by Rachna Chopra
You know you are in the land of the Rishis, when the Himalayas make a sudden appearance, and as you breathe in, you sense you are breathing in freedom. Just in remembering Rishikesh, it’s like I’m already there! In merely describing the experience, my mind encroaches on that space where it ceases to be. Strife gives way to rest, and effort gives in to the caress of the calming breeze that has just been touched by the Ganges. Its coolness assures us that we have arrived, and need no longer strive for the place called home.

Effortlessness is the predominant flavor of Rishikesh. It is not a place to visit, but a place to return to after long tiresome journeys on the streets of life. Though its streets are lined by signboards of Hatha-Yoga classes, and shops selling umpteen meditation aids, strangely they are all just not required anymore. Once you step onto the land of the Rishis, you can safely drop your luggage of belief of all stringent practices. This is that piece of India’s land where yoga happens spontaneously. Your spirit can rest on the shoulders of those who have striven, and be taken forward by the strength of their spiritual resolution; like the leaf afloat on the ocean. For once, peace is not to be sought…it comes.

Rishikesh represents the site where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. The place is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the penance site for the serious practitioner, and is replete with temples. The dense-knit complex of cafés, bustling streets lined with exciting curios, and ashrams — collectively known as Swarg Ashram — is the most attractive part of Rishikesh, while Nilkanth Mahadev, east of Rishikesh, is one of its holiest shrines. The beautiful forest trail rises through the forests behind Swarg Ashram, passes through Mahesh Yogi’s ashram, and eventually descends to Nilkantha, which is at an altitude of 1700 meters. Other ashrams worth a visit include the Sivananda Ashram, Muni-ki-reti, and Parmarth Niketan. The walk from the Laxman Jhula, the 450-feel long suspension bridge, to the ancient bridge of Ram Jhula gives glimpses of the lives of local folks.

While the many different banks and temples assist the traveler in his inner journey, for the explorative mind, there’s a lot more to see in Rishikesh! The place is a good base to start for trekking tours into the Himalayas. Key destinations include Uttarakhand (144 km), Kedarnath (228 km), Badrinath (203 km), Gangotri (253 km), Yamunotri (226 km), and Mussourie (77 km). There is the thick cover of the Himalayas and the natural caves to get lost in. And there is river rafting excitement to swell your spirits.

Yet, it is the Ganges with the majestic Himalayan cover on three sides, and the orange robes of the wandering monks dotting the landscape that make Rishikesh so very special. Each speck of this soil is oozing with the fruits of penance of the erstwhile saints. Soak in this gift of freedom, rightfully and with ease. Only remember that life is not just meant to be lived here, but worshipped. Each minute, each second is potent with the possibility of your release.