Rishikesh should be on your bucket list if you love visiting religious places. Located in the Himalayas’ foothills, Rishikesh is one of India’s ultimate spiritual and serene destinations. It attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and travellers from all around the world. This is also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ with the Ganges flowing through its heart. Different people have different reasons to visit this place. Some go there to do adventure sports, and others go there to have a peaceful retreat or seek spiritual enlightenment. Here are the 7 best things to do in Rishikesh.
Experience the True Essence of Yoga
If you love yoga, you must visit Rishikesh. Here, you will be able to experience the true essence of yoga. This place is home to various yoga centres and numerous ashrams that you visit to learn different aspects of yoga. You can thus get the guidance and advice of experienced teachers. It would be enthralling to join a morning yoga session by Ganges’ banks while the rising sun offers a peaceful ambience for you. Enjoy the natural beauty while being immersed in practicing yoga.
Attend Ganga Aarti
While in Rishikesh, you can always take advantage of the excellent Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat during the evening. The enchanting sound of chants, hymns, and bells fills the atmosphere with spirituality. The priests perform the rituals with incense, flowers, and oil lamps that you can experience closely. The incredible sight of innumerable flickering lamps floating downstream is genuinely amazing.
Do Meditation at Riverside
If you want to attain meditation, then you need to do meditation by the riverside in Rishikesh. This is how you can eliminate the hustle and bustle of your daily schedule and feel tranquillity. The soothing sound of Ganges’ water will help you focus while meditating. During meditation, do not forget to take a deep breath and close your eyes to enjoy the peaceful ambience of Rishikesh. This experience will undoubtedly be quite rejuvenating to refresh your soul, body, and mind.
Participate in Adventurous Activities
If you love adrenaline kicks, Rishikesh offers many thrilling activities and sports. You can either opt for rafting along the Ganges or simply have a swimming session in the cold water of it. Other adventurous sports include trekking in the Himalayan foothills, zip-lining, cliff jumping, and bungee jumping. Such outdoor sports and activities will surely give you the much-needed adrenaline rush.
Check Out Ancient Ashrams and Temples
There are so many ancient temples and ashrams in Rishikesh. You must check out these temples and ashrams to explore the true cultural heritage of this city. Visiting Neelkanth Mahadev Temple should be your first and foremost precedence. This is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh. The surrounding mountains and lush forests give a fantastic panoramic view. You can also pay homage to Parmarth Niketan Ashram. This place offers spiritual discourses to its visitors.
Get Ayurvedic Wellness Therapies
Getting Ayurvedic wellness therapies would also be a good option for you to consider. There are also helpful spa treatments that are popular in Rishikesh. Using herbal techniques and herbs offers holistic healing and relaxation to your body and mind. You can perfectly detoxify your body, mind, and soul. Panchakarma therapy is another effective procedure that helps cleanse your mind, body, and spirit. As a result, you get to feel revitalized and rejuvenated.
Indulge in Vegetarian Cuisine
If you are a vegetarian, you can indulge in the delectable vegetarian cuisine at Rishikesh. These dishes are not only nutritious; they are also flavourful and tasty. Foods like Chole Bhature and Rajma Chawal are the most popular. Other food options include organic salads and wood-fired pizzas. It will sate your taste buds and offer a unique culinary experience. You should also try herbal teas, freshly squeezed juices, and locally sourced fruits.
Conclusion
Rishikesh is a fantastic place to visit. This is where you get spirituality and peace of mind. Nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and others prefer to visit this city. There are so many things to do in Rishikesh. You are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience that will make you inspired and rejuvenated. The journey to Rishikesh will be quite fulfilling and enriching for you. One can do any of the above-described things per their choice and preference. Doing some prior research will be beneficial and advantageous.
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