Rishikesh - A place to relax

 


Rishikesh lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the Hindus' sacred river, the Ganga, leaves the mighty mountain range and enters the plains. The upper part of the city, between three bridges, is the most spectacular, and the holliest. There are many temples and ashrams, along the river and up in the hills, and pilgrims flock in in massive numbers. 


1. Lower left bank

The busiest part is between the lower and middle bridges on the left bank, and this is where I stayed in the first few days. This is pilgrim central, with hotels, shops, restaurants, temples and ashrams, and pilgrims of all sort. The Beatlest made Rishikesh famous, when they spent some time in one of the ashrams here.  






























2. Lower right bank

Opposite, on the right bank, there is no continous path along the river, and you'll find fewer temples and ceremonial river-side shrines. Downstream from the lower bridge, still on the right bank, eventually you'll reach a sandy beach. At the bridge itself, it seems, is the spot where traditional cremations take place. 






















3. Upper left bank

A more relaxed area is found further upstream, on the left bank, after a stretch of sandy beaches, near the upper bridge which is presently not used. The river valley is narrower here, the hill slopes are closer to the shore, and the neighbourhood is basically one main street. This area is less crowded, and there are more foreigners and businesses catering for them. More touristy, but in a pleasant way. Here I found a simple, cheap room. 
























4. Upper right bank

Across the Ganga, on the right bank, the city is on the top of the steep clifs. Since the upper bridge is out of service, a ferry can take you over. You can catch a nice view of the river bend from one of the temples, and from the road-side cafes further down you can see the middle bridge. 
















The hotel

I'm living in budget traveller's luxury. My room, although simple, has its own bathroom with hot water, a view on a forest and a temple from the bed, and a small terrace in front with a view of an alley leading to the main street. Often you hear music, drumming or chanting, or the combination of these, from the various temples and ashrams around. Wifi is mostly good, although it slows down a little sometimes, at other times cuts for 5-10 minutes, but good enough to do some work. And it's 5 GBP per night. Rishikesh is a relaxing, nice place, and I will stay a bit longer than originally thought. 








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