What is the Dussehra Festival ?

Dussehra Burning Effigy of Ravana

Where is Dussehra celebrated?

Dussehra is predominantly an Indian festival in the north. Delhi and Varanasi are popular places to attend the celebrations.

The largest effigy of Ravan in India is located in the small town of Barara (about 80 kilometers from Chandigarh). He was 200 feet tall in 2013!

Elsewhere in India, notable Dussehra festivals are held in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh, Mysore in Karnataka, Kota in Rajasthan, Bastar in Chhatisgarh and Almora in Uttarakhand. See the 7 best places to celebrate Dussehra in India.

In West Bengal, Navaratri and Dussehra are celebrated as Durga Puja.

Dussehra is one of the liveliest times to visit the Dadar flower market in Mumbai, as people buy gold marigolds for traditional decoration and worship.

How is Dussehra celebrated?

In northern India, theatrical performances and dances known as Ramaleela, depicting the life of Rama, are commonly held in the head of Dussehra.

These shows are particularly great in Varanasi and Delhi. Do not miss these 5 popular Ramlila shows in Delhi.
Then on Dussehra, huge effigies of the Ravana demon are burned throughout India. See the effigies of Ravan made in Delhi.
In Mysore, in addition to cultural shows and fairs, the highlight of Dussehra's 10-day celebration is the large parade of decorated elephants and mounted guards to escort the goddess across the city.
In Kullu, the deities of the goddess are carried around on colorful floats, and there is a lot of dancing and revelry.

What rituals are performed?

Dussehra is considered a propitious time to worship the tools used to earn an income. Nowadays, this includes laptops and cars! According to legend in the epic Mahabharata, Arjun hid his arms on a tree and when he returned a year later, on Dussehra's day, he recovered them safely. So he worshiped the weapons, along with the tree.

Ravan is depicted with 10 heads and 20 limbs. It is often thought of as a symbol of the negative or evil emotions that exist in human beings. Each of its 10 heads refers to an aspect that must be conquered: lust (kama vasana), anger (krodha), illusion (moha), greed (lobha), pride (mada), jealousy (matsara), selfishness (swartha) , hate (Ghrina ), cruelty (amanavta) and ego (ahankara).

According to mythology, King Mahabali told Ravan to get rid of his negative emotions.However, he refused, arguing that they were important for him to remain complete. As our head controls our destiny, Ravan's inability to control his emotions and desires has led to his final destruction.

Cooking course in Rishikesh / How to make chapati

Valley of the flower by Rishikesh Day Tour

Do you want to go trekking in India in the Himalayas? Perfect. But instead of frozen landscapes and steep peaks, choose the Valley of Flowers, the smallest Himalayan national park.

So particular, delicate and movingly beautiful to have convinced even UNESCO to include it in the list of human heritage along with the nearby and more famous national park of Nanda Devi.

How do you feel walking in a natural garden that seems to come out of a painter's mind? Imagine walking in the midst of 300 varieties of wildflowers, set in the Himalayan environment, where unique endemic species live in the world, rare brown bears from the collar, flowers called 'Lotus of the gods', birches and rhododendrons in the background and the Pushpawati river it flows beside you. Do not you feel better already just thinking about it?

The Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the state of Uttarakhand, in the district of Chamoli: we are in northern India, near the border with China. Although not as famous as the Rajasthan tour, it is a relatively small area (covering an area of 87.5 sq. Km) but with such a special microclimate that it has become the paradise of botanists all over the world.

The most famous of the scientists who were struck by the beauty of the place is Frank Smythe: he explored the Valley of Flowers for a long time in the '30s and was so impressed to write a book about it,' The Valley of Flowers', which brought the world aware of the park and where he wrote 'The Bhyundar valley is the most beautiful I've ever seen'.

Thanks to a set of brightly colored flowers, which create a very scenic effect: anemones, violets, geranium, gentians, primroses, rhododendrons, roses, all wild and spontaneous, an immense bouquet of wildflowers that would also move the soul more cynical. And in the background the birches, the peaks of the Himalayas (to be precise the 6,464 m of the Nilgiri and the 6,166 of the Rataban), the classic alpine flora, the purity of the air and the sky.

The Valley of the flower is a very nice place for trekking, but it can only be reached during the day from June to October: in the other months, the road that connects it to the nearby village of Ghangaria is hardly feasible. And keep in mind that even getting to the village itself is not easy, so trekking in the Valley of Flowers is not to be considered affordable for everyone. Seek an expert guide and find out well before leaving.

However, in addition to flora and fauna, in the vicinity of the Valley of Flowers, there are many sacred places that are worth seeing, also because they represent the door of another world, a sacred and still authentic and distant India. From mass tourism. First of all, Hemkund, the sacred Sikh lake located at 4,500 meters above sea level. According to the Sikh religion, on its shores it stopped to meditate on Guru Govind Singh, so be prepared to share the path with many pilgrims traveling for reasons of faith. And then the sanctuary dedicated to Vishnu, Badrinath, a sacred place for followers of the Hindu religion at 3,150 meters above sea level.

