Introducing Rishikesh
Ever since the Beatles rocked up at the ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the late ’60s, Rishikesh has been a magnet for spiritual seekers. Today it styles itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ – with some justification – as there are masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes. Most of this action is north of the main town, where the exquisite setting on the fast-flowing Ganges, surrounded by forested hills, is conducive to meditation and mind expansion. In the evening, the breeze blows down the valley, setting temple bells ringing as sadhus (spiritual men), pilgrims and tourists prepare for the nightly ganga aarti ceremony.
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Rishikesh is very New Age: you can learn to play the sitar or tabla on your hotel roof; try laughing yoga; practise humming or gong meditation; experience crystal healing and all styles of massage; have a go at chanting mantras; and listen to spiritually uplifting CDs as you sip Ayurvedic tea with your vegetarian meal.
But it’s not all spiritual. Rishikesh is now a popular white-water rafting centre, backpacker hang-out, and gateway to treks in the Himalaya.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Great times India
by blisspassport 14 September 2011
What you're describing sounds more like Thailand than India. Not much in India is secluded and quiet with 1.2 billion people. But there…
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RE: Seeking India/Nepal travel buddies Dec 2011-Jan 2012
by yoda101 14 September 2011
If you fly to Kathmandu from Delhi, then in reality you will have about a month to travel. So, you could pretty much see entire Rajasthan…
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Re: Great times India
by heschi 13 September 2011
The biggest choice of meditations & yogacourses you will find in Rishikesh. It might take some time to find the most suitable course for…
Hotels & Hostels in Rishikesh
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Vashishth Guest House
Rishikesh
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Tapovan Villa
Rishikesh
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Ogs Tourist Home
Rishikesh
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