The holy city of Rishikesh, at the foot of the Himalayas, has deep cultural and spiritual values not only for Indians but for foreigners as well. In Uttrakhand, Rishikesh is the 7th most populated city.
If a person wants to feel a sense of connection to God, they must consider going to Rishikesh. It is one of the holiest destinations for Hindus. Due to the religious significance of Rishikesh, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited. The city is known as a center for studying yoga and meditation. Therefore, since 1989, the city has hosted the annual International Yoga Festival in the first week of March.
The city has numerous temples, ashrams, and a few sacred ghats to make people feel at peace. But with all this, Rishikesh is also a hub for adventurous activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, etc.
There are numerous things that you should do whenever you visit Rishikesh. Some of them are:
Visit Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula:
Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula are landmark places in Rishikesh. They are iron-suspended bridges that join the banks of the Ganga at two different locations. There are two famous temples at Ram Jhula; Swarg Ashram and Geeta Bhawan. There is also a very favorite restaurant called Chotiwala in that region.
At the side of Lakshman Jhula, there is the famous tourist spot and multi-story Tera Manzil Temple
Get blessing at Bharat Mandir:
Shri Bharat Mandir is at the heart of Rishikesh. It is the city’s most ancient, sacred, and famous temple. According to various mythology books, the temple is named after Bharat, Rama’s brother. At the time of Tretayug, he meditated here with his brothers. There is also a belief that in Kalyug, Lord Vishnu will be worshiped as Bharat. There are also three more temples in its vicinity dedicated to Rama, Lakshmana, and Shatrughan.
Witness the Spiritual Ganga Aarti:
Witnessing Ganga Aarti is pure bliss for the devotees. Especially in Rishikesh, it is more blissful as the Aarti is held in a small place with a few people and is a quiet affair. So, you can sit peacefully in a corner and witness the ritual with your calm mind.
Visit Kunjapuri Devi Temple:
Kunjapuri Temple is at a height of 1645 meters. Being a prominent religious and spiritual place, many visitors come throughout the year, especially during Navratri, to feel the power of the nine Devis.
Trekking to Kunjapuri temple is fun in the early morning, with the incredible sunrise on the Greater Himalayan Peaks and the vast Indo-Gangetic plains.
Attend Yoga Classes:
Rishikesh is the ‘Yoga Capital’ of the world. The city has a lot of people who practice and teach yoga and meditation activities. Yoga helps in maintaining not only your physical health but also your mental health. One should practice yoga regularly. And there is no place better than Rishikesh to learn yoga and meditation.
Do some Adventure Activities in the Mountains and Lands of Rishikesh
Rishikesh is not only a pilgrimage and sacred place but also a hub for adventure activities. Rock climbing, bungee jumping, trekking, camping, hot air balloon, paragliding, giant swing, mountain biking, and many more adventure activities that you can do in Rishikesh to rejuvenate your soul.
Do some Water Sports in the Waves of Ganga:
There are a lot of fun and adventurous water sports that you can do in Rishikesh. River rafting is the best water sport you will experience in the city.
The city has several beautiful natural peaks and valleys from where you can do cliff jumping and can enjoy the waves of Ganga.
You can also experience Kayaking and waterfall rappelling in Rishikesh.
Witness the Beauty of Neer Gaddu Waterfall:
Neer Gaddu Waterfall is located about 5-7 kilometers from Lakshman Jhula. These natural waterfalls exude incredible beauty as they tumble down the rocky cliff. During the summer, tourists visit the waterfall to cool off in the nearby stream. The waterfalls have two small bridges, with a few resting shops nearby. A short hike will bring you closer to these beautiful waterfalls.
Get Relaxing Ayurvedic Massages:
After doing all the exploring, sightseeing, and adventure activities, everyone deserves some relaxation. And there is nothing more relaxing than Ayurvedic massages. It is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh at night: treat your body from all the exhaustion.
Conclusion
Rishikesh is the portal to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage, i.e., Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. It is not only an ideal destination for pilgrims but also for people who want to do something adventurous. Rishikesh is a place that will make you feel at peace with its spiritual and calm demeanor. It’s a perfect destination to escape your daily busy lives.