If Rishikesh had a “best-of-both-worlds” season, that would be February. There is still a chill in the water (the average high temperature is just 62 degrees), but days are generally comfortable (highs typically reach the mid-60s) and skies are often clear, and town isn’t nearly as mobbed as it can be during peak holiday weeks. And you can rise to misty river mornings, spend afternoons hunting vantage points and waterfalls, and stitch it all together with the glow of Ganga Aarti – without ever feeling rushed or overrun.

Here’s why February is the ideal time to visit Rishikesh, along with what you need to know before you go, what to pack and a realistic itinerary that’s easy.

Rishikesh in February falls into that walking-all-day sweet spot: comfortable daytime temps and nights cool enough to warrant a sweater.

What that means for you:

• The ghats, suspension-bridge areas and riverside lanes are perfect for long, leisurely walks.
• Better trekking conditions (less fatigue, clearer skies)
• Cafe, aarti and sluggish walks on the riverside make for lovely lazy nights

Rishikesh is always spiritual – but in February, it can feel even more that way, because there is room to breathe. With fewer high-season crowds, you can linger at temples and ashrams and bask along the river.

Don’t miss: Ganga Aarti

One of the most grounding things to do here is to attend the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat (a good proportion also go to Parmarth Niketan). During winter, the aarti is generally earlier than in summer, so ensure you arrive before sunset if you want decent space by the river.

Tip: Arrive 30-45 minutes early and stake out a spot where you can watch both the priests and the river.

Globally famed for yoga and teacher training courses, Rishikesh is a place where February can be relatively easy to maintain some kind of routine – just imagine morning practice, sattvic meals such as “vegetable sandwiches” with light dressing cut into small vertical sections, and quiet evenings on repeat.

Why February is great for wellness travel:

• Mornings are peaceful and ideal for pranayama & meditation.
• Afternoons are the best time to go out for a walk and explore lightly
• Evenings taper off easily – good for journaling or restorative classes

If you’re contemplating a getaway, February also often seems like a “calm before the buzz” with enough going on to keep things interesting but not as jam-packed as peak-crowd months.

If you’re traveling to Rishikesh specifically for a Yoga Teacher Training, February is actually a very good idea – especially if you are after dedicated studies and regular practice with minimal distraction.

A training-friendly climate

Those YTT schedules are grueling: early wake-ups, back-to-back asana sessions, lectures, and self-study. February’s cooler temps are the perfect time to:

• Hold postures longer without overheating
• Stay energized through full-day training
• Sleep better at night (which matters for early classes).

Fewer distractions = deeper immersion

It can feel tamer than the peak holiday season. You are in luck because:

• You’re not as tempted to “do it all” every day
• The pace of the town encourages discipline — practice, meals, rest, repeat.
• The silent evenings lend themselves to meditation, chanting, and study

Ideal for building a strong routine

Most YTT programs (especially 200-hour trainings) operate by redundancy: practicing asana, correcting alignment, breath work, and teaching drills. In February, it gets a little easier to find your groove:

• Sunrise practice
• Clean meals
• Minimal late-night noise
• Better recovery between sessions

Better value and availability (often)

Shoulder-season months can offer better deals or more options in many places. While not all schools are like this, in some cases, you might get in February:

• More flexibility in choosing batches
• Better teacher attention (smaller groups)
• Space near training centers available

What a typical YTT day feels like

Here is a general idea of how the day might look – keep in mind that schedules differ among Rishikesh YTTs:

• Morning cleansing/breathwork
• The physical asana (Hatha/Vinyasa/Ashtanga, depending on location) practicing. The session consists of.
• Philosophy (Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita fundamentals, ethics regarding lifestyle)
• Anatomy and alignment
• Teaching methodology and practicum
• Evening meditation or chanting

What to expect if you come. To be clear: You’re not coming for a vacation in February, you’re taking time away from your regular life to attend an organized transformative event – intentional luxury is one of the reasons why people opt to do it.

Quick checklist for choosing the right YTT school

Before booking, look for:

• Transparent curriculum information (style taught, daily schedule, practicum time)
• Teacher profiles and experience
• Group size limits
• Accommodation and food inclusions
• Honest policies (refunds, attendance, assessment)
• Reviews of teaching quality, not just the geographical locale

Rishikesh is adventure central, and February doesn’t turn it off – it just means you prepare sensibly.