Walking Tour in Rishikesh by Rishikesh Day Tour

Stunning views of the Himalaya & Ganges are what that attracts to go walking &trekking in Rishikesh but the Himalayas is an amazingly rich culturally. Walking in the Himalaya to gain an insight into the Yogic culture in such an extraordinary and such an extraordinary place. There’s now a wide range of opportunities for those who are seeking Himalayan retreat.

Walking tour: It is a spiritual extension of walking experience for those who seek untold story and unexplored spirituality under the influence of Yogic Himalayan religion.

THE 3 GANGA AARTI IN INDIA: VARANASI - HARIDWAR - RISHIKESH

As anticipated from the map of our trip, most of the time would have been dedicated to the 3 Indian sacred cities in which the Ganga Aarti takes place. The Ganga Aarti is a Hindu ritual dedicated to the Goddess Mother Ganga, the most sacred of the Indian rivers, a devotional ritual that uses fire as an offering (Aarti, in Sanskrit, means removal of the darkness), is usually realized in the form of a lit candle in a small Diya (or simple wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor) surrounded by flowers and allowed to carry by the river current.

The Ganga Aarti takes place every evening at sunset on the banks of the Gange river in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi; however, the ceremonial is partly different in each of these places.

The most spectacular ceremony takes place every evening at the Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi, near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It differs from the aarti of Haridwar and Rishikesh precisely because it is highly choreographic. The ceremony is performed on small stages, in front of the river, by a group of young pandits (it is an honorary title which indicates a scholar of religion, music, philosophy or the Sanskrit language), wrapped in saffron-colored robes with dishes for puja spread out in front of them. The ceremony begins with the blowing of a shell, continues with the rotation of sticks of incense and in the final with large flaming lamps that light up the night along the river. In Varanasi, the ceremony is held by 7 pandits whose movements of incense, candles, and songs are perfectly synchronized. In the air, the smell of sandalwood is inebriating and involves you in the atmosphere of the Aarti. To be able to attend the ceremony there are several ways, it also depends a lot on what season you are visiting the city. In summer, people start arriving very early (as early as 5:00 pm), to get a good position; attending the ceremony by the ghats is free, if you want you can also attend buying a berth for a few dozen rupees and enjoy the ceremony by the river, or, always for the same price, many shops nearby rent their balconies to tourists. In winter everything is much more relaxed, the tourists are much less and even arriving at the last minute there is always a good position from which to watch the show.

In Haridwar, the Ganga Aarti is held in Hari-ki-Pauri Ghat (literally "Feet of the Lord"), in terms of spiritual importance, Hari-ki-Pauri is considered as important as Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. Legend has it that it was born where the nectar fell (Amrit) from a plate carried by sacred birds (Garuda). The Ganga Aarti at Haridwar is perhaps the one that mostly involves the spectators, during the first half hour in fact, the prayers that resonate from the coffers of the temple are repeated in chorus by the faithful sitting on the opposite bank of the Ganges; in the second part instead, the ceremony returns to be more similar to that seen in Varanasi, although much shorter. At the end of the ceremony, hundreds of offers are released in the waters of the Ganges illuminating the entire bed, a unique show to watch. There is also a celebration (very short) at dawn, we have witnessed for curiosity but probably, if we had slept a couple of hours more, we would have earned.

In Rishikesh instead, the Ganga Aarti takes place on the banks of the river in front of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. It is a much more intimate and relaxed celebration than the aarti of Haridwar and Varanasi and is also lacking in theatricality, many prefer it, for this reason, considering it more spiritual. Personally, I can say that, in any case, we are not talking about ceremonies made for use and consumption of tourists, on the contrary, Indian participation is by far the most important and heartfelt.

Usually, the ceremony in Rishikesh is not performed by the pundits, but by the residents (many children) of the ashram who study the Vedas (sacred texts in Vedic Sanskrit).

The ceremony begins with the singing of bhajans (devotional songs), prayers, and a Hawan (a sacred and purifying ritual that takes place around a fire, with the offers made to Agni, the god of fire). The children sing with the spiritual guide of the ashram around lighted candles under an enormous statue of Shiva.

What See in the Haridwar

What to see in Haridwar, India

Usually, we always recommend to take things slowly and spend several days to visit a city. In the case of Haridwar, since it is often a day trip from Rishikesh, we think it is better to draw a path that allows you to see all this sacred city in 24 hours!

A guide to seeing Haridwar in one day:

- a visit to the morning market; - a trip to the ghats in the day where you can take some nice pictures in the sunlight;

 - lunch at one of the most famous restaurants in the area, the Chotiwala;

 - a spiritual journey that touches two important temples inside the city (also accessible via cable car and minibus in a practically organized itinerary);

- return to the ghats at sunset to participate in the evening puja.

 Haridwar Heritage Walk

The central market of Haridwar: Moti Bazaar

A few steps from the main ghat is an intricate network of streets full of shops of all kinds. Between Moti Bazaar, Upper Road and Jwalapur you will find every possible commodity. This area of bazaar being very frequent from locals and very little from foreigners has really cheap prices and very original products. Lose yourself among stalls selling Hindu sacred icons, textiles and Ayurvedic products, it will be worth it.

