The northern city of India, attracting pilgrims, yogis and wisdom-seeking travelers. In the land of vegetarianism and ashrams, travelers relax before conquering the Himalayas or comprehend the essence of the universe under the guidance of gray-bearded gurus. Whatever your reason for visiting Rishikesh, it will not disappoint you. I would like to return there for the atmosphere of calm and harmony all around.
Rishikesh is considered the yoga capital of the world and is also called the “gateway of the Himalayas”. The city is located on the banks of the sacred Ganges. For Hindus, this is one of the most revered cities in the country, and for travelers it is an opportunity to touch Indian wisdom from real (and not so real) teachers.
One of the main attractions of the city is the famous ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, where the Beatles meditated in the 60s. I really enjoyed exploring the abandoned buildings and meditation halls; the energy of the place remains to this day. In addition to spiritual practices, Rishikesh is rich in vibrant nature, amazing mountain landscapes, mild climate and colorful characters that you can meet while walking along the streets. Although I never decided to do a full-fledged trekking, long walks around the outskirts of Rishikesh left me with amazing memories!
How to get there
Rishikesh on the map of India is located in the north of the country in the state of Uttarakhand, 227 km from the capital. The nearest major transport hub is Haridwar, 25 km from the city; it can become an intermediate point on your route if there are no non-transfer options.
Buses do not carry from the Russian Federation to India, at least this option is not heard.
By car
Every agency selling train or bus tickets will offer you a VIP option to get to Rishikesh - rent a car with a driver (simply, a taxi). If you are traveling with a group of 3-4 people and do not have the goal of strictly saving money, a car will be an excellent option. Prices may vary markedly.
How and where you can order a car:
- On the same website with buses there are options to rent a Toyota Innova with air conditioning for 5 people. The cost will be $10 per passenger (700 rupees), that is, you will have to pay $50 for the entire car. This is the most inexpensive option.
- The agency at Main Bazaar or any other will offer you options from $85 for a passenger car and from $100 for a large and comfortable one.
- The most expensive option is to take a taxi from Delhi airport. At the pre-paid taxi counter you will be offered transport to Rishikesh for more than $100. Such a trip is worth it if you are traveling directly without stopping in Delhi. After the plane, shaking on a train or bus is not the most pleasant option. A taxi will allow you to get from the airport directly to your hotel in Rishikesh.
When traveling by car, take into account the likelihood of traffic jams - in the daytime it is much higher. In a good situation, you can get to Rishikesh in 6 hours, but if you get stuck in traffic, you will lose a few.
You can rent a car without a driver, for example. There are several rental companies in Delhi. Transport will be provided to you on condition that:
- Possession of an international driver's license.
- Over 23 years of age.
- Collateral.
- Driving experience of at least 1 year.
I cannot recommend renting a car for a trip to Rishikesh, as I don’t see much point in it. It is not cheap ($80–100 per day), traffic on Indian roads is unpredictable, and can be very difficult for an inexperienced driver. In addition, most likely, the car taken in Delhi will also have to be returned to Delhi.
Clue:
Rishikesh - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow − 2:30
Kazan − 2:30
Samara − 1:30
Ekaterinburg − 0:30
Novosibirsk 1:30
Vladivostok 4:30
When is the season? When is the best time to go
The weather and climate of Rishikesh is not much different from the rest of northern India. There is a dry season and a rainy season. From November to February there is a harsh winter in the north. During the day the temperature is comfortable up to +20 °C, but at night it can get cold down to 0 °C. In houses without heating, such differences are felt very acutely.
If you are traveling around India with a good supply of warm clothes and are not afraid of getting cold, this will be a great time for active walks and admiring the snowy mountain peaks. The coldest months are December and January; from February the sun begins to get hot and the temperature rises. There are not too many tourists during this period, prices for everything are moderate, local residents are slowly preparing for the influx of travelers.
