Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital of the world. At the foot of the Himalayas, with the Ganges running through it, it is a centre for yoga, meditation and holistic healing.
The river and the ashrams
Many ashrams line both banks of the river, where visitors can practise yoga and study with teachers. The Ram Jhula suspension bridge is one of the town’s best-known sights.
Ganga Aarti
At dusk on the ghats, the aarti is performed: lamps, chanting and offerings to the river. Tradition links Triveni Ghat to Lord Rama’s penance.
The Beatles
In the 1960s the Beatles came to learn meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The so-called “Beatles Ashram”, with its meditation domes, can still be visited.
Good to know
- The town is vegetarian and alcohol-free.
- Temples include the 13-storey Trayambakeshwar and Gita Bhawan.
- Best times: September to November and February to April.
Source: Incredible India – Rishikesh.
Image: VK1983, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
