Rishikesh, the world’s yoga capital, is a popular destination for spiritual travelers. People flock to this holy city to learn yoga and meditation. In fact, it is believed that meditating in Rishikesh’s sacred sanctity helps attain salvation. Although visited by scores of people from across the globe, Rishikesh has retained its old-world charm with its uniquely peaceful and uplifting surroundings. Situated on the banks of the mighty Ganges, Rishikesh is surrounded by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas.
This article serves as a complete guide for any traveller planning a spiritual sojourn to Rishikesh. Let’s take a look.
Things To Do In Rishikesh
Enroll In Yoga School
Rishikesh is a spiritually inclined city seeped in rich culture. Moreover, Rishikesh is world famous and hence you will find many yoga schools in Rishikesh that are adept in teaching a multitude of yoga styles such as Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Kundalini yoga and other yoga forms. One is actually spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a yoga school .
One such yoga school named ‘Hrishikesh Yoga’ offers various internationally certified yoga teacher training programs besides yoga retreat programs. The yoga gurus serving at this institute have vast and true yoga knowledge and offer authentic learnings in yoga.
Witness The Evening Aarti
Visit the famed ghats of Rishikesh and witness the grand spectacle of the evening ‘Ganga aarti’ at Triveni ghat. The glistening diyas casting their reflection onto the waters is a sight to behold. The clamouring of bells, chanting of mantras and people worshipping at the ghats adds to the fervour of the place.
Visit The Ancient Temples
Also, since Rishikesh is a religious place, it is naturally dotted with many ancient temples. Most of these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some of the famous temples that you can visit are Neelkanth Mahadev temple, Bharat Mandir, Trimbakeshwar temple or Tera Manzil temple amongst others.
Explore Prehistoric Caves
If you are someone who loves to meditate amidst peaceful environments, then do visit the prehistoric Vashita gufa and the three caved Ghilmil gufas. Hiking through dense forests to reach these serene places is in itself quite a gratifying experience.
Explore The Mystic Waterfalls
Rishikesh abounds in natural beauty. There are many waterfalls in and around Rishikesh that offer Insta-worthy snapshots. These places can be reached by exciting treks through dense forests, meadow-like fields and cliff drops. Neer Garh Waterfall, Garud Chatti Waterfalls, Phool Chatti waterfall, Himshail waterfalls besides others are some famed waterbodies that you can explore.
Walk The Ram Jhula Bridge
Ram Jhula is an iconic landmark in Rishikesh. It is an iron suspension bridge that overlooks the river Ganges. Ram Jhula offers mesmerising views of the sunset besides offering panoramic views of the mighty Ganges.
It’s worthwhile to note that, unlike Ram Jhula, the famed Laxman Jhula is closed for pedestrian traffic since April 2022.
Explore Offbeat Places
Besides the above popular places, if you are looking to visit some offbeat destinations, then, visit the Beatles Cathedral Ashram for its graffiti-painted walls.
Also, don’t forget to explore the beauty of the flora and fauna at the Rajaji National park in the vicinity.
Walk along the Astha path and get the vibe of walking along the iconic Marine Drive of Mumbai.
Also, since Rishikesh is nestled in a mountainous region, it offers many adventure sports activities such as camping, river rafting, mountaineering, para-gliding and other adrenaline-pumping activities. For instance, places like Shivpuri offer well-known camping sites. These riverside camps in the lap of nature are a major draw for adventure junkies.
Food And Shopping At Rishikesh
Since Rishikesh is visited by many foreign tourists, its lanes and narrow alleys are lined with many boutique restaurants and cafes serving all kinds of world cuisine. The Shambala cafe, Little Buddha Cafe and Pure Soul Cafe adn Organic Kitchen are some of the best places to eat in Rishikesh. If you are looking to savor Indian fare, then head to Anna’s mess for South Indian fare or visit the Shree Balaji Restaurant in the vicinity of Triveni Ghats. Also, there are also many Ashrams that serve pure vegetarian wholesome meals to their visitors.
In terms of shopping, Rishikesh is the place where you can buy spiritual books and yoga books, prayer beads, essential oils and other spiritual paraphernalia. You can shop at the Laxman Jhula market, Moti Bazaar and the Shyampur Haat in Rishikesh.
Where To Stay In Rishikesh?
Rishikesh offers all kinds of accommodations to different kinds of travellers. However, for those folks who have enrolled themselves in yoga teacher training programs or other yoga courses, the stay is in yoga shalas or ashrams.
However, if you are visiting Rishikesh for other purposes, then there are many hotels that offer huge discounts on off-seasons. For reputable accommodations, you will need to book in advance. However, for smaller hotels, you can simply turn up. Alternatively, there are also a number of backpacker hostel places for adventure junkies or those who are looking for inexpensive accommodations.
How to reach Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is well connected by rail, road and air to all big cities in India. Dehradun is the major city that lies in the vicinity of Rishikesh. Rishikesh lies about 44 kilometers from Dehradun. Hence, you will need to reach Dehradun to further travel to Rishikesh. Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun receives flights from major cities and metros in India.
Once you reach Dehradun, you can either book a private taxi or take the state transport buses or buses operated by private travel companies to reach Rishikesh.
Best Season To Travel To Rishikesh
February to mid-May is the best time to visit Rishikesh. However, people flock to this holy place round the year. So, be it to enjoy its dewy monsoons or enjoy the foggy winters, Rishikesh can be enjoyed throughout the year.
However, if you are visiting Rishikesh to explore its adventure sports, then the period between September to November and then from March to May is ideal for pursuing outdoor activities.
Closing Thoughts
Rishikesh has a lot to offer to every kind of traveler. From its famed yoga schools for spiritual seekers to its ethereal ashrams for the religiously inclined, Rishikesh is a potpourri of experiences to be savored by one and all.
Some of our suggestion – Wikipedia
