Apart from being the starting point for the famous Char Dham Yatra Rishikesh has also become the most popular destinations for Yoga lovers all across the world. Yoga is the combination of physical and mental exercises coordinated with breathing techniques that improve the overall performance of the body and mind! It is also believed that the meditation in Rishikesh brings one close to the ‘Moskha’.
At least before lockdown 2020, Rishikesh has attracted many participants from all across the world for its International Yoga Festival (it is now an online event). Passionate yoga learners prepare themselves for months before coming to Rishikesh just to learn yoga. During my visit to Rishikesh, I was surprised by the facts that my roommate (Emma from Germany) told me. Rishikesh being a vegan city, her eating habits had changed and she prepared herself for months in advance to adjust to the local food.
Not yoga per se, but what took me to Rishikesh was my craving for bungee jumping! Rishikesh is known as an Adventure Capital of India and yes, Rishikesh has India’s highest bungee jumping point. After knowing this I was pulled to experience this!
My travel and stay at Rishikesh
I started my journey from Mumbai Domestic Airport to Dehradun. The Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Rishikesh from where I took a prepaid taxi to Zostel Rishikesh.
Where all did I visit?
During my two days trip, I visited few places including Paramarth Niketan ashram where I attended Ganga aarti. I must mention that it was soothing! The Bhajans that I listened to in front of the shiva statue on the banks of river Ganga (during sunset) was a killing combination of spiritual and natural healing. Back in 2013, the famous Ganga Aarti was attended by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwell, when they conducted a special havan for world peace!
Rishikesh has been referred to as one of the twin heritage cities of India because of its bridges and temples. I preferred to take long walks along the banks of river Ganga and visited places like Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula and I witnessed some of the peaceful locations just to sit and enjoy the sound of river Ganga flowing through Shivaliks.
Where all did I eat?
Rishikesh being the holy city, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are allowed. The city has several vegan cafes. I tried some mouth-watering dishes at Little Buddha cafe and Beatles cafe. (The fun fact: Back in 1968, The Beatles had visited Rishikesh and they wrote multiple songs including ‘The happy Rishikesh song’). Both this cafe has the mesmerizing views of River Ganga (can not stop imagining the soothing sound of the river and that cold breeze while enjoying my meal).
What about my Bungee jumping?
I had prebooked my bungee jumping slot at Jumping Heights Rishikesh. I reported an hour before my bungee jump at their local office which was very close to my stay. I opted for the paid shuttle service to the jumping point. They also offered other adventure sports like flying fox, giant swing etc. I kept all my belongings in the locker provided by them and headed for the short training session. And finally went to the actual jumping point. I gathered all my courage and jumped in my very first attempt (only three attempts are allowed). It was a mind-blowing and lifetime experience!
My day ended with a lot of new experiences and new friends. I headed back to Mumbai on the same evening but with one more adventure off my bucket list! Also, after visiting Rishikesh I started doing occasional yoga at home.
I hope you all will enjoy reading this post.
Stay safe!
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