Relive your Life with Rishikesh Travel Guide

Recently, I got an opportunity to visit Rishikesh with my group of astrology-learners. Located in Uttarakhand, a home of natural beauty, Rishikesh just leaves me captivated, whenever I read, talk or even write about it. Anaida is like buddy to me and I love to spend time with her even after my astrology session. We both were feeling in high spirit on being reached to Rishikesh.

Laxman Jhoola

From Delhi, we took a flight and landed in Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. Rishikesh is just 15 km away from Dehradun. Captivated by the sheer natural beauty of the place, we decided to stay in an Ashram-Himalayan Retreat, where the blissful atmosphere made us to relax in the best possible manner.

Nestled amongst the spectacular backdrop, with a beautiful view of mountains, rivers and green forests, the Ashram has all the things to made us calm and relaxed. Well, we were there for two days and wanted to make the most of it.

Due to my great interest, I decided to take a few yoga lessons. Another reason behind joining the yoga sessions was my concern for well-being of human, of-course including me. Like me, many other people were drawn to Yoga because it does not only stretches and tones, but also gives you a truly relaxing experience altogether. Staying in an Ashram, practicing Yoga and eating only vegetarian food just make you feel contented.

The only thing which I found difficult was to wake up early in the morning, yet my eagerness to learn this ancient practice overcame my laziness.

Well, next day after taking rest, we headed towards Laxman Jhoola, the most popular attraction of the place. According to the legends, Hindu Lord Ram spent his time of exile in the forest area of Risikesh along with his consort Sita and brother Lakshman. The suspension bridge bears testimony to their stay here.

The original bridge was built of jute and was renovated in 1939. However, later on it was converted into an iron bridge. Based on our experience, I must say that this is a classic tourist attraction, offering beautiful view of the area. Standing upon the bridge, we got our group photo clicked in different poses. Interestingly, we also got to see some yellow-brown monkeys and some of them were really looking aggressive.

Another attraction that we visited was the famous temple of Neel Kanth Mahadeo, situated just 12 km from Rishikesh. Legends say that in ancient times, when the churning of the ocean produced both nectar and poison, a few drops spilled on the earth. The drops of poison were consumed by Lord Shiva at this spot and later on, a temple was made, which is now known as the Neel Kanth Mahadeo temple. Set amidst the forest area, it offers you a chance of walk through the forests.

River Rafting

Being the oldest temple, Bharat Mandir holds our attention as well. Located near the Jhanda Chowk, it is largely visited by rishis (sages) from across the world.

Then our group divided into two groups. Some of them went for enjoying the river rafting while others went on shopping. I am a die-hard adventure and the thrill just doubles my excitement. I must say one should go for this amazing adventure of river-rafting in Rishikesh to treat their adventure buds. But before starting this interesting adventure, you should equipped yourself with light clothes, torches suntan lotion etc.

As Anaida was in shopaholic group, so she came back with the popular shopping items of Rishikesh that include local handicrafts, beaded jewellery and pearls.

Collecting wonderful memories of the Rishikesh Tour, we came back home with a delighted mood.

Gangtok-The Quaint Little Hill Station of India

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is the destination, I recently visited with my two friends. Me, Denial and Albert were on India tour last month. Located in the Shivalik Hills of the eastern Himalayan range, Gangtok was the perfect destination for all three of us due to our love for adventure.

Rumtek Monastery

We decided to go by air and landed at Bagdogra airport in West Bengal. From Bagdogra, we drove towards Gangtok which took around 4 hours to reach. As we wanted to make this Gangtok tour the cherishable affair for us, we stayed in a luxury hotel. The modern amenities and warm hospitality just made our mood light and helped us to relax at its best.

Surrounded by beautiful view of the mountains, Gangtok just stole away our heart. We devoted the whole day of sightseeing of the famous monasteries of the city.

Situated on a hilltop Enchey Monastery, two hundred years old monastery was the first place that we visited. It is an important seat of the Nyingma order of Buddhism. While going inside, we saw many images of Gods, Goddesses and different other religious objects.

Then, we headed towards the Rumtek Monastery, located 24 km from the town. This monastery belongs to the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism. It is the seat of the 16th Gyawla Karmapa, who was the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. We also got to see the Golden Stupa, which holds the cherished relics of the Sixteenth Karmapa.

The next gompa we went to was, the Pemayangste Monastery. We enjoyed an exciting trek to Pemayangtse. Built in the 17^th century by Latsun Chempo, this monastery relates to the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. Before going there, I had read about the monastery. So I was bit eager to see the magnificent sculptures and beautifully decorated paintings. Well, as read, the monastery justified the description. Denial is very fond of visiting museum and the unique collection. The ancient Buddhist antique statues and scriptures caught his attention.

Albert, being a wildlife lover insisted us to visit the Deer Park there, which we could not refuse. Based on our experience, I would say that the park was worth to pay a visit. Offering spectacular view of nature, the park has an open enclosure housing where we could see the animals like deer, Himalayan bear and Red Panda.

Tsomgo Lake

The day was tiring yet excited and in the evening when we came back to the hotel. Our evening was devoted to the discussions of attractions that we visited that day. Next day, we went for shopping as our other friends (who could not accompany us to this tour) had asked us to bring the specialties of the place. On being searched a lot, we shop for some local specialties like handicrafts, Alpine cheese and tea for them.

On our Tour to Gangtok, the beautiful Tsomgo Lake captured our attention not because of the religious significance but because of its scenic beauty. The tranquility of the lake just took away my heart and I enjoyed the atmosphere for long time. On the banks of the lake, we could view a number of flowers.

At last, we started our favourite section of the Gangtok tour. The exciting adventures of mountain biking and yak safari also became a part of our experience with the help of the state tourism department of Sikkim.

Due to the limited time in hand, we had to bid goodbye to Gangtok. The beautiful shots of the place that we visited kept me delighted throughout the tour.