Rishikesh, with its serene ashrams, vibrant yoga scene, and profound connection to ancient spiritual traditions, offers a sanctuary for those seeking inner peace and self-discovery amidst the beauty of nature and the wisdom of the ages. Known as one of the seven holiest places in India, Rishikesh beckons seekers from around the world with its majestic Ganges and Himalayan vistas, rich mythology, and spiritual ambiance. In this blog, I will endeavor to describe and elucidate why Rishikesh is the most suitable place in India to embark on one’s spiritual journey within oneself.
What makes Rishikesh so beloved
This is one of the seven holiest places (Sapta Puri) in India. The other 6 are Ayodhya, Mathura, Kasi (Varanasi), Kanchi (Kanchipuram), Avantika (Ujjain), and Dvaravati (Dwarka). For thousands of years, saints and sages have considered this place the most suitable for spiritual practice to attain enlightenment. Here, everyone can definitely feel the spiritual vibrations of this place. There are many ashrams and yoga studios here, and once a year, the International Yoga Festival is organized by Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Thousands of yoga practitioners come to it. It should be noted that many enlightened individuals also organize their satsangs here every year, such as Mooji, Prem Bab, and ShantiMayi. In 1968, members of The Beatles also arrived here to learn meditation. In my opinion, this is the best place in India for anyone looking for inner peace and wanting to start their spiritual journey.
Exploring the Mythology of Rishikesh
The name “Rishikesh” originates from Sanskrit, combining “Rishi” (sage) and “Kesh” (hair), meaning “the hair of the sage.” Legend has it that Lord Krishna, in reverence to the sage Raibhya Rishi’s penance, allowed his hair to intertwine with the sage’s matted locks. This sacred encounter gave the town its name, symbolizing its deep connection to spirituality and divine blessings. Thus, Rishikesh remains a revered destination for seekers of spiritual wisdom and enlightenment.
Additionally, Rishikesh is associated with various ancient texts and epics. It’s believed that Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana, performed penance here to atone for his sins. Lord Rama’s brother, Lakshmana, crossed the Ganges River at Rishikesh via the Lakshman Jhula bridge, which holds its own mythological significance.
When is the best time to visit Rishikesh
I would recommend visiting Rishikesh from October to March. In April, the weather starts getting very hot and continues until July. It’s not advisable to visit during the monsoon season (from July to September) due to heavy rainfall, but during this time, there are fewer tourists, and the queues at sacred sites are shorter. However, rafting is closed. I have also been there in July, and the weather is quite pleasant, with occasional sunshine and rain. Just keep in mind that there may be landslides and road closures when traveling higher in the mountains.
How to reach Rishikesh from the Delhi Airport?
- For those looking for convenience, Delhi Central Airport offers a wide range of taxi services, priced between 80 to 100 euros for a one-way trip. To avoid confusion, simply choose one of the available taxi services.
- You can book a taxi in advance, which might be cheaper through a reliable company like Prya Travel (+919557111041), known for its trustworthiness.
- Another option is to use the Ola Taxi or Uber app, which is more budget-friendly. However, this might be a bit more complicated since these services have specific pick-up points at the airport, and finding the right car could be tricky.
- For those on a tight budget, taking a bus is the way to go. Just ask the taxi to drop you off at the bus park, where you can get details about schedules and buy tickets (around 5-9 euros). You can easily purchase tickets online via platforms like Abhibus.
Where to stay in Rishikesh
If you are heading to Rishikesh in search of deeper self-discovery, then I recommend staying at an ashram. it will be also approximately 50% cheaper than staying in hotels. Plus, there will be a completely different energy here that will help you delve deeper into yourself and this enchanting environment. While it may be more austere, trust me, the experience is magical!
- Parmarth Niketan ashram: I usually stay at Parmarth Niketan ashram, which is the most beautiful and largest ashram in Rishikesh with over 1000 rooms. There are daily activities starting from 5 in the morning until late evening, including satsangs, yoga and meditation classes, as well as various retreats and Ayurvedic treatments.
- Yoganandham: Another option I recommend is Yoganandham if you want to delve deeper and broader into yoga practices. They offer yoga retreat programs from 3 to 14 days, and everything is included, accommodation, meals and separate excursions.
- Swami Rama Sadhaka Gram: In Rishikesh, there is a beautiful meditation hill village called Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG), established by Swami Veda Bharati in 2002. It’s a village of spiritual seekers devoted to the teachings of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. I recommend visiting here for a Guided Silence Retreat.
