Most people plan their travel to Rishikesh for either watersports, yoga, Ayurvedic treatments or ashrams/temples. We had no agenda other than sitting at the Ganga Ghats peacefully, and it was within our budget. But once there, we discovered, there was so much more than just bhakti there!

Kaise aur kahan?

We took the overnight Volvo and reached Rishikesh early morning and started off to our sorted accommodation. We had chosen a cost-effective stay, Zostel, which was perfect for us. We didn’t have to shell out too much and for the price we paid, it proved worth. A comfortable stay for backpackers, it has quirky and vibrant interiors. Best part — it is hardly a ten-minute walk from the famous Laxman Jhula and Ganga Ghat, another reason why we chose to stay here. Since we had made this trip impromptu we didn’t really have a to-do list, but socialising with some fellow travelers at the place, we got some good suggestions to eat and explore around.

Ganga ki Ghat Pe

Evenings at Laxman Jhula Ghat

Laxman Jhula Ghat: A get-together or satsang, call it what you may, but this a must do when you visit Rishikesh; even if you ain’t the pious one. Every evening post 5:30pm, the Freedom Cafe Laxman Jhula Ghat gets thronged by tourists, localites and artists who immerse themselves in music. The entire ghat gets soaked up in music, and people, as if possessed, begin to dance. If you’re lucky you can witness a jam session of djembe, guitar and singers too. We were ?

Mornings at Ram Jhula Ghat

Ram Jhula Ghat DO NOT miss the Parmarth Niketan evening Ganga aarti here. It is blissful! It was like meditation for us.

A Walk on Laxman Jhula Road

Walk from Ram Jhula to Laxman Jhula via Laxman Jhula road by foot. The stretch is about two km and is a walk to remember. We felt the insides of our lungs were purified by the quality of fresh air there!

Khaana-peena

A trip’s memories are incomplete without good food, and so we went out exploring and found Bistro Nirvana and Freedom Café.

Bistro Nirvana, Tapovan, Rishikesh