March to June is the peak period for tourism in Rishikesh. Moreover, by the end of this period it subsides, because May - June are quite hot in these places. Temperature during the day is +25–30 °C, at night – +20–25 °C. Rain is likely only by June; the rest of the time it is warm and comfortable. Tourists come, ashrams and yoga schools are filled with students. Of course, prices rise during this period.
The rainy season begins in July and lasts until September. During the day the temperature is around +30 °C, and at night around +20 °C. The rains can start and end earlier or later, sometimes September is already dry and comfortable, and sometimes it rains all month. In any case, there are very few tourists at this time, cafes and shops are closed.
From September to November the weather is dry and warm again, attracting travelers. It’s not particularly hot, it’s still warm at night.
Rishikesh - weather by month
Clue:
Rishikesh - weather by month
Districts. Where is the best place to live?
In Rishikesh itself (in its central part) there is nothing for tourists to do! This is an ordinary small Indian town, unremarkable. All life is in full swing a couple of kilometers from the center. The main landmarks and main attractions of the city are the Lakshman-Jula and Ram-Jula suspension bridges; it is in these two areas that all the most interesting things for a traveler are located.
Here you can find many guesthouses to suit every taste. Lakshman Jhula is considered a calmer place suitable for a peaceful holiday. Near the Ram-jula bridge there is the Swarg Ashram area, it is more densely populated and bustling. There are about two kilometers between the two areas (and bridges). Pedestrian bridges connect the two banks of the Ganges; they cannot be crossed by car: they are too narrow for this. The entire tourist infrastructure is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges. Bridges have long been the symbol and most identifiable part of Rishikesh. The main ashrams and yoga schools are located here. Therefore, I would advise taking a rickshaw or walking to this area and looking for a room on your own on the spot.
Hotel prices in Rishikesh will not hurt your pocket. The cheapest room with a minimum of amenities can be found for $3 (200 rupees). If you want a more decent option, prepare for $8 (500 rupees), this room will have hot water. And for $12 (800 rupees) you will be offered a large room with air conditioning. You can check hotel prices from different sites, but I usually book on. If you want to immerse yourself in the local flavor, you can look at the options for renting private apartments.
By choosing a guesthouse in the bridge area, you can become the proud owner of a room with a huge balcony or veranda overlooking the Ganges. Many hotels have their own restaurants on the rooftops.
Ashrams
Many people come to Rishikesh to live and serve in the ashram. In the minds of most tourists (with the help of Julia Roberts and “Eat, Pray, Love”) a certain image of an ashram has formed - a kind of monastery with its own strict rules, where students live for free, learn wisdom from their guru and pay for it with physical labor. There really are such people, but they are a minority, and it’s not easy to get there without a prior invitation.
Most ashrams operate as guesthouses with yoga and meditation included. The cost of living in such places is 7–10 $ (400–700 rupees) per day.
In Rishikesh, finding an ashram is not difficult; they are at every turn: multi-storey buildings with their own territory or broken plywood huts. Everywhere you will be offered an experienced teacher and yoga courses.
The brightest and most beautiful ashram in the city is Parmat Niketan. It has its own flowering garden and a descent to the Ganges. In the evenings, aarti is held here - a religious ceremony during which small lit oil lamps are lowered into the water. In summer the ceremony takes place from 6 to 7 pm, in winter from 5.30 to 6.30 pm. Here you can find the schedule of yoga courses and submit an application.
Nearby is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, Ved Niketan. Here you can rent a very modest room for $2–4 (130–260 rupees) per night. Keep in mind that living in the ashram imposes many restrictions and rules: there is a curfew almost everywhere, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs are prohibited on the ashram territory, unmarried couples are not allowed to live in the same room, and much more. Morning yoga classes and lectures are included in the price. Meals at the local canteen are paid separately, but they are cheap (set lunch about $1). Various yoga courses are also organized here, after completing which you can obtain a teacher certificate. These two ashrams are located on the eastern bank of the Ganges in its tourist part.
