The city of spiritual and mythical versions where every belief from the Indian treasure trove comes to life is a place without any time specification. One can visit the Gateway of the Himalayas during any month and they will find solace and calmness. However, there are some months and time durations that make a city come out in an entirely different light. January is the month for the blessed town of Rishikesh. Winters are known to weave a soothing charm in the lives of the yogis, travelers, and tourists. Sipping hot tea on a cold winter morning by the side of a street as you watch monkeys swing from branch to branch, while the sages run scot-free on the streets, Rishikesh can be heavenly, right at the beginning of the year. You can enjoy the finesse of this town in a different light altogether.
For better understanding, we have put together a few points that will talk about why visiting Rishikesh in the month of January is a good decision.
Practice in the cold
No matter how subtle it might be to practice yoga in the hot weather conditions, practicing yoga on a cold winter day, when the sun shines bright and warms you a little and the beautiful landscaping of the town that fills your heart with gratitude is a different feeling altogether. While December can get extremely cold, January brings with itself new hopes and dreams in this cold. A new resolution to get fitter or calmer will not meet the dust if you step to the town of the holy vibes and start your practice to become a better version of yourself. Come to the place of tranquility right at the start.
The scenic beauty
The beautiful city of Rishikesh is glistening with many natural gems. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, the town boasts of the Holy river, Mother Ganges. Pilgrims come to this town all year round, but in January the river becomes serenely beautiful as fog gathers on its brim and creates a mythical environment. Distant mountains are covered with snow and the mild cold vibes with sunny days bathe the entire city in its wake. It is an astounding experience to land in Rishikesh especially in the month of January.
Adventure sports
Apart from yoga and meditation, Rishikesh is also famous for white water rafting and camping. Many tourists flock to the town to enjoy small weekends or long vacation by way of yoga retreats and indulge in the water sport of rafting. The water of Mother Ganges is bound to be cold in the month of January, but it is also believed in the Hindu Mythology that the one who dips River Ganges is able to rinse all of his or her sins. If that is any true, why not get rid of the sins right at the beginning of the year that too, in the most fun way possible? We say go do it.
Less Touristy
All around the year, Rishikesh is crowded owing to the religious and spiritual status. In the month of January, we can correctly say that the season is not so high. Unlike months like March and April, when yoga festivals are conducted here and many people come to the yoga capital of the world, in the month of January, one can witness less traffic-laden streets, and cheaper accommodations. Also, buy cozy winter clothes from the street shops of the town. Rishikesh is a great place to shop till you drop because the choices are plenty and the prices are very low.
Mouth Watering food
This town is blessed with many local restaurants that offer all taste buds and preferences. A healthy place, you can find many options like gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, or dairy-free options. Sit on a riverside café and enjoy a ginger lemon honey drink in the cool weather and relish some mouth-watering delicacies. There are different cuisines on almost all menu cards, which include Indian, Italian, Chinese, herbal, and Ayurvedic. Name it and you might find it on the list of the local chefs.
If you are still unsure if Rishikesh is the place to be in the month of January, we say, go visit this town and experience the richness of this place by yourself.
To know about Rishikesh in further detail, explore our Yoga Teacher Training In India.
