for bungee jumping. And I am just too old to go river-rafting. Besides, I have done Chotiwala and their food is amazingly awful. And in these Covid times, the absolutely gorgeous Ganga Arti is best avoided given that 95 per cent of the tourists are annoyingly unmasked.

I wanted to go to Rishikesh to reflect upon some investment decisions. So I wanted some place that offered ample solitude, seclusion and style. The Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa is all of that. It has awe-inspiring views and framed river views of the Ganga. The architecture of the villas in the resort draws its inspiration from the traditional homes of the nearby Himalayan villages. In contrast, the main block —cheerfully known as the Welcome House — takes inspiration from traditional Himalayan temple fort-palaces known as darbargadhs.

My room was simply splendid. It came with two rooms at split levels complete with a plunge pool and a sauna as trendy and cool as the one at Virat Kohli’s home (so I was told). But what is truly cool is the cuisine at Taj Rishikesh.

Minimalism is the soul and stove of Garhwali cuisine. Wood and charcoal are used to cook and the cuisine is largely grain and cereal based, the ingredients are simple, the spice levels are always mild and talented tempering mostly does the trick. While the hotel has some staggering options such as Grilled Salmon with Pistachio Crust, Walnut Roast Chicken, Portuguese Chicken Biryani, Turkish Calzones and Buddha Bowls, I steered clear of all of that. I stick to local cuisine when it comes to my food. There is really no point in a Ravioli in Rishikesh.

There are cave tours, village walks and a fascinating trip called The Devprayag Diaries where one can see the rivers Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and the mythological Saraswati meet to form the Ganga

There is a private Ganga Puja on the resort’s private beach

My room was simply splendid. It came with two rooms at split levels complete with a plunge pool and a sauna as trendy and cool as the one at Virat Kohli’s home (so I was told)

The executive chef, Satya Sharma, put together some majestic meals for me. On the first day, I had a local Gharwali Thali: Pahari Saag Gosht (mutton with Pahari spinach and tempered with garlic and red chilli), Bhune Murgh Ki Tari (a local chicken preparation peppered with onions and tomatoes), Bhaat Ki Churkani (roasted and crushed black soya), Nadru Ki Jholi (lotus stem cooked in curd), Arbi Jhakiya (jhakiya-tempered Colocasia), Pahadi Lal Bhaat (local red rice), Mandua Ki Roti (made from a local ragi called Mandua), Peshe Loon Ka Kachumber (a salad seasoned with pahadi salt with turmeric, green chili and coriander. For dessert, there was the magnificent Jhangore Ki Kheer (barnyard millets cooked in milk and sweetened). But there is bliss beyond the thali as well. The Mungri Gahat Ka Shorba (mountain corn and smoked lentil soup) is divine. As are the Himachali Kankar Kababs (with a moong dal crunch) and the Tarani Rogani Meat (a fiery pot-stewed lamb dish). The food is just fantastic at The Taj Rishikesh.

And there are ample things to do to knock off the weight you put on after meals such as those. There is The Singthali Birding Trek where you can spot several birds as well as a local antelope, Kaankad. There is a 24km Himalayan mountain drive and trek. There are cave tours, village walks and a fascinating trip called The Devprayag Diaries where one can see the rivers Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and the mythological Saraswati meet to form the Ganga. One can take a holy dip at this Sangam and follow it up with a packed Satvik lunch. There is ample stuff for kids as well. There are nature treasure hunts, bush craft for kids, plant a sapling and soft archery.

For the more pious, there is a private Ganga Puja on the resort’s private beach. Finally, there is a splendid Jiva Spa out there as well with a bunch of balance and beauty treatments.

Taj Rishikesh is perfect for a fine family getaway. It is run absolutely brilliantly by Devraj Singh who brings his pristine panache to the place. It was Shunya who once said: “When you touch the river Ganga in Rishikesh, you also touch the ocean to which the river is connected. Because the distinction between the river and the ocean is just in your mind. You also touch the vapours rising from the oceans. You touch clouds, rain, earth, mountains. You touch eternity. You touch God.”

The Taj Rishikesh, it too touches you in many ways with its many touches.

Swapan Seth works in brand building and advocacy. Collects art, books, music and thoughts. Lives in Naldhera in Himachal Pradesh. Chokes up in Gurgaon once a month to meet clients and bills. Write to him at swapanseth50@gmail.com