The Ultimate Travel Guide To Rishikesh 2023
Yoga was invented in Rishikesh; therefore, it attracts those seeking spiritual instruction to practise yoga, meditate, and study Hinduism. It is said that meditating in Rishikesh leads to salvation, and the entire town is venerated. Despite the growing number of visitors, the town’s alleys and alleyways still retain an old-world charm, and it’s still a terrific place to unwind and relax among nature.
It gives off a distinctly calm, positive, and international vibe. Rishikesh, a city on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttarakhand, is close to Haridwar. Mountains surround it on three sides which makes it more attractive. To plan your trip, use our Rishikesh travel guide.
How to reach Rishikesh
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is 35 kilometres from the location (22 miles away). Therefore, Rishikesh is closer to the airport than Dehradun is! The budget for a taxi from the airport to Rishikesh is 1,500 rupees (about $19). Various travellers provide dependable service. Moreover, the closest rail station to Rishikesh is Haridwar, about 25 kilometres from the city. You can reach there by bus or private automobile in about an hour.
What to do when you reach Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is one of the most popular sites in India for yoga retreats. Ashrams, yoga styles, and meditation techniques come in a wide variety. Therefore, it is crucial to do your research to determine which option best suits your needs. Check out this ashtanga yoga teacher training India for yoga and meditation to get an idea of what is known. Swarg Ashram, the main spiritual centre of the region, is home to many ashrams with additional stores and food vendors.
Rishikesh is a fantastic place to wander and explore on foot, even though many auto-rickshaws are available for transportation. A minibus is also available for transport from Rishikesh. However, keep an eye out for the many highly dangerous monkeys, especially on the bridges. Sadly, the famous Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge was shut down in 2019 due to deterioration and safety concerns.
A new bridge with a glass floor will follow Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. Explore the ghats that surround the river and unwind amidst everyday activities. As an alternative to crossing the bridge, you can take a boat over the river close to Ram Jhula.
People gather at Parmarth Niketan Ashram (close to Swag Ashram) every evening to participate in the Ganga Aarti, a fire-based prayer ritual. If you’re interested in learning about Indian cuisine and how to prepare it, don’t miss the Cooking Masala workshops.
You may have heard that The Beatles, a famous English band, visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in the 1960s to learn meditation. Additionally, there were about 40 songs written. The Rajaji National Park ashram has recently welcomed visitors again after being closed for thirty years. The Beatles Cathedral Gallery community project allowed incredible graffiti artwork to be added to the building’s remaining walls by artists worldwide.
Activities in Rishikesh
- Pilgrimage: Rishikesh is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites and attracts a large number of followers and pilgrims who travel to this spiritual home and immerse themselves in the holy Ganges to purify their spirits.
- People practise yoga and meditation in Rishikesh, the “Yoga capital of the world.” Travellers and spiritual seekers from all over the world come to Rishikesh to learn about traditional 100-hour yoga ttc in Rishikesh techniques to find inner peace. Every March, Rishikesh holds the International Yoga Festival.
- Due to the turbulent Ganges River, rafting is a popular adventure sport in Rishikesh and well-known throughout the country. Many adventurers head to Rishikesh after the monsoon to experience the thrill of rafting.
- Adventure Sports: Those looking for adventure will find a wide variety of adventure activities to choose from in addition to rafting. Visitors can try bungee jumping, Flying Fox, Cliff Jumping, Body Surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, and zip lining in Rishikesh.
Best food places to visit in Rishikesh
Being a spiritual city, Rishikesh might make it difficult to find alcohol, eggs, and meat. However, you may hang out in several cafes in Rishikesh. The Little Buddha Cafe, a charmingly laid-back tree-house eatery with views of the Ganges River and wonderful international food, is located in Lakshman Jhula.
Cafe de Goa, near Lakshman Jhula Bridge, offers a view of the Ganges River and a selection of dishes, including Continental cuisine. The Beatles Cafe, a café from the 1960s located in the Laxman Jhula neighbourhood, features the Beatles theme and music. Bistro Nirvana’s rustic interior, which features bamboo and clay furniture, is widely admired.
Samosa, lassi, and masala chai are well-known to enjoy. One of the most significant places to drink masala chai in the Laxman Jhula neighbourhood is Prem’s Namaste Cafe, which features an upper sitting area with views of the Ganga. One place you must visit when looking for Lassi is Pappu Lassiwala. The malaidaar lassi is served in an earthen pot at this restaurant on Dehradun Road.
Additionally, it is highly renowned for its mango lassi. In some regions, people try to tinker with it by adding unusual and intriguing ingredients like mango, apple, or chocolate. One such place is The Office. They also offer masala chai here, which is one of their specialities.
Best place to stay in Rishikesh
At hotels during off-peak times, asking in advance frequently results in considerable savings. For smaller hotels, it’s better to turn up. If you’re seeking inexpensive lodging, the region is home to many trendy backpacker hostels. Zostel and Bunk Stay are both well-known if you want to book ahead and stay at a good hotel. you can also visit yoga retreat in Rishikesh to smooth your soul and mind.
Other things to do
It’s strongly recommended to take a side trip to Shivpuri, especially if you like to be adventurous. 22 kilometres (14 miles) upstream, it is surrounded by breathtaking natural splendour. White water rafting is amazing with Grade 3 and 4 rapids. The location, which is in the middle of a white sand beach and a jungle, as well as the tent lodgings with connected amenities provided by Camp Aqua Forest and Camp Ganga Riviera, add to the setting’s originality. There are also Asia’s most extensive zip line and the renowned bungee jump area in Mohanchatti village.
It is also advised to make a side trip to Haridwar to experience the evening Ganga Aarti there in a completely different setting.
Conclusion
Rishikesh is a city in Uttarakhand that is situated on the banks of the river Ganges and is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The town’s lanes and alleyways are beautiful spots to decompress and unwind in the natural outdoors because they still have an old-world charm.
The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in the 1960s to study meditation. The Rajaji National Park Ashram has reopened after 30 years of being closed. Rishikesh, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage centres, attracts many tourists and devotees.
Mango lassi, masala chai, and white-water rafting are all well-known in Rishikesh. So visit Shivpuri as soon as possible, especially if you like adventure. There are several trendy hostels and travel places. If you are also looking to learn Yoga poses then attend the best yoga school in Rishikesh and join yoga teacher training in Rishikesh.
