Exploring Rishikesh, India: The Birthplace Of Yoga

India is a country with so many hidden treasures and one of them is yoga.  But, it is no more hidden and has spread its roots across the globe. Yoga developed in Rishikesh, India, and to unfold the mystical layers of yoga, start by exploring the town of Rishikesh – the Yoga Capital of the World.

India is a country of vibrancy, colourful culture, diverse terrain, secularism, and of course Yoga – one of the substantial gifts the country offered to the world. Ancient art is hugely popular, and why not, it is one of the best ways of weaving the goodness of nature and alternative medicine into lives. The mystical art of yoga developed thousands of years ago in the lap of the Himalayas and honouring the same, let’s explore the birthland of Yoga.

Renowned as the Holy City, Rishikesh is a small town of the North Indian state of Uttrakhand which is nestled on the foothills of the Himalayas besides the sacred River Ganges. A self-styled Yoga Capital of the World, the town has a lot more to offer beyond yoga.

Traversing Rishikesh allows you to know about yoga profoundly. So explore Rishikesh, India, the land of yoga’s origin, in the best possible way and find yourself more close to the ancient holistic art.

yoga

Of course Yoga

When we hear of Rishikesh two things strike our mind one is spirituality, and other is obviously yoga. Commence the voyage to the land of surprises, the city which is renowned as the yoga capital of the world and has everything to offers to your yogic soul. From yoga teacher training to a yoga retreat to yoga tour and more, Rishikesh is the land of yogis and has lot in store for them.

Nature is Satisfying

Encircled with breathtaking Himalayan trails, Rishikesh is a place that captivates the travelers with its pure beauty and serenity. Perched besides the Holy River Ganges, Rishikesh is also home to a lot of mesmeric species of flora and fauna, which can be witnessed during a Jungle Safari. Explore the wilderness by visiting Rajaji National Park.

Experience Ashram Life

Yoga in ashrams enhances the experience of the whole journey, and Rishikesh is a town that boasts of one of the world’s largest clusters of Ashrams which are best for spiritual retreats, meditation practice and yoga. Ashrams and Bhavans are amazing places to stay in Rishikesh, and let you witness the raw culture of the place.

Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga

Connect with Your Spiritual Being

Rishikesh is a divine land and one of the renowned Hindu Pilgrimage destinations. The setting and the aura of the place is so pure that it brings you into a state of harmony. Meditation or spirituality retreat is the ideal way of getting connected with the spiritual self. You can look for meditation centers or can also participate in Kirtans, Havans, Satsang at temples or at other sacred places. Visit famous temples of Rishikesh including Trayambakeshwar Temple, Bhoothnath Temple, Lakshman Temple, Shatrughna Temple, Shri Bharat Mandir, Kunjapuri Devi Temple, etc. to name a few.

Witness Ganga Aarti

Get enthralled with the glorifying sight of Ganga Aarti where you witness the merger of Nature and Spirituality, Chaos and Calmness. It is a Hindu religious ritual; the aarti is performed on the river bank during sunset which involves offering to the Holy River Ganges and Mantra Chanting. Relish the sight of Ganga Aarti from the famous Ghats of Parmarth and Triveni.

Explore the Adventure Side

Rishikesh is the place of confluence where yoga, adventure, and spirituality meet and offer visitors with a grander experience than expected. When in Rishikesh do not forget to explore the adventure side of yours by taking a dig at amazing thrilling activities. You can go for river rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, waterfall trekking, camping, mountaineering, and more in the town.

Abandoned Beatles Ashram

Technically it is known as Chaurasi Kutia Ashram, a former ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, but the visit of famous Beatle Band in 1968 made it more popular. Beatles traversed to Rishikesh to learn and experience spirituality, and come in contact with Maharishi who famously taught transcendental meditation. The place is abandoned now but is open for visitors to explore, get clicked, and to find a sense of calmness. Inside the ashram, you walk into the domed meditation caves, common room, and enjoy the beatific glimpse of nature and amazing graffiti that keeps the place lively.

Bistro Nirvana Cafe

Cafes are Bae

Socializing at cafes is a pretty sober affair in Rishikesh, as alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited considering the sacredness of the place. Rishikesh is the place where you relish the authentic and traditional flavors of Indian delicacies at restaurants like Choti Wala and many others.  Cafes and restaurants are plentiful in Rishikesh with making some feeble efforts at serving international cuisine including Thai, Mexican, Lebanese, Chinese, Italian, etc. You can visit places like Patio-Aloha on the Ganges, Bistro Nirvana, Ira’s Kitchen & Tea Room, Divine Cafe and Bakery, German Bakers, Little Buddha, etc. to have good food.

Tourist Places

These famous places in Rishikesh are a must visit for your exploration spree. So apart from visiting the temples, Beatles Ashram and National Park, cross iconic suspension bridge – Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, visit Swarg Ashram, Rishikud, Geeta Bhavan and Vashistha Gufa. Don’t miss the shopping spree at the local market to buy gifts at reasonable prices for your loved ones.

Rishikesh is surely a mesmeric place, a spiritual center, and with the bliss of yoga and meditation upheave the vibe of the town in a whole new and different sense. Travel here and experience the pleasantness in abundance.

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Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher, Writer at Assignment Bro, and a Traveller in India. He organizes 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. Manmohan Singh conducts Yoga Teacher Training in India in different cities. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas.

2 Comments

  1. May 8, 2019 / 3:02 am

    I learned today something I didn’t knew! didn’t new yoga came from India that’s so cool!

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