On an excruciatingly hot day, I decided to walk around Rishikesh. It was not my first visit to this mystique land but things have changed much since the 2013 floods.
My eyes looked for the landmark statue of Lord Shiva, facing Parmarth Niketan and not having located it, I asked a passer-by, who told me it was washed away by the floods. I stared at the empty space for a few minutes and felt the hollowness.
Rishikesh is one of those place whose invigorating vibes and detached people have always made me feel comfortable. In my head, I tend to compare it with Varanasi, though I know the latter is far more complex and curious, as I have felt in my travels. On the other hand, Rishikesh feels more connected and scenic, owing to its wider landscapes.
Often called the yoga capital of the country, this city welcomes thousands of yoga aspirants and spiritual gurus from the world. It is also popular for its beautiful rapids which allow many adventure enthusiasts to raft on River Ganga.
I, as usual, walked aimlessly, spoke to a few people and basked in its warmth. The only thing I did differently this time was taking the inner pathway from Ram Jhula to Laxman Jhula. This 3-km stretch was a quieter and greener experience.
Read: Photo Story: A Morning in Varanasi
Read: Photo story: Kumbh Mela 2010 Haridwar
Read: Street Art on Chapel Road, Mumbai
Which are your favourite unexplored walking trails?
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Amrita Das
I have been a travel and culture independent journalist. My bylines have appeared in many publications worldwide including National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet Magazine India, The Indian Express and World Travel Magazine. A fellow of Media Ambassadors India-Germany 2019 program by Robert Bosch Stiftung and Centre for Media Competence, University of Tübingen. Currently, I am the photo editor for RoundGlass Sustain, a wildlife and conservation e-publication. I live in India.
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Lovely photos, Amrita! Would love to visit Rishikesh one day soon :)
Thanks Veena. I’m sure it won’t disappoint you.
Rishikesh is certainly one of its kind place! Its an International Yoga capital!
I have been to Rishikesh few years back – in transit on a trekking trip! Some pictures posted by you so typical of Rishikesh! The laxman/Ram jhula, Ganga in its flow, the chotiwala restaurant (2) and its mascot !!
I’m looking forward to next trip to Rishikesh and intend to do Neelkanth temple walk!…someday I hope !!!
Good luck for your re-visit. Always exciting :)
Interesting post! I never realized Rishikesh has quite a lot of street art.
I didn’t either, till I walked around.
Lovely post! The river actually looks very rough, but I loved the street art the most; reminds me a lot of the work of Banksy…
This was during the Monsoons, hence the river and its colour and texture. I was pleasantly surprised and flattered by the street art :)