It's accepted that yoga originates from northern India thousands of years ago. India is the birthplace of the practice of meditation and mindfulness. In many cultures, the idea of self-improvement is paramount to their health. It's also said that yoga has physical and mental healing abilities. The leisure activity that anyone can practice, young and old.
Men and woman take part, of many cultures.
Are you traveling to India on holiday? There will be the desire for self-indulgence and pampering, at a spa beauty center. If you practice, or have practiced in the past, yoga at any level, coming to India is a must. Traveling will present you with the opportunity to put your yoga skills to good use. Which is great, for the authentic touch.
It's thought yoga was first practiced over 5000 years ago, originating in India. The birthplace of yoga is Rishikesh City. The city is a place where many began to congregate, to meditate and heal. For many Hindus living in India, and elsewhere, the city is sacred. And yet not one religion, faith or belief belongs to yoga, per se.
Since early beginnings, the practice has become popularized for its therapeutic, mindful benefits. As much as for its implications for the health benefits of those who practice yoga. The practice helps strength bone and muscle. Practice is more than a health fad in other words.
One of the reasons why yoga spread to all corners of the world, it's believed to be for the health benefits. For others, it's a spiritual journey and one that's strengthening their mental agility.
Rishikesh is very well connected to some of India's largest cities. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi are within easy reach by daily domestic flights. From your city of choice:
The city is significant because of its roots in ancient times. It's a beautiful city, with sacred lands. That fact alone is very attractive for tens of thousands who flock to the city each year.
The major Hindu pilgrimage site for centuries, is close to where the river Ganges begins. As a spiritual center for many, the practice of bathing is to cleanse away sins. The ritual, and other rituals celebrated may have evolved into yoga, it's thought. There are many centers in the city catering to the needs of yoga enthusiasts, you are spoilt by choice.
Aside from the religious importance, the city is well known for its unique Indian cuisine. The many varied vegetarian dishes are delicious, and the cuisine is free from any meat, take note. Alcohol is also banned in the city, of course.
One of the most remarkable sights in India is the Ganga Aarti Ceremony in the evenings. As the sun disappears over the horizon, the evening cools with a refreshing breeze in your favor. Resting after a meal enjoying the ritual is memorable. It's the same event played out in the city of Varanasi on the steps leading down to the Ganges water. Each day, at dusk the ceremony takes place in celebration, the worshipping of the Ganges River.
The best time to travel to the region is when the temperatures fall. From the highs of 108°F, it's better to wait until early in the year. The months of February and March are ideal, or autumn if you prefer? August, September and October are also cooler months.
Pro Tip #1: Arrange in advance, a guide to take you on tour of this magnificent city, for your best holiday experience. Do not leave it until the last minute and accept a tour from any street guide.
Pro Tip #2: Wear appropriate clothing because Haridwar is a holy, religious city. Be mindful and respectful of this fact and cover your arms, legs and shoulders when in public.
The temple is on the outskirts of Rishikesh Town, atop a large hill 1600m above sea level. The best way to reach the temple is by renting a motorbike for the day. Renting gives you more freedom to explore beyond the temple. The best time to visit the temple is early in the morning. The stunning sunrise pays dividends getting up early. Or you can delay leaving until after the stunning sunset. From the temple you can see the snowcapped Himalayan peaks on a clear, sunny day.
The area is very beautiful, green and peaceful. Well worth taking the one-hour journey. If you are holidaying with family, then hire a car, and your hotel will be able to arrange that for you. Or book a guided tour in advance for the day you plan to arrive in Rishikesh. The tours are convenient, the tour guides arrange pick up and drop off points.
Pro Tip #3: If you are feeling energetic you can trek the distance from Rishikesh to the temple, it's about 7km or so. In doing so you can capture some truly amazing photographs on your way there and back. You'll have no trouble finding a quiet spot to camp down for the night too.
For true yoga authenticity, Rishikesh and Haridwar are the best destinations. When on holiday to India both are top cultural destinations, nonetheless. It's not that you must be a yoga enthusiast or practice yoga, to be able to enjoy yourself. Yet, there are thousands of yoga schools and retreats, or centers, all over India. If you do love yoga, you will have no trouble enjoying a yoga experience whilst in India.
There are other top yoga destinations of course, and here are the firm favorites:
Goa and Kerala are the best of the bunch in our opinion. Both are also great holiday experiences. For one, Goa has over a dozen high quality beaches, and they're all family friendly. There are the Kerala backwaters, promising you an amazing water-based holiday. Along with the yoga exercises, there are seductive Ayurvedic spa treatments.
What is fascinating is yoga as a form of exercise to maintain a healthy mind and body balance. It's leisure time accessible to all ages. There are no barriers to its practice, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. It's curious too, is it not? Yoga has some influence on classical Indian dance forms, such as Bharatanatyam. This form of dance is popular among all Indians. You can't help but think to yourself are there any coincidences between the two.
In any case, seeing a Bharatanatyam dance performance you'll remember it for a long time. It could be the performance encourages you to take lessons in this dance. Because there are schools accepting holidaying foreigners with their beginners' classes.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.