Many go to Rishikesh for a rejuvenating, spiritual experience while others visit this town for unwinding and some adventures. However, if you’re happily sin
gle and looking for a budget experience, why not set out on an ‘Anti Valentine in Rishikesh’ trip that’s full of adventure, healing experiences, and tons of happy memories? Whether you’re going solo or embarking on a group trip, we’re sharing with you how you can spend your anti Valentine in Rishikesh.
Anti Valentine In Rishikesh: Solo Travel Guide
Why A Solo Trip To Rishikesh In February Is Perfect For You!
A solo trip to Rishikesh is ideal for travelers who love exploring nature on their own, embarking on adventurous activities, or immersing themselves in spiritual practices. Rishikesh is a town that has the perfect blend of spirituality and modernism. It is perfect not just for travelers who want a little adventure but also wish to unwind, relax, and soak in nature’s bounty.
In February, the weather in Rishikesh is fairly decent. Daytime temperatures range between 18°C and 26°C, while nights can drop to 10°C and 6°C. Days in Rishikesh in February are pleasant, sunny, and warm, whereas evenings and nights are often chilly. Mornings are especially refreshing, and skies are clear on most days.
What Kind Of Travelers Will Enjoy Visiting Rishikesh?
- Solo travelers: Rishikesh is ideal for solo travelers across age groups. Solo travelers will enjoy an ‘Anti Valentine in Rishikesh trip’ thanks to a number of hostels, yoga schools, cafes, and other activities.
- Digital nomads: If your office fits in your laptop and remote work is an option, Rishikesh is quite perfect. The town has a number of work-friendly cafes where you can spend the day working quietly, with picturesque views and delicious food.
- Adventure junkies: If you love adventurous activities, Rishikesh is the best place to be at! It has a number of activities like flying fox, river rafting, and more – all facilitated by trained professionals.
Also Read: Varkala vs Goa: Which Beach Destination Is Better For Your Next Trip?
Things To Do In Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a town that has the perfect blend of serenity and adventure. So whether you’re someone spiritual, adventurous, or a slow traveler, an ‘Anti Valentine in Rishikesh’ trip is incomplete without these activities/experiences:
- Bungee jumping: Rishikesh is a paradise for adventurous travelers. It has a lot of bungee jumping spots overlooking the majestic Shivalik Mountains. The bungee jumping facilities here have world-class equipment and are led by trained professionals.
- River rafting: Along with bungee jumping, river rafting is a great adrenaline-pumping activity to do in Rishikesh. The Ganges flowing through Rishikesh and nearby areas has several rapids, offering the perfect environment for river rafting.
- Flying fox: Flying over the Ganges River valley is an exceptional experience that provides a bird’s eye view of the landscape. Flying fox is an adventurous activity that looks quite terrifying but is a safe and fun experience. Conducted by professionals, the activity is perfect for beginners and adventurous souls alike.
- Ganga aarti: Rishikesh has several ghats along the Ganges, and during evening time, the town comes alive with the singing and chanting of devotional songs and aartis. Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh is a soul-satisfying experience if you’re into spirituality.
- Yoga and meditation retreat: Rishikesh is known among many as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. With a number of yoga ashrams and meditation schools, the town is perfect for enjoying a spiritual retreat. Participate in a number of one-day, week-long, or even month-long sessions dedicated to yoga and meditation.
- Temple hopping: The town of Rishikesh has a number of temples like Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Trayambakeshwar Temple, Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Bharat Mandir, Laxman Temple, and more.
Places To Visit In Rishikesh
There are a number of temples, ghats, and places of interest that you as a solo traveler will definitely love visiting!
- Laxman Jhula: An iconic landmark suspension bridge in Rishikesh. It is believed that Laxman from Ramayana crossed the Ganges on a jute rope.
- Rajaji National Park: The second tiger reserve of Uttarakhand made by the merger of three sanctuaries.
- Triveni Ghat: This ghat in Rishikesh is the meeting point of three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
- Vashishta Guha Temple: This legendary cave temple is believed to have been the meditation spot of Sage Vashishta.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: One of the rarest temples in North India, dedicated to Shiva, that has been constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture.
- The Beatles Ashram: Known as Chaurasi Kutia, the Beatles Ashram is said to be the place where the Beatles practiced transcendental meditation.
Shopping In Rishikesh For Solo Travelers
Rishikesh is a town that has some unique shopping streets and markets.
- Rishikesh Main Market: Rishikesh’s main market offers a vibrant experience for shoppers. From spiritual souvenirs like rudraksha beads and small idols to boho-chic clothing, local handicrafts, and more, you can shop for a variety of goods in the main market.
- Laxman Jhula Market: Located near the iconic Laxman Jhula, the market is popular among locals and tourists alike. It offers a variety of goods, clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts, along with a number of cafes and street food stalls.
Best Yoga And Meditation Schools In Rishikesh
- Vinyasa Yogashala: Award-winning yoga school in Rishikesh offering a number of yoga classes and meditative workshops involving aerial yoga, sound healing, and more.
- Parmarth School of Yoga: Let’s you soak into the ‘ashram life’ and offers a holistic, spiritually oriented experience. There are a number of yoga classes, community-led workshops, and retreats offered by this yoga school.
- Nirvana Yoga School: With 10+ courses and experienced mentors, it is a peaceful sanctuary for yoga enthusiasts. Some of the courses are also available in an online mode.
Tips For Maintaining A Budget Trip To Rishikesh
- Plan your itinerary in advance – including the number of days, places to visit, and experiences to take part in. When you have a clear plan ready, it will help you plan your finances better.
- Set a strict budget for accommodation, food, activities, and other expenses. By that, we do not mean limiting your expenses but making sure you stick to the budget.
- Use public transport like buses and services like shared rickshaws and cabs to save up on money.
- There are many activities and experiences that you can take part in Rishikesh for free. From aartis and bhajans to satsangs and more, there are many temples and places you can visit for free.
- Choose affordable homestays and hostels during your stay. Rishikesh has a number of reasonably priced homestays and hostels for solo travelers.
A solo budget trip to Rishikesh is easily doable within INR 5,000 to INR 8,000 (3 to 5 days). Here’s an approximate budget breakdown you can follow for a solo trip to Rishikesh:
- Food: INR 500 to INR 1,000 per day
- Activities: INR 2,000 to INR 4,000 in total (remember to bargain)
- Accommodation: INR 700 to INR 1,500 per day (if you live in budget hostels and homestays)
- Travel: INR 2,000 approximately (trains, buses, rickshaws, cabs, etc). Prices related to travel can vary depending on your home location.
Summing Up
‘Anti Valentine in Rishikesh’ trip is an experience that will definitely stay with you, thanks to Rishikesh’s mix of peaceful and happening atmosphere. With the right planning, you can easily have a memorable Rishikesh solo trip within a fair budget.