There are also a couple of large ashrams on the west bank. One of them is Yoga Niketan. You can apply for yoga courses here. The cost of daily accommodation with meals, lessons and lectures is $15. Clean rooms with hot water and air conditioning. The minimum time spent in the ashram is 3 days.
The second ashram, Shivananda Ashram, is famous thanks to its founder and one of the most revered teachers of Rishikesh, Swami Shivananda. Getting into the ashram is not easy: you need to write a letter to the director and explain your desire to study in this particular place. This way you can receive an invitation to free accommodation and training. There are also paid courses of various types.
To study yoga, you do not have to live in the ashram itself - its doors are open to everyone.
What are the prices for holidays?
Rishikesh, like most cities in India with a few exceptions, is a paradise for tourists on a budget. Even at the height of the season, you can relax here modestly. Where does most of your vacation budget go? Delicacies in restaurants, alcohol, parties and excursions. All this is simply not available in Rishikesh! Vegetarian food cannot be expensive, accommodation here is also cheap, and you can organize excursions yourself.
Housing
The cost of housing depends on the season. Let's look at average prices. We rented an excellent room in a guesthouse overlooking the Ganges at the height of the season (April) for $9 (600 rupees) for two. We didn't need air conditioning; the room was simple, but clean and comfortable.
Anything to add?
Rishikesh is located in a place where the forested Himalayas rise steeply from a low valley and the Ganga River descends into the plains. At the headwaters of the river, in the midst of green hills, the city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.
Rishikesh, holy city of India
Rishikesh is one of the holy cities of India. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited in cafes and restaurants throughout the city, although beer can be purchased in some hotels. Eating meat and other non-vegetarian foods is also prohibited so as not to obstruct the chakras. According to yoga philosophy, the seven chakras serve as the main center of spiritual energy in the human body.
The city of Rishikesh became internationally popular after the Beatles went here to practice yoga and meditation to find peace and inner balance. It is not surprising that today Rishikesh is considered the “Yoga Capital of the World”. There are several world-famous ashrams here, where many visitors from around the world flock to find balance in body, mind and soul.
Rishikesh is also considered one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage centers. It is a kind of magnet that attracts spiritual seekers not only from India but also from other countries of the world. There are several shrines, baths and ashrams located here. Ashrams in Rishikesh- These are not only centers for teaching yoga, meditation and Indian classical music, but also an excellent accommodation option for those planning a long stay in Rishikesh.
You can often meet sadhus in Rishikesh. Sadhus (as well as their other variety) in India are called monks who left their wives and children, renounced the world and material wealth in order to find their true destiny. As of 2007, the number of sadhus in India was estimated at 4 to 5 million.
In cities popular with pilgrims, many beggars pose as sadhus and earn their living in this way. There are also many of them in, especially in the area of the Pashupatinath Temple. Rishikesh is no exception in our case. Often, beggars do not hesitate to take various prohibited substances. Warning! Smoking is dangerous to your health.
However, modern Rishikesh is not only a center of spirituality. It has gained fame as one of the most popular extreme sports destinations in North India. Popular adventure sports in Rishikesh include rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking and others. Rishikesh also serves as a starting point for several mountain treks in the Himalayas. This city and its inhabitants annually attract the attention of tourists from all over the world.
Sights of Rishikesh
Ram Jhula Bridge
The Ram Jhula suspension bridge is one of the major attractions of Rishikesh. Built on the Ganga River in 1986, the bridge is about 450 feet long and connects two famous ashrams of Rishikesh: Sivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram. From the bridge, one can enjoy panoramic views of the Ganges River and the picturesque surroundings, including ashrams and temples, with the mighty Himalayas as a backdrop.
Another important place in Rishikesh is the Lakshman Jhula Bridge. The approximately 450 feet long suspension bridge connects the districts of Pauri and Tehri. The bridge was destroyed in a flood in October 1924 and rebuilt in 1930. A long walk on the bridge will give you a panoramic view of the Ganges River, ashrams and temples. After visiting Lakshman Jhula, devotees also make visits to Sachha Akhileshwar Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple and Trayambakeshwar Temple.