 The ghats of Haridwar and Ganga Aarti: Har Ki Pauri and the others

Perfect places during the day to take beautiful photos of giant Shiva statues that rise in this area and admire the local people who relax and pray on the banks of the Ganges; in the evening a symbol of the celebration of spectacular choreographic pujas during the Ganga Aarti (ceremony of thanksgiving to the river Ganges) that is celebrated at sunset (but also, in a less spectacular way, in the morning). The main Ghat of Haridwar are 4: Har Ki Pauri is the most important, where the Ganga Aarti is celebrated and where most of the faithful decide to bathe in the cold and powerful waters of the river

Go down the great stone steps that reach the Ganges and you will see many Hindus who, holding tight to big chains anchored at the bottom to not be dragged by the current, get wet and play (literally splashing and laughing like crazy) in the waters of Mother Ganga, to purify itself.

To take part in the Ganga Aarti, check the timetable for the celebration (change according to the season) and arrive at least 15 minutes in advance or risk getting too late due to the crowd gathering on the banks. The other important ghats are the Gau Ghat where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi, the Ashti Parvath Ghat were dispersed where the ashes of the faithful Hindus are commonly dispersed and the Subhash Ghat near the most famous Har Ki Pauri

Eat at the Chotiwala

If you are in the ghat and market area you should definitely try the best-known restaurant in the area, the chain spread in several dining options in the Haridwar / Rishikesh area: Chotiwala. If some of the restaurants of the brand did not satisfy us, we instead enjoyed incredibly thali offered by the restaurant closest to the Har Ki Pauri, where they serve a thali so abundant to feed 2 people (not cheap but really great!) And really delicious bread. Consult the Tripadvisor page to find out more.

The most important temples of Haridwar

The Mata Mansa Devi temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa known for her ability to satisfy the wishes of the faithful who invoke her. The temple is located on Mount Bilva Parvat. Pilgrims can reach the temple through a small trek (1.5 km one way) or with a cable car which lasts a few minutes. The interior of the temple is not overly spectacular but is very popular and full of religious souvenirs sellers. The view from the top is very beautiful, too bad that the fog often envelops the city in autumn and winter.

The temple of Chandi Devi is dedicated to a height of 208 meters on Mount Neel Parvat and is 4 km from Haridwar Railway Station. It is believed that here the Goddess Parvati (wife of Lord Shiva) killed the demons Chand and Mund in antiquity. The temple can be reached by walking (quite challenging for several steps to climb to the top) or via a cable car lasting about 10 minutes. Even this temple is more spectacular from the outside than from the inside. In the area (just 500 meters) there is also the Anjani Temple, reachable with a nice light walk.

To reach Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi temples in the cable car, you will be able to buy a package that includes both funicular tickets for 300 rupees and allows you to move between a temple and the other with an organized bus (included in the price). In this way, you will save and optimize travel times. The most convenient ticket office is Mata Mansa Devi Temple, which is a ten-minute walk from the ghats.

Overall we did not appreciate these temples too (very bare inside) but if you have the time it is worth to visit them for their great importance on a spiritual level and for the view from the top of the city and the mountains (unless there is too much fog to see something). The city swarms with many other interesting temples but the Digamber Jain temple is, in our opinion, one of the most spectacular in the area for the religious sculptures that adorn it both externally and internally. It is the only Jainist temple in the city center and it is really worth visiting for its particularly eccentric architecture.

Where to sleep in Haridwar, India

If you wish to spend a night in Haridwar, you will have several choices regarding hotels and guesthouses. The city, however, does not shine for solutions at an excellent price/quality ratio, so in principle, we recommend staying in nearby Rishikesh to save money and have accommodation with higher standards.

If you prefer to spend a night in the city, check out the Ram Lodge, suitable for those with reduced budgets. Indeed, it offers decent and spacious double rooms for 8 euros per night.

 If your budget is a bit higher you can visit Hotel Krishna Ji only 500 meters from the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat where you will find comfortable and clean double rooms starting from 30 euros.

 To overdo it and stay in a haveli-style residence you will have no choice but to book at the Haveli Hari Ganga, a precious boutique hotel with Spa, perfect for the most refined and demanding guests. Rooms of an exaggerated but very expensive beauty, with doubles starting from 90 euros.

How to get to Mansa Devi

The Temple of Mansa Devi can be reached in two ways: on foot or by cable car.

 Walking requires an uphill one and a half mile hike. The track is sealed but the effort can be drained during the hot months. So, many people prefer to take the cable car (also referred to as rope or "Udan Khatola" as the locals call it) up and down. The first cableway starts at 7 a. m. from April to October and 8 a. m. the rest of the year The starting point is located in the city center.

 How to visit the Temple of Mansa Devi

Devotees who visit the temple usually like to take prasad (offerings) for the Goddess. There is no shortage of vendors, or where you boarded the cable car or out of the temple. Expect to pay between 20 and 50 rupees for flower dishes and bags containing a coconut and flowers. The entrance to the temple is also lined with vendors selling everything from jewelry to music.

 Inside the temple, you will reach the footprints of the Goddess.

