Yoga, Spirituality, And Adventure: Explore Rishikesh Beyond The Mat 

When the Beatles visited Rishikesh in 1968, they brought attention to the little Indian city. But, for centuries, saints, yogis, and practitioners have traveled here to perfect their yoga, become instructors, or even achieve nirvana. Rishikesh has always carried a deep yoga and spiritual legacy and has been home to some of the most renowned yoga schools and ashrams in India and around the world. 

Whether you want to try yoga for the first time or become a yoga teacher, Rishikesh has plenty of alternatives. But did you know that Rishikesh is more than just the yoga center of India? Rishikesh also shows visitors its stunning spiritual and adventure side. We are sure it is thought to be the birthplace of yoga, but here are a few additional facts that have elevated it above all other places on the planet!

Yoga: Dive into the Heart of Spiritual Practice

The first few times I visited Rishikesh, I was astounded by the typical, but last year around this time, I did a 200-hour yoga teaching training course from Nirvana Yoga School and discovered that Rishikesh holds a lot of spiritual meaning. 

People go from all over the world to learn not just various types of yoga, but also meditation, Reiki, Ayurvedic techniques, Panchakarma, and much more. These are just a few of Rishikesh’s spiritual qualities, and they are influencing the world one student or event at a time.

Satsang

A Satsang is a spiritual gathering with a guru or swami. They are everywhere in Rishikesh. Typically Satsangs and sermon teachings are for a couple of hours and “seekers” can ask for guidance. Kirtan is my favorite. They are a musical devotional gathering, sometimes spontaneous and other times planned, that generally includes chanting or a sing-along with participants. 

They can be both formal and informal in nature. There are many institutions where gurus from around the world deliver sermons near Laxman Jhula and Tapovan. One of the best places for daily Satsang is: Satsangs with Swami Atmananda Udasin

Evening Aarti in Rishikesh

Aarti’s are regular occurrences at all the temples in Rishikesh. They are a powerful spiritual ritual that happens at dusk. Typically there is a lot of chanting, music, candle lighting, prayer, and other ceremonial things. Families often enjoy them together as part of their regular worship.

Where can you experience it? Arti happens at mostly all ghats but you can go to Parmarth Niketan Ashram or Triveni Ghat at 6:00 pm.

Reiki Healing

Reiki is a Japanese healing therapy made out of two words: Rei and Ki, which signify spiritually guided life energy or Universal Life Energy. It is an energy that dwells within and around every one of us. Reiki is a spiritual healing technique in which the practitioner channels energy to the patient. Reiki uses chakra alignment and other procedures to promote mental, physical, and spiritual balance.

Where can you experience it? There are many places offering reiki healing Laxman Jhula as well as Tapovan. You can check out Yoganga Healing’s one-on-one private Reiki healing session to relieve anxiety, fatigue, and stress.

Ayurveda and Panchakarma

Thousands of years before modern medicine, India’s sages developed Ayurveda, a therapeutic practice based on the profound mind-body health connection. Ayurveda is a science that relies solely on natural goods and practices, rather than just a system for treating illness symptoms. 

Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic method for cleansing the body. It boosts the immune system and promotes a sense of health and well-being. Panchakarma is a five-fold therapy method that is highly individualized to meet the customer’s demands.

You can check out ayurveda and panchakarma retreats by institutes such as Veda5, Ananda Spa, etc. 

Every morning, seekers of knowledge gather their notebooks and yoga mats and head to their lessons. Evenings are spent discussing ideas and insights with one another over a cup of tea. All of this discovery generates a particular spirit in Rishikesh, which you can experience by simply walking or driving into the city. Rishikesh is an excellent place for self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Adventure: Thrill Seekers’ Paradise

With its breathtaking natural beauty and the presence of the strong Ganges River, this city provides a plethora of exhilarating adventure sports and activities that will get your pulse racing. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time thrill seeker, here are the top five Rishikesh activities you shouldn’t miss during your Uttarakhand trip.

River Rafting 

The best rafting in India can be found, without a doubt, in Rishikesh. The location offers the best, from the exceptional natural surroundings to the best expert help. In addition to specially designed programs for camping and rafting in Rishikesh, there are qualified operators with well-established safety protocols. 

If you want a stress-free experience, the operators take care of your food, water, and rafting needs. When making plans, bear in mind that Rishikesh is quite congested during the busiest time of year. You can enjoy rafting in three variants Shivpuri down 16 km rafting session, Marine Drive trip 26 km rafting session, or Kaudiyala 35 km rafting stretch. 

Soaring Activities

Rishikesh can be your top choice if you’re looking for the most exhilarating adventure sport and the greatest surge of excitement, from Parasailing near Fun Valley, village Mazri Grant which provides a birds-eye perspective of the spectacular landscapes with the Ganges River and lush foliage spread out beneath you, to India’s highest bungee platform, which gives a breathtaking 83-meter plummet into the deep valley below. Imagine creating memories while soaring through the sky. I had my Bungee Jumping experience in Thrill Factory and it was amazing. 

Camping 

Camping is a well-liked pastime that is perfect for anyone who wants to spend time in nature. One of the most well-liked camping areas in India is Rishikesh. Campers are people who engage in this pastime. This is a simple Rishikesh activity that people of all ages might enjoy. Camping entails pitching a tent in a natural setting. 

These days, contemporary camps with contemporary amenities are accessible. Several well-liked locations for riverbank camping are Byasi, Kaudiyala, Brahmpuri, and Shivpuri. A wonderful approach to get in touch with nature and discover its stunning riches is to go camping. 

There is nothing more delightful than listening to the sounds of chirping birds and natural waterways. Additionally, camping provides a chance to learn new things and get a glimpse into the life of the people who live in the surrounding communities.

Wildlife Safari

Rishikesh also has the second largest tiger reserve in Uttarakhand after Corbett and thus biodiversity Rajaji National Park is a treasure trove of wildlife. The park is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and spotted deer. Besides, the place has 315 species of birds, including the Great Pied Hornbill and the White-naped Woodpecker. You can share jeeps at an affordable price and go look out for the different species of birds and animals. Keep your binoculars handy!

This is just a preview of the adventure activities you can do as there are many more like reverse bungee jumping, enormous swings, and hot air ballooning etc that you can enjoy. This city has everything so embrace the adventure and make priceless memories in Rishikesh’s gorgeous scenery.

Beyond Just Yoga Capital  

Rishikesh because of its top yoga schools and the most breathtaking mix of the Himalayas and the holy Ganges, embodies the true essence of spirituality, entertainment, and enlightenment which remove all negativity from the mind and bring about calm. If you’re craving some peace, do not fail to visit the best yoga schools in Rishikesh for the well-versed teacher training courses. I hope that you enjoy your experience just like I did and experience the aforementioned activities.