Blog , Destination and Travel Blogs

Exploring Rishikesh; The Yoga Capital Of The World

Rishikesh is mostly known as the center for yoga and meditation across the globe and this reputation is well deserved by the city. The beautiful landscape has been utilized perfectly by the practitioners for yoga and meditation and even during the day, finding a yoga centre or an ashram is a very easy task as there are numerous of them scattered all over the town.  

These ashrams are renowned for the facilities and lifestyles that they offer to the visitors. However, some of them even offer a luxurious stay. The growing awareness of yoga and meditation across the world has started to attract a good number of tourists and locals who want a natural retreat to Rishikesh. 

Some of the institutions are:

1. Yoga Niketan:

This yoga centre attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world and was established in the year 1964 by Swami Yogeshwaran and Paramhansa. The teachings at this institute are connected to the 8 aspects of yoga which the students are expected to stick to strictly. This place offers brilliant teaching facilities and accommodations that make it one of the best places for practising yoga in Rishikesh.   

2. Parmarth Niketan:

Parmarth Niketan is the leading yoga centre in Rishikesh that provides the ideal environment for those individuals to seek to align their mind, soul and body.  Founded in 1942, it’s situated near the Ganga river and it draws a huge number of visitors every year, especially during International Yoga Day in March. 

3. Patanjali International Yoga Foundation:

This is an NPO that aims to spread the wisdom of yoga and Veda, and its principles, all around the world. It is tucked in the Himalayan region and it offers a variety of yoga teachers courses and Ayurveda retreats too. 

4. Rishikesh YogPeeth – Yoga Training School in Rishikesh India:

Rishikesh YogPeeth was established in the year 2005 and it offers a unique opportunity to dive into the world of yoga away from the city life, near Patna village. This school offers numerous yoga teachers, yoga retreats and training courses. 

5. Sivananda Ashram:

This Ashram stands as one of the topmost yoga centres in Rishikesh, founded by Swami Sivananda in the year 1936, and this Ashram aims at the core aspects of yoga like the asanas, breathing control, mind relaxation techniques etc. This school is officially certified and is highly regarded for its quality and discipline. Since they are mostly all occupied, the enthusiasts are requested to book their reservations in advance.  

It’s been a while since the Western world started to acknowledge the need and importance of yoga and meditation in daily life, but it’s pivotal to understand that this Hindu discipline transcends just physical postures. But, with its unique collaboration with spiritual enlightenment, techniques and natural surroundings, Rishikesh is the best place where you can accomplish your physical and mental health and take up a transformative path towards self-awareness and wellness. 

The connection of yoga to spirituality goes back to the days of legends scriptures and ancient writings. There is a lot of Ramayana mythology linked with this region and the reference can be seen in the Vedas and the Upanishads further solidifying its role as a spiritual hub for the visitors. 

Currently, Rishikesh is the host for a lot of retreats and Ashrams that attracts a lot of visitors. Be it the traditional Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga or the Vinyasa and Kundalini, all the levels of practitioners are welcomed here with open arms.   

The meditation options in Rishikesh are plenty and provide ample opportunities to connect with one’s self and start a new spiritual journey from within.

Blog , Destination and Travel Blogs

Sattal: Hidden Gem In Uttarakhand Surrounded By Seven Lakes

Situated in the arms of the Nainital district, Kumaon, Sattal is a place, that is a meeting point for seven interconnected freshwater lakes. The dense oak and pine forests decorate the landscape with them mesmerizing views, at the height of 1370 meters from the sea level.  

Sattal translates to Seven Lakes that come together to form a mesmerizing landscape. The lakes add to the tranquility of nature which is a perfect view. Sattal is a destination that captivates all the senses and soothes the soul as it is the perfect place for newlyweds, lovers, nature enthusiasts and families. As far as the history of this place is concerned, during the British Raj this region was known for its tea plantation.  

Sattal welcomes visitors and tourists with open arms in the pleasant season of summer and makes it the ideal destination for all the migratory birds and their admirers during the months from October to June. Although the monsoon season brings vibrant colours to the landscape, there still lies a risk of landslides. So the best time to visit here is between March to June and October to December, with the pleasant balance between the temperatures. January and February are the months when this tranquil tapestry is covered with a thick blanket of snow. 

This place has a lot of fun activities to offer that you can enjoy with your family and make unforgettable memories for a lifetime. 

  • Bird-watching paradise is for all bird enthusiasts as Sattal is a heaven with over 500 species of local and migratory birds. The environment comes to life with all the melodies of the birds singing around the sky. You can even arrange a local guide for morning walks who will help you to recognize and know the birds more. 
  • One of the most thrilling experiences of Sattal is kayaking. There are various packages available for this activity that allow the visitors and tourists to participate in this activity with utmost safety, without compromising the fun. 
  • Another unique adventure that can be explored here is the night swim under the stars which will not only give you some personal space to yourself, but also you can explore and admire the natural beauty of the landscape. 
  • Camping and tenting around nature is one of the most phenomenal activities that you can do with your family and friends. Choosing a natural home instead of a hotels provides you with an exhilarating gateway to the world of nature. 
  • Another interesting activity that you can indulge yourself in is interacting with the locals and getting to know about their local stories. This will provide you with an insight into the culture and the history of the town. 
  • For all the beauty admirers, Just at the distance of 2 kilometres away from Bhimtal is the beautiful butterfly Museum. This museum is in the house of Peter Smetacek, a famous lepidopterist; this museum shows a private collection of all the insects and beautiful butterflies. 

So we can conclude by saying that Sattal is an ideal place for all nature lovers that promises not only a charming view of the landscape but also offers a variety of adventures and cultural experiences. Be it kayaking in the Bhimtal Lake, admiring the beauty of the butterflies and the birds or engaging with the locals, this place offers a gateway into a world where nature and adventures live in harmony.