Rishikesh, better known by the epithet “yoga capital of the world” is more than just a place for an ethereal sojourn. Besides the famed yoga schools in Rishikesh and renowned Indian yoga teachers, this holy city offers much more to a spiritual seeker and a regular outdoorsy traveller. This historic city figures high among the holy places of India and likewise is the starting point of the famed Chota Char Dham pilgrimage taken by the Hindu community.
However, if you stay long enough in Rishikesh, you will stand to witness the charm of many places and different shades of this quintessentially hallowed abode.
So, without further ado, let’s look at 11 things that you will witness in Rishikesh if you stay long enough here.
1. Ghilmil Gufa
Although Rishikesh is considered a major center for religious and spiritual activities with Rishikesh yoga being popular across the world, the holy city also boasts of some hidden gems like the Ghilmil Gufa. If you are having an extended stay at Rishikesh, then do visit these caves located at Manikoot Parvat.
Ghilmil Gufa is actually a set of three caves located about 21 kilometers from the city center. This place lies close to the Neelkanth temple and one needs to drive up to the temple and then hike for about an hour through dense jungles to reach these serene caves.
Each of the three Gufas is of varied dimensions. Of these three caves, one cave is dedicated to Guru Gorakshanath who was found by Saraswati Nijanand Swami. Another cave is devoted to Alha Udal, Uttar Pradesh’s king while the third cave is dedicated to Guru Ghilmil from whom the cave got its name.
2. Garud Chatti waterfall
Now that you plan to stay for long at Rishikesh and have visited most of the popular places in the holy city such as the Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula and also witnessed the splendour of the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat, then do visit some offbeat destinations like the Garud Chatti waterfalls. You can couple this place with the Ghilmil Gufa as it is also in proximity to the Neelkanth temple. These waterfalls are a sight to behold as water falls through seven different levels and collects together to form a natural pool.
3. Astha path
Just like Mumbai city’s Marine Drive along the Arabian sea where you can witness splendid sunsets, you can similarly stroll along Astha path located at a distance of 24 kilometres from Rishikesh. Walk on this path along the Holy Ganges to watch bewitching sunrises. This beautiful promenade is frequented by early morning joggers and yoga aficionados alike.
4. Muni ki Reti
‘Muni ki Reti’ aka the “sand of the sages” is a significant pilgrim destination located at a distance of 5 kilometres from Rishikesh. This place is dotted with many Ashrams that disseminate religious and spiritual knowledge. Also, ‘Muni ki Reti’ is immersed in rich history as it is believed to be the site where King Bharat performed penance.
5. Andhra Ashram
If you want to move away from the hustle of Rishikesh city, then head to Andhra Ashram which is managed by a group of people belonging to the South Indian community. Andhra Ashram was founded by Shree Sachidananda Saraswathi in 1930. This place is looked upon as a tranquil retreat besides being known for its temples- Sri Chandramouleshwara and Sree Venkateswaravari.
6.Osho Gangadham Ashram
The spiritual teachings of the controversial Guru Acharya Rajneesh are reflected in the spiritual teachings and discourses at the Osho Gangadham Ashram. People especially foreigners flock to this Ashram for learning simple Osho active meditations and other spiritually inclined techniques to keep stress at bay. Located amidst a forest near the Ganges, this Ashram is surrounded by the Shivalik ranges on three sides. A 15-minute drive from Rishikesh, you can visit the Ashram if you need to recharge your stress-impacted body and mind.
7. Prehistoric Vashishta Gufa
If you are someone who loves to meditate then exploring Vashishta Gufa while in Rishikesh might serve you well. Located on the banks of the Holy Ganges, this holy cave was an erstwhile abode to Lord Brahma’s human son, Sage Vashishta. The place is quiet, pristine and offers a perfect setting for anyone who wants to meditate in peace. A Shiva Linga inside the cave sanctuary adds to the divinity of the place.
8. Cafes and shopping at Rishikesh
One thing that you would notice when in Rishikesh is the numerous cafes and boutique restaurants that line the narrow streets of the city. These cafes offer a wide variety of cuisines to accommodate the palates of foreigners besides Indians who flock to Rishikesh. So, if you are staying long enough at Rishikesh, you must surely savor the delectable food served at such places.
Shopping is another thing which might cross your mind especially if you stay in Rishikesh for long and have some leisure time at hand. Places to shop at Rishikesh are the Laxman Jhula market, Moti Bazaar and the Shyampur Haat. You can buy yoga books, prayer beads, essential oils, handicrafts adn souvenirs from such markets.
9. Camping at Shivpuri
Located at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Shivpuri is famed for its Shiva temple. However, this scenic town offers a horde of activities for the outdoorsy souls. Shivpuri offers some amazing beach sites for camping purposes. Enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset views while camping on the pristine beaches of Shivpuri. Furthermore, Shivpuri offers exciting rafting stretches underneath white rapids for adventure junkies. Also, one can explore rock climbing, jungle trekking and mountaineering at Shivpuri.
10. Beatles Ashram street art
If you are fond of multi-colored graffiti art, then do visit the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh. As the story goes, the Beatles visited Rishikesh in 1968 and stayed at the famed Guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Chaurasi Kutia ashram. However, the 1990s saw Ashram’s famed sanctuary in disrepair. Hence, as a tribute to the world-famous musicians, two street artists, Kyrie Maezumi and Pan Trinity Das opened an art gallery by painting the walls of the Ashram in graffiti style. Open to the general public since 2015, this Cathedral Gallery is a hidden gem which you can explore while staying in Rishikesh. Read More –
11. Wildlife at Rajaji National Park
Rishikesh is not simply for spiritually inclined or adventure junkies, but you can also head to Rajaji National Park which is a 30-minute drive from Rishikesh. So, if you are staying long enough at Rishikesh and have seen and experienced most places in the urban sprawl of Rishikesh, then going on an offbeat jungle safari may be a perfect option for you to explore. The Rajaji National Park is home to different varieties of avian species and fauna.
Closing thoughts
Rishikesh, although seeped in spirituality and religion, has much to offer to someone who wants to plan a long haul at the place. Besides the celebrated yoga ashrams, ghats and temples, Rishikesh also has an eclectic vibe to it that can be explored by one and all.