Traveling is often associated with nourishing the mind and the soul. Experiencing yoga in Rishikesh is all of that and more. You don’t get the reputation of being the yoga capital of the world just like that.
Yoga is essentially a type of practice that is physical, mental, and spiritual. Meditation is just one part of yoga, and there are various techniques and styles of meditation also.
It helps a lot, but of course, yoga requires a great deal of discipline. If you’re someone who practices and believes in yoga, or if you’re someone who would like to give it a shot, we would strongly recommend doing so at Rishikesh.
Here are a few things that you should know before visiting this spiritual land.
Why Yoga In Rishikesh?
Like we told you, it’s the yoga capital of the world. To add to that, the International Yoga Festival takes place every year in Rishikesh. A week-long affair that takes place in March, where people from every corner of the world come to Rishikesh.
There’s more to Rishikesh, though. The city has a deeply rooted spiritual and religious history. The fact that there are countless yoga ashrams, schools, and retreats here should tell you everything.
Be it staying in an ashram, joining them for a short-duration course, or being part of a retreat, Rishikesh covers everything. Above all of that, there are many hotels here that conduct yoga sessions as well.
You’ll also find luxury yoga resorts that offer everything you could need in the most exotic of setups. There’s everything from beginner to expert level programs, and even courses and classes if you want to become a yoga instructor yourself.
Keep in mind that Rishikesh is known to be one of the holiest places in India, so non-vegetarian food is not easy to get, and alcohol is banned here.
These two factors aside, Rishikesh lives and breathes yoga. We genuinely believe that everyone must try this at least once, even if they aren’t into yoga or don’t want to engage in the practice.
What Makes It Special?
To begin with, the world-famous Beatles Ashram is situated here. We are talking about THE Beatles. In the year 1967, the legendary music group visited Rishikesh to seek spiritual counsel from the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
This was what made Rishikesh famous and gave it the reputation of being a spiritual land. However, it’s a common misconception that this is why Rishikesh is known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World.’
What a lot of people don’t know is that Rishikesh’s spiritual history goes beyond The Beatles. Rishikesh has been a popular place amongst spiritual leaders and yogis for a very long time.
Some of the more famous ones include Sivananda Saraswati, who formed the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh in 1936. An ashram that evolved into a global spiritual organization with around 300 branches across the world.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Satyananda Saraswati are two other famous spiritual leaders who have visited Rishikesh for the practice. The ancient Guru Vashist also meditated here once upon a time.
That’s how Vashisht Cave gets its name. There are many other saints and sages who visited Rishikesh for meditation or a spiritual escape. Not just for its beautiful and scenic landscape, but also for the vibe and energy of the town.
Also, the holy river Ganga runs through this town, which simply adds to the spiritual significance of Rishikesh. There are even legends regarding Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana in the town’s ancient history. So, if you consider all these factors, everything tells you why Rishikesh is the perfect place for you to experience yoga.
FAQs
What Is Special In Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is a place that has something for everyone. For pilgrims, there are many temples, for the adrenaline junkies, there are tons of opportunities for adventure sports, and most importantly, the centers and schools of yoga in Rishikesh are what it’s best known for.
What Is The Yoga Capital Of The World?
Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is known to be the yoga capital of the world, thanks to its many yoga schools and ashrams.
How Many Yoga Schools Are There In Rishikesh?
Rishikesh has over 329 yoga centers, schools, and ashrams.
How Can I Join The Ashram For Free?
There are many ashrams where you can stay for free, but you may be required to volunteer. Some of the most prominent among them are:
Geeta Bhawan – Located beside the River Ganga in Rishikesh, this ashram has over 1000 rooms that are provided free of cost.
Isha Foundation – Founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Isha Foundation has residential centers in Delhi and Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. There are various volunteering options you can choose from, based on your skill sets.
Ramana Maharshi Ashram – This ashram is located in Tiruvannamalai and offers free accommodation for up to a week!
Which God Is Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is one of the names of Lord Vishnu, which translates to ‘Lord of the senses’.
What Is Famous In Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is best known for being a yoga-centric town. In addition to that, Rishikesh also has many locations that are connected with the Ramayana (Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula), and with Hinduism (Triveni Ghat).
But if you’re seeking thrills, Rishikesh has that too! River rafting, bungee jumping, and hiking are some of the adventure activities that you can experience here.
Who Is The Founder Of Yoga?
In the yogic culture, Lord Shiva is known as the Adi Yogi (i.e. the first yogi).
Where Can I Stay In Rishikesh For Free?
You can stay at Geeta Bhawan for free. This ashram is located beside the Ganges and has over 1000 rooms for guests to stay.
Does Rishikesh Have Snow?
No, Rishikesh doesn’t experience snowfall, though the weather can get chilly in the winter months (average minimum temperature is 14°C). If you want to enjoy the snow, consider places like Mussoorie (74 km) or Auli (193 km).
How Many Days Are Enough For Rishikesh?
About 3-4 days should be sufficient for you to visit Rishikesh and engage in the many activities the town has to offer. The places you must visit are the Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Jumpin Heights, The Beatles Ashram, Rajaji National Park, and Shivpuri.
