Check out some of the best places to visit in Rishikesh and learn more about its influence on yoga.
Rishikesh is an extremely popular spiritual destination, which is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The holy River Ganges cleanses the ambiance of this serene location, even more, making Rishikesh a favorite tourist destination for adventure water sports as well. Witness a supreme setting of nature with the gushing water of the Ganges, forested hillside, and tranquil vibes that are perfect for contemplation and relaxation of one’s mind.
Rishikesh and Yoga
Sages and saints have mastered the yogic arts in this divine town since thousands of years. The spotlight turned even bright when the Beatles visited this town and an influx of hippie travelers and ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ tribes enhanced the ambiance of Rishikesh. With abundant yoga classes, yoga ashrams that offer authentic knowledge of Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, various forms meditation, and other spiritual practices, Rishikesh is a paradise for yoga aspirants and spiritualists.
Today, there are various schools that offer the yoga teacher training in Rishikesh to spread awareness about this pristine art and continue the legacy of this spiritual town. The serene atmosphere offered by this town for meditation, yoga, connection with self, transformation, and enlightenment is truly magical and worth experiencing.
Check out some famous spots in Rishikesh that are worth visiting, and make your yogic sojourn even more tranquilizing:
The Beatles Ashram: You’ve probably heard about this place before if this isn’t the first time you’re reading about Rishikesh. The Beatles Ashram is the charm of Rishikesh and what’s left of the original Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The famous Rock n’ Roll band, the Beatles visited this ashram in 1968 to get close to their spiritual side and to discover the mystical art of yoga and meditation. This spiritual hermitage inside the Rajaji National Park was made even popular after the four-piece band practiced transformative meditation and came up with almost 40 songs for their album. If you’re a yoga and music enthusiast, this place will truly uplift your soul, as you witness the beautiful charcoal graffiti on the walls and the calmness of this shrine.
Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: The glory of Rishikesh, Laxman, and Ram Jhula are 450 feet long iron bridges over the Ganges River. These architecture marvels not only acts as a bridge between the two shores but also hold strong religious value. This pilgrimage spot offers scenic views of the river, along with the soothing prayer chants from the temples nearby. Either side of the bridge is flooded with various ashrams and markets, selling religious books, incense sticks, and idols of gods and goddesses.
Swarg Ashram: Located between the Ram and Laxman Jhula, is a little gem of Rishikesh, which also happens to be one of the oldest ashrams of India. Built in the loving memory of Swami Vishudhanand, this pristine ashram is an ideal sojourn. You can find many sages and yogis meditating on the isolated riverbank, soaking the tranquil vibes of this town. Swarg Ashram is also regarded as the epicenter for yoga and meditation practices and one can enroll for rejuvenating yoga classes or other soulful activity.
Rishi Kund: Rishi Kund is a Hindi word that translates to ‘Pond of Sage’ and is a mesmeric place that you wouldn’t want to miss if you’re traveling to Rishikesh to get a clearer view of life. The hot springs have various mythological references that call thousands of pilgrims every year. Rishi Kund is a part of Raghunath Temple and you can bathe in its holy water to clear your sins and invoke positivity.
Parmath Niketan Ashram: Calm your souls amidst the lush green surroundings of the Himalayas and the soothing flow of the Ganges River. The Parmath Niketan Ashram is visited by numerous devotees from all around the world because of the serene environment this ashram encapsulates for spiritual practices. This is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh with almost 1,000 rooms for the devotees. Uplift your body, mind, and souls with a rejuvenating stay in the ashram and let your consciousness travel to a different dimension. Parmath Niketan Ashram also hosts Intentional Yoga Day, annually and invites yoga aspirants to enjoy open yoga classes on banks of the river.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Located 12 km away from the main town of Rishikesh is the most sacred temple of Lord Shiva, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. This abode of Lord Shiva sits peacefully in the Sylvan forest and attracts many devotees for a bath in a freshwater spring, which is located inside the temple. You will be mesmerized to see the marvelous architecture of the temple and a tomb that depicts the saga of Samudra Manthan.
Shivpuri: If you wish to get in touch with the other side of Rishikesh and experience some thrilling adventures, then Shivpuri is the place to be. Located 19 km from Rishikesh, along the banks of River Ganges, you can indulge in various recreational activities, including water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, flying fox, trekking, and camping. The fast-flowing river with rapid tides is a blessing for the adventure loving people and makes Shivpuri an ideal place for adrenaline-filled opportunities. You can also prefer to sit back and enjoy the idyllic views that are topped with scenic sunrises and sunsets.
Explore Rishikesh to explore yourself and leave behind all the miseries and sadness. The mystique place is a blissful combination of nature’s beauty, spirituality and religion which adds to its charm. Come and experience the sights and sounds of this ancient town and take yourself back on time.