River rafting: possible, but winter rules apply

Rafting does run in winter, though both air and water temperatures in February can be chilly. Crowds are typically smaller, and availability may be dependent on conditions.

If what you’re looking for a raft to do in February is:

• Choose a Safety Certified Operator
• Ask about wetsuits and thermal layers
• Plenty fast, shorter stretches may be better if it’s your first time.
• Begin when it is already warmer in the morning
• Always verify rival level locally (these can be finicky).

If rafting isn’t right for you, February is nevertheless a great time of year for:

• Riverside hikes and viewpoints
• We spoke on the phone a few days later, while I was ziplining.
• Camping (with proper warm gear)

With cooler afternoons, and generally clearer skies, February is a good month for nature walks – if you want to move without summer heat.

For many, it’s Neergarh (Neer Garh) Waterfall. The trail is picturesque, and the weather enhances the hike compared with in warmer months when heat and sweat are a continual management issue.

Safety note: February may feature icy water – cool for pics, maybe less so for lengthy swims.

Depending on the year, February features significant spiritual holidays, and that can bring something to the feeling of town – more chanting in the temples, more lights, more temple activity, more hum in the air.

Even if you don’t time your trip for a festival, February is the month when India often seems most culturally alive: morning temple bells, evening prayers called aarti and a constant tide of devotion to an unknowable number of gods.

Winter light in the Himalayas is different: softer mornings, golden evenings, and often clearer vision. February is ideal for:

• River + bridge views
• Photography around temple and ashram in soft sun light
• Sunset shots from the top cafés and viewpoints

If you couldn’t think of things worse than slow travel and photography, February has plenty of mood without peak summer’s brutal light.

Here’s a practical list you can build your days around:

Spiritual + slow travel

• Evening Ganga Aarti
• Sunrise river walk + chai
• Ashram visit + meditation session
• Sattvic meals and café hopping

Yoga & learning (especially for YTT seekers)

• Experiment with drop-ins before you decide on a course
• Join a class or philosophy lecture, or meditation satsang.
• Pop into several schools and notice how lessons are delivered to students
• If in YTT: Apply afternoons to recovery and self-practice

Nature + light adventure

• Neergarh Waterfall trek
• Panorama hikes (mid-afternoon is warmest)
• Riverside cycling and walking trails

Thrill (with winter prep)

• Rafting,, if season allows and have cold-weather gear!
• Flying fox or swing (where in use)

Must-haves

• Warm layers: fleece + light jacket (nights can be chilly)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen + sunglasses (winter sun can still be bright)
• Reusable water bottle

Nice-to-have

• Light gloves or a beanie for early mornings
• Quick-dry towel (waterfalls/riverside)
• A shawl/scarf for temple and ashram etiquette
• A notebook for YTT notes, journaling, and self-reflection

Day 1: Arrive + settle into the river rhythm

• Check in and relax
• Café lunch
• Sunset walk by the river
• Evening Ganga Aarti

Day 2: Yoga morning + nature afternoon

• Sunrise yoga (Or try out a class in a school you’re thinking of attending).
• Ashram or temple visit
• Lunch + rest
• Waterfall trek and sunset viewpoints

Day 3: Training-focused or adventure day

• If you’re thinking about YTT: visit schools, talk with teachers, see their space
• If we are doing rafting : short stretch of rafting (in the late morning)
• If not: sights, shopping and cafés
• Wind down with a leisurely stroll by the river

1. How is February In Rishikesh?

The days are frequently enjoyable and the nights cool. Later, up and you’ll be fine.

2. Should I take YTT in February?

Yes – particularly if you prefer a structured routine, comfortable practice weather and less distraction. It is a terrific month for steady learning and rebounding.

3. Can I go rafting in February?

Sometimes, and it might be a bit chilly and rely on the river’s condition and the operator’s schedule. Confirm locally and go prepared.

4. When is the best time for Ganga Aarti in February?

It’s often earlier than summer. Arrive a little before sunset and early for a good spot.

