Rishikesh - The River Wild

''Serenity, mysticism and exhilaration''… If you want to associate your next weekend trip with these three terms then this travelogue by Terrainspotter is a must read! Let me introduce you to the spectacular natural beauty of the Yoga capital of the world- Rishikesh.

''Serenity, mysticism and exhilaration''… If you want to associate your next weekend trip with these three terms then this travelogue by Terrainspotter is a must read! Let me introduce you to the spectacular natural beauty of the Yoga capital of the world- Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is made to please you with thrilling adventures like River rafting, trekking expeditions and excursions towards the daunting mountains. Add Bungee jumping, Para gliding, Beach volleyball and a pinch of spiritual celebration with the many pious temples and holy shrines around, what more can you ask for! It will definitely soothe down your city nerves better than a beer or tequila shotsJ

Rishikesh Google map link - http://bit.ly/kO1NPX

In terms of accessibility, Rishikesh is well connected with all major cities in Northern India by Road and Rail. Although Flying to Rishikesh is not a feasible option, still the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun (42 kms from Rishikesh) may serve the purpose for the distant visitors. The best way is to commute is of course by Road (NH-58 passing through Modinagar, khatauli, Muzzafarnagar, Roorkee, Haridwar and Raiwala).

Rishikesh welcomes its guest all throughout the year with its pleasant climatic conditions but it is advisable to plan out your tour between September and November as this is the most ideal time for all visitors

There are scores of Riverside tent resorts along the river beds of Shivpuri. In fact, there are actually tons of them and all of them seemed equally full and occupied, giving you an idea of the popularity of this destination.

The city of Rishikesh is embedded in legendary tales and fables , thus becoming a very important part of the Hindu mythology. According to common beliefs, Lord Rama did penance at Rishikesh after killing the evil king, Ravana. The Neelkanth Mahadev temple situated on top of a hill across the sacred Ganges delivers yet another mythological viewpoint about this place. According to history books, the joint efforts of devils and the Gods derive Amrit or the nectar of immortality resulted in the coming up of venom first. Lord shiva drank all the venom, which turned his throat blue, hence the name Neelkanth(Blue Throat).

What strikes you about the river bed is the golden sand. It feels as you are a character straight out a Phantom Comic Book, and have landed up at the "Golden Beach of Keela - Wee". In front of you is the crystal clear Blue-Green water. The water even in the summer is actually freezing cold.

The highlight of any Rishikesh Trip has to be the River rafting arranged by the resort operators with their reasonable rafting rates. Any which ways, one raft carries 7-8 people and so you also get a chance to mingle with others. There are a few exotic names given to the rapids on the river Ganga. How about a golf trip down the Golf Course Rapid on the Ganga ,or simply a Roller Coaster Rapid ride on the waves, or may be a climb up to the best Wall Rapid Ganga has to offer? In fact there's one rapid called Body Surfin Rapid in which you can actually float and flow with the flow i.e literally body surf!

The nights can be made real fun by drinking your whiskies or sipping your Vodka on the river bed with a huge bonfire on. Food options are limited as you are left at the mercy of the Resort's temporary cooks culinary skills or lack of them!

(Image Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Laxmanjhula.jpg)

After the river rafting , do visit Lakshman Jhula, an iron suspension bridge that is situated at the heart of Rishikesh to help people cross the Ganges. Mythology has it that Lakshman crossed Ganges on jute ropes between the place where this bridge is built.

And that's not all! Do ask you resort guy to take you to the cliff jumping stretch. Keep your arms and legs dead straight while Cliff Jumping, otherwise immense PAIN is evident and it won't go soon:-)