Rishikesh: For You and Me. Review on Rishikesh

As we arrived in Rishikesh, I was brimming with excitement. I kept on telling myself that this would be an out of the world experience. I have heard so many stories about the Beatles connection, the mystique of the Ganges and the spectacular scenery. I could hardly wait to explore it.

Usually people visit Rishikesh because it is a famous pilgrimage center of India, but there's more to Rishikesh than just temples and shrines. The temples are quite breathtaking but what moved me most were three things: The Ganges, Rafting on Ganges and the Triveni Ghat.

The Ganges: The town's setting is quite spectacular. It is situated on the banks of the Ganges where the Himalayan foothills emerge onto the plain. The Ganga slows down here after its mad rush down the mountains and the sight of the river racing down the foothills is a mind-blowing experience. The water is crystal clear and I heard from the local folks that it is mineral-enriched. It is also believed that a dip in the water is going to be a ‘sin-washing’ one. Can't confirm it but I must say that it is a pleasurable affair. The water is cold but once you take a dip you tend to go for a few more. Whether you take a dip or not the unforgettable sight of the Ganges flowing beneath the shadows of thick green forests never fails to attract the tourists who come here.

Rafting on Ganges: To enjoy this divine experience all you need is enthusiasm and the courage and eagerness to encounter the mighty river. If you pass the test, you are in for the time of your life. You need to drive up to Brahmapuri. The trip starts there and you raft down witnessing the numerous ashrams, yoga and meditation institutes and bathing Ghats with pilgrims taking a holy dip in the Ganges river water. Rafting presents a wonderful way of witnessing the town with its temples, ashrams and the ghats. It is meant for almost everyone and is a relatively easy trip covering about 10 kms of river running.

For the serious rafters - the place to go is Shivpuri. Camping facilities are available along the Ganges.

The rafting season is linked with the water volume of the rivers. September-November and March-April-May are the most appropriate period to visit the Rishikesh if you have rafting in mind.

Some travel operators who can help you turn your dream into reality are:

Blue Hill Travels (0135-31865)

GMVN Tourist Office (0135-430799, 431793)

Apex Adventure Tours (0135-31503)

There are many others but ask in detail about the precautions to be taken, the guides etc.

You may read my review on rafting, in general at the following url:

https://mouthshut.com/readreview/33989-1.html

Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat Located in downtown Rishikesh is an amazing place. This is where you could forget your earthly troubles without the help of any babas and gurus. Sit with your eyes closed and try to meditate or listen to your favourite songs on the Walkman - you will be transported to the world where Wordsworth's Nightingale will sing for you. When you open your eyes you will see the everyday Ganga ‘aarti’, when oil-lit lamps are left to float on the river. If it is early morning you will be treated to the pristine flowing sound of the crystal-clear water, the scenic beauty of the region and the sound of bell chimes all mingling together to make it a special day of your life. Don't forget to carry your Cameras though. You would get some stunning pictures be it the devotees making offerings of milk to the river and feeding puffed rice to the incredibly large fish or the sunrise/sunset and the aarti on the river.

Rishikesh has much to offer though apart from these three. The weather is quite surreal thanks mainly to its location at the foothills. Do visit it though, during a period when it is not overcrowded with tourists. Avoid the peak season. Rishikesh is the place to spend a few contemplative days and it is up to you how you spend them. I for one would go back again and again and do the same things; take a dip, raft down the Ganges and sit in the ghat for hours doing nothing.