5. How is the month of February in Rishikesh?

No February is quieter than during high summer months. Fewer tourists, quieter ghats and a tranquil setting for yoga, meditation and introspection await.

Go to Rishikesh in February for the perfect mix of comfort, calm and character: it will be clear enough for walking, deeply spiritual with lots of wellness opportunities, and adventurous without being suffocating.

And if you’re eyeing Yoga Teacher Training, February is an unusual mix of training-attuned weather, less buzz of energy and discipline-friendly pacing in which to go inner not just into postures but into whole yogic ways of life.

Rishikesh (also spelled Hrishikesh) is a city, municipal corporation and a tehsil in Dehradun district of the Indian state, Uttarakhand. That is not just a fun nickname for its title. It’s history, it’s culture, spirituality and the way of life here.” People from India and many other places around the world flock to Rishikesh to study yoga, seek serenity and connect with their inner selves. 

Rishikesh offers a tranquil ambience, fresh air to breathe from Holy River, honored yoga gurus and vibrant yogic culture surrounded with the pristine beauty of nature. Here, yoga is more than exercise. It’s a lifestyle – not just a diet or exercise regimen that emphasizes the spirit, mind and body. Read on to discover why this town is considered so significant within the yoga world.

Historically, Rishikesh has been a destination for solace and peace for over a thousand years. As per the old scriptures of India, this was a place meant for meditation and spiritually centered activities. Here, saints and sages have meditated for inner peace on the banks of the Ganga River.

Situated close to the Himalayan foot hills and on the bank of holy Ganga is a perfect place for spirituality since ages. Some think there is an energy here that calms the mind and promotes deep thinking.

No one came here for comfort or luxury. They had come to live simply, meditate and concentrate on higher thoughts. One big reason for the title — Yoga Capital of the World is this long tradition.

In 1968, The Beatles studied meditation at an ashram in Rishikesh. Their trip gave the town international exposure. “The next thing you know, all these Westerners were coming up to Rishikesh for yoga and meditation. Western newspapers, magazines and TV channels told the stories of this tranquil place in India.

As a result, Rishikesh began to attract steady traffic of spiritual seekers. They discovered this is where you can study yoga with authentic masters in a natural, serene environment.

A significant moment came in 1968 when The Beatles attended an ashram in Rishikesh to study meditation. Their stopover made headlines all over the world, and motivated scores of foreign visitors to arrive here so that they could learn yoga.

Hence, Rishikesh emerged as the connoisseur for yoga and meditation internationally. This heralded the beginning of a new era in the history of the town, as thousands of seekers flocked in every year to pursue a yogic life-style.

There are plenty of yoga ashrams and skilled teachers for which Rishikesh is called the Yoga Capital.

Here, not yoga from virtual gurus but the real ones who have read scriptures, meditated for years and follow traditional yoga lifestyles. However, many ashrams continue to teach authentic yoga in its original form – that is:

• Meditation
• Breathing practices (Pranayama)
• Yoga postures (Asanas)
• Chanting
• Yogic diet
• Self-discipline
• Simple living

These are not mere gyms here — they’re leading you down the path toward healthier, more peace-filled living.

Rishikesh is a haven for yoga enthusiasts who want to be a certified yoga teacher. Many yoga schools offer:

• 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
• 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
• Advanced meditation and breathing courses
• Traditional Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga

Graduates leave with skills to teach yoga anywhere in the world. Most of all they experience peace and control over the mind and learn more about yoga philosophy.

With the natural beauty of Rishikesh, it feels so calming and healing. It is situated at the foot of the Himalayas and is traversed by the holy Ganga River.

Clean air, green mountains, gurgling rivers and the chantings from temples make it a serene environment. This allows people to focus on yoga, meditation and personal growth.

Many travelers tell of some special energy here that makes them want to stay centered, think clear thoughts and become better versions of themselves.

Also Read: My One Week Soul Synthesis: Daily Schedule of a Transformative Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh

Temples, ashrams, prayer ceremonies and chanting are visible everywhere in Rishikesh. The night Ganga aarti on the riverbank is also THE best in town.