Volunteer opportunities in Rishikesh
Volunteering opportunities in Rishikesh are plentiful, ranging from teaching English to children, assisting with environmental conservation efforts, participating in community development projects, or even offering your skills in healthcare at local clinics or hospitals. Many ashrams and spiritual centers also welcome volunteers to help with various tasks, such as gardening, cooking, or administrative work. Volunteering not only allows you to give back to the community but also provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and spiritual atmosphere of Rishikesh. I can recommend following these organizations; they are always looking for volunteers:
- Parmarth Niketan
- Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
- Association for Yoga and Meditation (AYM) Yoga School
- Tattvaa Yogashala
- Mother Miracle School
Recommended places to visit in Rishikesh?
You don’t have to search for specific places here; you can simply sit by the Ganges and enjoy the moment, sipping chai and reading some interesting literature. There are several excellent yoga bookstores, and you won’t find a better selection anywhere else for such literature, but also nice to see:
- The Beatles Ashram: The ashram was founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as a center for yoga and meditation practices. It served as a hub for spreading meditation practices. There are abandoned buildings here where the entire community lived. The Beatles wrote some of the songs from the album “White” here. There is truly a very mystical energy here. Be sure to take your passport when visiting this place, as it will be required when purchasing tickets.
- Ganga Arati: Ganga Arati, performed daily at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat, is a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates the soul and invokes a deep sense of reverence for the sacred Ganges river. Daily Aarti timings: 5:30 AM – 6:30 and 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Kunjapuri Devi Temple: This place is high up in the mountains. I recommend enjoying the sunrise there; start your hike early in the morning, as it will take 3 hours to climb up. There are 52 main Devi pilgrimage sites in India, and Kunjapuri Devi is one of them.
- Vashistha Gufa: Vashistha is a revered figure in Hinduism. The cave is located 25 km from Rishikesh and it is believed that the saint Vashistha meditated in this cave. Legends say that the saint came to this place by the Ganges river to commit suicide after the death of his children, but the river refused to accept this action. Next to it is also the Jesus cave, believed to be where He meditated. There is a very beautiful Ganges riverbank here and it’s an ideal place to meditate outside the cave.
- The Neer Garh Waterfall: Offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s located about 5 km from Rishikesh and can be reached by a short trek through picturesque trails.
- Ganga river: Taking a sacred dip in the Ganges river is a significant ritual joyfully observed by Hindus. Wake up early in the morning and, while focusing on the Mother Ganga, immerse yourself in the water three, five, or seven times while chanting the mantra ‘Har Har Gange’. The river, which flows pure here from the Himalayas, is believed to be capable of washing away all human sins.
Shopping in Rishikesh
Rishikesh offers unique shopping opportunities! Here, you can find many things that are available only in Rishikesh! Purchase singing bowls and other instruments here; there is the widest selection of God statues (murtis) in India. Natural, untreated stones, minerals for meditation, and their products are also available. Additionally, everything for yoga and meditation. I always bring Ayurvedic products from Rishikesh; I recommend Shri Ganga Ayurveda Store. Don’t forget to visit Fabindia store; here you’ll find the highest quality clothing in India! I also enjoy shopping at the boutique shops next to The Beatles cafe.
Wardrobe in Rishikesh
I would recommend opting for light and loose clothing, including long skirts, to ensure comfort and modesty. Choose clothing with covered shoulders to respect local customs and traditions. Free-flowing dresses, yoga pants, and scarves are excellent choices for exploring spiritual destinations like Rishikesh. Additionally, consider clothing suitable for hiking in the mountains, such as comfortable and appropriate hiking shoes. Rishikesh is a place where I would suggest traveling with an empty suitcase and purchasing the necessary wardrobe here because everything will be available at very good prices.
Where to eat in Rishikesh
Since Rishikesh is a holy city, it’s a vegetarian and vegan paradise, so you won’t find meat here. I particularly love Jai Gurudev restaurant and recommend trying their banana and Nutella pancakes. I also adore Devraj Coffee Corner German Bakery & Restaurant, where I suggest the avocado salads! Be sure to also visit Little Buddha Cafe and The Beatles Cafe. Personally, I always indulge in some interesting street food; definitely try the tea-chai. It’s a wonderful blend of spices, tea, milk, and sugar, creating a rich and flavorful beverage. Whether enjoyed in a bustling market or a cozy café, chai is a true delight for the senses. Additionally, it’s possible to eat very affordably in ashrams like Parmarth Niketan, with dinners starting from just 1.8 EUR, including dessert.
At the end, I wanted to summarize all the reasons why Rishikesh is the ideal place to begin spiritual seeking:
- Sacred Atmosphere
- It is the Yoga Capital
- Rich Mythological Heritage
- Majestic Himalayan Environment
- Many Spiritual Teachers have settled here
- The International Yoga Festival takes place here
- The sacred Ganges river flows here
- Ashram Culture
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Transformative Experiences
These aspects make Rishikesh the most attractive city in India to visit for those seeking spiritual awakening, aiming to enhance their yoga practice, and simultaneously wanting to enjoy the beauty of this city. Rishikesh welcomes you!