Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh has become the yoga capital of the world. This holy city on the banks of the Ganges provides the perfect place to deepen your yoga practice and connect with your spiritual side.
Immerse Yourself in Yoga
Rishikesh is home to many renowned ashrams and yoga centers that attract students and teachers from across the globe. Spend your days practicing asana, pranayama, and meditation while learning from expert instructors. Places like the Sivananda Ashram offer rigorous daily yoga and philosophy classes set in a peaceful forested area. For a personalized intensive retreat, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan has programs tailored to your goals. Or take your practice outdoors against the backdrop of the Ganges at sites like the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Rishikesh offers yoga for all levels, so you can challenge advanced skills or start with beginner basics. The International Yoga Festival held each March draws crowds eager to take workshops and immerse themselves in yoga culture. Don’t miss the rare chance for a yoga class on the beaches of the Ganges. Just be prepared to start your sun salutations early, as classes happen at sunrise before it gets too hot. If you’re a yoga teacher yourself, Rishikesh is the perfect place to continue educating yourself among the experts and earning internationally recognized certifications.
Explore Spirituality
Beyond yoga, Rishikesh provides a profoundly spiritual experience. Get your feet wet in actual holy waters with a Ganges river ceremony to wash away your sins and start anew. Attend the nightly aarti rituals at riverside temples, where candles, songs and offerings bring good luck. Or sit and reflect at Swarga Ashram, where the Beatles once stayed while visiting the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram. For a moving experience, join pilgrims on the trek to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, a sacred cave shrine to Lord Shiva. Rishikesh brings out your spiritual side, no matter your faith. Don’t miss walking across the Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula suspension bridges, which join the bustling city centers on each bank of the Ganges. These iconic landmarks provide picture-perfect views of ashrams dotting the hillsides against the river’s calm waters. Chat with the many sadhus, holy men covered in ash, who live minimalist lives along the river and offer their insights about spiritual practice.
Relax and Unwind
After busy days of yoga and spiritual exploration, Rishikesh offers plenty of relaxation too. Unwind at your ashram with ayurvedic massages, vegetarian meals and tranquil gardens along the Ganges. Or lounge at one of Rishikesh’s many cafes offering healthy vegan fare, fresh juices, and herbal teas. When you need a digital detox, put away devices and get back to nature with outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting, jungle trekking, or simply watching the river flow by. With its slower pace and focus on self-care, Rishikesh is the perfect place to decompress from daily stresses and return home feeling renewed. The cooler weather from October to March makes Rishikesh pleasant for long walks along the river and through green forests. Don’t miss stopping along the way to listen to meditative kirtan music or sit in on spiritual discourses from learned gurus discussing ancient Hindu scriptures. Let Rishikesh’s serenity seep into your soul.
With renowned yoga teachers, spiritual sites, and ample ways to unwind, Rishikesh truly earns its reputation as the yoga capital. This unique city promises the perfect place to stretch your body, open your mind, and discover your inner peace along the holy Ganges.
