From the Beatles to bungee jumping: Rishikesh offers much more than yoga
Yoga capital of the world: International Yoga Day, which is being celebrated on June 21, was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 to the UN General Assembly and adopted unanimously. There's no better place to celebrate than Rishikesh -- the "yoga capital of the world." But there's much more to do here.
SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Rishikesh: Although the Beatles put Rishikesh on the map in 1968 with their trip to the Maharishi's ashram, the holy town on the banks of the Ganges river has recently become a hub for outdoor activities.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Aarti: Celebratory Hindu aarti sessions are performed nightly in Rishikesh, with music played and fire lit as offerings to the Ganges River.
Motez Bishara
The Beatles: The meditation hall at the former ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh is festooned with graffiti, much of it celebrating the Beatles' visit in 1968.
STR/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Dear Prudence: The Beatles Ashram has been open to the public since 2015. Although much of it has been let in ruins, meditation caves like these inspired the song "Dear Prudence."
Motez Bishara
Peanut brittle: A market vendor in Rishikesh Town sells fresh peanut brittle. India accounts for 16% of the world's peanut production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Motez Bishara
Bustling markets: Rishikesh Town offers a sight unseen by most tourists visiting the holy city. It's akin to the more manic side of India, with busy street markets and bustling traffic.
Motez Bishara
Kirtan: Kirtan players in Rishikesh chant mantras to the gods that last for hours, often playing to no audiences. It is worthwhile sitting in on a session, and participation is usually welcomed.
Motez Bishara
Kailashananda: A view of the enormous Kailashananda ashram from the other side of the Ganges, with the busy Lakshman Jhula foot bridge connecting the two sides of town.
Motez Bishara
Yoga: Rishikesh boasts one of the largest clusters of yoga centers in the world. This yoga school features a giant tree wrapped in red rope to signify its holy status.
Motez Bishara
Cafes: Enjoying a coffee or tea at one of Rishikesh's many cafes is a good way to meet fellow travelers. These two Italian friends met in London and are spending a few months in the country.
Motez Bishara
Local fauna: Animals coexist with humans peacefully in Rishikesh, although monkeys can be aggressive with humans if they spot food.
Motez Bishara
Haridwar: A tree is converted into a red temple on the Ganges in the holy city of Haridwar, a one-hour drive from Rishikesh.
Motez Bishara
Nightly ritual: Haridwar has its own nightly aarti sessions, which are less catered to tourists. Be wary of false holy men looking to fleece you for a "donation," however.
Motez Bishara
Feet-dipping: Dipping your feet in the Ganges is tradition -- as displayed by this group in Haridwar. But the river runs rapidly and the banks can be slippery with moss, so do exercise caution.