Bharat Mandir is an important place of worship in Rishikesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the main deity inside is the Shivalinga, which was placed in the temple on the day of Basant Panchami by the Hindu saint Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya.
Every year, devotees take the Shivalinga to Mayakund for sacred ceremonies and then ceremonially return it to the temple on Basant Panchami day. The temple also has a museum which has a collection of pottery and sculptures.
Rajaji National Park and Tiger Reserve
The park is spread over an area of 820 square kilometers, it is a tiger reserve and Rajaji National Park. For wildlife lovers, this place, like another famous reserve in India, is a must-visit. Rajaji Tiger Reserve boasts of countless varieties of flora, fauna and avifauna. Some of the endangered species found here are the Himalayan bear, Asian elephant, striped hyena, jackal, king cobra and jungle cat. The main attraction of this wildlife sanctuary near Rishikesh are the Asian elephants and Bengal tigers. You can also see rhinoceroses, the small kingfisher bird, woodpeckers and peacocks here. The best time to visit the reserve is from November to March.
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is located at the confluence of three rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The place gets its name from two words - Tri (three) and Veni (merger). Some saints perform their rituals on the embankment and therefore the Ghat is considered sacred. Every evening, guests of the city gather near the Parmarth Niketan Ashram to see with their own eyes arati - a religious ritual with lit fires and offering donations.
This ritual is performed by a group of brahmin priests; in Rishikesh, the ritual is performed by the inhabitants of ashrams, often children studying the Vedas there. The ceremony begins with the singing of bhajans (religious chants), recitation of prayers, followed by havan - a sacred purification ritual that takes place around a fire with offerings to Agni, the god of fire. Fruits, honey, and wooden objects are placed in the sacrificial fire. Flowers and lighted candles in a bowl of leaves are sent along the fast flow of the Ganges River with a prayer recited. It is believed that such donations will bring health, prosperity and good luck. Anyone can take part in the arati.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is located in close proximity to Rishikesh, at a distance of about 29 km. It is located on top of a hill surrounded by dense forests. This temple is worth a visit to meditate and enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the hill.
It is really difficult to describe the sights of this holy city; the area itself has an amazing atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else and this is an attraction in itself.
Although, of course, the main attraction of Rishikesh is sacred river Ganga, which here has just descended from the mountains to the plain and Rishikesh is precisely the first city through the heart of which this great river flows. Sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and sun-warmed ghats will not leave anyone indifferent. There is no need to talk about Ganga, you need to feel it.
Another attraction is the location of the Hindu holy city. Being in Rishikesh it is very easy to determine where the south is and where the north is: in the south there are plains, and in the north there are the Himalayas, that is, the city is literally located at the foot of the Himalayas. Rishikesh is located in a truly unique place, it is from here that the Chota Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage to the four places of power in the Himalayas begins: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedranath.
Undoubtedly, the attractions of Rishikesh are two suspension bridges: Lakshman Jhula And Ram Jhula, as well as many temples and ashrams located nearby.
The city itself is worth a visit Bharat Mandir temple is the oldest temple in Rishikesh, built in the 7th century. Nearby is Triveni Ghat, where every evening a Ganga Aarti- a special puja dedicated to mother Ganga.
Another popular Ganga Aarti is held at sunset at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Ramjul. The ashram itself also deserves attention: in the picturesque garden there are many statues of Indian deities, and on the banks of the Ganga there is a huge statue of Hanuman and the famous statue of the meditating Shiva.
On the hill behind Parmarth Niketan Ashram, you can see the multi-storey orange Buthnath Temple, dedicated to the wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
Famous Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, nowadays better known as Beatles Ashram now belongs to the national park. The cost of entering the ashram through the main entrance is 600 rupees, although, if you wish, you can enter unnoticed from the Ganga side, the main thing is then to have time to hide from the approaching rangers.
While in Rishikesh, be sure to choose a morning to meet sunrise at Kunjapuri temple. The temple is located on a mountain with views of snow-capped peaks, and the sunrise itself is impressive.
