Experience the Charm of Rishikesh During Your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
The schedule of a 200-hour yoga teacher training in India is intense, but when you get your days off, you’ll want to make the most of the wonderful location you’ve chosen for your training. Rishikesh is a place I fell in love with due to its vibrant energy. The constant hustle and bustle of visitors, cows, dogs, monkeys, and motorbikes require you to stay fully aware of your surroundings—both internally and externally.
Discover the Birthplace of Yoga
Rishikesh, known as the birthplace of yoga, ensures that you are never too far away from a yogi, swami, or sage. Situated along the banks of the sacred River Ganges (Mother Ganga), the town is divided into two sides, connected by the footbridges of Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. Crossing these bridges is a highlight of the trip in itself. Although meant for foot traffic only, be prepared to share space with numerous bikes, each jockeying for room with persistent honking. Monkeys often line the bridges—so beware if you’re taking pictures or holding food, as they are not shy about snatching things away!
Explore Local Attractions
On your days off, immerse yourself in the local culture by:
- Walking through the local bazaars: Barter with friendly shop owners for a pair of ‘India pants’—those iconic baggy trousers—or visit the many jewelry shops and have a Mala made.
- Witnessing the Ganga Aarti: Every evening around 5:30 PM, head to Triveni Ghat to experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, also known as the Maha Aarti. This evening prayer ceremony gives thanks to the river for its life-giving properties and attracts a large number of devotees and visitors. You can participate by buying oil divas—flower-filled leaf boats—which are lit and released into the holy river waters.
- Relaxing by the River Ganges: During the day, the riverbanks, or ‘the beach,’ offer a place to cool off in the holy waters during the hot summer months. Just remember, this is India and a holy town, so swimwear like bikinis is not appropriate!
- Hiking to Neer Waterfall: For a bit of adventure, hike up to Neer Waterfall. From the taxi stand, it takes about half an hour to climb the path to a beautiful spot where you can bathe and relax.
Visit the Historic Beatles Ashram
A must-visit is the “Beatles Ashram,” officially known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. I was captivated by the eerie magic of the place in its abandoned state. It’s a fascinating site to explore and photograph, inviting you to ponder what it was, could have been, and should be.
In 1968, The Beatles stayed at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram to attend an advanced Transcendental Meditation training. They wrote parts of The White Album and Abbey Road here, although the stories suggest that not everything was as it seemed! I recommend visiting late afternoon—climb to the roof to watch the sunset over Rishikesh City.
Savor the Local Cuisine
During your yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, all meals are included and consist of delicious Indian and Ayurvedic traditional foods. However, every now and then, you may crave something more familiar. Fortunately, Rishikesh caters to international visitors with numerous restaurants and hang-out spots offering cuisine from around the globe. Keep in mind that meat and alcohol are forbidden in this town, so be prepared to enjoy delicious vegetarian treats and drink plenty of fresh juices or kombucha.
Embrace the Spirit of Rishikesh
Most importantly, breathe, take it all in, and enjoy the electric atmosphere that defines Rishikesh. You will never be too far from another budding yogi or traveler with whom you can share tales and experiences. The town’s spiritual essence creates a unique environment that enriches your journey.
Conclusion
Rishikesh offers a perfect blend of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for yoga teacher training and exploration. Whether you are crossing the bustling footbridges, participating in the sacred Ganga Aarti, or savoring the local vegetarian cuisine, Rishikesh provides a transformative experience that stays with you long after you leave. For those looking to deepen their practice and immerse themselves in the authentic world of yoga, consider enrolling in a 200-hour yoga teacher training in India, where the journey goes beyond the mat and into the heart of yoga’s birthplace. Discover more about the vibrant culture and spiritual significance of this incredible location by joining a yoga retreat in India or exploring an Ayurveda retreat.
