Experiencing True Rishikesh – Sacred Ghats, Ancient Caves and Mystic Temples
I can’t quite explain it. But there is something in the air of Rishikesh, something that can only be felt. Here, an ancient river flows. Not just a river, but a mother – gentle yet powerful, sustaining, forgiving and eternal. We call her Maa Ganga.
At dawn, temple bells echo through the air as if waking the mountains themselves. By evening, the ghats glow in the light of flickering diyas, and the aarti chants rise with such devotion that they send goosebumps down your spine.
Yoga schools and ashrams line the narrow pahadi lanes, their walls painted with mantras and quiet wisdom you pause to read. Every now and then, you pass a sadhu – distant, immersed in a world far removed from ours. Time feels slower here. Softer. As though the noise of modern life hesitates before entering.
Rishikesh feels different from the world we inhabit. It is deeply, spiritually tempting. Perhaps that’s why, after completing my yoga training, we found ourselves drawn here without ever planning to be. After all, this is the Yoga Capital of the World. And when Maa Ganga calls, who can truly resist?
The Rishikesh we will tell you about
There is no denying that Rishikesh has grown into one of the most popular travel destinations over the years. So, you will find endless guides listing cafes to try, rafting adventures to book, and neatly curated “top 10 things to do.”
But that is not the Rishikesh we are here to talk about.
I am going to tell you about the Rishikesh where you sit quietly by Maa Ganga, close your eyes, and for a few sacred moments, the world around you ceases to exist.
The Rishikesh where tears of joy and thankfulness blur your vision as the pandits lift the aarti lamps in perfect rhythm, in sync with the energetic chants and music.
The Rishikesh where stories of faith, surrender, gratitude and miracles meet you at every step.
If this is the Rishikesh you want to experience, then read on.
Soulful Experiences in Rishikesh
Ganga Aarti and Afterwards
A visit to Rishikesh can never be complete without witnessing or rather, experiencing the evening aarti. I call it an experience because you don’t just watch it, you become a part of it. The chants, the bhajans, and the flames of the aarti transform the entire atmosphere into something almost otherworldly.
We were lucky to witness the aarti at different ghats including the famous Triveni Ghat and Paramarth Niketan. But the energy at Shatrughna Ghat and Sai Ghat felt truly distinct. Especially when the super-energetic Shiv Tandav Stotram begins to play, goosebumps are inevitable.
But the evening doesn’t end with the aarti. Just afterwards, people float diyas on the water, and they twinkle like stars drifting along the river. Somehow, it makes everything feel even more beautiful, even more enchanting. People linger with cups of tea and some sitting quietly with closed eyes. The ghats after aarti carry a different kind of vibe. Read More……
For more such unique travel destinations and experiences in India, refer our other blogs here.