Ideally, if you choose the morning after the full moon, then a doubly beautiful sight awaits you: the full moon and the sunrise over the Himalayas.
Another temple popular among tourists is Neelkanth Mahadev - temple of blue-throated Shiva. You can get to the place by rented motorbike or taxi, or you can go trekking through the national park on foot.
There are many meditation caves in the vicinity of Rishikesh, the most famous of which is Vasishtha cave, located on the banks of the Ganges 15 km from Rishikesh. If you plan a trip, keep in mind that during the day the cave is closed from 11.00 to 15.00.
Many waterfalls and mountain streams surround Rishikesh, the most popular Nir Waterfall, it is also the tallest in the area. It is better to come to the waterfall on weekdays, as there are sometimes a lot of Indians on weekends.
Round-the-clock pujas, ringing of bells, chanting of mantras and bhajans, the sound of the great Ganga and much more - all this awaits you in the world capital of yoga - Rishikesh.
The source of the Ganges, and, which are the Garhwal places of residence of Shiva and, accordingly, located near the sources of the Mandakini and Alakananda rivers, flowing into the Ganges (see relevant articles).
Rishikesh is ruled by rhythm and emotions. It flows from the north (from the mountains) to the south (to the plain). The river is cold and clean; many foreigners take a dip along with Indian pilgrims. The eastern bank of the city is closed to cars for the sake of peace of mind for the residents of the ashrams. Suspension bridges are pedestrian, but motorcyclists ride on them all the time.
Rishikesh and its attractions
Lakshmanjula Bridge (Lakshmanjula). The first suspension bridge over the Ganges was a cable bridge. In 1927, the British government built a steel suspension bridge in the Lakshmanjula area. On both banks near the bridge there is a market for souvenirs, mostly religious. It is recommended to buy rosary beads made from rudraksha in Rishikesh, which here cost from 40 rupees per piece (the smaller the seeds in the rosary, the more expensive the rudraksha). On the west bank just above the bridge book Shop with a wide selection of books on meditation, yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhism, etc., and German Bakery, and a European bakery shop. On the eastern bank there is a 13-story temple tower Trayambakeshwar. You can climb this tower to appreciate the view of the river, and the images of, if not all, then very many Indian deities.
Ramjula Bridge (Ramjula) The new Ramjul bridge was built 2 km downstream. There is also a center for trade and catering; on the west bank next to the bridge there is the main parking lot for autorickshaws (tuk-tuks). From here you can go to Lakshmanjula, up the mountain road, or down “to Rishikesh,” that is, to the Indian business part of the city, where foreigners rarely wander. You can refer to the Ramjula Bridge as a landmark for taxi drivers if you are visiting the city for the first time and getting dropped off at the bus station. On the eastern bank, to the right of the bridge, the Svargashram district begins, named after the largest ashram, along which there is a promenade.
If you don’t want to walk across the bridge over the Ganges, you can get to the opposite bank by boat, which runs every 10-20 minutes depending on how full it is. a boat ride near Ramjula in the fall of 2007 cost 5 rupees one way, 8 rupees round trip, the trip across the Ganga takes about 5-7 minutes.
Sadhu village You can take a pleasant walk if you go from the Ramjula Bridge along the eastern bank upstream to Lakshmanjula. A narrow street along the river bank runs through the oldest district of Rishikesh, inhabited by sannyasins. This place still resembles a village. There are also gardens and sheds for ascetics. From here you can go to beautiful and fairly clean beaches near the Ganges. Please note that it is not customary for women to sunbathe here; they can only swim in clothes. Most of the year the water in the river is quite cold.