 Give some of the prasad to the pandits (Hindu priests) and you will receive a blessing. However, note that these pundits are very hungry for money and are known to openly request donations (with threats that desires will not be met if they are not fulfilled).

 From there, you will be amassed in the sanctum sanctorum where the idol of the Goddess resides.

 The rest of your prasad will be taken and you will be given coconut pieces in return. Quickly express a wish to the Goddess before she is again gathered forward.

 At the exit, you will find idols of other gods and goddesses (accompanied by enthusiastic pandits) to whom you can also pray.

 For the fulfillment of desire, tie a thread to the branches of the holy tree located in the temple complex.

Tips for visiting the Mansa Devi Temple

The temple becomes very crowded during the pilgrimage season (from April to June) and it is best to start early. If you go later and choose to take the cable car, you will also have to wait hours on the line if you do not pay extra for a premium VIP ticket
.

The downhill walk offers panoramic views of Haridwar. Be aware of the monkeys, and the men dressed as monkeys! (When I visited, there were men dressed as Lord Hanuman, who made money by giving the devotees a tap on the head with their bat).

There is another temple at the top of the hill, the Temple of Chandi Devi, which can also be visited by cable car or bus from the Mansa Devi Temple.

You can buy combined tickets for both.

Kumbh Mela

Haridwar is one of the places where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated every twelve years. In the Hindu legend, both gods and demons formed an alliance to create the nectar of immortality, Amrita. When one of the gods appeared with the urn (Kumbh) with the nectar, the demons snatched it, spilling four drops of this nectar on four places: Nasik, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Allahabad. It is for this reason that every three years a Kumbh Mela is celebrated in each of these four places. It is one of the greatest pilgrimages in the world in which the faithful purify their sins.

Today in the morning after breakfast, we have approached Rishikesh, which is the last town before entering the Himalayan mountains. It is a place where you can breathe a very calm atmosphere and that is full of small Ashrams (temples to stay and practice meditation and yoga at the hands of priests and gurus). There is a somewhat spiritual atmosphere and it is a pleasure to walk in total tranquility through its streets.

In the afternoon, we have toured through Haridwar. The city is full of Shadhus, highly respected people in traditional India, they are beggars by vocation and live exclusively from the alms they receive.

The environment around the river is amazing, full of people bathing as mere entertainment and others doing their prayers, etc. After we have attended the Aarti ceremony, one of the moments covers our trip. The river begins to fill with spectators as two hours before and street vendors who offer all kinds of merchandise to make your stay during the most enjoyable ceremony ... As dusk begins the priests with their songs and blessings, people bathe in the river and This is filled with floral offerings with incense that we made and we let them go, little by little, the flow ... There are pilgrims coming from all over India: Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta ... the environment surrounds you and we live unforgettable moments.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhanda

Rishikesh Uttarakhand

You will arrive at the city of Rishikesh after a trip on the super fast train "Dehradun Shatabdi" to Haridwar and then transfer to the hotel in Rishikesh, which is 25km (about 30 min).
You will immediately notice the marvelous spectacle of the Ganges river that branches off from the slopes of the Himalayas.
In the city, you will visit the Parmaniketan Ghat shrine to witness the ritual of Ganga Aarti. It is the most important place for religious ceremonies in Rishikesh.
Barefoot, hosts of devotees sit in rows on the steps of the Ghat. As the sun begins to fall, dyeing the golden river, bells, gongs, and chants resonate in the air.
Rows of celebrants hold plates in which ghee (Indian clarified butter) burns, making circular movements as a salute to the goddess of the river. It is one of the points for ritual ablutions, where devotees immerse themselves and offer prayers.

You will attend Yoga classes at Sivananda Ashram. The ancient traditional Indian art to keep fit is celebrated with the International Yoga Week, which takes place in Rishikesh, at the foot of the Himalayas and on the banks of the Ganges.
When practicing Yoga, a control is exercised over the forces of the body, mind, and soul. It is a very useful practice for disciplining the intellect, the mind, the emotions, and the will; allows you to have a peaceful approach to life in all its aspects.
Afterward, you will take a tour of Rishikesh with a visit to the Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge that crosses the Ganges. A pleasant 2km walk leads to Sivananda Jhoola, also known as Ram Jhoola. Beyond this bridge is the Swargashram area, a quiet and peaceful place full of Ashram. The small path that runs through the area unravels right next to the river and is full of shops and restaurants on one side and ashrams on the other. Swargashram is known for its tranquility, its atmosphere and its proximity to the Ganges.

Female Tourist Guide in Rishikesh

It is our great honor and pleasure to introduce Ms. Anju Maurya as part of Local Team Explorer of Rishikesh Day Tour. Rishikesh Day Tour always has believed in empowering women to participate in decision-making in society.

About Anju Maurya.
Anju Maurya has the lust of Himalaya. She loves doing yoga and taking people around nature in the Himalaya to explore the Himalaya's hidden beauty & Himalayan Herbs and she speaks their benefits according to Ayurvedic traditions. She speaks of the variety of natural medicines who have left their energies to this distant Himalayan Mountains and she makes us feel the essence of true nature of local Himalayan life through her knowledge

Delhi-Haridwar- Rishikesh

Rishikesh Day Tour 

Towards the Himalayas along the Ganges

From the center of modern India with its ancient heart, a journey to discover the spirituality and the millenary Indian culture that is renewed on the shores of the sacred Ganges.

