Haridwar, 10-12 August

Mohyal Ashram, room B101

What a sanctuary. As ashrams go, this is a very relaxed one, welcoming to foreign guests and spotlessly clean. Our room with fan was spacious and light, with the best-equipped bathroom we've had in India yet. There was a hot water shower and a Western-style loo. All food is included in the nightly cost; what's more, it's generally delicious. Unfortunately it hasn't photographed very well. Yoga instruction is available at 150 rupees per person for an hour and a half, and there's a library for guests' use with all sorts of books, including, of course, spirituality and self-improvement.
3 days is not quite long enough for a stay here- we recommend 4 at least.

Bathroom: private and very, very clean
View: Garden
Cost: 600 rupees (double) inc all meals
Contact details: email mohans_india@yahoo.com Address: Rishikesh Rd. Ph 261336

Haridwar, August 9

Mansarover International, room 108

After half an hour of asking around at several small Lonely Planet-recommended hotels nearby, we spurned their overpriced, undercleaned offerings and plumped for this large hotel with the grand moniker, not mentioned in the guide book. Although it's seen better days, prices are reasonable, it has a good location near the Mansa Devi cable car and it was the cleanest hotel we inspected in town.
Our room was spacious, with clean bathroom (hot water) and a balcony, which seemed to have been adopted by a family of pigeons. Management are helpful.
Bathroom: private
View: Lush green hillside and tops of old buildings
Cost: 600 rupees (9 euros)
Recommended: Definitely
Contact: Upper road, haridwar email: hotelmansaroverintl@rediffmail.com Ph:01334 226501