We spent a lot of time just walking the street of Rishikesh. The mystical environment give you the feeling of inner peace, just by being there and breathing in the city! The holy river Ganga, the Sadhus, the Yoga, the international tourists that mingle here like locals and the Hindu mythology! There is just so much to absorb and imbibe here, that just a day can feel like a trip of the lifetime. And that’s what I recently did, a one day trip to Rishikesh. And trust me, it was the best!As everyone knows, Rishikesh is famous as theHindu Pilgrimage town and is regarded as one of the holiest places in the Hindu Culture. Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as The Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. It is a part of Uttrakhand, and is around 45 km from Dehradun, the state capital. Rishikesh is also famous as the Yoga Capital of the World.
The city of Rishikesh is surrounded by the very beautiful Himalayan districts of Tehri Garhwal (I love it and Pauri Garhwal andHaridwar. Hindu sages, better knows an Sadhus, have travelled to Rishikesh from all over the globe since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge, in search of Nirvana.
The city of Rishikesh is surrounded by the very beautiful Himalayan districts of Tehri Garhwal (I love it and Pauri Garhwal andHaridwar. Hindu sages, better knows an Sadhus, have travelled to Rishikesh from all over the globe since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge, in search of Nirvana.
This holy city is vegetarian by law, and meat and alcohol are not legal here. Cows are revered and protected, and they roam freely in the streets. Here is one right on the internationally famous Laxman Jhoola
Laxman Jhoola is one of the most famous attractions of Rishikesh, and it is resplendent! The view from the ghats down below, is just stunning. Walking on the Laxman Jhoola, across the Ganga, is something I absolutely love. It is serene and powerful and oh-so-exhilarating – all at the same time. The Ram Jhoola is also at par and both the Jhoolas (suspension bridges) are always crowded. The two Jhulas are pedestrian-only – though scooters and motorcycles freely use them, and as seen above, even cows.
Laxman Jhoola is one of the most famous attractions of Rishikesh, and it is resplendent! The view from the ghats down below, is just stunning. Walking on the Laxman Jhoola, across the Ganga, is something I absolutely love. It is serene and powerful and oh-so-exhilarating – all at the same time. The Ram Jhoola is also at par and both the Jhoolas (suspension bridges) are always crowded. The two Jhulas are pedestrian-only – though scooters and motorcycles freely use them, and as seen above, even cows.
Coming back to Yoga – there are numerous Yoga centres here and almost every establishment seems to be popular with international tourists seeking Spirituality, Peace and Enlightenment. Even the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, known locally as the Beatles Ashram, has also opened its doors again! No wonder Rishikesh has a very strong spiritual vibe, and you feel it while walking the street or just sitting by the Ganges. We visited two yoga centres near Laxman Jhoola.
According to Rishikesh is one of the most famous destination for international tourism planning a trip to India. Travel to this town and you’ll feel it’s high energy! Rishikesh is divided into two main areas: the crowded and very lively Rishikesh town, where the local bus and train stations are situated and also the popular Triveni Ghat (a popular travel destination, an auspicious bathing ghat and place of prayer on the Ganges), and the riverside communities that are 2 km upstream around Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, where most of the accommodation, ashrams, restaurants and travellers are ensconced. Swarg Ashram, located on the eastern bank, is the traffic-free ‘spiritual centre’ of Rishikesh, while High Bank, west of Lakshman Jhula, is a small enclave popular with backpackers.
According to Rishikesh is one of the most famous destination for international tourism planning a trip to India. Travel to this town and you’ll feel it’s high energy! Rishikesh is divided into two main areas: the crowded and very lively Rishikesh town, where the local bus and train stations are situated and also the popular Triveni Ghat (a popular travel destination, an auspicious bathing ghat and place of prayer on the Ganges), and the riverside communities that are 2 km upstream around Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, where most of the accommodation, ashrams, restaurants and travellers are ensconced. Swarg Ashram, located on the eastern bank, is the traffic-free ‘spiritual centre’ of Rishikesh, while High Bank, west of Lakshman Jhula, is a small enclave popular with backpackers.
It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings the human soul closer to attainment of Moksha, as does a dip in the holy river Ganges that flows through the city.
So, this is my dedication to mesmerising Rishikesh – the city that I absolutely love and the city that captures the essence of#IncredibleIndia to its fullest. I will write more on the city soon, when I travel to the Yoga Capital again.
shivam 