Triveni Ghat Triveni Ghat is a wide embankment decorated with sculptures of deities, this is a favorite vacation spot for Hindus. Foreigners rarely come here as Triveni Ghat is away from their main locations in Lakshmanjul and Swargashram. To get to the ghat, you need to get into a rickshaw at the Ramjula bridge and go “to Rishikesh”. A tuk-tuk will drop you off at an intersection where a patterned arch marks the entrance to the street leading to the ghat. Here is a market for purely Indian consumer goods and ritual paraphernalia. Every evening a beautiful Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place at Triveni Ghat. This is a great place for relaxation and meditation, since there is no city on the opposite bank of the Ganga, and you can admire the mountains and jungle.
Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir.
The most interesting temple in Rishikesh, Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir, is located high on the mountain. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, which takes more than an hour along a mountain road. You will be rewarded for your patience: from the top there are beautiful views of the Ganges and Rishikesh. The road goes through the reserve, where there are signs warning about the possibility of encountering wild elephants. You will pass the primitive village of Buffalo People, where it is not recommended to stop, since the way of life of these mountain people suffers greatly from the intervention of civilization. Before entering the temple, you should buy a plate with offerings to the deity (20-50 rupees), then you will be allowed into the sanctuary. Particularly impressive is the huge ancient tree around which the temple is built. you need to remove it in advance and wash your feet in cold water from the source. In winter this can be a challenge for pilgrims. On the roof of the temple there is a multi-figure composition depicting the gods churning the world with the help of the serpent Vasuki, and drinking poison to save humanity. (Nilkanth, "blue neck" is an epithet of Shiva, whose throat turned blue from poison). You can go down from the temple on foot (about 2 hours of walking through the jungle), then you will come to the river near the Beatles Ashram.
Beatles Ashram. This is what people call the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, which is now inactive. After the swami left for America, this ashram was taken over by the state and was mothballed. Now they say that the place is cursed, but most likely the reason that the ashram is empty is economic - its territory is huge and restoration will require too much money. Even overgrown with jungle, the ashram is impressive in its layout and luxury of design, and one can imagine how beautiful it was during the time of the Beatles. However, many find that desolation is very conducive to a meditative atmosphere. It's definitely worth going there. The entrance is guarded by an enlightened military man who will likely only reveal his existence once you leave the ashram. He silently takes 20 rupees per person and goes on to meditate.
Waterfall. After walking 5 km. on the road up from the Trayambakeshwar temple, you will find a small dhaba with tea and samosas, built especially for those who come to see the falls. The waterfall itself is in the jungle on the right, there are actually 2 of them, and they are not very large, but beautiful. Particularly interesting is a cave with mineralized walls and ceiling next to one of the waterfalls. Further down the same road is the Phul Chatti Ashram, which has very nice swimming beaches nearby. Foreign women go there to sunbathe, but it is better to do it in the company of familiar men.
Rafting on the Ganges
To Shivpuri, 30 min. driving along the road to Badrinath, a rafters camp is located on the sandy bank of the Ganges. In addition to going down the river, there is such entertainment as jumping into the water from 10-meter cliffs. The extreme level is low, so you can take children and beginners into the boats. Many travel agencies in the city organize rafting.
Auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) in Rishikesh
You may need tuk-tuks, i.e. high-capacity public auto-rickshaws that run along the Road (the road you took to Rishikesh continues to the Ramzhula Bridge and the tuk-tuk parking lot, and then to Lakshmanjula). They run very often and cost 5 rupees. You can stop them on the street with a wave of your hand, at the stop you need - by knocking on the ceiling of the cab. This tuk-tuk can accommodate up to 8 people. Autorickshaw drivers always try to intercept foreigners before they reach the departing public minibuses and offer a private ride for 40-50 rupees on the same route. If you come to the west bank from the Lakshmanjula Bridge, you need to go up the steps past the jewelry shops and you will see different tuk-tuks. First there are taxi drivers, if you walk another 100 meters there will be minibuses. When you leave Ramzhula, you pass right through the covered parking lot (there you will also be invited to ride in a tuk-tuk, and also taxi drivers); minibuses stand on the road at the exit.
