Golden Triangle Extended Adventures, Part 3: Rishikesh; Coming Home
After the whirlwind of palaces, forts, and city chaos, our Golden Triangle journey continued with an extended five nights in Rishikesh.
For me, it felt like coming home.
I had visited Rishikesh in 2024, and the moment Mum and I arrived, I felt the same rush of joy. Mum could see it written all over my face - this was a place that lit me up from the inside out. The energy here is unlike anywhere else in India: softer, warmer, more grounded. And to my delight, Mum fell in love with it too.
What makes Rishikesh so special isn’t just sacred Mother Ganga or the yoga classes - it’s the people. With one simple conversation, they remember your name, your face, your story. The next time they see you, they welcome you back as family. At Om Shanti Shanti Café, we shared chai, stories, and laughter. As well as this, I found connection in one of their hatha yoga classes. These small moments made the days feel rich and full.
The Magic of the Aarti
Evenings by the Ganga brought their own magic. One night, I took Mum down to the ghats to witness the evening Ganga Aarti - a ceremony with fire, chanting, and offerings to the river. The rapids roared with monsoon energy, but in that sacred space, everything felt still and timeless.
Laundry Adventures
Of course, no trip is without its hiccups. Our hotel was comfortable enough, but a simple laundry drop turned into a five-day ordeal. My clothes accidentally traveled 90 kilometers into the mountains with someone else, only to return unwashed days later. That meant re-wearing the same clothes, stretching my patience and my sense of humour.
Add to that the monsoon rains, which turned stairways into waterfalls and left us wading ankle-deep through flooded streets.
We tried to see as much as we could between downpours - walking for miles, catching tuk-tuks, and laughing at the chaos. One morning we set off for the Beatles Ashram, determined to show Mum the famous retreat. But the storm from the night before had left roads blocked with trees and rocks. Traffic stood still, so we walked. Wet and weary, we decided it was too much and turned back. Soon realising that we had walked 12,000 steps that morning. It wasn’t the day for the ashram - but it was a day for resilience, laughter, and shared adventure.
There were moments of rest too: a much-needed massage, quiet afternoons by the river, and long conversations that deepened our bond. For all the unpredictability, Rishikesh gifted us something priceless - connection, presence, and the reminder that travel isn’t about checking sights off a list, but about surrendering to whatever unfolds.
When our five days ended, we returned to Delhi for two quiet nights before Mum flew home. Those last days were slower, softer, a chance to reflect and prepare to part ways. Watching her leave was bittersweet, but I was grateful she had shared this adventure with me.
Chaos, beauty, and all.
Travel Tips from Rishikesh
-Expect the rain (especially during monsoon season). Waterproof shoes and a backup pair will save you from soggy days
-Keep essentials separate. If you hand over laundry, keep at least a few days’ worth of clothes aside
-Walk when you can. Traffic often stands still after storms - sometimes your feet are the fastest way
-Stay open to people. The warmth of locals can turn a simple meal into a lifelong memory
-Don’t cling to plans. The ashram may wait for another time, but the unexpected detours often become the best stories
-Balance activity with stillness. A massage, a yoga class, or quiet time by the Ganga balances out the chaos
Rishikesh reminds me that home is not always where you live - it’s where you feel welcomed, remembered, and at peace. For me, it will always be one of those rare places.