Rishikesh
is the humble paradise for the Soul - The reason i say this is due to the fact that
it has become yoga capital of the world and travelers across the world visit
here to learn yoga and get certified as yoga teachers.
We do
have Indian pilgrims who after the visit of Haridwar visit Rishikesh to take a
dip in Ganga waters and fulfill their rites related to ancestors’ rituals
etc.
In
this travelogue, I might express what I experienced, it could be false for
others or it could even be far from reality however, whatever I experienced and
what could be useful for travelers who visit Rishikesh are written down below.
Preparing
for Rishikesh:
If
you are travelling from Delhi, there are many trains overnight which travels to
Dehradun via Haridwar. Haridwar is the stop you need to get down and take a
taxi or tuk tuk to reach Rishikesh. It’s about 25 kms. The roads are fine
leading to that place.
There
are three categories of travelers to Rishikesh
1.
Seekers
2.
Yoga Teacher Trainees
3.
Family vacation
4.
Adventure Seekers
1. If
you are a Seeker or a Sadhak;
You
need to know these places conduct programs related to meditation, yoga and
retreats:
1.
Swami Rama - Sadhana Mandir
2.
Swami Rama- Sadhak Gram
3. Sivananda
Ashram
1.
Swami Rama ashram - This is run by the trust.
Address: Sadhana Mandir
Trust
Ramnagar, P.O. Pashulok
Rishikesh, 249203, (Uttarakhand) India
mailbox@sadhanamandir.org
Phone: +91-135- 243-1693
& 243-1879
Mobile: +918650464848,
+919760507112
I
would highly recommend this place as it is most economical, great place to stay
and beautiful view of ganga river midst of nature and peace!!
2.
Sivananda Ashram
Sivananda
Ashram offers for yoga and meditation classes for free. even they provide
free accommodation and free food for your stay. This place is very special, as I
found every day, they offer free food to anybody who visits their ashram and
these are completely done by volunteers.
2. If
you are going for Family Vacation
These
are few good economical but great places to stay:
1.
Paramarth Ashram
2. Vanaprastha
Ashram
3.
Geetha Press Ashram
4.
Osha Ashram
5.
Sacha Dham Ashram
Accommodation
/ Staying in Rishikesh:
Economic
places:
1.
Paramath Ashram - 1000 Rs per night for 2 ppl capacity room, bigger rooms
are also available; Try to book rooms or request for River side view rooms, it
is too peaceful to view Ganges flow from your room. They take it as donation; I
would rate this has self-service accommodation, where mornings and evenings
Yoga is taught and you can join Satsang, if you are interested. It is better to
book it before you land there, because it is one of the most crowded places and
can’t be sure of rooms availability. You can also watch ganga aarthi every
evening from the paramarth Ghats.
2. Vanaprastha ashram: To book you need to write to
babakali1008@gmail.com; contact 033 2231-8181, 03340012252. This place is
really amazing; don’t go by ashram name, it could be deceiving. The cottages
are excellent and it is next to ganga ghat
3. Geetha Press Ashram: This is where I found old age people
living here for long time, as there is no room rent, you can donate as much as
you want to.
All
the above mentioned are on Paramarth Side.(excluding osha and sacha dhaam) i.e. it is on other side Ram Jhula.
How to reach Paramarth Side:
The taxis need to be told specifically to be taken to
directly to other side of Ram Jhula, otherwise you might have to walk at least
a kilometer across Ram Jhula to reach this ashram.
3.
Yoga teacher training - I couldn’t explore on this theme.
4.
Adventures sports and trekking: This again I didn’t explore, however I met a
great guy who works as part time driver and trekking guide; here his number -
9997070515
