Roaming in Rishikesh

From one heavenly place to another, we traversed almost 20 kms from the land of mythologies (Haridwar) to the land of spirituality and adrenaline rush (Rishikesh).

Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga rivers, Rishikesh is the centre of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports. A geographical magnet to spiritual seekers, this ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ attracts crowd from across the globe. The ‘Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas’ beautifully blends spiritual and adrenaline pumping experiences.

We opted to stay at the lively Moustache Hostel at Tapovan in Rishikesh. Meeting up and interacting with people of different ethnicity and knowing their travel experiences was an interesting way to spend our evening. Concluding an exciting day at Haridwar, we decided to take it easy and chill at the hostel’s common area near the rooftop amidst food, conversations and music that kept us warm on a cold, rainy evening. You can opt to say in hostels, ashrams, hotels or motels depending on your mood and budget.

On a hired two wheeler, we zoomed along the below trail to experience the serenity of Rishikesh over a day and a half –

Rishikesh > Ram Jhula > Lakshman Jhula > Neelkanth Mahadev Temple > Trayambakeshwar Mandir > Patna Falls > Beatles Ashram > VanaAshram > Parmarth Ashram > Ganga Aarati at Triveni Ghat > Dinner at Aitareya Restaurant > White Water Rafting and Cliff Diving > Lunch at Chotiwala’s > Visit to The Divine Life Society (Sivananda) Ashram > Head to Ram Nagar | Jim Corbett

Ram Jhula & Lakshman Jhula: Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula are among the popular attractions of Rishikesh. As you walk on the bridges surrounded by beautiful Himalayas, river Ganga powerfully gushes below. Both the bridges are quite similar in design and construction. Ram Jhula is placed a few miles downstream from Lakshman Jhula and links Swarg Ashram on the western bank of River Ganga to the Sivananda Ashram on the eastern one.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Located 32 kms from Rishikesh, at an altitude of 1330 meters above sea level, Neelkanth Mahadev temple is surrounded by breath-taking views. The temple is situated adjacent to Nar-Narayan mountain range. Brahmakoot, Manikoot and Vishnukoot are the three valleys that surround the temple, which is also the meeting point of Rivers Madhumati and Pankaja. The temple has a colourful and attractive architecture that is sculpted with the event of Samudra Manthan. Mythology states that Neelkanth Mahadev temple has been built on that sacred point where Lord Shiva had consumed poison generated through Samudra Manthan.

Trayambakeshwar Temple: Located near Laxman Jhula, Trayambakeshwar is a 13-storied shrine with different Hindu deities inside. There are many sections in the temple, which comprise of Vedic and religious works.

Beatles Ashram: Rishikesh has a certain kind of appeal that made the Beatles undertake several trips to this beautiful city. Many of their songs were formulated and created here. The Beatles Ashram also known as Chaurasi Kutia, has a lot of memoirs and paintings that shed light on the Beatles’ time in India and their interaction with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. For any Beatles fan, this dilapidated and overrun by jungle site, is a must visit. We were intrigued by the interesting graffiti and paintings on the now abandoned ashram walls. The small café in the ashram complex serves good chai and basic snacks.

Parmarth Ashram: The majestic Shiva statue at Parmarth Ghat left us amazed with its peaceful simplicity. Here, on the edge of the river, you can witness the spectacular daily evening aarti with a vibrant blend of music and singing. After drumming and bell ringing, pilgrims light small diyas and place them onto the water. The flickering lights floating through the water into the night sky is a truly mystical sight.

Parmarth Niketan on the banks of Ganga, located in the small community of Swarg Ashram on the eastern bank of the river, is the foremost yoga centre in the city. If you wish to stay here, it is worth booking in advance to ensure that there is space. The garden and other facilities are available to be used by all.

Triveni Ghat: The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati is the main ghat for taking a holy dip. The otherworldly aura of Triveni Ghat took us to a different world during the rhythmic evening aarti that was performed by the young pandas. It’s an astounding view to see the drifting lights in the waterway post the aarati is concluded. There are also bhajans (hymns / devotional songs) being sung live where the devotees who are in a trance like state dance in surrender to the almighty.

The ancient Rishi Kund and Raghunath Temple nearby are also worth a visit.

Adventure Trail: In the last few years, Rishikesh has emerged as the hub of Adventure Sports in India for multitude options including White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox, Mountain Biking, etc. Rishikesh is popular with adrenaline junkies who are lured by the white rapids of the mighty Ganga. White water rafting is very popular and you can choose the grade based on your age and appetite for adventure.

We opted for the 16 kms (9 rapids) white water rafting and the cliff dive. It was exciting to raft through and cliff jump into the cold and fast flowing pristine waters of the Ganga. For a first timer and a non-swimmer like me, it’s an experience I’ll cherish and remember for life.

You don’t need to pre-book your rafting slots. There are several local tour agencies who can register your slot. Alternatively, ask your hotel / hostel to book it for you. The rates are standard across.

Café Hopping: In the recent past, there has been a surge in the number of cafes and restaurants in the town. There are a lot of cafes serving English and American food and beverages. Go café hopping around Lakshman Jhula, where several cafes serve some really delicious food.

Some of the cafes that you can visit are Little Buddha Café, Cafe Delmar/Beatles Café, Chatsang Café, Devraj Coffee Corner, Revive Café, La-So-Va Fresh Kitchen, Bistro Nirvana, Olivia, Swiss Garden, Pyramid Café, Ganga Beach Café, and Madras Café. Keep exploring and you may find more hidden gems that appeal to your taste buds.

Food Trail: Ask for the local Gharwali cuisine when visiting a local joint. We had dinner at Aitareya Restaurant in Tapovan. The freshly cooked, healthy and hygienic food was deliciously fulfilling. Don’t forget to have a meal at the famous Chotiwala’s Restaurant near Ram Jhula. It is an age old family run business that serves a visit for its excellent food and the dressed up Chotiwala pandit who sits outside the restaurant at all times.

Yoga Trail: Yoga has been part of the culture in Rishikesh for centuries. Ever since the Beatles visited the ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the late '60s, the place has been attracting many to its ashrams for all kinds of yoga and meditation classes. There are many practitioners who are willing to teach you this exercise in Rishikesh. The buzz is mostly north of the main town, where one can peacefully focus on meditation and mind expansion in midst of the forested hills through which the Ganges flows. Parmarth Niketan, Anand Prakash and Rishikesh Yogpeeth are some of the famous centres for yoga.

Shopping: Visit the market near Triveni Ghat if you wish to purchase valuable stones. The bazaars of Rishikesh are a shopper’s delight. Explore the place to pick arts and artifacts for your home or to give away as mementos.

Rishikesh is a must visit for everyone to experience something truly new!!!