Experience the Tranquility and Adventure of Rishikesh : A Two-Day Itinerary (2024)
Two Days and Two Nights In Rishikesh
Located at the foothills of the Himalayas and with the gurgling sound of the Ganga waters, the beautiful and serene Rishikesh greets visitors with its tranquil and spiritual environment. This ancient town is a sacred pilgrimage for tourists and devotees who search for peace, enlightenment and excitement in the Himalayas. In the literal sense, Rishikesh, or “locks of hair of rishis”, is also the Gateway to the Himalayas.
Rishikesh, the celestial city, is a pilgrimage hub and “yoga capital in the world” that stays jam-packed throughout the year for its meditation centers, yoga activities, and philosophical studies. It is well known for its holy Ganga, traditions of wellness and water rafting adventure activities. The holy waters purify souls and provide life and nourishment to many.
Thousands of yoga lovers plan a trip to this holy hermit’s hermitage during the International Yoga festival celebrated here every year. Rishikesh, the sage’s abode, has a historical reference too. It is said that Lord Rama and his brothers prayed at this lively adventure hub after winning Sita and killing Ravan. This communication and commercial hub is spread out majestically over the sands of Muni Ki Reti and is on the bucket list of many travellers.
Experience the Tranquility and Adventure of Rishikesh: A Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1 in Rishikesh : Spiritual Divine Brush On Day 1
Rishikesh has a spiritual ambience but is also an ideal place for grabbing a tasty breakfast at the Freedom café. The Banana Nutella pancakes are a must-try here. Just walk behind the Kothari clinic near Lakshmana Jhula in Rishikesh and enjoy their unique preparations. You can get food here anytime from 9 in the morning to 10.30 at night. After your breakfast, start your day trip with:
Rajaji National Park:
In proximity to the Indo-Gangetic plains, Rajaji National Park is a widespread area home to numerous varieties of Flora & Fauna. In addition, it gained the status of a Tiger Reserve on 15th April 2015. Rajaji National park is specially mentioned because it has a huge elephant population. The park at the foothills of the Himalayas near Rishikesh rings with the sound of the Song and Ganga rivers. The rivers flowing through the park add to its rich diversity and enthralling scenic beauty.
Beatles Ashram:
Remember your favourite yesteryear songs like “I want to hold your hand” or “While my guitar gently weeps”? Well, Rishikesh is the place that the famous Beatles group visited. The younger generation will definitely feel inspired because they can visit the Beatles ashram or Chaurasi Kutia, where the band at one time did yoga and meditation practices to gather positivity, positive energy and good vibes to feel good.
Very near the Ram Jhula, inside the premises of the Rajaji National Tiger reserve, lies the Beatles ashram, also called the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram. The West now recognizes the ashram as one of the best places to visit for transcendental meditation.
Sivananda Ashram:
About 3 kms away from Rishikesh, close to the Ram jhula is located the popular spiritual Sivananda ashram, home to Saint Swami Shivanand. The ashram is a wonderful pious spot for all those who want to meditate, relax and experience serenity to recharge themselves on their vacation.
Moreover, the area has great picturesque beauty and is surrounded by natural beauty and tranquillity. As the stresses and pressures take over our daily lives, we want respite in some form or the other. So, book a meditation session at this ashram if you want to get rid of all your stress and worries. You will feel the difference in one or two sessions. The tranquillity you feel is incomparable to any other emotion and worth each meditation second.
The meditation centre organizes yoga sessions and provides fresh meals for people interested in staying on its premises. Spending a few days meditating and eating natural, simple food amid natural splendour can work miracles on the senses. It’s time to experience this meditative bliss and plan a summer holiday.
Bhootnath Temple:
This multi-floor temple is constructed near the Ram Jhula. It is a small place to visit that offers inner peace and tranquillity. The mesmerizing scenic beauty of this spiritual place encourages a person to enjoy silence.
The Bhootnath temple is unlike a general Indian temple, and its structure is unique. In fact, the serene surroundings are a big change from the ear-splitting sounds of boisterous and busy streets. There is a road leading to the temple though the traveller may have to hike a little. You get a fabulous view of the flowing Ganga and Rishikesh at the temple. Take these beautiful memories back home!
Kunjapuri Devi Temple:
The name clarifies the importance of this place which is related to Goddess Shakti and their Shakti Peeths. This magnificent spiritual place is located in Garhwal Himalayas. You can see the snow-clad mountains and the glorious river Ganga from there.
The best thing about this temple is its early morning view of the rising sun. The sun’s rays on the temple and the red, yellow sheen mesmerize the traveller. Also, the sunrise from the temple is breathtakingly beautiful. Tourists can get the best accommodation at an affordable price near the temple.
Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh:
While scrolling down your “to-do” list of Rishikesh, plan a visit and take the affordable yoga and meditation sessions at Parmarth Niketan. This place helps develop the personality, rejuvenates the soul, and pampers the pocket. It is considered the biggest spiritual place in the country and worth visiting. Go for it and feel enlightened!
Swami Veda Sadhaka Grama:
This non-profit ashram was established in 2002 and founded by the learned Swami Veda Bharati, who established it on Swami Rama’s principles. The devotees who come here for spiritual bliss learn meditation as the Vedic Himalayan sages did years ago. All the subtle and fine aspects of meditative practices are taught here. Enter the calm and serene path of meditation along with the traditions and teachings of the Himalayan masters.
Muni Ki Reti:
If you want to escape crowded areas, go straight for the “tranquil and calm” Muni Ki Reti. This less crowded place offers serenity and peace compared to the other scenic spots of Rishikesh. There are innumerable temples and ashrams that you can casually stroll up to. Stop only where the heart desires and let your spirit free. If you want to hear your inner soul’s call and attain calm and quiet, this is where you need to be. Muni Ki Reti is the best place to stroll and enjoy Rishikesh.
Ragunath Temple:
Evening means ending this gorgeous day with the day’s last visit. The Raghunath temple is one of Rishikesh’s most important and most visited temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. This temple is the hub of religious ceremonies and is situated at Triveni Ghat in the heart of Rishikesh.
The holy and pious shrine also has a holy tank or kund for the holy men called Rishikund for bathing. Legend says that after his separation from Sitaji, Lord Rama used to bathe at this pond blessed by Goddess Yamuna. The Ganga Aarti at the Triveni Ghat is the best sight of Rishikesh and energizes the devotees with new vigour.
Day 1 has been infused with the goodness of spirituality, and it’s time to relax back at the hotel after a hot meal. As the day ends with peace and calm, we look forward to the next day full of spirituality, excitement and adventure!
Day 2 in Rishikesh:
Whether digging your fork into yummy Hakka noodles and sipping hazelnut cold coffee at Café Karma or tasting the Chocolate Pastry at the Pyramid Café, you can start your day with either because each morsel will charge you for the day ahead of you. Dedicate your last day in Rishikesh to an added dash of spirituality and some exciting adventure. Start your rendezvous with:
Kaudiyala:
On the Badrinath road, about 40 kms away from Rishikesh, lies Kaudiyala, a small scenic village. The holy Ganga flows here ardently, and this is a great place for white river rafting that is extremely thrilling during the Shivpuri and Kaudiyal stretch. Moreover, Kaudilaya is a great camping site where adventure lovers from all over the world come for an exciting time. The region is full of excitement and has upturned into an activity zone.
The GarudChatti Waterfall :
The GarudChatti Waterfall is close to the railway station and Laxman Jhula. It is a small yet beautiful natural area reverberating with the sound of the free-flowing waterfall. Monsoons are the best time to visit the falls, as the waterfalls are abundant. It’s a sight to behold. Just a couple of hours here might be enough to rejuvenate the senses and the soul. The falls have recently attracted a lot of youngsters who love taking adventurous risks. The trek is exciting and interesting and a huge favourite with tourists.
Vashishta Gufa:
Another name for this is a truly religious experience! The place, 25 kms away from the holy town of Rishikesh, is considered the most serene cave with extremely calming and soothing vibes. People who seriously want to meditate can sit here and experience the divine in peace. The cave has a sacred Shiv lingam which a Swami Purushottam Anand Ashram manages. The well-maintained cave has carpets strewn for 12 people, and they can sit there and meditate simultaneously. This meditative sanctuary has the pleasant smell of incense sticks and wick-lit deeyas.
Byasi, Rishikesh:
Take a quick trip to Byasi, a small village about 30 km from Rishikesh. If you are an adventure lover, this is the place for you. Camping, river rafting, and boating are some activities that happen here all through the year. The village has lots of restaurants and homestays too.
Scorpion Handicrafts:
If you want to take some souvenirs back home after the vacation, go to Scorpion handicrafts for fabulously created handicraft items. The eye-striking items will add a bonus to your trip, and you can shop for your family, friends and wish list. Go splurge because many of the items are pocket friendly.
Head to the Bistro Nirvana or the Divine Café & Bakery for a fabulous cheese Cromosque or a delicious Vegetable and Chocolate tart. These food joints also offer many other delicacies that are worth tasting, try them out when you are here. People who love dosa idli and other South Indian foods must try out the Madras Café for the best idli dipped in yummy sambar and fresh juices.
The fabulous two-day vacation in the serene and pious Rishikesh ends, and you will be leaving this gorgeous locale for now. But Rishikesh beckons its tourists to revisit and explore the region’s nuances. Meditation, yoga, prayers and excitement are very attractive. Plan a visit again for a few more days to enjoy Rishikesh to the fullest. Gather your memories for a lifetime and click away as many pictures as you can!