Our main goal in India is a trip to Rishikesh, and all other cities are a pleasant or unpleasant addition. Rishikesh is located at the foothills of the Himalayas, and has great cultural and spiritual significance for the Hindu world. And the sacred Ganges River and mountain landscapes bring a sense of peace and tranquility to the city. Rishikesh is not just an ordinary Indian city, it is a world center of yoga. Ashrams, retreats, detox boarding houses - that’s why tourists from all over the world come here.
Infrastructure Rishikesh
- The center - as for me, there is nothing remarkable here.
- The Swarg Ashram area is located just a few kilometers from the center. There are many ashrams, yoga centers and the bulk of the infrastructure, but the area is quite noisy.
- The Lakshman Jhula area is located a few kilometers from Swarg Ashram, up the Ganga. Lakshman Jhula is the calmest and most peaceful area of Rishikesh. It is chosen by tourists who want to get a little away from noise and civilization.
Rishikesh is home to the sacred Ganges River, crossed by two large pedestrian bridges. There are also beaches where both locals and tourists relax during the warm season. According to Indians, the Ganges in this region is completely safe for visitors. I don’t know how true this is, because Indians really revere the Ganges and even drink water from it. But in appearance, the river really seems clean and inspires confidence, perhaps I would even risk swimming in it in the summer. Everything is completely different from .
Accommodation in Rishikesh
In Rishikesh, you can easily find accommodation locally. Many hotels and guesthouses post signs: “Rooms available.” In my opinion, this is the best way to find accommodation in India. On site you can evaluate the quality of your accommodation, check the availability of water in your room, and also negotiate a good discount. Prices per night range from 200 to 700 rupees depending on the quality of the hotel and the greed of the owner.
How to search for ashrams
Tourists from all over the world come to Rishikesh to study in ascetic ashrams. Some go to a specific ashram, or to a specific guru. Others are just getting acquainted with Eastern philosophy and do not fully understand why an ashram is needed and how to find one. We just belong to the second group. A few months before the trip, I began to get acquainted with information about ashrams in Rishikesh. I found dozens of ashram websites, but the more information I found, the more confused I became. We didn’t need anything sophisticated; our goal of the trip was yoga and meditation. So we decided to find something locally and organize a small exploratory retreat.
Today there are dozens, and maybe even hundreds, of ashrams in Rishikesh. True, most of them are commercial, where accommodation and meals are paid. Some ashrams have a deep philosophy and transmit Eastern teachings, others pursue only material goals. I can’t help you choose an ashram and I won’t tell you how to do it correctly, we ourselves chose “Finger in the Sky.” In some ashrams you can live for the period that you need. In others, you can only go to yoga and meditation, and live in a hotel. If you don’t know what kind of ashram you need, then depending on your goals, you can find a suitable option on the spot. There are more than enough of them in Rishikesh, advertisements and signs at every step.
Entertainment and excursions
Besides ashrams, you can find a lot of entertainment in Rishikesh. Everything for tourists, as long as they pay money.
- Rafting on the Ganges
- Cooking master class
- Trekking in the Himalayas. They offer both one-day and two-three days.
There are many travel agencies in Rishikesh; you can choose the appropriate route on the spot. But for such trekking you need to have suitable clothes that will keep you warm in the mountains, and shoes that will firmly fix your feet.
- Ayurvedic massages
- And many others
Cooking master class
We chose a culinary master class, we really liked Indian cuisine. While walking around the city, we found a sign “Cooking Class” and decided to go in. There was a young girl sitting in a small room who told us about the conditions for the master class and assured us that there were all the necessary conditions for preparation. That the master class takes place in a specially equipped kitchen and we have absolutely nothing to worry about. Having clarified the details and agreed on the menu, we arrived at her home at the agreed time.
It turned out that Rajni lives in a tiny one-room apartment with a kitchen no more than 5 m². A bonus to everything is poorly washed dishes, unsanitary conditions and cockroaches. What actually surprises me?! It’s like this is the first time I’ve heard about unsanitary conditions in India! This is true, but hearing and seeing are two different things. I would rather not know how the dish I plan to eat was prepared. Moreover, for 2,000 rupees, which is four times more than a full lunch in a cafe. But there is nowhere to go, we have already arrived... There was, however, a pathetic attempt to refuse the master class and leave, but the hostess began to complain that this was impossible, that she had already bought all the food, and that she had a family that needed to be fed.
