Nestled in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, Rishikesh isn’t just a place; it’s a portal. Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, this small but mighty town sits on the banks of the Ganges, drawing in spiritual seekers, backpackers, pilgrims and wellness travellers from every corner of the globe.

Ancient Roots & Sacred Waters

Rishikesh's name comes from ‘Hrishikesha’, an epithet of Lord Vishnu. Legend holds that sages once meditated here to escape the chaos of the world and commune with the divine. This spiritual legacy lives on. Rishikesh is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism and a stop on the Char Dham pilgrimage route.

The town’s real spiritual heart is the Ganga; considered a living goddess. It’s not unusual to see devotees lining the banks in quiet prayer, yogis practising sun salutations at dawn, or fire-lit Ganga Aarti ceremonies that blur the line between ritual and performance.

Modern Magnetism

Since the Beatles dropped into the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1968, (video incoming) Rishikesh has become a global wellness destination. Now, hundreds of yoga schools offer everything from drop-in classes to month-long teacher training retreats. The town retains its slow, meditative vibe, however its worth noting, that medative vibe is in comparison to the rest of India, not your local practise, its still chaotic and frankly, it needs a bit of TLC (more below)!

Architecture lovers will enjoy the evolving blend; from stark monastic retreats to vibrant, mural-filled cafes and yoga halls with Himalayan views. 

Why People Go

• To heal, learn and reconnect; with themselves, nature, or a deeper purpose.

• For yoga and meditation; whether beginner or guru.

• For adventure; trekking, rafting, bungee jumping.

• For pilgrimage and devotion; following in the footsteps of saints and sadhus.

Looking Ahead – Challenges & Change

With rising popularity comes pressure. Rishikesh now faces:

• Over-tourism in peak seasons, leading to traffic and waste management issues (A lot of them).

• Environmental concerns: Plastic waste along the Ganga, unregulated rafting camps, and forest encroachments. Its almost beyond a joke how much rubbish there is in some areas and this seems to feel in total contract to the 'spiritual nature loving vibe' that the area has built its fame off!

• Cultural dilution: As more wellness influencers arrive, there’s a risk of the deeper spiritual fabric being replaced by surface-level trends.

• That said, sustainable tourism initiatives and local conservation efforts are gaining momentum. Rishikesh’s future lies in balancing spiritual sanctity with mindful modernisation, as well as some strong government intervention to ensure the waste being produced is dealt with property and effectively. This also needs to inturn be passed on to those who use the space. The amount of time I spotted someone open a packet of something and discard the packaging immediatly on the floor was a total dissapointment, Na-ma gunna throw this on the floor! 

Not to end on a negative, all thouse who head to a retreat or resort sing a totally different sonf to the lowly backpacker of how increadible their stay was and how much they have enjoyed Rishikesh. Its why I personally say resorts are the best way to enjoy Rishikesh (and I do not say that often). Above I have a couple of links make sure you check out 'Ananda in the Himalayas' Sometimes you simply get what you pay for and spending a bit more here is going to give you a totally different experience and view of Rishikesh over the budgeting backpacker.