Rishikesh - Gateway to the Ganges

Rishikesh is a city in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River. Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "Yoga Capital of the World", has numerous yoga centres that attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. 

Sunset over the Ganges from Laxman Jhula.

If you like a bit of peace and quiet and have travelled to Uttarakhand in search of space to reflect, I highly recommend staying in Tapovan – or further out – rather than in Laxman Jhula, which can get a little noisy. As for finding things to do in Rishikesh – from my experience, here, things will generally find you. Taking a quiet stroll to soak up the Ganges air, will inevitably lead you into conversations with strangers, music on ghats by the river and more.

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.

 Triveni Ghat a popular travel destination, auspicious bathing ghat and place of prayer on the Ganges, and the banks of the river, which are 2 km away from Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, where most of the accommodation, ashrams, restaurants and travelers Is kept.

Man is made by his belief, as he believes so he is.

मैं सुकून कहुँ , तुम गंगा घाट समझना

There’s something in the air – I found – that gets to you. Maybe it was the daily yoga, maybe it was the spray from the Ganges. Maybe it was the magic of the meditation hall at Aurovalley. All I know is that I felt more relaxed and at peace than I can remember feeling for a long time. And it’s that feeling that will bring me back here on future adventures.

Do not spoil the beauties of the earth with garbage.