If you’re looking for a location to unwind and learn more about the history of India, Rishikesh is the best vacation spot for you. Rishikesh, also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. If you think Rishikesh is all about river rafting and Yoga, then its time to think again!
Yes, Rishikesh, apart from a spiritual town, offers many things that you cannot miss in this here. Rishikesh, an ancient city in the state of Uttarakhand, is a miniature paradise for adventurers and thrill-seekers.
Do you wish to know what awaits you? Discover some of the top things you should do when visiting Rishikesh:-
1. Yoga and Sound Healing
Lets start with Yoga first as we are talking about “Yoga Capital of the World”, this should not to be missed. Connect yourself with your spiritual side and relax your body and mind through yoga and meditation. There are many Yoga, Ayurveda and Mediation centres /schools in Rishikesh where you can learn different strategies and techniques of yoga. They offer Yoga retreat packages and sessions mainly for a week where you can stay at their centre and practice different forms of yoga.
Treat yourself with this beautiful experience in the Himalayas. Apart from Yoga and Meditation, you can have sound healing sessions or sound bath in the city. Sound healing helps in reducing stress and depression. It heals our body as well as our mental and emotional levels through sound vibrations. It is an amazing experience.
2. River Rafting
As you are aware Rishikesh is famous for about river rafting. The city is known for adventurous sports and attracts many adventure seekers and sports lovers. Rishikesh trip is incomplete without experiencing the exhilaration of whitewater rafting. Boat flowing though different rapids admist the Himalayas ion the Ganges, is a must to explore thing while in Rishikesh. There are different stretches of rafting, you can choose as per your convenience. But before going to river rafting, check whether its open or not. River rafting is closed during monsoon months i.e. from July to September.
3. Attend Ganga Aaarti at Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is the biggest Ghat in Rishikesh, situated at the banks of holy river Ganga. Attending aarti in Rishikesh is a must to do thing, you cannot miss this while in the city. Aarti is performed every evening here. It is a blissful experience to sit calmly and absorb all positivity. The aarti starts with chanting of bhajans, mantras, prayers and offering fire to the river. The beauty of gleaming diyas with flowers in the river under twinkling night sky is unmatched. Try to reach early in order to take seats as this divine light ceremony takes place after sunset.
4. Pay a visit to Terah Manzil Temple
Also known as Tryambakeshwar temple or Kailash Niketan Temple is a beautiful temple located at walking distance from Lakshman Jhula. It is believed that this ancient temple is established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century AD. The temple is famous for its unique and distinctive feature of 13 storey design. It has 13 floors inside the building, each showcasing different Hindu gods. You will find several shops inside the temple selling handicraft items, jewellery, puja items and gemstones. The top floor of the temple offers awesome views of The Ganges from top.
5. Relax at Neem Beach
Rishikesh is full of positive vibes. Enjoy some by just relaxing at the Neem beach or by taking holy dip in The Ganges. There is nothing more relaxing than just doing nothing and sitting on the beach and taking in the breathtaking scenery. Neem Beach is a sand beach in Rishikesh located towards Badrinath Road from Tapovan. This beach is less crowded and beautiful yet peaceful place to meditate or spent time with friends or family.
6. Visit Beatles Ashram
Beatles Ashram also known as Chaurasi Kutia is one of the place, you can not miss. This Ashram is famous by the name of music band β The Beatles who visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi back in year 1968 for practicing meditation. The Ashram is an interesting place to visit and explore the history. The grafitti walls and small cottages are so beautiful. There is a photo gallery dedicated to The Beatles and other guests. You will find old structures as well in the Ashram. A cool place to take pictures. You will be needing approx. 1-1.5 hours to explore the place. You can spend more time also by sitting on the top of the building and enjoying the views. But, make note of the timings β its open from 9 AM to 4 PM daily.
7. Trek to Patna Waterfall
Enjoy the natural beauty of Patna Waterfall in Rishikesh. Best place for refreshing yourself in the lap of nature. The waterfall is on the way to Neelkanth road, you need to park your car on the road and then trek to reach waterfall. The view of water cascading over the rocky ground is simply stunning. Trekkers and nature lovers can enjoy this trek through the lush green forest. This waterfall is less crowded than other waterfalls. You can rest here and admire the natural beauty while munching on some Maggie and tea/coffee.
8. Go CafΓ© Hopping
The city is surrounded by wonderful views and natural beauty. Enjoy this while having delicious food at cafes in the city. Rishikesh has good cafes with amazing views to spend leisure time in the lap of nature. To name few, must visit The Beatles cafΓ© for exploring history of The Beatles, The Little Buddha CafΓ© for enjoying meal with scenic Ganga views, Shanti cafΓ© for enjoying sunset views and wide views of The Ganges, Ganga View cafΓ© for good food and nice place to relax while enjoying riverside.
9. Camping at the Ganges
Rishikesh is not only famous for yoga and river rafting, it offers amazing camping experience by the river Ganga. Staying in a riverside camp is an experience in itself. Enjoy fresh air, mountains surroundings with Ganga flowing through the city and offering serene and tranquil atmosphere. From waking up to the calm sound of river and birds chirping, to enjoying meals and games is one of the most relaxing things that you cannot miss in the city.
10. Tapovan Ghat
Tapovan ghat is a beautiful and peaceful sand beach with less crowd where you can sit and relax and enjoy mesmerizing Ganga river views. It has beautiful big idols of Goddess Sarasvati, Lord Shiva and a saint folding hands in front of goddess Saraswati. This Ghat has white sand, spend good time here watching rafting boats passing through the river, listening to mantras coming from the surroundings.
11. Take a stroll at Ram Jhula Market
As I always say β Any trip is incomplete without shoppingβ¦ Walking through the lanes near river Ganga is a joyful thing to do in the city. Ram Jhula market is famous market of the city where you will get variety of things to buy. Must buy harem pants, shorts, dresses, kurtas with mantra written over it, bags, brass puja items, handcrafted items, wooden decoration items, khadi clothes, precious stones and gems, and whatever you like π