A path at the foot of the Himalayas to breathe the harmony of spirit, body, and nature - until you reach the Queen of the Hill Station, once frequented by the English of the Raj in flight from the heat of the plain.

Delhi, between past and future.

The capital of many kingdoms, imperial center, the seat of democratic government ... how many cities in the metropolis of Delhi, in perpetual change? UNESCO heritage monuments, well-kept museums, bazaars, handicrafts from all over India, ethnic restaurants, trendy bars, impressive mosques, Hindi and Sikh temples and Christian churches, medieval alleyways, and state-of-the-art underground ... Delhi has almost everything that you might want to find. Maybe too much and all together, so as to stun you at the first landing. Capital is the emblem of the nation itself, to be taken calmly.

Not to be missed: Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk district, Gandhi Memorial, India Gate, Connaught Place (and Agrasen well), Bangla Sahib, Lodi Gardens, National Museum, Safdarjang and Humayun Mausoleums , Nizamuddin Dargah and Sufi music, cultural performances at Dilli Haat, Craft Museum, Qutb Minar.

Stay 1 Day

Haridwar, on the steps of the Ganges

At Haridwar, the Ganges (called Gangaji in these parts) leaves the mountains where it is born - 250 km higher - to embark on the journey across the plains. On the banks of the river, where he leaves his restless impetus to allow himself to be tamed by men, there are the steps that thousands of pilgrims descend for purifying ablution, and beyond the ghats the temples and the monasteries.

Haridwar is a gateway to Hindu culture, a baptism to the spirituality and rituals of India.

Do not miss the Ganga Aarti ceremony on Har ki Pauri Ghat (evening offering of fire and candles at the Ganges). The temple of Mansa Devi, the temple of Chandi Devi, several ashrams, a safari at Rajaji National Park (18 km away) in the footsteps of the tiger and wild animals, the Ardh Kumbha Mela in 2016.

Stay 1 Day

Mussoorie, the Queen of the mountains

Made full of Hindu spirituality and culture we climb higher up the pre-Himalayan hills to breathe clean air and plunge our heads into the clouds. Mussoorie was born at the beginning of the nineteenth century as a holiday resort, Hill station, for administrators and British officers fleeing from the suffocating heat of Delhi. Today it is the citizens and tourists from all over the world that flow copiously to look for refreshment and to enjoy the Alpine environment (about 2000 meters) with a view of the colossal peaks of the Himalayas. Between May and June, it may seem like anything but an oasis of peace.

Not to be missed: Library bazaar, the cable car to Gun Hill (3000 m), Trekking, horseback riding, Happy Valley and the Tibetan settlement, Dhanoltri with the superb Himalayan landscape, the temple of Surkhanda Devi (reachable by walking 2 km), the Kempty waterfalls.

Stay: 1-2 days

RISHIKESH

Rishikesh is only 24 km from Haridwar. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, this city is considered the gateway to three other cities of pilgrimage: Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, the four places called "Chardham". Rishikesh is surrounded by beautiful  Himalaya from three sides and is crossed by the sacred Ganges. On its shores arise the ashrams of the Sadhus and the sages. Rishikesh is also famous for the ashrams  & Yoga center. The Ganges, usually impetuous for its currents during the descent from the mountains, suddenly becomes docile and quiet here. At Rishikesh, the Ganges leaves the mountains and descends along the plains and begins its long journey. Rafting on the Ganges is very popular with tourists.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Continuing from the Ganga Beach with the river to your right after a few steps you will arrive at the Ram Jhula bridge, spectacular that the brother Lakshman Jhula. By staying on this bank and continuing your walk along the Ganges you will arrive at the largest and most populated ashram in the city, the Parmarth Niketan. Crossing its colorful entrance you will discover the peaceful gardens, cared for and full of statues: it will also be the most commercial ashram in the whole city, but it is also the one offering courses, conferences, and more interesting meetings. Take a look, it will not drive you away, on the contrary, if you want you can attend a yoga class or eat for a few dozen rupees in the ashram restaurant. Keep an eye on your site to stay up to date.

Yoga & Meditation Class in Rishikesh 

They say that Rishikesh is the world capital of Yoga, that you can find as many types of Yoga as you can imagine. After the types of conventional Yoga: Hatha, Sivananda, Kundalini, Iyengar, ... there are so many that make you doubt if there is something serious behind or just a way to get the rooms out to tourists: Acrobatic Yoga, Laughter Yoga, ...

Some say that Yoga should not become a business that it is part of the spiritual and that, therefore, paying for it would be like paying for Communion in the Catholic Church. In fact, in some of the Ashrams - places indicated for a spiritual retreat in India - activities such as meditation and yoga are carried out free of charge or by donation.

We, of course, we're taking some Yoga classes in Rishikesh, and since then we still value more than before the teachings of Rosa Mari, our teacher in our town, who transmitted to us part of the underlying philosophy, which in our opinion is difficult in India mainly due to the language barrier and, secondly, because it takes a long time to deepen.

