Rishikesh, situated in the foothills of Himalayas on the banks of river Ganga, is a traveller’s paradise in the state of Uttarakhand. Because the river Ganga is considered pure and auspicious, Rishikesh is considered to be pure too and there are a lot of centres for meditation and yoga. Temples and Ashrams are lined up. It is known as the pilgrimage town. It is regarded as one of the holiest places for Hindus. Rishikesh receives a large number of tourists from time to time because of its beauty and religious prestige. It is believed that meditation practiced in Rishikesh provides one “moksha”, along with a dip in the river Ganga.
If you are planning a solo trip to this awesome place, but you are clueless about how to go about it, I am here to help.
Here is a list of places you would want to see if you are planning a solo trip to Rishikesh:
- TriveniGhat: The Ganga Aarti happens in this ghat. It is a clean and peaceful place. The Ganga aarti that happens in the evening is a wonderful sight you don’t want to miss!
- LakshmanJhula: It is a bridge which is shaky, and that is what brings out the adventure! The view of the river Ganga from here is mesmerizing. But it is advisable to not go there if it is raining.
- Kunjapuri Devi Temple: It is one of the most well known Shakti Peethas in the Himalayas. It is located at about 1600 meters height. The view of the sun rising from here is mesmerizing, along with the snow clad Himalaya.
- Rishikesh River Rafting: This is one thing you should definitely do in Rishikesh. Put on life jacket,get into the raft, and enjoy the adventure that follows! The cost for rafting is around 500 to 700 INR per person.
The most essential part of a solo trip is that if it’s your first, the nervousness is a given. But trust me; the fun is just too overwhelming! It is very important to plan things out beforehand. Plan your stay ahead and research about the place you are going to stay at. Looking for transportation modes is also very important because you are going to be alone in the journey and even though walking would feel like the best thing to do, options should always be kept open. It is also very important to not pack too much since you are going to be trekking and it isn’t much fun and convenient to carry big loads all the time. Carry snacks that you can munch while trekking or while walking from one destination to another; also carry water bottle. Always be aware of what is around you. In case you feel uncomfortable with something, do not panic and try to find a crowded place. Although, incidents like these rarely happen. Talk to travellers and make new friends! What is a solo trip without connecting to people and knowing their stories? Have fun!
