Tucked in the foothills of the Himalayas, along the banks of the emerald-green Ganga, Rishikesh is more than a destination-it’s an experience. Known globally as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and a sacred gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage, this Uttarakhand town seamlessly blends spirituality, adventure, and scenic beauty. From sunrise yoga sessions on the ghats to adrenaline-pumping river rafting, Rishikesh has a way of making every visitor find their own rhythm.
A Glimpse into History and Spirituality
Rishikesh’s spiritual legacy is rooted deep in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Rama performed penance here after defeating Ravana, and his brother Lakshmana crossed the Ganga at the spot now marked by the iconic Lakshman Jhula. Ancient sages (rishis) and saints found solace in its serene surroundings, giving the town its name-Rishikesh, “Lord of the Senses.”
Rishikesh, over the years, has become extremely popular as the top spiritual destination in the world, especially after the Beatles association with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi here in the late ’60s. As it lies on the holy banks of river Ganga, this place has been a hub of Sadhus (saints) and there are numerous ashrams teaching spirituality, yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. With the tourists coming in, there has been a surge in the number of cafes and restaurants in the town and there a lot of cafes serving English and American food and beverages. However, in the last few years, Rishikesh has also been developed as the hub of Adventure Sports in India as there is a multitude of options including White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox, Mountain Biking, etc. here. It also serves as the gateway to many Himalayan treks and is used as a popular camping site. Rishikesh is a must visit for everyone visiting India to truly experience something new.
Rishikesh is believed to be the holiest place for Hindu pilgrims. The numerous temples, the holy ghats, and the serene ambiance provide a natural calmness to the body and soul. The land of yogis, Rishikesh is popular for the several yoga ashrams present in the city. Visited by numerous people worldwide, the yoga camps is Rishikesh are known to rejuvenate the tourists and help them break free from the stress of daily life. From the evening arti in the Triveni Ghat to the simple culture of the ashrams, exploring Rishikesh is a treat to the mind and a trip to the inner self.
Adventure Activities
Rishikesh is also a brilliant spot for white water rafting. Other adventure activities include mountain biking, canyoning and even bungee jumping. However, the rates and availability differ from season to season.
Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Shiva as Neelkanth is his another name. This temple is located around 7km from Swarg Ashram and the route is a 3 hour long walk along a forest path.
Geeta Bhawan
Also popularly known as the Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, the Geeta Bhawan is a vast and spacious complex that is located on the banks of the river Ganga in Swargashram in Rishikesh, at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. The Ashram is renowned as an important institution that preserves Hindu literature since it houses the Gita, which symbolizes the Hindu Vedas and epics. The Geeta Bhawan is visited by a large number of people each year, who flock to here to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges, listen to the discourses and meditate.
Other than airy and large discourse halls, the ashram also has over one thousand rooms that are available free of cost for the devotees to stay at. The pious devotees are also served with simple vegetarian food and Indian sweets at nominal prices during their stay at the Geeta Bhawan. Be it a mere two-hour visit to the ashram, or a stay there for a few days, the experience imbues the devotee with tranquillity, peace and devotion.
The visitors gladly indulge in the devotion of the River Ganges every evening, and the bathing ghats in front of the Geeta Bhawan offer them with an opportunity to take a holy dip in its waters. The ancient Banyan tree that is located within the complex is also worthy of notice since this spot has been the site of penance for numerous saints. All in all, the Geeta Bhawan comes across as a place that is overflowing with religious fervour and calmness, and is a must visit while in Rishikesh.
Triveni Ghat
Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, Triveni Ghat is the biggest ghat in Rishikesh. ‘Maha Aarti’ happens every evening at Triveni Ghat.
Triveni Ghat plays an essential role in Hindu Mythology and is also mentioned in the epics Ramayan and Mahabharat. The Triveni Ghat is also where the chattri of Lord Krishna was constructed. In fact, the ghat is considered to be the cremation ground for the great Lord Krishna. Along with the holy dips, the devotees also make offerings to the river in the form of milk, while feeding the fishes in the Ghat too.
Jadh Ganga Trek
Since past many years, the region and the trail has been able to maintain its raw beauty accompanied by virginity and tranquility of the place. The gushing streams, pristine glaciers and splendid landscape adds charm to the beauty of this already beautiful place.
Regarded as one of the most strenuous and difficult trek of north Uttarakhand, the route of Jadh Ganga Trek was taken by Heinrich Harrer and his companions during May 1944 while escaping the prison in Dehradun. They traversed the Aglar valley followed by going over Nag Tibba ridge, they ultimately arrived at Nelang in Jadh Ganga. From there on, they proceeded further towards Naga, Sonam, Dosindhu, TIrpani and finally Pulamsunda. They, then ascended upwards along the first tributary of Jadh, the Mendi, to reach Tsangchok La, which they crossed seven after leaving Dehradun.
Another kind of adventure awaits you if you decide to go further towards Mana Pass and Saraswati Tal and finally terminating the trek at Badrinath Temple. Tiring yet exhilarating, the trek is an experience you will cherish throughout your life.