Rishikesh - Yoga, Rafting and Shopping, All Rolled Into One

Welcome to India, the land of the diversities. Experiencing the festivals, enjoying each other’s colorful and joyous occasions, the various religions with multilingual people of all cast and creed, we eat, sleep and live, all together under the shed in this one country. Right from various scientific discoveries that have benefited humankind in more than one way to explore the astrological world, our country has been spiritually advanced since ages.

Yoga is one such practice that initiated right within our country. Better recognized as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, Rishikesh Is the place where the practice of Yoga is still prevalent even in recent times. It has seen several yoga gurus coming, teaching Yoga, and becoming spiritual leaders while some even attaining enlightenment.

·    What Makes Rishikesh The Yoga Capital? 

Rishikesh is known as one of the holiest places for the Hindus. They consider it to be sacred because of the various temples and “Dhams” present over there. Rishikesh has an overwhelming spiritual aspect and energy that binds people together, the word “yoga” comes from “yug” which means, “to join”. Booking Yoga tours can guide you to the centers of yoga and spiritual houses better. Situated on the banks of the Ganges, the locals believe that Rishikesh gets its spirituality and sacredness from the holy waters of the Ganges. The Beatles brought it into the limelight when they had visited this place back in 1968. Apart from them, John Lennon, Mike Love, the Prince of Wales and The Beach Boys to have spoken about this place on several occasions. Since it was home to so many spiritual gurus and yogis, it has become the hub of reputed yoga schools and ashrams known not only in India but also all over the world. Booking Rishikesh tour packages will let you get a guided tour around the city.

·       For All The Shop-O-Holics, Here Is Your Deal

People who really like to shop will find something or the other to buy anywhere and everywhere. They know how to bargain and pay the right price as and when required. Rishikesh is like heaven to such people as you will find varieties of things in one place and all under reasonable price tags. Some of the best hubs to buy stuff are:-

 Laxman Jhula Market

This place sees some of the many local stores that sell items meant for the puja along with other religious items, jewelry and unique stuff made out of wood. These can be nice gifts for your near and dear ones.

Rishikesh Main Market

This is a lovely spot for tourists and travelers. You get amazing perfumes, spices, clothes and a lot more at pocket-friendly prices. The best time to hit the markets are the mornings and the evenings to get a taste of the lifestyle of the locals and the experience of shopping in Rishikesh.

Gole Market

This market gets buzzed with the locals during the evenings. They come there to buy accessories and attires for themselves and their families. Weekends see the highest rate of footfall and you can get yourself some really amazing traditional wear from this place. The winter wears to find a place in this market during the months of October to January.

Ram Jhula Market

Unlike the Laxman Jhula market, you are likely to find some good local spices, jewelry, and clothes in this market. Several other stores sell music CDs of prayers and religious books for the tourists and travelers. The staffs at the stores are very friendly and they will go extends to satisfy their customers. The other stores include some of the handcrafted materials with amazing collections of winter wear made of Garhwal wool. The staffs are super friendly here as well and they will welcome you with some refreshing drink or beverage and provide you with some valuable tips to abide by for your trip. 

 

·      River Rafting in Rishikesh

Are you listening? If this is something you live for and adventure tours are your thing, then now you know where to head on to. River rafting is a very famous sport in Rishikesh that you can sign up for. It is such a unique experience to let go of your regular duties and going on a trip to Rishikesh to indulge in your favorite sport. There are several grades for rafting on the holy waters of the Ganges. They range from Grade 1 to grade 5. The beginning will let you raft on easy and moderate waves with no obstacles. With the increment of each grade, the difficulty level will increase, and at the final stage, you will find it to be extremely difficult with full of obstacles on your way. The waves will be violent, and you will have to steer out clear of them all. This is unlimited fun, and you will be totally addicted to the sport. What if, you are untrained?

Even if you are an amateur, you can try it out to gain some experience and a memory to cherish later. You can stay at the camps on the sides of the river and spend the nights amidst Nature. You will wake up to the beautiful humming and chirping of so many unknown birds that will weave a melodious tune and make your morning so cheerful. The continuous splash of the waves of the Ganges and the cold and soothing breeze will calm your mind and soul.

Rishikesh is a land comprising of so many things to do and experience. From visiting the yoga centers and ashrams, trying out the water sports, shopping your heart out, to attending the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh, you are sure to have the best of your experiences rolled into a single destination. The weather too remains pleasant. Hence, that will not be a cause of concern at all. The mystic winds of the place will calm your mind and fill you with compassion, serenity, solitude, and bliss.