People sit by the river, light lamps and pray — and you can sense a profound serenity and faith. In the town of Bogalusa, they believe in clean food, plain living and good thoughts. This spiritual surrounding is what makes it the ideal location to practice yoga in its authenticity.

Schools for yoga learners draw people from all over the world to Rishikesh. Here you will find students from Europe, America, Australia, Japan and Korea, Africa and other countries practicing together.

This world blend makes the learning atmosphere a friendly one. We are all gathered here for the same purpose – to find inner peace, health and greater happiness.

Rishikesh is sincerely the yoga capital of the world.

And here, for visitors, are things you absolutely must do:

✔ Meditation on the side of the river early in the morning

✔ Attending Ganga Aarti

✔ Taking a yoga class in an ashram

✔ Walking over Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula bridges

✔ Now trying Ayurvedic food and herbal tea

✔ Temple & Local spiritual Place visit

✔ Attend kirtans and chanting evenings

✔ Short treks to local forest & waterfalls

Those who’ve been to ashrams and yoga schools report that most of this is the kind of food on offer:

• Satvik vegetarian food
• Herbal drinks
• Cook without onion & garlic(in some places)
• Fresh fruits & vegetables

This diet is purifying for the body and conducive to clarity of mind.

Alcohol, tobacco and raucous nightlife are not part of the culture here — health and calm living are the priorities.

In most of the rest of the world, yoga is just exercise. But in Rishikesh, yoga is a lifestyle. It includes:

• Body strength
• Peaceful mind
• Positive thinking
• Good actions
• Compassion toward all beings
• Control over thoughts
• Connection with inner self

Here, yoga is not a craze — it’s a sacred practice and a way of life.

The best months are:

• From October to March (winter, cool and pleasant times)
• Another international event in February is the International Yoga Festival

Morning practice by the river in winter is a magical and refreshing experience.

Like any tourist hot spot, Rishikesh has its problems:

• Growing tourism means more crowd
• Some schools are more concerned with money than actual learning.
• In some places development pressure is impacting the nature

But through mindful tourism and courtesy from the visitors, Rishikesh can remain a sacred ground for yoga seekers.

• Research your yoga school
• Check teacher qualifications
• Choose ashrams for authentic learning
• Follow local rules
• Respect spiritual spaces
• Dress modestly
• Keep your phone use limited

It’s all about the inner glow, not just the snaps.

Rishikesh earned its title because:

• Deep experience with Yogas & Meditation
• Real spiritual environment
• World-class yoga teachers
• Peaceful nature & river
• Thousands of students train here
• Yoga is popular, not trendy.
• People come not just to travel, but for inner peace.

It is not a location — it’s an emotion, a path and a lifestyle.

Rishikesh is more than a town for yoga. It is a life-changing destination. People come here to be healed, to learn and grow to connect with themselves. After you go, you feel more calm, strong and mindful of your actions.

Whether you are starting out or aspiring to be a yoga teacher in Rishikesh, love, peace and positive energy will be embraced.

From Burnout to Bhakti: My Search for Healing and Stillness

In the chill of a Swedish March, I found myself staring at my laptop screen, emotionally drained and physically exhausted. Life had become a loop of stress, screen time, and sleeplessness. I knew I needed more than just a vacation. I needed transformation, healing, and, above all, reconnection. Something told me to go East. That gentle inner nudge soon turned into action when I searched for yoga retreats in India.

Choosing Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of the World

Rishikesh had always been on my spiritual radar. It’s where sages walked, the Beatles meditated, and the sacred Ganga flows with grace. They call it the Yoga Capital of the World, and I can see why. This holy town is more than just picturesque landscapes and ancient temples; it’s an energy field that draws seekers. I knew instantly that Rishikesh would be the backdrop for my renaissance.

Why Mrityunjay Yogpeeth Stood Out Among the Best Yoga Retreats

Among dozens of options, Mrityunjay Yogpeeth glowed with authenticity. It wasn’t the fanciest or trendiest, but something about its devotion to classical yoga and community living drew me in. Reviews spoke of soulful teachers, heart-opening experiences, and an environment that genuinely supported growth. I booked a one-week retreat with excitement and a flutter of nervousness.

