Rishikesh: The Ultimate 5-Day Family Retreat

Discover serenity and spirituality on a family adventure in mystical Rishikesh, India.

19 July 2023

Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip in India. Famous for being the yoga capital of the world, this spiritual city offers a serene and peaceful environment ideal for travelers of all ages. Families can enjoy activities like river rafting, exploring ancient temples, attending yoga sessions, and experiencing the vibrant culture of this enchanting city.

Travel plan

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Day 1

The Beginnings of Bliss:

  • Check into the family-friendly Ganga Kinare, where every room comes with a view of the holy Ganges.
  • Start your spiritual journey with a soul-stirring aarti ceremony at the Triveni Ghat, offering divine vibes and twinkling lamps.
  • Revitalize your taste buds at Chotiwala, where the butter-loaded parathas are so good, you'll dance like a yogi in ecstasy.
  • Feel the thrill of white-water rafting on the Ganges, conquering rapids and emerging soaked but triumphant.
  • Savor the tranquility of the iconic Beatles Ashram, channeling your inner Lennon and McCartney in the ruins that whisper melodies.
Day 2

Yoga and Ayurveda Rendezvous:

  • Awaken your chakras with a dawn yoga session led by an enlightened guru, achieving poses even a pretzel would envy.
  • Indulge in a healthy brunch at the cozy Café de Goa, feasting on avocado toast to make your taste buds sing like mantras.
  • Dive into the rejuvenating world of Ayurveda with a blissful spa treatment at Ananda in the Himalayas, leaving you floating on a cloud of serenity.
  • Unleash your adventurous side as you conquer the Neer Garh Waterfall trek, where each step is a synesthetic symphony of nature's beauty.
  • Seek inner peace at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, immersing yourself in a meditation session that will leave your mind as calm as a still lake.
Day 3

Exploring Spiritual Gems:

  • Embark on a temple-hopping adventure, starting with the iconic Lakshman Jhula bridge that spans the Ganges, leading to divine discoveries.
  • Visit the mesmerizing Trayambakeshwar Temple, where the towering deity invites you to bask in his divine glow and seek blessings aplenty.
  • Relish a delectable vegetarian feast at the famous Madras Café, where the flavors dance on your tongue like devotional hymns.
  • Traverse the suspension bridge to reach the serene Swarg Ashram, a spiritual haven where the air carries the whispers of ancient sages.
  • Feel the vibrations of the resonating bells at the Shri Bharat Mandir, an ancient temple that exudes a celestial aura, bestowing tranquility upon all who enter.
Day 4

Thrilling Adventures and Cultural Enchantments:

  • Embark on an exhilarating zip-lining tour, soaring through the lush canopy like a fearless bird, with your heart pounding like a tabla.
  • Feast on the flavors of India with a culinary experience at The Sitting Elephant, where the aromatic spices take your taste buds on a Bollywood dance.
  • Discover the hidden treasures of Rishikesh's local markets, bargaining for vibrant tapestries, handmade jewelry, and souvenirs that exude the city's essences.
  • Immerse yourself in the pulsating energy of the Annual International Yoga Festival if you're lucky enough to be in town during this awe-inspiring event.
  • Attend a mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti at the Parmarth Ghat, where the glistening river reflects the divine spectacle and washes your soul clean.
Day 5

Floating Through Serenity:

  • Embark on a scenic sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where the golden hues of the sky intertwine with the tranquil reflections on the water.
  • Savor a hearty Himalayan breakfast at the famous Devraj Coffee Corner, where fluffy pancakes and aromatic chai warm your heart like a big bear hug.
  • Delve into the mysteries of meditation at the Vashishta Gufa, a sacred cave that whispers ancient wisdom to those who dare to listen.
  • Indulge in a yoga and meditation retreat at the tranquil Phool Chatti Ashram, allowing your inner self to flow with the gentle ripples of the river.
  • Bid farewell to Rishikesh, leaving with a heart full of spirituality and memories that dance in your mind like ecstatic yogis.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Rishikesh by plane is to fly into Dehradun Airport and then take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh. The airport is about 35 kilometers from Rishikesh and the journey takes about an hour. Airlines that fly to Dehradun airport include IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

Car

The best way to get to Rishikesh by car is to drive from Delhi to Rishikesh. The journey takes about 6-7 hours and the route is well-connected by roads. You can either hire a taxi or drive your own car.

Train

The best way to get to Rishikesh by train is to take a train to Haridwar Junction Railway Station and then take a bus or taxi to Rishikesh. Haridwar Junction is a major railway station and is well-connected to many cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

Boat

There is no direct way to reach Rishikesh by boat as it is not connected by waterways. However, you can take a boat ride on the Ganges river in Rishikesh to experience the scenic beauty of the place.

Bus

The best way to get to Rishikesh by bus is to take a direct bus from Kashmere Gate ISBT in New Delhi. The journey takes about 6-7 hours and there are many bus operators that provide this service.

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