After enjoying a mesmerizing and enigmatic backpacking trip to Himalayas, me and my friends, landed on a beautiful city in northern India nestled in the foothills of the sacred and mysterious Himalayas. The city is bisected by the mighty Ganges, which leaves the Shivalik Hills in the Himalayas and flows in the plains of northern India. Cool breeze was blowing and there was a soft glowing light from the sky as I looked on to a beautiful twilight. Shortly, we arrived to Zostel- Super awesome bohemian backpacker hostel and our sole preference.
Rishikesh is well known as World’s Yoga Capital. You will get a glimpse of its spiritual image in Sadhu’s who roam the streets or Yoga Ashrams which the city houses in plenty. Zostel is a colorful hostel with beautiful rooftop terrace, TV lounge, garden, reading area, scribbled walls and a beautiful lobby. After having an amazing food at Zostel at night, we played Jenga and dozed off for much awaited morning in the city.
Early morning, we were set to leave for the river rafting on majestically sweeping white river-Ganges. We had other 5 backpackers to accompany us in our journey ahead in the city. After a journey of an hour or so, we finally embark upon the banks of river Ganges flowing at its own pace. It is one of the recreational outdoor activities which have been one of my favored. We started to row the raft with the paddles and oars. This reminded me of one of the H.D.Thoreau quote: “Who hears the rippling of rivers will not utterly despair of anything”. With the aerated and unstable water currents through the plains, we approached the small and big rapids. Every passing rapid bought a different level of exuberance in each one of us. It was a must to do adventure. We also experienced cliff jumping which was an adrenaline rush to the adventure. The feeling when you are in air for a couple of seconds and suddenly into deep waters for a couple of seconds and when you can actually touch the surface of the freezing cold water of the river. One of the best things one cannot miss out is to enjoy a relishing bowl of Maggi sitting on a cliff overlooking the river and getting untwined. Apart from Rishikesh being the religious capital of India with plenty of temples and sages, you will be surprised to know that Rishikesh is also frolicking with a number of cool gypsy cafes. So, we headed towards one of them: ”Little Buddha Café”. We crossed the iconic suspension bridge known as Laxman Jhula built over the holy river Ganga. It offered a panoramic view of river Ganga and glimpse of the Rishikesh city.
While moving in the direction of the Little Buddha Café, Google maps showed ‘The Beatles café’ nearby. With the glance at the name itself, we altered the plan and started moving towards ‘The Beatles Café’. Google maps clearly reiterated that we have reached destination. However, to our astonishment we were unable to find the café. After roaming around the bazaar for a couple of times, we saw a narrow passage that made a way to the Beatles-themed hidden café down the bazaar. The café was a tribute to the Beatles who stayed in Rishikesh in late 60’s. Laid-back global café with a 60’s theme and Beatles pictures hung on the wall with a terrace clearly depicting picturesque view of the Ganges. The awe-inspiring view was perfectly matched by the awesome and delicious food with some great music.
After such an appetizing lunch, we headed for the Beatles Ashram, also known as Chuarasi Kutia (84 Huts). It was the training Centre for Students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The Beatles visited the ashram to study meditation in late 60’s. The Multi-faceted Ashram was beautiful and tranquil at one time and scary at the other. There were various artworks and graffiti on the ceiling of the Ashram remembering the Beatles and Maharishi. Street art painted on some of the buildings was sensational. Meditation caves and the smooth soft sound of the winds bring peace to the soul. Birds were chirping and the apocalyptic sun marveled at the beautiful sky. An oasis of serenity ran into me as I slowed down, reflected and engaged myself into ecstasy of the nature.
Further, we traversed to the one of the most spiritual sight of the city on the bank of the sacred Ganges. Every evening, as the dusk descends, the Ganga aarti is performed at the Triveni Ghat (Confluence of three holy rivers- Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati). It seemed very powerful and uplifting ritual. The aarti was carried out by Hindu priests facing the holy river Ganga in a clockwise manner accompanied by songs in praise of River Ganga. The bright and colorful array of diya placed in leaf boats was a spectacle to behold. This amazing sight bought tears in my eyes.
Post the spiritual aarti, we descended for dinner at one of the most amazing Italian restaurant- A Tavola Con te. The ambience was exquisite and the food was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Following such delightful dinner, we were strolling around the city. The aura of the chaotic and colorful place, moon lit sky, ragged clouds and wind was so pleasing that the Ocean would have held up a mirror.
Finally it was the time to bid adieu to the gateway to the Himalayas-Rishikesh. The city has a special place in my heart. It sounds surreal, but I had a real breakdown about saying au revoir to the city where i have a piece of me.
I remember a quote which perfectly describes why saying goodbye to the city was so difficult: “You get a strange feeling when you leave a place, like you’ll not only miss the people you love, but you miss the person you are at this time and place because you’ll never be this way again." :)
