Hello, fellow travellers! This is Dhiraj. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the serene city of Rishikesh, which is famous for its spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. It’s renowned as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and for those seeking inner peace.
Route from Bikaner to Rishikesh:
Started my journey from Bikaner via train to Haridwar Junction, followed by a bus ride to Rishikesh, where I arrived at my accommodation.
Accommodation in Rishikesh:
My adventure began with booking a hostel called ‘Urban Nomads’, which was located near Lakshman Jhula. The hostel was budget-friendly, costing only Rs. 415 per person for one night, including breakfast. Since my travel plans were uncertain, I decided to stay for only a day. The hostel offered a stunning view from its terrace, and I was excited to explore this charming destination.
Upon my arrival, Lakshman Jhula was closed. I had two options: a boat or a taxi. I chose the boat, which cost Rs. 40. Waited for about 30 minutes till it filled up with 25–30 people.
Places to visit in Rishikesh
After settling in, set out to explore Rishikesh by hiring a scooter. The rental cost was between Rs. 400 and Rs. 500 per day, and a refundable security deposit of Rs. 1,000 was required.
- Neelkanth:
My first destination was Neelkanth, about 20 kilometres away, and I was advised to be cautious while riding the scooter due to the mountainous terrain. Alternatively, one could opt for a shared taxi, which costs Rs. 120–130. I returned to Rishikesh at around 4 p.m. and decided to attend the Triveni Ghat Aarti, which is a famous event that starts at 6pm.
- Triveni Ghat:
Triveni Ghat was a busy place with many people around, and got a chance to perform a pooja for a spiritual experience. It cost me Rs. 500, and I joined the crowd to witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti. Later, I explored the nearby market, which offered a variety of clothing and electronic items.
- River rafting:
On the next day, I woke up early to go river rafting, which was a thrilling experience that cost Rs. 620. The agency provided a safe environment, and a trained guide assisted and trained us before the journey. The 16-kilometre rafting trip was tiring but rewarding, and the drive to the rafting point was scenic and breathtaking.
Sadly, the weather turned for the worse, and I couldn’t visit all the planned locations, including ‘The Beatles Ashram.’ Decided to spend the rest of my day exploring the local market before leaving for Haridwar to attend some work engagements.
A surprise visit to Haridwar
In Haridwar, I participated in the Har ki Pauri Aarti and enjoyed the local market’s street food, especially the delicious lassi for just Rs. 40.
The same night, I took a train back to Bikaner, concluding my unforgettable trip to Rishikesh. Total trip expenses were Rs. 8,000. Recommend buying a Pahadi jacket as a souvenir; negotiated price down to Rs. 500 from the initial Rs. 900 in Haridwar.
Best time to visit Rishikesh:
The ideal time to plan a visit to Rishikesh is between March and April and September and October. The temperature in May can be quite high, so it’s better to avoid this month. It’s recommended to steer clear of Rishikesh during the monsoon months of July and August, as the region receives heavy rainfall during this period. Additionally, rafting is closed during the monsoon season.
Essential things to carry:
- Wear proper trekking shoes for good grip and support.
- Dress in layers for unpredictable weather; bring lightweight, quick-drying jackets.
- For multi-day treks, pack a camping tent, sleeping bag, and high-capacity rucksack.
- Bring weather-appropriate accessories like caps, gloves, and socks.
Tip for travellers:
- There was no rafting at the time of the monsoon.
- Give no money to beggars, and stay alert for pickpockets.
- Don’t take any kind of drink or food as prasad from strangers.
- Keep an eye out for mischievous monkeys; keep your essentials safe from them.
Rishikesh is adventure, spirituality, and relaxation—the perfect getaway for solo and group travellers. Plan your trip today!!!Searching for captivating travel adventures? Visit https://sowl.in/stories for breathtaking accounts! Safe travels and happy exploring, everyone!