Rishikesh
Nestled cosily on the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh abounds in natural beauty. Nicknamed 'The yoga capital of the World' Rishikesh has numerous yoga centers. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy Ganges River that flows through it. A breathtaking experience of natural beauty and undiscovered wildlife await here. Not to mention the peace and tranquility of a landscape associated with sages and meditation.
You can learn to play the sitar or tabla, try hasya yoga (laughter therapy), practice humming or gong meditation and experience crystal healing.
In February 1968, The Beatles visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh. John Lennon recorded a song titled, 'The Happy Rishikesh Song'. The Beatles composed nearly 48 songs during their time at the Maharishi's ashram, many of which appear on the White Album. Several other artists, including Mike Love, The Beach Boys, Donovan and Gyp Mills visited the site to contemplate and meditate.
Himalayas
The Himalayan region has been associated with countless myths and mystical creatures since ages. Hindus regard Himalayas as an abode of God Shiva and hence is regarded very sacred. Ancient Hindu scripture, Rig Veda, has referred to Himalaya as a deity. The mighty altitude of the Himalayas is a constant remembrance to the loftiness of the human soul, its vastness and a prototype for the universality of human consciousness.
River Ganges
In the Hindu mythology, the holy River Ganges is also the goddess Ganga. She was the daughter of Himavat, God of the Himalayas, and the celestial nymph, Mena. She originally flowed only through heaven. Rishikesh is the place where the Ganges comes down to the plains from the mountains.For Hindus in India, the Ganges is not just a river but a mother, a goddess, a tradition, a culture and much more. Some Hindus also believe life is incomplete without bathing in the Ganges at least once in your lifetime. Many Hindu families keep a vial of water from the Ganges in their house and believe that the water from the Ganges can cleanse a person's soul of all past sins. The ancient scriptures mention that the water of Ganges carries the blessings of Lord Vishnu's feet; hence Mother Ganges is also known as Vishnupadi, which means 'Emanating from the Lotus feet of Supreme Lord Sri Vishnu.'