Contact Us. Tel ---+91-9415455152

Email---  rishikeshdaytour@gmail.com 

Website ---  http://rishikeshdaytour.com/

How to get Rishikesh for Delhi?

In my case, this adventure starts from Delhi bus station. We had been told that taking buses in India was very easy, just go to the station, get on the bus and they would charge you right there. We came running to the station with two more friends. We were late and saw many buses that said "Uttarakhand" (the state where Rishikesh is). We got on the first bus we saw and it set sail after a few minutes. It turns out that we had climbed on a public bus, those who had told us so much that we should NOT get on board ... Why? Because they go thousands of km per hour, they play the horn without stopping, and they drive in the opposite lane all the time.

So that what happens to me does not happen to you, you have to take your precautions. If you are in New Delhi, you should check Redbus.in to see the bus and station schedules. They usually leave the Kashmiri Gate station. Try to arrive 1 hour before the bus leaves. Make sure it is a Volvo bus, and if you prefer more comfort, with AC (air conditioning). Prices vary between 500-1000 INR ($ 7-15). If you go on a public bus it will probably cost you 200-450 INR ($ 3-6), but it's not worth such a small difference in money, because the Volvos are a thousand times better. We used this taxi to go to a temple on the outskirts of Rishikesh ... you usually find them in any tour agency in the center.

You may book your trip by Rishikesh Day Tour ( http://rishikeshdaytour.com/)

Tel No +91-9415455152

Email - rishikeshdaytour@gmail.com 

The Beatles Ashram

An abandoned ashram in a state of decadence in the middle of the forest that hides an interesting story. In fact in this place in 1968 came the famous stay of the Beatles in India, who lived for some time in the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to deepen meditative practices. At the time the ashram, designed to accommodate wealthy Westerners and international stars, was a luxurious and elite, very different from the classic Spartan ashrams and open to all. During their stay, it is said that the musicians were deeply disappointed by the behavior of the Guru, who seemed too interested in the fame and economic gain that their presence would bring him and left Rishikesh and India in a hurry. Now the remains of the ashram are abandoned in the jungle, covered with interesting graffiti. A perfect place to take some pictures were it not for the recent decision to charge as many as 600 rupees of admission tickets to visit the decadent area (a disproportionate figure for a place abandoned in the middle of the jungle). To visit it, keep walking for about one km after the Parmarth Niketan Ashram and at some point, you will encounter a path on your right that crosses the jungle in the direction of the river, you can not go wrong because the route is well signposted.

http://rishikeshdaytour.com/

How to dress for rafting in Rishikesh, India

             

Pay attention to getting wet, and even a lot. In the fastest rapids, you will face large waves that will fill your boat and water you completely. So the idea is to have clothes that are not too heavy (no sweatshirts or suits that would get too wet) even during the coldest season. Completely avoid shoes and socks and favorite plastic slippers. You can bring mobile phones and wallets as the organizers will put at your disposal waterproof bags in which to put away from the water what you have with you.

You will not need to bring water or snacks because halfway along the path you will stop on the banks of the river where a makeshift barge will pamper you with a hot chai and a nice plate of instant noodles.

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Shopping in Rishikesh

Shopping Area Triveni Ghat 

If you are going to shop for fabrics, jewelry or souvenirs in Indian style in Rishikesh you will find many specialized shops and goods for all tastes. From yoga items to clothing, soft pashminas, silver or all kinds of spices, with a little patience and research, you will be satisfied. The shopping areas in northern Rishikesh are concentrated in Lakshman Jhula while in Rishikesh south in the market area. In general, the prices are not the lowest you will find in India but for sure you will be satisfied at the end of your purchases. Basically, with a light bargaining you will get a discount of 20% to 30%, so know that accepting the first proposed price is almost never convenient.

If you are looking for silk scarves, wool, cashmere or precious pashminas, you can contact Shiv Gauri Pashmina World. If you are looking for clothing, leather bags or yoga equipment, visit the Scorpion Handicraft.

The body products produced in these areas are very famous throughout India, you will find small shops that sell body oils, creams, and fragrant essences throughout the city at good prices. If you want to try something local, spending a little and being sure of the good quality of the product try the Himalaya line.

Rishikesh south: the central market and Triveni Ghat

If you want to make purchases of fabrics, spices or household items you have a cheaper and genuine option just a few kilometers from the tourist shops of Lakshman Jhula. In fact, the central market of Rishikesh winds through a maze of colorful streets just after the Chandrabhaga Bridge. Take a tuk-tuk shared by Lakshman Jhula or Rham Jhula (where most tourists stay) and ask to stop at the market in the Triveni Ghat area. Here, being a very local place and not frequented by tourists, you can stock up on cheap fabrics, clothing, and spices, without the need to bargain too much. Once you have finished shopping, head towards Triveni Ghat, where the faithful Hindus gather in prayer at sunset. Walk with your back to the bridge along the main road and, about 200 meters from the market you will find a beautiful colorful portal on your left. Take it and after descending a stone staircase you will come to the ghats. This is the point of confluence of three important Indian rivers: Ganges, Yamuna, and Ebru and for this many pilgrims come to Rishikesh to get wet at this point hoping to redeem themselves from their sins. Sit on the shore to watch the waters flow among the worshipers who offer flowers to the river and the colorful statues of the deities. The celebration of Ganga Aarti, the fascinating ritual of greeting and thanksgiving to Mother Ganga that you can also admire at Ram Juhla (as well as in Varanasi and Haridwar) takes place at sunset, ask the locals about the exact time not to miss it since it changes from season to season.

