A beautiful solo escape to Rishikesh

Though I’ve visited Rishikesh many times and even traveled solo there three years back, this journey felt different. I experienced Rishikesh in a way I never had before with a calmer mind, wiser heart, and deeper awareness.

Same Rishikesh, new perspective.
Growth changes the way places speak to you.

Right after reaching Rishikesh, I got to my hotel, freshened up, and rented a scotty, honestly, the best way to get around and explore the city through all that traffic. I decided to start by visiting places I had never been to before, lesser-known yet incredibly peaceful and beautiful, located on the outskirts of the city.

Wandering through the outskirts turned out to be an unforgettable experience, uncovering hidden places and sipping tea with a plate of Maggi at a quiet roadside corner, wrapped in mountain views.

Hidden roads, mountain views, and chai-Maggi moments

While returning to my hotel, the sun had already set, and winter evenings had begun. Riding back on the scotty, I witnessed lights twinkling across the mountains and heard the clear, sharp sound of the Ganga flowing nearby.

These little, unexpected experiences are what add magic and lasting memories to any journey.

Winter dusk, mountain lights, and the steady song of the Ganga.

A morning that began with adventure and flowed into bhajans at Parmarth Niketan

I woke up and prepared for river rafting, rode my scotty to the starting point, and felt a different kind of excitement. I had experienced rafting before, but back then, fear took over. This time, I let go of fear and enjoyed every moment with joy.

This time, I sat in the front and experienced every wave along the way. I was screaming, enjoying, feeling scared, smiling, and even thinking about my mummy when fear crept in. Yet, the experience I had this time was truly mind-blowing.

In the middle of the journey, when the river became calm, I stepped into the Ganga Ji. The water was icy cold, and at first, I couldn’t bear it, but slowly, I started enjoying it. We then stopped by the riverside for chai and Maggi. I was completely wet, the air was cold, yet that hot chai and Maggi felt incredibly comforting and delicious.

After that break, we began the second round of rafting, which was a little tricky and dangerous. However, with courage and teamwork, we made it through and finally reached our destination. I enjoyed every moment, faced my fears, and truly let them go.

After that adventure, I was completely exhausted. I went straight to my hotel, rested for a few hours, and then got ready to head to Parmarth Niketan for bhajans and the evening Ganga Aarti.

The Shiva statue in front of the Aarti corridor completely mesmerized me. I sat there for hours, lost in peace and devotion. We began with the Hanuman Chalisa and went on to sing many bhajans. The feeling was truly out of this world.

I feel deeply connected to Lord Shiva. His love has always made me fearless. No matter how many downs I face in life, I rise again with courage, guided by His blessings. I know, with complete faith, that He always protects me no matter what.

After attending the soulful Aarti, I went for dinner, and afterwards, I sat at one of the Ganga ghats for hours. Sitting alone with my thoughts, quietly observing everything around me, felt incredibly peaceful. Only an introvert can truly understand the depth of that silence and serenity.

From the soulful silence of the Beatles Ashram to the sacred Triveni Ghat, flavors of street food, and mesmerizing river views

A new day began with exploring amazing street food, and I spent the entire day indulging in it. Being a foodie, I absolutely loved every moment.

After which, I headed towards the Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kutiya, located inside the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. This ashram holds a unique history; the legendary band The Beatles once stayed here.

The place is filled with meditation caves that were specially developed for deep meditation, and the walls are adorned with stunning and meaningful artwork. Every corner of the ashram reflects calm, creativity, and spiritual energy. Exploring this place was truly a memorable experience and one of the highlights of my journey.

After exploring the Beatles Ashram, I headed towards Triveni Ghat to attend the Aarti. Honestly, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I’m almost at a loss for words. It may sound ordinary to some, but for me, it was truly life-changing and deeply fulfilling.

I was completely lost in my own world, soaking in the bhajans, while people around me danced as if saying, This moment is meant to be lived. The Ganga Aarti was peaceful and divine, and I prayed with all my heart, feeling deeply connected and grateful.

A day spent with myself, wandering through the city’s hidden corners and visiting the iconic Freedom Café

On the last day, I decided to spend time with myself. I woke up and sat for hours at the Ganga ghat, letting the calm sink in. I then wandered through the city, exploring as much as I could. I didn’t do much in particular. I was simply peaceful, observing the city, its people, and its rhythm, and allowing the moments to unfold naturally.

As the day passed, I decided to visit Freedom Café. I instantly loved the vibe of the place and the food. The café had a subtle Israeli touch, and the artwork added to its charm, effortlessly drawing people in. The food was absolutely amazing and made the experience even more memorable.