My Arrival – March 10th, 2025 – Welcomed with Warmth and Intention

Landing in Dehradun, I took a cab that weaved through lush foothills and vibrant streets. Upon arrival at Mrityunjay Yogpeeth in Tapovan, Rishikesh, I was greeted with a tilak on my forehead, a marigold garland, and a cup of warm herbal tea. It felt less like checking into a retreat and more like being welcomed home. As I gazed out at the mountains and heard the Ganga flowing nearby, a sense of sacred stillness began to settle within me. The journey had truly begun.

Opening Circle – Setting Sacred Intentions

The retreat commenced with an opening ceremony that felt deeply sacred. We gathered in a circle around a flickering diya (lamp), the scent of sandalwood filling the air. Our lead teacher, Guruji Ankit, invited each of us to share our intention for the week. I spoke of healing and reconnection. Tears filled my eyes as I heard others speak from their hearts. That moment set the tone for what would be a soul-nurturing journey.

First Gentle Yoga & Breath Awareness

Our first yoga session was more like a soft initiation. We were led through gentle asanas focused on grounding and breath awareness. Coming straight from a long journey, this was exactly what my body needed. We practised nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), which brought an immediate sense of balance and peace.

Evening Kirtan – A Sonic Welcome to My Soul

That evening, we gathered in the small temple space of the ashram for our first kirtan. Led by the musical and soulful Devika Didi, we chanted mantras to the rhythm of harmoniums and tablas. Something in me cracked open as I sang. My voice trembled at first, but as the chants built, so did my confidence. Bhakti yoga, I realised, wasn’t about musical perfection; it was about presence and devotion.

Settling into My Ashram Room – Simplicity & Peace

7:00 AM – Shatkarma (Body Cleansing)

Every morning began with Shatkarma, ancient yogic cleansing practices designed to purify the body and prepare it for deeper practices. The first time I tried Jal Neti (nasal cleansing with a neti pot), I was sceptical. But once I got past the initial awkwardness, I felt a clarity in my head and sinuses that was unmatched by any cold medicine. It became one of my favourite rituals.

8:00–10:00 AM – Hatha Yoga & Pranayama with Alignment Focus

Under the expert guidance of Yogacharya Rajeev, our morning Hatha Yoga sessions were both challenging and enlightening. Unlike gym-style yoga classes back home, this was a sacred science here. Rajeev Ji focused on alignment, breath synchronisation, and the philosophical roots of each posture. The class ended with Pranayama – deep, conscious breathing that left me both energised and tranquil.

10:00 AM – Yogic Brunch (The Sattvic Nourishment)

Brunch was always a delight. The food was purely sattvic – fresh, vegetarian, and infused with Ayurvedic wisdom. Think warm mung dal khichdi, steamed vegetables with ghee, herbal teas, and fruits that tasted like sunshine. Eating in silence, with awareness and gratitude, turned every meal into a meditative ritual.

11:00–12:30 PM – Vedic Wisdom: Astrology, Sound Healing & More

Late mornings were devoted to knowledge. We attended sessions on Vedic astrology, Ayurvedic lifestyle, and sound healing. One session that stood out was a crystal bowl healing with Anahata Ma, whose voice and instruments sent vibrations straight into my cells. I felt as though I was being rearranged on a molecular level.

Community Seva: The Joy of Giving Back

After a nourishing brunch and insightful morning sessions, the afternoons at Mrityunjay Yogpeeth invited us into the practice of Seva – selfless service. From sweeping the ashram courtyard to helping in the kitchen or watering the garden, these seemingly simple tasks were deeply humbling. There was a profound joy in contributing without expectation. I realised how often in daily life we overlook the sanctity of service.

Asana & Adjustment Workshop: Deepening My Practice

One of the highlights of the retreat was the daily afternoon Asana & Adjustment workshop. Here, we explored the finer points of alignment, posture correction, and assisted stretching. With personal attention from instructors, I felt my body unravel and expand in ways I never thought possible. I discovered the joy of staying longer in asanas, using props, and understanding the inner anatomy of each pose.