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What time does rafting start in Rishikesh?

Starting from 9 in the morning the first boats begin to leave, until the very first afternoon, not later. The day you want to do this activity you simply have to go to the agency where you have contracted the price and ask to leave as soon as possible. They will make a round of phone calls and within a few tens of minutes, it will be your turn: the jeeps that take you to the starting point start as soon as they fill up, without specific timetables. If you want to avoid waiting for an agency for too long, call before leaving your hotel and ask for a rough timetable to introduce yourself. 

Your rafting day in Rishikesh, India

First of all: which one to choose among the different routes that the agencies propose? Consider that the most exciting rapids are about 12-13 kilometers from the center of Rishikesh. This means that the 9 kilometers package does not include them and is therefore not recommended. Spending the 24 kilometers is likely to be a bit 'excessive for many backpackers (but you must consider that the prices for rafting in Rishikesh are practically unbeatable: have you ever descended a river spending less?), So our advice is to throw you to head in the intermediate distance, that of the 16 kilometers. There are many other routes, but these are absolutely the most popular.

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Rishikesh Day Tour 

Rishikesh, the sacred city of Hinduism in the Ganges at the foot of the Himalayas, Amritsar, which houses the golden temple of the Sikhs, Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibetan government in exile, and Delhi, which has the largest mosque in India, for 25,000 Muslims.

Rishikesh is one of the few places in India where you can safely bathe in the Ganges River since at the foot of the Himalayas, its waters are still clean; another thing is that its cold temperature causes a spasm; I just put my hand to check the temperature and it was really cool.

Rishikesh is about 25 kilometers from another holy city, Haridwar, but for foreigners Rishikesh is the main destination, since they follow the spiritual path that the Beatles made in 1968 when they visited their guru Maharishi, as I already told in my diary All You Need Is Love Put a Guru and an Ashram in your Life.

Legend has it that Lord Rama did penance here to kill the demon king of Lanka. Rishikesh is the starting point to travel to the sites that make up the Char Dham - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri pilgrimage.

The meaning of Rishikesh in Sanskrit is "He has conquered his senses" (Sanskrit: Rishik = senses + Ish = master).

Rishikesh is a strange mixture between tourism, business, and spirituality, all living in apparent harmony.

Ancient and modern temples mark the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh and immense multi-story buildings that are ashram host thousands of pilgrims.

In spite of its flourishing aspect, in Rishikesh live less than 100,000, it is almost a village for what is usual in India.

Rishikesh has become the world capital of Yoga and has dozens of yoga centers of all levels and categories.

As you go up the river the bustle of the city, where the markets and the train and bus stations are, it disappears and it is in the high zone or High Bank where most people are staying in search of a bit of tranquility. especially foreigners.

The accommodations range from the most Spartan to Asian luxury, but for about € 12 you can get a room with A / C and good views over the river.

Very close to High Bank is Lakshman Jhula, where the famous suspension bridge that crosses the Gangés is permanently jammed with pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, porters. and complete families of pilgrimage

When I was there, they were also painting it, but because of the speed with which they did it, I would not be surprised when they finished at one end they had to start repainting it on the other.

The crossing of the bridge and a walk along the river bank takes us to Swarg Ashram, a real market to cover all our needs, physical, mental and spiritual.

pharmacies, herbalists, street stalls, temples, restaurants, ashram, cybercafés, restaurants, travel agencies, gurus, shadús, and poor people, many poor people, asking for alms in endless lines, follow one another in their variegated streets.

It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh allows us to reach moksha more quickly, or liberation in Sanskrit, which will also help an immersion in the sacred river.

Less sacred is the sport that is becoming very popular in this area, rafting, which offers rapids of medium and high difficulty to those seeking strong emotions

Rishikesh is home to the Kailas Brahmavidyapeetham ashram, an institution with more than 120 years dedicated to the preservation of the traditional studies of the Vedas, knowledge in Sanskrit, the sacred scriptures of Hinduism.

Outstanding personalities, such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Ramatirtha and Swami Shivananda have studied at this institution.

The ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi that the Beatles visited in 1968 is now closed and in ruins, but there are people so obsessed with their meaning that they dare to venture into the jungle and jump fences to see the place that inspired the White Album, undoubtedly one of the best albums of the Liverpool group.

Rishikesh boasts one of the largest complexes of ashrams in the world, which is informally defined as spiritual retreats. The stay begins with the call to meditation at 5 a. m., followed by a yoga class at dawn and, finally, more yoga, chants, lectures, and group meals.

The most authentic ashrams, such as the Parmarth Niketan (in which the International Yoga Festival takes place, this year will be held in March), offer shared rooms without internet for only 12 dollars

However, heating and hot water can suddenly fail, which is worth taking into account between November and February.

