Parmarth Niketan Ashram Rishikesh

Rish
ikesh is a beautiful small town nestled in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas and known the world over for its annual yoga festival. I would surely recommend staying at an ashram while in Rishikesh. Though traditionally Hindu, Ashrams are holy places that welcome pilgrims of any race or religion that are willing to follow set guidelines. These places run based on donations and no money is required in order to stay. All donations however go back to the community and help to pay for your electricity, water and meals, which are free. I spent 10 of my 28 days at Parmarth Niketan and had the most fulfilling trip of my life. There is a deep sense of culture and community there that would be missed if staying in a hotel. Plus the hotels are on the opposite side of the Ganga from the nightly riverside Aarti Ceremony at Parmarth Niketan that is not to be missed. The ashram itself was clean and beautiful. Some of the rooms are available with western toilets and the accommodations are VERY modest. No clocks, radios, tv etc. I recommend if you are used to the finer things to bring shower shoes and a mummy-style sheet called a "Dream Sack" to sleep in (available at www.dreamsack.com or amazon carries them plus cheaper alternatives) these are also great for the overnight train rides in India. They have an extensive website to check out the grounds, rooms, meals, ceremonies, rules and everything you would need to know for your stay: www.parmarth.com. If you have any more questions feel free to contact me. It is worth every penny, just embrace the people and your time there and India will take over your soul. If this is your first trip to India it WILL change your life if not, then you already know.