It was a two-day trip from Delhi to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is hardly a hilly area so if you think that the weather will be nice during summer then you are mistaken. The trip was so sudden that we did not book a bus or a hotel. We did not know if we will find anything to stay but everyone was excited to go so we left it on fate. It was a weekend trip so we decided to leave at night. This way we will not waste the day and catch up with our sleep on the bus. There were no AC buses available as it was a weekend for everyone and everyone was trying to get away from their monotonous life for two days.
You can catch a bus from the Kashmiri gate. Remember that weekend getaways are popular so it might be a little hectic to book a ticket or take a bus right before the trip. Make sure to book a ticket one or two weeks before. You can also check trains if there is any available. If you do not find any direct train from your place to Rishikesh then you can book a ticket till Haridwar and then take a taxi or bus.
When we reached Kashmiri gate there were no buses available at that time. It was hot and humid. We decided to wait in case something comes up. We waited for half an hour when one bus arrived. Everyone just ran for the bus, two of my friend got lucky and got in. They saved seats for the ones that could not get in. the bus was in very bad condition but we were determined to go.
We reached Haridwar around 4 am. Although we only got to see the outer part of the Haridwar still, it looked so calm and peaceful. We reached Rishikesh around 5 am. The sun was throwing lightly warm waves at us. Our sleepless but happy faces looked charming in the mirror. By the time we reached Rishikesh, we were dying of hunger probably because of the long journey. Across the road from the bus stop, there were several small tea places. We went there and had tea with maggie. We planned on renting bikes and scooters so that we do not have to rely on public transportation. Initially, we asked around a little but then decided it will be better if we find a place to stay at first.
Till the bus stop, it is a plane area. We hired an auto and he left us near Lakshman jhula. He could not take us any further because the streets were narrow. We walked some way and got down some stairs to reach Lakshman Jhula. The Ganga was flowing just under it. It was a magnificent view to witness. It was the first time any of us had been so close to a river so big. Before crossing Lakshman Jhula we looked for a hotel but couldn’t find any that was reasonable, every hotel seemed expensive compared to their services. We thought of roaming around and looking for more hotels.
Do not take the first hotel you see. Browse a little and decide which one is best. Do not think that hotels near Ganga will be expensive. You might find the best ones near Ganga at a reasonable price. All the good cafes and restaurants are there.
We wanted to book a camp but we all agreed that it was too hot to camp. Yes AC camp was a good idea but they do not really serve the purpose of camping. It is like staying in a hotel only the walls are made of cloth. We found a reasonable hotel it was a big win for us. They provided us with bathroom toiletries and water bottles. We soon settled ourselves in the rooms and got ready to go out because who had time to waste in a hotel room?
Soon after coming out of the room, we rented some bikes. Rishikesh hills are not that steep but you will find some points where it might become difficult. Our suggestion is to choose the route after analyzing it a bit. Less experienced people should not rent bikes or scooters. Our first stop was at Neer waterfall then the famous Neelkanth Mahadev temple. The waterfall was very crowded but we still wanted to go in as who knows when we will be back again? We climbed at the first stop, it was crowded. We thought maybe if we climbed a little higher it will be less crowded so we climbed to the top of it and to our surprise the place was packed with people.
Everyone was in the water. We wanted to go in too but the idea of going in there where everyone else was didn’t click with us. We felt it was not hygienic enough to be in there. On our way down we sat for a cup of tea and maggie. Maggie had become our favorite food on the mountain. Hats off to those people who climb so much with all their stuff. Because of them, it was easily available everywhere. When you see everyone eating it at those small tea spots. You feel like you are missing something. We did not wanna go back with this feeling with us so we stopped every time someone craved anything. (Note- Bring your own litter down the hill yourself if possible. This way you will help them out a little.)
The route from the waterfall to Neelkanth is peaceful and adventurous. You can take breaks for 5 mins anywhere and it will still be very pretty. Roads are clean and wide. Our next stop was Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. When we reached the temple there were parking stops in the shops. Everyone will ask you to park at their shop which might seem shocking at first because they are being so friendly but you will realize later that they are doing it so that you buy stuff from there shop. We did the same thing because we did not wanna use the spot for free.
The floor was very dirty and we were asked to remove our shoes. To be honest none of us wanted to do it because it looked very unhygienic. But it had to be done, we all removed our shoes but no one was brave enough to remove the socks. We decided to sacrifice our socks for the safety of our feet. We went inside the temple which was pretty with various deities statues in it. When you will go deeper into the temple you will find Mahadev’s statue. The statue was covered but everyone was offering prasad to deities. We did the same thing. The priest there gave some of it back to us. We came out and were happy to be back because the mandir was great and had positive vibes but it was too hot and dirty.
