RISHIKESH UNVEILED:)
Like Rachel Wolchin said, “if we were meant to stay at one place we would have roots instead of feet.”
When I first landed my feet in ‘the land of gods, Uttarakhand’ , I experienced a sense of calm, oneness and serenity, almost as if someone had picked me up from the crowded and polluted Delhi and transferred me to a heaven like place which breathed tranquility. The air never felt as fresh and sweet, the skies never seemed to be as clear, strangers never felt like acquaintances, but the time I spent in Rishikesh, it made me experience all this and so much more.
After the hectic college exam season, it was just the break I needed to reconnect with my divine self and reflect on my actions and self actualize while sitting at the banks of Ganga Mata.
MY EXPERIENCE
It is well known that wherever we go, it somehow becomes a part of you, and till now i just thought of this statement as a quote. But being at that serene place for a few days made me connect to that quote deeply. Rishikesh is well known for the love the people living there have for Yoga. When I was there with my cousins, I imagined the trip to be super fun, light and casual. And although, it was all that i had imagined it to be, it made all of my brothers and sisters have a spiritual awakening of sorts. One morning, while we were there, after we were done with the breakfast, we noticed there was a complimentary Yoga Class at our hotel, and since we had nothing booked for the day, we decided to take the class. If I tell you it was phenomenal, it would be an understatement. The whole process that the instructor undertook, right from the beginning of the session, by lighting candles and incense sticks to set the tone of the room, helping us calm down and unwind, guiding us patiently throughout the class and helping us be in touch with our deepest self was splendid and i enjoyed it thoroughly. So much so, that even after coming back, I kept with Yoga practice and still do 10-15 minutes sessions each day.
Later that evening, we were fortunate enough to land a good spot to witness the enchanting Ganga Arti. The feeling of bowing down to something that is greater than me, something that has so much strength, so much power, bowing to the actual creator of the universe, gives you a sense of peace and comfort like nothing else can.
Exploring new cafes and restaurants was our daily thing. We are all big believers of we are what we eat, although and that good food is the foundation of our happiness. So, we never left a day without trying out new things and indulging into the delightful delicacies Rishikesh had to offer.
PACKING GUIDE FOR THE SMART TRAVELLERS
To make sure that you make the most of your time there, it is essential to be comfortable during your travel. Here is a checklist for the next time you go to for an adventurous trip to Rishikesh:
- Lightweight, breathable shirts/t-shirts
- Comfortable pants/shorts
- Long-sleeved shirts/pants for evenings (especially during cooler months)
- Swimsuit (for rafting or swimming)
- Quick-dry towel
- Lightweight rain jacket (especially during monsoon season)
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals
- Sunglasses
- First Aid Kit
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Now you were wondering what is the best time to visit Rishikesh , it is simply depend on your preferences. Here is the best seasons to go for the exciting trip to Rishikesh:
The Spring season in Rishikesh starts from March and ends in April is another best time to visit the region which has the pleasant weather .
- The Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C is ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, camping ,rafting and bungee jumping. Yoga and meditation retreats also thrive in this season.
The Monsoon season in Rishikesh starts from July and ends in September which receives heavy rainfall leading to landslides. So this is not the ideal time to visit Rishikesh.
While trekking and camping may be limited due to the rains, this season offers a unique experience of witnessing greenery and the flowing of rivers and waterfalls
The post monsoon season from September to November is another best time to visit Rishikesh.
The weather during this time is very pleasant from the mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C which makes ideal for outdoor activities like hiking trekking and camping. Also, it is perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Winter seasons from December to January is another best time to visit Rishikesh.
The temperature ranging from 5°C to 20°C is suitable for adventure activities like trekking and camping. Yoga and meditation retreats are popular as well in this city
But, overall at last you should visit Rishikesh at the best seasons like water rafting and trekking is from March to April and October to November when the weather is pleasant.
EXPLORING THE CAFES OF RISHIKESH
My dining experience at a restaurant in Rishikesh felt .like stepping into a peaceful place amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. The place had a warm atmosphere with soft lighting, wooden decor and a soothing music playing at the background. Sitting by a window, I enjoyed a breathtaking view of the serene ganga river, accompanied by the melodious sound of temple bells. It was a truly enchanting scene. The menu offered a variety of delicious Indian dishes. Starting with the starters , I tasted flavors that were both satisfying and comforting. Later, I tried their signature main course, which was expertly cooked to perfection. each bite was a delight with the lovely surroundings. At last , this dining experience stayed with me as a memorable moment , leaving me satisfied long after the last bite.
So at last , in conclusion , my journey to Rishikesh , Uttarakhand was nothing short of magical. From the serene banks of Ganges to the majestic Himalayan views, every moment was filled with wonder and adventure. Whether it was practicing yoga by the river , experiencing the water sports like river rafting , or simply taking in the peaceful atmosphere, Rishikesh captivated my heart in many ways I never imagined. The warm hospitality of the locals, the delicious local cuisine and the vibrant spirituality and nature of the city left an incredible mark on my soul. Rishikesh is not just an destination; it’s a shelter for the mind, body and spirit.
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