The ashrams tend to focus on yoga, as is the case with the huge Sivananda ashram, or to be more directed to meditation like the Osho Gangadham and the Ved Niketan Dham. The most elegant, the Yog Niketan, has luxurious views of the river and a spa at an additional cost.

Most ashrams accept outsiders, which is ideal for those who value satellite television, wifi and room service from other nearby accommodations, such as the Yog Vashishth Hotel.

Participate in an Aarti ceremony in the Ganges

The Hindu religious rituals known as Aartis are held on the banks of the rivers every day, at dusk. They consist of offerings of music and fire for the Ganges, which is known as "mother" in Hindu culture.

Aarti

In Rishikesh, Hindu  Ganga Aarti sessions are held every night; music is played and fire offerings are made to the Ganges river.

It is not uncommon to see fires shining from a distance, indicating that they are burning a body and that the ashes will soon be scattered in the river, a Hindu ritual that promises to liberate the soul from the constant cycle of rebirth.

Part of the tradition is to put your feet in the Ganges while you leave a wreath; For those who want to live a more authentic experience, the idea is to bathe completely. However, the flow of the river is fast and the margins can be slippery in the mud, so be careful.

it is worth spending a day to visit the charming city of Haridwar to compare its aartis, less adapted for western visitors. But beware of false "saints" who ask you for "donations".

A tree converted into a temple in the charming city of Haridwar, one hour from Rishikesh

Rishikesh houses several minor temples that serve as improvised stages for musicians of kirtan (religious chants in which the audience responds to the singer) that are accompanied by harmonies, tables, flutes, cymbals and any other instruments at hand.

These sessions can be carried out at any time and it is usually open to allow visitors to participate, although it is best to ask before.

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Rishikesh Day Tour

Rishikesh Day Tour in Malaysia

Rishikesh Day Tour : 5 Most Amazing Things to do in Rishikesh.Rishikesh...

Rishikesh Day Tour : 5 Most Amazing Things to do in Rishikesh.Rishikesh...: 5 Most Amazing Things to do in Rishikesh. Rishikesh Day Tour. 1-  Photography Tour  Rishikesh is a stunning place for the photogra...

5 Most Amazing Things to do in Rishikesh.Rishikesh Day Tour.

1-  Photography Tour 

Rishikesh is a stunning place for the photographer. Photography tour in Rishikesh offers both natural made and manmade beauty, incredibly each of them is very contrast and diverse by its character but always seen as one. Here photographers find so much diversity and cultural activities along the bank of the Ganges, where Yogis are seen practicing yoga & meditation, doing rituals & rites and there is the old part of Rishikesh. Where Triveni Ghat is filled with local flower markets, spice markets, ashrams & temples, local eateries & Ganga evening Aarti & many more.

2- Walking Tour 

Stunning views of the Himalaya & Ganges are what that attracts to go walking &trekking in Rishikesh but the Himalayas is an amazingly rich culturally. Walking in the Himalaya to gain an insight into the Yogic culture in such an extraordinary n such an extraordinary place. There’s now a wide range of opportunities for those who are seeking Himalayan retreat. Walking tour is a spiritual extension of walking experience for those who seek untold story and unexplored spirituality under the influence of Yogic Himalayan religion. 

3- Yoga & Meditation

Rishikesh is filled with Yoga centers and Ashrams along the bank of Ganges in the lap of Himalaya. This 3 Days yoga & meditation retreat is crafted to meet the need of that kind of people who are much keen to get the peaceful life and beautiful mind. This retreat starts with the exploration of yoga & meditation each morning in the middle of nature at Lucky Homestay and Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at Om Homestay. During the daytime, you make the visit of some famous place of Rishikesh with local English Speaking Guide. This 3 days retreat to gain the insight of Indian philosophy and Yogic traditions of Himalaya followed by Yoga session by Indian Yoga Instructor every day in the morning.

4-  Neel Kantha Trek 

Neelkantha Mahadev Temple – oldest temple in Himalaya near Rishikesh city, The Nilkantha Mahadev Temple perched atop 1330 meters is blessed by God of Lord Shiva and considered to be holiest place by locales, situated about 15 km from Rishikesh. The trek route has a stunning view of The Raja Ji National park, Ganges river & diverse boi-nature of Himalaya, while trekking to Neelkantha Temple so many wild lives are seen. It is one of the best trekking routes in Rishikesh.

5-  Forest Bathing 

Yoga and forest bath in the Himalaya, Rishikesh
Strolling in the middle of nature, breathing deeply, in tune with nature and rebalancing of mind, body, and spirit. It is called in Japan forest bathing, literally translated "bath in the forest": a practice of well-being that is spreading more and more used as the therapeutic power of nature to relieve stress, depression, and fatigue, and at the same time strengthen the immune system. Now it is very beautiful, take the opportunity to make healthy walks in the woods of Himalaya here are all the benefits you can get.
• Boosted immune system functioning, with an increase in the count of the body's Natural Killer (NK) cells.
• Reduced blood pressure
• Reduced stress
• Improved mood
• Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
• Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
• Increased energy level
• Improved sleep