Oh I really did like Rishikesh. It is a holy city of Shiva, on the Ganges, the shops and ashrams and other buildings are strung along the two sides of this great rushing river, linked by two suspension bridges. The bridges and some of the streets are so narrow that only pedestrians, cows, and slow-moving motorbikes can pass by. All three wind patiently, and sometimes impatiently, stepping sideways to dodge each other as we go. Monkeys sit on the bridge, spectating, and stealing food if you happen to have it in your hand or a transparent bag.
Lunchtime on the Laxman Jhula bridge
The Ram Jhula bridge
Ashram
Shiva. This was my favourite statue in Rishikesh!
The heart of Hanuman
Another statue of Shiva
Fabric tied to a tree outside the temple - symbol of devotion?
In the old town of Swarg Ashram, beggars and religious men (sadhus) line the roads, begging bowls lined up in front. Religious pilgrims from other parts of India swarm to the temples. In the sister town of Laxman Jhula, backpacker cafes jostle with shops selling harem pants, yak-wool jumpers and hiking gear, and signs for yoga classes, past life regression, and palm reading. Jeeps hasten along the narrow roads, nearly wiping out the pedestrians as they honk their horns insistently.
Street food, Swarg Ashram
Our home away from home, the Oasis Cafe
Street scene, Laxman Jhula
Donkey laden with bricks, Laxman Jhula
Sadhus watching a performance, Swarg Ashram
Local children, Swarg Ashram
Beggar, Swarg Ashram
The family that followed me, got about 40 different photos taken with me... and then I got one of them!
Women in sarees, Laxman Jhula
The glorious Ganges
The Ganga, the day we went for a swim
This is the city where the Beatles came, and the ashram where they stayed is now abandoned, but visitors can still wander through the crumbling buildings and weed-choked surrounds. The vibe is strange, lively, a bit eerie.
Entrance to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles stayed
Accommodation huts
A pagoda shaped like a mushroom?
The yoga hall
More space-age scenes - a pod on top of a building
An abandoned hall
Rishikesh is filled with good memories for me, good experiences and great friendships!