We didn’t want to offend her, so we stayed until the end. The training was based on the principle: “I cook, and you watch.” In an hour and a half, Rajni prepared four dishes: dal, chana masala, samosa and rice with vegetables. We weren’t very enthusiastic about the master class itself, and the dishes weren’t particularly tasty; in the cafe it’s still a little tastier. But we really enjoyed communicating with the hostess of the house; Rajni explained the cooking methods in great detail, talked about herself, her family, Indian traditions and Rishikesh. We were greatly impressed by her kindness and sincerity, so neither money nor time was a waste.
Nutritional Features
Rishikesh has all the conditions to put in order not only your soul, but also your body. In addition to northern and southern Indian cuisines, many establishments offer Ayurvedic cuisine, detox programs or organic nutrition. Rishikesh is a completely vegetarian city; you will not find meat dishes or alcohol in cafes and restaurants. And on the streets of the city they sell fruits, nuts, cane juice and even baked goods. It was in Rishikesh that I ate the most delicious food in India. It’s difficult to explain exactly how it’s different from dishes from other regions, it’s just tastier, that’s all! The average bill in a cafe was 500 - 600 rupees. This is for a two-course meal + chapati + two soft drinks;
- Bananas - 20 rupees per kg.
- Pineapples - 40 rupees 1 pc.
- Papaya - 50 rupees for 1 piece.
- Coconut (white flesh) - 20 rupees;
- Apples - 40 rupees per kg.
Shopping in Rishikesh
There are a lot of stalls and shops in Rishikesh, so you can easily buy all the necessary things here. According to my observations, prices are significantly lower than in other states and cities of India (compare with Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi). It was in Rishikesh that we bought all the necessary clothes for yoga, souvenirs and gifts for relatives. We haven't found it cheaper than in Rishikesh. This applies not only to souvenirs and clothes, the price is also lower for hotels and food in cafes.
- Himalayan salt (100 gr.) - 50 rupees;
- Masala tea (in wooden gift box) - 150 rupees;
- Masala tea in regular packaging - 100 rupees;
- Tea set (2 teas, 50 g each) - 200 rupees;
- Yoga pants (women's) - 200 rupees;
- Men's yoga pants - 250 rupees;
- Henna (packaging) - 150 rupees;
- Towel - 100 rupees;
- Himalayan honey (100 gr.) - 200 rupees;
How to get to Rishikesh
Trains run 5-7 times a day, the journey takes about 4 hours. There are no direct trains to Rishikesh; you need to get to Haridwar, and then change to a bus or take a taxi. We took a taxi, the journey took 40-50 minutes, we paid the driver 800 rupees, but anyway, how can you negotiate?
In addition, long-distance buses run from/to Rishikesh to Delhi, Arga, Jaipur, Varanasi and others. There is a bus ticket office near the bus station in Rishikesh. Based on the sign with prices, I concluded that a bus would be cheaper than a train, but for each specific direction it is necessary to clarify and compare prices.
Our impressions
Of all the Indian cities we visited, Rishikesh was my favorite. It is not very noisy, less dirty and the people here are friendlier. No one grabs hands with the words: “Si may shop” or “Believe the chip, Mister, believe the chip.” We walked a lot around the city and its surroundings, and this walk was a pleasure. If we had known right away how good it was here, we would not have gone to other cities, but stayed in Rishikesh for the entire period. It is also cheaper than tourist cities like Delhi, Jaipur and Argha.
Before your trip, I recommend checking the weather forecast for your dates. We didn't do this, which we really regretted. The fact is that Rishikesh is located in a mountainous area, so there are very large differences in temperature between day and night. We only had clothes with us for sunny weather, so we had to warm ourselves up on the spot.
