A Short Escape to Rishikesh

Rishikesh had always been a place I heard people talk about—yoga retreats, river rafting, peaceful ashrams, and beautiful views of the Ganga. But I never really understood the charm until I decided to take a short weekend trip there. It wasn’t a long holiday, just two days, but those two days felt like a refreshing breath I didn’t know I needed.

I arrived early in the morning, when the town was still waking up. The air was cool and carried a faint scent of incense coming from the nearby ghats. My hotel was close to Laxman Jhula, so after dropping my bag, I headed straight towards the river. The moment I reached the bridge, I felt a strange sense of calm. The Ganga flowed below, steady and powerful, and the hills on both sides seemed to hug the town gently. The sound of the water, mixed with temple bells, created a feeling that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.

I walked along the riverbank for a while, watching locals feed fish and tourists taking photos. A group of monks passed by quietly, and their presence added a soft serenity to the scene. I found a small café overlooking the water and settled down with a cup of lemon tea. The view from there was perfect—blue water, green hills, and the bridge stretching across like a painting.

Later in the day, I decided to try river rafting. I had been nervous about it, but honestly, it turned out to be more fun than scary. The guides were experienced and kept cracking jokes, which helped break the tension. The rapids gave us just the right amount of thrill, and in between, the calm stretches allowed us to float peacefully, staring at the sky. At one point, the guide asked everyone to jump in and take a dip. The water was freezing, but the shock of it made us all laugh uncontrollably.

After rafting, I took some time to explore the narrow streets around the market. Small shops sold everything—from handmade soaps and beads to colourful t-shirts with “Rishikesh Vibes” printed on them. I stopped at a German bakery for lunch, and their freshly baked cinnamon rolls were so good I almost ordered a second one.

As evening approached, I made my way to Parmarth Niketan for the Ganga Aarti. I had heard a lot about it, but experiencing it in person was something else entirely. People gathered quietly, sitting cross-legged on the steps. The priests started chanting, their voices rising and falling in a calming rhythm. Lamps were lit and moved in slow circles, their reflections dancing on the river’s surface. Even though I’m not very religious, the whole atmosphere felt soothing—like a gentle reminder that life doesn’t always have to be loud to be meaningful.

After the aarti, I walked back to my hotel using the quieter paths. The town looked beautiful under the soft yellow lights. Cafés were filled with people talking softly, and travellers from different countries sat together sharing stories. I ended my night with a simple dinner—hot rajma-chawal—which tasted even better because of the long, satisfying day.

The next morning, before leaving, I visited the river one last time. The water looked calmer than the day before, and the sunlight created sparkling ripples on its surface. Standing there, I realised why so many people keep returning to Rishikesh. It’s not just the adventure or the temples. It’s the way the town makes you pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself—without you even trying.

My short escape to Rishikesh may have been brief, but it left a long-lasting calm in my mind. And that, I think, is what makes this place so special.