India attracts millions of travellers every year who embark on a sojourn of a life time to experience an exhilarating concoction of all the interesting trappings making it a perfect holiday destination. The country’s myriad destinations catering to a vast array of traveller’s interests are hub of tourist activities. Its legendary beaches, sky-piercing and snow carpeted mountains, lush rainforests and valleys, meandering rivers and back waters, cosmopolitan cities, parks and gardens, ancient forts, palaces and temples and breathtaking landscapes and other attractions leave the visitors craving to come back for more. Apart from all the above, India is perceived as the magical land of some of the oldest religion, mythologies, traditions and customs where interesting disciplines in arts and science such as the Kamasutra, Ayurveda and Yoga evolved.

The country has for long been seen as hub for learning and practicing yoga, the oldest known therapeutic and healing system of the world. The term is associated with the meditative practices in Hinduism and Buddhism and has emerged as a highly popular art of self healing, self awareness, self acceptance and self actualisation. Although, in India, yoga is associated with spirituality and one’s spiritual well being, in the western world it is a form of pure physical and mental exercise to keep one fit and healthy.

The country has witnessed a surge in the number of tourists who book tickets to India with a sole purpose of learning and practicing Yoga. Rishikesh, a small town which is also the gateway to the majestic Himalayas has made India synonymous with the word yoga. The city is conveniently located only 6 hours easy drive from the national capital New Delhi and has attracted western celebrities including The Beatles to contemplate and meditate in its tranquil and serene surroundings. Located on the banks of the sacred river Ganges emerging from the Himalayas, the city is peppered with Hindu temples and Ashrams which house scores of western tourists at any given time. It is believed that meditating in this pious ancient city brings one closer to the attainment of Moksha.

If you have also been influenced by this wonderful art to achieve spiritual or physical well being and plan to embark on a journey to India then do include Rishikesh in your itinerary and you will find the place worth your while. And once you are here, do not miss the opportunity to visit Haridwar which is considered to be one of the most important cities in the pilgrimage circuit and is sure to make for lasting memories. The twin cities have enough to keep those in pursuit of peace busy. Rishikesh is world renowned for white water rafting and has wonderful spots for camping. The accommodation is cheap and you can ask any travel agent who specialises in booking cheap tickets to India to arrange for an accommodation in advance.