For most of us, a trip to Rishikesh would either mean rafting in the Ganges or going on a pilgimrage. However my last visit to Rishikesh was something beyond the two. A break from Delhi post Diwali at a location not far was the intention.
Make sure whenever you are planning to go to Rishikesh to spend a lot of time with the river. Unlike other places like Haridwar or Benaras, Rishikesh has lesser crowd which worked ideally for me.
If you want to spend some amazing time with the Ganges try sitting in the opposite banks of the river in the Ram Jhula area(opposite to Parmath Niketan) ideally in the morning or at night The place will provide you with an unimaginable serenity.
Our biggest plus point was taking a hotel at the same area (opposite main banks of Ram Jhula) with an amazing river view. However, if you could not manage it, never mind, the place has still much more to offer.
My Rishikesh trip was entirely a rendezvous with the river Ganga. The river carries away people’s sorrow, shares your troubles and importantly heal you.
Deep your feet and try to close your eyes or meditate for sometime. I may not be a spiritual expert but it will for sure give you a different realization.
Visit the sand beach next to River Jhula. Specially during sunset you will have a great time.
You can try to attend the Ganga Aarti at Parmath Niketan in Ram Jhula. Of course it isn’t like the one you can witness in Banaras or Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh. However the vibe created by the devotees can be felt to the core.
Laxman Jhula is around 3 km from Ram Jhula. We took a rickshaw which dropped us to Laxman Chowk. You can explore the area on foot. If Ram Jhula is about temples, laxman jhula is all about Yoga.
People seem to be breathing Yoga. Laxman Jhula is also a good place for shopping. You can buy artefacts and various yoga stuff.
There are many cafes which provide a wide array of non Indian vegetarian food. Try to go to one with a Ganga view.
Since our travel back was in the evening and we left the hotel by 12, we had some 3 or 4 hours to spend when we decided to check out the Parmath Niketan and Gita Bhawan. They are basically ashrams where people can come and stay, follow a regime provided by them involving different aspects of spiritualism and self awakening. It includes satsang, seva and yoga. I found them quite interesting and Parmath Niketan has amazing peeple trees. You can spend a lot of time around those trees.
For me Rishikesh was all about spending time with river Ganga, watching people submerged in spiritualism or yoga.
The place will fill you with a positive vibe and definitely heal you and make you feel better about your life.