We decided to head back. After reaching the hotel we rested a bot because our back was hurting so much. The day was not done yet. After an hour we recovered our energy and head to see the magnificent view of Ganga Aarti. We would have cried if we left Rishikesh without watching it. The main reason for us to be in Rishikesh was this aarti. We reached the ghaat where it was about to start. There was not an inch where we could put our feet in. After a while we were not even walking, we were being pushed from one direction to another but we did not mind it because it led us closer to the aarti. We were at a hight spot from where it was clearly visible.
The priests were in white dhoti and gamcha. They held big aartis in their hand. There were four or five layers of diyaas on that aarti and every one of that diya was lightened. There were so many aartis that it felt like stars were twinkling near Ganga. You could see the reflection in the water, the view was enchanting. When aarti started everyone stopped talking only the sound of bells and chanting could be heard. There were loudspeakers so that everyone can hear it. Those five to ten minutes were the best moments of our Rishikesh visit. At that moment we were happy, life seemed sorted, it seemed enchanting as if everything was possible.
After the aarti we went back. There was a cafe below our hotel. The food was nice and the cafe had a Ganga view. There was a small staircase from where you can reach the riverside from the cafe. After having dinner we went to the riverside and sat on big stones. The Ganga was very cold but also very soothing. The sky was dark and the stars were bright, the other side of the Laxman Jhula seemed bright that they seemed like stars twinkling on the roads. We sang some songs and drank tea. We could just sit there all night if we were not scared of catching a cold.
Luckily, we had already booked a rafting package. We had to reach the ghaat where it was about to start at 6 am. The morning was the perfect timing as we did not burn in the sun and we had an entire day left to do other activities. Our rafting session was not that long because we decided to go with a smaller one at first since it was our first time. We regretted it later. The ride took 1 hour to finish which seemed like 1 minute. You will never want it to end ever. We dived in the water and floated on it. The boatman was nice enough to let us do it. He also gave us some tips that helped us to enjoy it more. Later we stopped in the middle of the river to have some tea and maggie. After the ride was done we were soaking wet but thankfully the hotel was close.
Do not be afraid of rafting even if it is your first time. You will be given proper instructions beforehand, you will be asked to put your phones in a plastic bag where everything will be safe. You won’t have to wear shoes in the boat as you need to fix your feet inside it to ensure your safety. Always listen to the one in charge to make sure nothing bad happens.
Since our last popular spots were such a disaster we decided to explore Rishikesh. From our hotel, we went to the market on foot to enjoy every inch of Rishikesh. Before the main market, you will see shops of toys, Jewelry, and other stuff. The main market is filled with various things like hemp clothes, precious jewelry, and wood showpieces. Shopping tip- is you see something in the market that you like and you have money please do buy it otherwise you will regret it later. You will not find some of that stuff anywhere. Also, the prices are fixed in the market so avoid wasting your time on bargains. Do not forget to buy some hemp clothes for you. They are very comfortable and will last longer plus point is they are cheap.
In the market, there were vendors who were selling some sort of colorful powders and figures from which we can get a temporary tattoo. We didn’t know how to do that so we asked one of the vendors to make that tattoo on hand. It came out pretty good. We all got these temporary tattoos, it would have been cool if we got bigger tattoos. The colors very very vibrant and they looked good in the sunlight. So if you find a chance to do it do not hold it back. Enjoy every bit of Rishikesh. Get that temporary tattoo!
After we have had enough of the market we decided to roam around and cross Ram Jhula. It is bigger than the Laxman Jhula. After crossing that bridge there was another market, we didn’t catch the name of any market. Wooden products are cheaper here compared to other places. You will find some unique things three. It is a good market to buy gifts for your family and friends. There were small shops of precious stone necklaces which I obviously didn’t buy. Later after a fun day, we had dinner and headed to our favorite spot near the river and sat there. That was the night when we were going to travel back. None of us wanted to go back because it was so peaceful there the river, the market, even the hotel. Everything was nice and peaceful.
Rishikesh is good for a weekend trip. If you are planning to stay for a longer time then a camp will be better instead of a hotel. There is not much in Rishikesh to do. You can do water activities in one day and on the second day, you can see some places. Camps are good if you are planning to stay away from hectic city life for 3-4 days. You can get a camp near the river, you will get to see pretty birds there. Camps are set in the jungle near the river which is why it’s a better choice in Rishikesh. Another tip is- avoid going to Rishikesh in June, July, or any other hotter months. Go when the weather is pleasant not too cold and not too hot.
If you want to shop a lot and stay in a nice hotel make sure you are on a good budget as good hotels are expensive there. You can also rent a scooter or bike but I think it’s too dangerous because roads are not smooth and they go straight up and down. But if you think you can manage then it will be a fun experience for you. Tale breaks in between to see the beauty of the place. Drink tea and eat a lot of maggie, get into the deeper conversations while sitting on the riverside.