Silent Walks Along the Ganga: Nature as a Teacher

A favourite part of my afternoons was the silent walk to the Ganga. With a journal in hand and no need to speak, I simply walked, listened, and observed. The sacred river, flowing endlessly, became a metaphor for my inner state. One day, I saw a sadhu meditating by the water with a stillness that echoed through me. These walks brought clarity, stillness, and deep connection.

Personal Journaling – My Self-Inquiry Moments

Before the evening sessions, I carved out time to sit by myself with pen and paper. I had brought a journal titled “Soul Pages,” and it quickly filled with reflections, emotional releases, and surprising insights. Writing became a daily act of self-inquiry, a mirror for my inner world. Each entry was a breadcrumb on my path to deeper self-understanding.

Also Read: Shatkarma and Its Types – A Complete Guide by Aniruddh Gurupratap Singh

5:00 PM – Advanced Yogic Techniques / Meditation

Evenings at Mrityunjay Yogpeeth began with advanced practices that shifted our awareness from the body to the subtle layers of being. We practised Trataka (candle gazing), Antar Mouna (inner silence), and deep meditative states guided by our teachers. One evening, during Yoga Nidra, I experienced a sensation of floating, like my body dissolved, and I merged into light. It was unlike anything I’d known.

6:00 PM – Bhakti Circle: Singing the Soul’s Song

Our Bhakti sessions were the soul of the evenings. We sat together in a circle, singing kirtans, playing instruments, and losing ourselves in the joy of collective chanting. These evenings weren’t about performance; they were about presence, surrender, and joy. I remember one night, we sang “Om Namah Shivaya” until tears streamed down my face. Something ancient inside me was awakening.

8:00 PM – Yogic Dinner & Digital Detox

Dinner was light, warm, and nourishing – often a mix of soups, chapatis, seasonal sabzis, and herbal teas. We practised mindful eating, and the absence of phones at the table felt like a gift. No buzzing, no scrolling – just connection with food and community. After dinner, the ashram lights dimmed, and we settled into silence.

Nights in Silence – Crickets, Stars & Soul Space

The ashram observed mauna (silence) from 9 PM to 9 AM. Those quiet hours were some of the most potent. I lay on my bed, listening to the rhythm of crickets and distant temple bells. I often stepped out to gaze at the stars, feeling a sense of oneness I had never known in my busy urban life. Night after night, silence became my most profound teacher.

Day 2 – Purification Through Shatkarma & Breathwork

Waking up before dawn on my second day, I wasn’t expecting to be holding a copper neti pot within minutes of brushing my teeth. Yet there I was, performing Jal Neti again, this time with more ease. The cleansing practices were followed by Kapalabhati and Bhastrika pranayama—intense breathing that left my body tingling and mind clear. That morning’s theme was purification, and I felt it not just physically, but emotionally too. I cried unexpectedly during savasana. I later learned that purification often brings emotional release.

Day 3 – Heart-Opening Yoga & Devotional Chanting

By the third day, our yoga practice focused on backbends and heart-opening poses like Ustrasana (Camel Pose) and Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose). Guruji explained how each posture correlates with emotional centres in the body. As we chanted the Hanuman Chalisa in the evening, I felt my chest soften and expand. The sense of love in the room was palpable. One student, a shy man from Brazil, shared his story, and we all ended up hugging and crying. It was a heart-awakening day in every sense.

Day 4 – Inner Silence: Yoga Nidra & Self-Inquiry

This was a quieter day, intentionally so. We took a vow of silence until dinner. After our asana class, we practised Yoga Nidra—deep yogic sleep—guided by Anahata Ma. In the stillness, I touched something eternal inside myself. The afternoon was spent journaling and reflecting. The teachers encouraged us to write about “Who am I?” It sounds simple, but peeled layers off my identity. Irealisedd I had been holding onto labels and expectations that no longer served me.

Day 5 – Sound Healing, Mantras & Chakras Activation

Sound became the centre of our practice today. We learned about the chakras—the energy wheels of the body—and how each has a corresponding seed sound or bija mantra. During a guided meditation, crystal bowls and gongs resonated with each chakra. I felt vibrations in places I didn’t even know existed. That evening’s kirtan was electric; we chanted with such passion that it felt like the walls were pulsing. My inner energy system felt rewired. The transformation was happening.

