The month of July in the hills of Rishikesh is an invitation to the lovers and believers in the world. It’s the perfect time to come and drench all of life’s misgivings in the rain-fed waves of a fiercely flowing Ganges and bathe in the good vibrations with your loved ones when the monsoon clouds come sailing in this ancient spiritual town nestling at the feet of greater Himalayas.
You are going to find the hills forests surrounding the old river locale greener than ever, the sultry heat of late summer already blowing away, and the iconic temples and yoga learning centers of the town free from the typical tourist crowd as it is found during the rest of the year. While tourists remain out of way in this rainy weather, you are likely to run into hundreds of pilgrims. Since it is the month of shravana in the Hindu calendar, widely celebrated in India with the worship of Shiva, timing your visit to India this month of the year in Rishikesh will give you the chance to witness a colorful pilgrimage.
Devotees coming from all corners of the country head towards the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple to pay a grand homage. The pervading spiritual consciousness that runs throughout India can be found at a culmination on Shivaratri- the night of Shiva’s worship celebrated since thousands of years in great faith in this renowned town of yogic pilgrimage.
July in Rishikesh is thus about a visit for some of the more unique attractions of this Yoga town, things that not many people know of or can appreciate—
The Ganges Reveals in Its True Essence
The sixteen kilometer stretch from Shivpuri to Laxman Jhula- the famed rafting river trail of Rishikesh remains off-bounds during the rain for the river turns tumultuous than ever. While in the early summer months, the river is hardly ever left alone, with multitudes of rafters, kayakers, and campers thronging the breath of the waters and its banks, the monsoon scene is contrastingly different. The river is now full of fury and it’s an absolute treat to just sit back and watch it coursing through the town’s meditative quiet.
Whether you are living in the yoga village of Jonk, near Ram Jhula- one of the hanging twin bridges that define Rishikesh in pictures, or closer to Laxman Jhula- the other overpass, the river remains a constant. Find yourself a cozy café in the bazaars along this stretch, facing the Ganges at her fiercest. Sit for many long hours. Listen to how the rain’s music mingles with the chaos of the river.
A Number of Hidden Waterfalls Coming to Life
Most people visiting Rishikesh get so enraptured with yoga, the temples, and the Ganges that the secrets of the forests remain unexplored. If you are the kind of adventurer who wants to see the other side of the pilgrim town, go ahead and rent your own two-wheeler, put on a rain jacket, and explore the hidden destinations in the outskirts.
At about 40 km distance from the town, you will find the Neer Garh and Phoolchatti waterfalls. The monsoon also brings to life a number of hidden streams and falls along the way.
Moving Deeper In Yoga as Rain Lashes the Hillside
July in Rishikesh is as much for the yogis as it is for the offbeat adventurers. On some days when it rains all day, yoga becomes the single mindset. There is nothing distracting you or disrupting your equilibrium. In the best of yoga schools in this town, you will find your sanctum in a warm hall on the top floor, looking over the rain-lashed hills. Make such a memory!
Incredibly Inexpensive Deals for It’s Not ‘Tourist Season’
Regular travelers in India know what it means to visit a popular hotspot in the ‘non-tourist season’—incredibly inexpensive deals! From boarding at a three-star accommodation to food and wares, everything is cheaper than the other months. The more you save on your stay, more will be your margin to spend on interesting spiritual activities available here—yoga classes, Ayurveda, reiki, Tibetan singing bowl meditation, and more.
Strike a hard bargain!
The Spectacle of the ‘Kavariya’s’ Foot March
The peak monsoon month is hassle-free in Rishikesh saved for the 8-10 days of Kawariya- when the Shiva worshippers join a wide foot march to Neelkanth Mahadev temple in the hills of Rishikesh. Enjoy the spectacle safely!
