Rishikesh
The Yoga capital of India, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is one of the holiest cities in India. People visit here to relax and rejuvenate their senses with a mix of spirituality and serenity. It is blessed with more than its fair share of temples lined up along the ghats of holy river Ganga.
Every holiday to Rishikesh starts with a visit to Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. These are 450 feet long iron suspended bridges from where you can catch spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Many temples like Trayambakeshwar temple, Ram temple, and Laxman temple are located close to these bridges.
Those who wish to indulge in some serene moments, the Beatles Ashram is a great place. This place has an unmatched calmness which cannot be found anywhere else.
Also do plan a trip to Shivpuri, a paradise along the banks of Ganga. There are many camps located along the banks where you can stay and partake in numerous water activities like rafting, trekking, and boating.
Do not miss the evening aarti at the very serene Triveni Ghat. Triveni ghat is the palce where three rivers ? Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet. People start gathering here from evening hours to witness this heavenly aarti. Rishikesh also has Hot water springs named as Rishi Kund having various mythological references. People come here to take a bath in its water which cures all skin problems.
Rishikesh has numerous yoga ashrams where you can relish a great stay experience. Numerous yoga courses are available in these ashrams along with meditation sessions. This is a great way of leading a simpler life and achieving a calmer mind, body and soul.
How to Reach:
By Air: Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport to Rishikesh.
By Rail: The nearest railhead to Rishikesh is in Haridwar around 25 kilometres away.
By Road: Take the National Highway 58 to enjoy a pleasant drive to Rishikesh. A good network of buses links the city with Haridwar, Dehradun and New Delhi.