From a Yoga Retreat to a Life Reset

I had booked one week, assuming it would be a brief spiritual tune-up. But by Day 6, I couldn’t imagine leaving. My body, once tense and closed, was opening. My breath had slowed. My mind was becoming still. I spoke to the retreat coordinator and extended my stay by another week. The decision was instant, instinctual. I wasn’t done.

Deepening into Devotion: More Kirtan, More Clarity

The second week brought even deeper immersion into Bhakti yoga. Devika Didi led more frequent kirtans, and I found myself singing without inhibition. I even picked up the harmonium and began learning the notes. These moments of devotional music opened doorways into my heart that therapy never touched. Bhakti wasn’t just music—it was medicine.

The Power of Routine – From Resistance to Ritual

Initially, the ashram’s structured schedule felt overwhelming. But by week two, it became my foundation. The predictability of the daily routine allowed my nervous system to relax. From sunrise cleansing to nighttime silence, I started to crave the very things I had once resisted. Routine, I discovered, could be sacred. It could be healing.

Community, Comfort, and Compassion – My New Tribe

Perhaps the most unexpected blessing was the people I met. Strangers became soul sisters and brothers. We shared chai, laughter, and stories. We practised together, cried together, and celebrated our breakthroughs. On my last night, we formed a circle under the stars and shared our takeaways. I looked around and realised I had found something I didn’t know I was looking for—a tribe.

Sunrise Meditation at Kunjapuri Temple

One early morning, we hiked to the Kunjapuri Devi Temple, a sacred Shakti shrine perched high above Rishikesh. As the sun rose behind the Himalayas, we meditated in complete silence. The golden light washed over the temple and us. I felt connected to something vast and divine. It was one of the most spiritual moments of my life.

Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat – Evening Light & Grace

Another unforgettable experience was attending the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Hundreds gathered by the river, lamps in hand, chanting together. The flames danced on the water as the priests offered prayers to Ma Ganga. I floated a diya on the river, sending with it a prayer for clarity and peace. Watching it drift downstream, I felt an internal release, as if years of longing had been heard.

The Walks, the Temples, the Cows – Everyday Miracles

Even the simple walks became spiritual adventures. I smiled at cows lounging in traffic, marvelled at children playing near temple steps, and paused at street shrines adorned with flowers. Every moment in Rishikesh felt like a divine reminder. You don’t need a cathedral to feel God. Sometimes, a cow’s eyes or a bell’s chime is enough.

Nature as a Spiritual Teacher in the Himalayan Foothills

The natural beauty around the ashram offered its silent teachings. Trees that had witnessed generations of seekers, mountain winds that whispered mantras, and the ever-flowing Ganga—all became my guides. Sitting by the river, I wrote a simple note in my journal: “Be like the Ganga—flow, cleanse, and surrender.”

Closing Ceremony by the Ganga – Tears of Gratitude

On my last day, we held a closing ceremony by the banks of the Ganga. We chanted, meditated, and released flowers into the river. When it came time to speak, I could barely talk through my tears. Gratitude overflowed. For the teachers, the practices, the land, and the transformation.

What I’m Taking Back to Sweden: Discipline & Devotion

Back in Sweden, I’ve kept many of the rituals alive—morning breathwork, silent meals, and evening journaling. But most importantly, I carry a deep devotion. A sense of connection to the divine, not as an external god, but as an inner presence. Discipline used to be something I avoided. Now, it’s my sacred container.

Why I Recommend This Affordable Yoga Retreat to Beginners

If you’re reading this and wondering if you’re “spiritual enough” or “fit enough” for a retreat like this, let me tell you, you are. Mrityunjay Yogpeeth welcomes you as you are. The experience is not about perfection, but about presence. And the affordability makes it accessible without compromising the depth of teaching.

How My Life Changed in Just Two Weeks in Rishikesh

In two weeks, I went from burnout to bhakti. From stress to stillness. From self-doubt to self-love. This retreat was more than a getaway—it was a gateway. A return to who I am underneath the noise. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but a piece of my heart will always remain in Rishikesh.