19th Novemver, 2021 – 20th November, 2021
Rishikesh is at an elevation of 340 metres (1,120 ft) and is located in the Tehri Garhwal region of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
The river Ganges after flowing for 249 kms from Gangotri, emerges from the mountains at Rishikesh and flows into the Gangetic Plain.
It serves as a gateway to the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Kedarnath, Gangotri, Badrinath and Yamunotri. As an important pilgrimage center, life in Rishikesh revolves around prayers and festivals. People come here for cleansing of their mind and soul and spend their time in meditation and offering prayers.
On both banks of the Ganga are several miscellaneous temples, yoga centres and ashrams, such as the Hanuman temple, the Sivananda Ashram and Yoga Centre and the Swami Dayananda Saraswati Ashram, which houses the Sri Gangadhareshwarar Temple.
Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the world”. One will find Yoga classes and Meditation centres in plenty here. One more thing of interest are the ashrams maintained by saints, not very jazzy but very decent, where one can stay paying a decent donation.
The evenings are beautiful, with cool breeze flowing, amidst ringing of bells, with Sadhus and tourists getting ready to watch the Ganga Aarti.
In February 1968, the Beatles visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh, attracted by his Transcendental Meditation.[34] The Beatles composed numerous songs during their time at the ashram, many of which appear on the band’s self-titled double album, also known as the “White Album”.
It offers River Rafting, Bungee jumping, Trekking, Para gliding, Zip Line tour and Rock Climbing.
Though you must have had snacks across India, do have the masala chai, samosa and jalebi here. The masala chai leaves a lingering taste, while the samosa and jalebi have the right amount of spice and sweet to relish.
