Tags
Ganges, Ganges River, Himalayan, Himalayas, India, Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Rishikesh, Shri Trayanbakshwar, Travel, Yoga
“Ommmmm….” I sit cross legged in front of my yoga instructor at the Himalayan Yogshala, as he chants and I wonder, ‘Am I supposed to join him?’ I take a breath and try. “Omm?” yeah, no, this isn’t working, I feel awkward and silly. I’ll just sit silently and try to relish in the idea of learning yoga in the yoga capital of the world. I am, after all, in Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is a yoga town situated between two extension bridges (Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula) built across the Ganges river, the most sacred river to Hindus. I’ve been told that Rishikesh is an incredibly spiritual place, but the short three days I was there, I have to admit, I just didn’t get it. I was going to skip this city, but was convinced to go to experience its beauty. Most of its visitors stay for weeks/months at a time to practice and learn yoga. As a passer-by I don’t think I got to appreciate it as well as I could have, but here are some Rishikesh highlights.
Take a spin on the back of a motorbike
Share the roads and narrow bridges with bikes, dogs, cows, people
And sometimes monkeys
Visit the Shri Trayanbakshwar, and ring bells for blessings
Admire the holy men… preferably from afar…
Ride a ferry across the Ganges
And if you do, bless yourself with the Ganges water, dipping your hand into the cool, and relatively clean river and placing the droplets on your head
Wanderfilled 