Introduction
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the Ganges River, Rishikesh has long been known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.” This holy city in northern India draws spiritual seekers, yoga enthusiasts, and adventure travelers from around the globe who come to experience its serene setting, spiritual vibe, and wealth of activities. One of the best places to stay to truly immerse yourself in everything Rishikesh has to offer is Hosteller Rishikesh.
Hosteller Rishikesh is a popular hostel and cafe located on the banks of the Ganges that caters to backpackers, families, solo travelers, and groups. From the relaxing communal areas to the clean and comfortable accommodations, Hosteller provides a welcoming environment where you can meet fellow travelers and get insider tips on the best things to see and do in Rishikesh from the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Unwind with Yoga and Meditation
After arriving in Rishikesh, take time to acclimate to the slower pace and soak up the serenity. Join in on a yoga and meditation session at the hostel’s open-air yoga platform overlooking the Ganges River and Himalayan foothills. The daily classes taught by experienced yogis are suitable for all skill levels, providing the perfect way to center your mind and connect with your inner spirit.
As a birthplace of yoga and hub for yoga teacher training, Rishikesh boasts an abundance of ashrams and yoga studios offering classes in various styles like Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa Flow. For a special treat, take a yoga therapy or Ayurvedic massage session to release tension and revitalize your body after days of travel.
Visit Holy Temples and Ashrams
A deeply spiritual place, Rishikesh has been a magnet for rishis, yogis, and sages since ancient times. Take a break from the hostel to visit some of the area’s sacred sites. Walk across the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Ganges, to get to the 13-story Trayambakeshwar Temple with a glittering shikhara honoring Lord Shiva.
Head to the western bank of the river to visit the massive Parmarth Niketan Ashram, renowned for its nightly Ganga Aarti ceremony with chanting, music, and fire offerings. Or meditate in The Beatles Ashram, now the Chaurasi Kutia, where the Fab Four deepened their transcendental meditation practice in 1968.
Sample Local Cuisine with New Friends
A highlight of staying in a hostel is connecting with travelers from around the world, especially over delicious regional cuisine. Hosteller Rishikesh sets up meals where you can gather with new friends to sample staples like daal, raita, curried vegetables, naan, and chai tea. With its location in Tapovan near many popular cafes and restaurants, like the musical Beatles Cafe, you can always find more culinary adventures in Rishikesh.
Make sure to try chotiwala, a spicy street food snack loaded with chickpeas, potatoes, chili powder, tamarind chutney, and Indian spices. For dessert, sink your teeth into a warm jalebi, a fried sweet soaked in sugary syrup. Wash it all down with a refreshing mango lassi.
Immerse Yourself in Local Culture
Rishikesh offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in local traditions, arts, and culture. Take a Hindi language lesson at the hostel to pick up a new skill and better connect with locals during your stay. Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare classic Indian dishes to share with your new friends or make at home.
Wander through the crowded lane bazaars lining the Ganges selling everything from spices and produce to fabrics and souvenirs. As you shop, watch sadhus (holy men) bless passersby, kids play cricket in side alleys, and Hindu priests prepare rituals and offerings.
See devotional singer-poets perform Ganga Aarti each evening as the sky fills with twilight hues, river breezes whisper, and flickering lamp flames generate a sacred ambiance. Observing these traditions you’ll gain a deeper understanding of India’s complex culture.
Find Adventure in Nature
While Rishikesh oozes spirituality and serenity, it also bursts with adventure for thrill-seekers. Get your adrenaline pumping by joining a group from the hostel for whitewater rafting on the Ganges. Brave the churning rapids while taking in spectacular views of the river gorge. Prefer to stay dry? Go cliff jumping into refreshing plunge pools or hiking through mountain forests and across suspended river bridges.
Looking for a rush with a view? Book a tandem paragliding session and sail high above Rishikesh as you gaze out at the stunning landscape blanketed in mountain wildflowers. If you want to channel your inner yogi outdoors, you can sign up for stand up paddleboard yoga classes too. Back at the hostel, swap stories with your new adventure buddies about conquerings the day’s exploits.
Escape into Nature’s Sanctuary
As exciting as Rishikesh can be, you may also want to escape into the peaceful sanctuary of nature during your visit. Take a break from the hostel and city bustle with a day trek to the spectacular Neer Gaddu Waterfall, tucked into the forest about 4 miles from town. Feel stress melt away as you picnic above the thunderous 65-foot cascade surrounded by verdant jungle.
For more isolation, plan a overnight camping excursion away from the city. Sleep under the stars as the Ganges River murmurs in the distance and wake at dawn to bird songs in the forest. Prepare a campfire breakfast with new friends as langur monkeys watch curiously from the trees above.
Returning replenished from your jaunts in nature, you’ll come to appreciate the balance Rishikesh provides between pulsating adventure and pastoral serenity that makes it appealing to so many.
Make Lasting Connections
Amid a friendly community of travelers, Hosteller Rishikesh makes it easy to forge new relationships and find companions for your Rishikesh adventures. Share travel tips and cultural insights during nightly community dinners, guitar jam sessions, yoga classes, or chilling in the hostel’s common room.
On your last night, exchange contact info with your new friends. Promise to visit if you’re ever in each other’s home countries. Swap photos and stay in touch after leaving Rishikesh. One day down the road, you may even plan a reunion trip with your Hosteller crew.
When you stay at Hosteller Rishikesh, simple pleasures like reading in a hammock, sipping chai tea while overlooking the Ganges, and sharing laughter and conversations with fellow travelers from around the world become the highlights of your visit. By fully immersing yourself in the local culture and community, you’ll form lasting connections and find inner serenity that you can carry home with you long after departing this sacred place
