Walking down by the years’ old pious ghats and fanning your youthfulness in the vivacious rivers is the kind of escape we all long for, don’t we? But are there any such escapes that serve the best of both worlds? Well, we rarely believed in any such existence until our traveller through her experiences walked us down the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh. 

“Amidst the chaos, I found my calm in Rishikesh”. 

Rishikesh is hands down one of the finest places in India to immerse yourself. From housing attractions of historical importance to fanning the adventurer in you; the city has a blend of uniqueness to unfold and amaze the visitors. Let’s get a little deeper into this 7th most populated city of Uttarakhand and find out the reasons for it being widely celebrated and acclaimed through the eyes of our wanderer, Nitya. 

Unravelling the best begins! 

Nitya is a 26-year-old passionate traveller based in Gurgaon. She’s currently serving as a Digital Marketer in a reputed firm. Her trip to Rishikesh emerged as a true charmer and excited every individual who became a spectator of her experiences. Well, how & why? Let’s find that out together! 

Nitya planned a 02 day trip to Rishikesh from Gurgaon along with her friends. She’s been to the place multiple times and thus, knows quite popular corners here. But this time, she intended to explore the lesser explored ones. So she began her trip from Gurgaon in a group of 3. 

The overall cost for travelling through Volvo was rounding up approximately the same as that of a cab. And the fact that they were a group of 3 made it even more convenient. Talking about the fare breakage, it was split in the following ways:- 

Gurgaon – Rishikesh & back – INR 9,000/- (03 people, Transport: cab) 

A normal Volvo from Delhi to Rishikesh would have cost something similar around INR 700 – 1,000/- for a recliner seat. 

Goa Beach of Rishikesh

The traveller along with her companions reached the magnificent and transformational Rishikesh. The very first thing they headed to experience and register memories with was the Goa beach of Rishikesh. It’s a true treat to eyes looking for peace and tranquillity, says our dear traveller.

The spot falls on the way to Laxman Jhula. These wanderers here spent some quiet time, cherishing the moment and the unfiltered beauty of nature. This is an offbeat destination that’s starting to get popularised. Thus, one of the biggest advantages of visiting here, our traveller states, is less population. 

On their early morning arrival to Rishikesh, they also experienced the gigantic conquest of the sun over the calm and beautiful blue skies. Patna Waterfall, just about 3.5 km or 4 km away from Laxman Jhula was another impeccable exploration these travellers made. The place is well crafted with a full of life waterfall, situated between the best folds of nature. These travellers visited the spot to experience its magnificence and captured moments of joy in their cameras. 

Patna Waterfall – Nature’s ultimate bliss

There’s another equally impactful waterfall at a decent distance from Patna Waterfall called Neer Waterfall. Our traveller suggests visiting the spot too. The best time to visit these waterfalls would be in the early approaching evenings, says Nitya. 

Travelling within Rishikesh can cause a lot of stress on your pockets, says these group of wanderers. Thus, they advise renting a scooter. However, during peak seasons the cost elevates. As a result of that our traveller had to pay an extra amount to be able to rent a scooter. The average amount to be paid is usually INR 300/- to INR 400/- but due to elevated situations the traveller had to pay INR 600/-. 

Janki Bridge, Beatles Ashram, Laxman Jhula & more

Another spot that these wanderers halted their eyes to was the Janki Bridge. It falls on the way between Delhi to Rishikesh. It is popularly also known as Muni ki Reti. Our traveller describes it as a cleaner, quieter & efficient getaway for nature lovers. 

The next stop they made was the Beatles Ashram. It is also known as Chaurasi Kutia. The traveller states there aren’t enough spots to explore here, however, if architecture, art, abandoned places, and calm & soothing escapes excite you; then you probably can enjoy its spread. 

Laxman Jhula was another exciting list ticked off from the list by our traveller. She visited the spot at night. Although it was a bit crowded, the soothing weather conditions, windy weather conditions, to be specific made it all worth it. 

After having explored these fine places, our traveller places her hands on the local streets and popular shopping centres. Rishikesh is a great place to shop, says our dear traveller. One can get enough varieties to explore and cherish here. Woollen stuff & silver accessories are a major point of impression & excitement, that you must not miss. 

After living the best unexplored in Rishikesh it’s time for the traveller to bid goodbye with the hope to walk down and explore another territory, another day with the same or more zeal & joy. 

Always Remember! 

Since our traveller has visited Rishikesh multiple times, there is a list of things that she states as a MUST TO-DO. What are they? Go Scrolling! You’ll find out soon. 

• Experience the exceptional – River Rafting 

• Immerse yourself into the tranquillity of nature by sitting around the pious & enlightening ghats

• Attend the gigantic and impactful Ganga Aarti at the Triveni Ghat

• Visit Rishikesh between October to February or early March – The most favourable time of the year. 

Overview of the Rishikesh trip:- 

• Trip:- Gurgaon – Rishikesh 
• Mode of Transportation:- Roadways (Cab) 
• Average Budget:- INR 6,000/- INR 7000/- (pp) 
• Cost Breakage:- 
• Travel:- Rental charges + Petrol – INR 750/- 
• Accommodation (Hostel):- INR 790/- (per day) (4-bed dorm) 
• Food:- INR 400/- INR 500/- (per day) 

For more photos and videos, check out her Instagram page @nitzy_wanders. 

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Keep Travelling! Keep Exploring!