What to do and see in Rishikesh
The holy city of Rishikesh is located at the foothills of the Mighty Himalayan Mountain range. She holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for local Hindus and worldwide visitors. The sacred river Ganges and mountains set the scene for Yoga, meditation and reflective hikes.
Ashrams, spiritual seekers, Babas, many kinds of restaurants, shops, little spots near the beach, cows, monkeys and all the magic of India are here.
Yoga, Yoga, Yoga
Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World, a city of Hindu pilgrimage. You can find all types of Yoga on all levels and incredible Masters. Of course you have the option to come to our balcony for Drop-in Classes in the morning or to our TTC 200/300 hr trainings . Click here for more Information.
Also we can give you some advise about other teachers depending on the type of Yoga you practice.
Please write us an e-mail at info@yogipi.com
Rishikesh gathers not only Yoga Teachers but Gurus, Spiritual Masters and their followers.
Babas and Sadhus
Babas and Sadhus are all over the place giving to the atmosphere a touch of mystic.
Visiting Ashrams and temples is a must. We love the following Temples/Ashrams:
Trayambakeshwar Temple: Located in front of the Ganges in Laxman Jhula, is one of the most iconic Temples.
Maa Kunjapuri Devi temple: We recommend to go in early morning by car before sunrise and enjoy second by second when the light of the sun starts appearing. From there you can see the snow mountains of the Himalayas behind.
Shri Saccha Akhileshwar Mahadev Temple: Small and beautiful Temple at Laxman Square that we visit often.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The temple is situated at a height of 1330 meters and is located about 32 km from Rishikesh. Shared jeeps take you from Laxman Jhula for arround 300 rupies (round trip/per person)
Sivananda Ashram in Ram Jhula Click here
Parmarth Niketam Ashram in Ram Jhula. Don’t miss the Aarti Ceremony every day at sunset Click here
Enjoy the River Ganges and cross its bridges
The Ganges, or affectionately the Ganga, shelters hotels, restaurants, shops, Yoga Schools and Ashrams on its slopes, which makes its journey imperious. And crossing the bridges it is pure adventure …!
The two main bridges are Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.
You will see small baskets with flowers and a candle being sold by kids on the stairs near the Ganges. Buy one for 10 rupees, light the incense and the candle, put your feet in the water and say internally to your self an intention. Let the River Ganga take your intention away.
You will see people from all over India come to touch and have a dip in the holy Ganga. We recommend to do so respecting the tradition. Specially for ladies, please use a shawl or tunic to cover your body. The are some spots away from the public areas where visitors are allowed to wear their swimming suits and enjoy the beach in a western way.
If you would like to visit the very beggining of the Ganges, you should go by car or public bus to Devprayag (where the Alaknanda River and Bhagirathi rivers meet and take the name Ganga). It is truly amazing!
Have a Chai (Indian tea)
Delicious fresh milk tea with ginger, cardamom and other spices is waiting in every corner of India.
Chai Stands are meeting points for Yoga practitioners, Babas, locals and tourists where you meet people, exchange information and time. Nowadays you can find almond milk/ coconut milk /soya milk as well.
Regarding food, Rishikesh is full of very good options. You can choose from typical Indian food in a Dhaba (open cheap restaurants), Pizzas, Ayurpak …traditional restaurant based on ayurvedic concepts Click here, Home-made fusion at Ira’s Kitchen in Tapovan Click here , best Japanese vegetarian at Cafe Okaeri by her cozy host, coffee shops or many more delicious options.
Lately, many vegan options are here too!
Beatles Ashram
The legendary Ashram of Yogi Maharishi is a must-see for lovers of nature, ruins and the Beatles.
The famous band came to Rishikesh in 1968 to partake in the Transcendental Meditation advanced training technique.
Alot of graffiti, murals of band members and paintings done by visitors can be seen on the walls and façade of the ashram.
Mix of nostalgia and adventure in one place … Don’t forget your camera, Bring your mat to practice there or just go back in time by walking into the ruins, it is magical!
Vashishta Caves
Vashishta Gufa, situated on the banks of the Ganga River 25 km away from the city, is one of the most beautiful places of meditation in Rishikesh… It is said that Jesus stayed in one of them on this pilgrimage to Tíbet.
My favourite place to be in nature and in peace.
Ayurveda
India is known for the Ayurvedic Medicine. In Rishikesh there are more and more places to enjoy an Ayurvedic massage with oil and Shirodhara therapy. The name comes from the Sanskrit words shiro (head) and dhara (flow) that involves gently pouring liquids ( milk/oils) over the forehead and hair.
We always recommend to visit our doctor to the students for a consultation. He will guide you on which treatment is better for you. I leave the FB link to the clinic. Click here
River Rafting, bungee jumping and kayaking
River rafting and water sports go hand-in-hand. Going up, down and up again over the lofty, milky waters of the Ganges, dodging the rocks is an experience indigenous to this place. So for those that need that thrill and adrenaline just go for it!
Make or plan your own Didgeridoo
If you want to learn how to make or play the didgeridoo make sure you visit Mukeshjis!!! Those that love good vibes will understand how special is to make your own instrument. Visit his house, family, have a chai in an amazing place in Rishikesh City. Here is the link to Youtube to know more about him and his studio Click here
Namaste to All!
Hari Aum
