Music and dance classes
(click on the names of the school to go to their websites)
Devi Music Ashram
Courses: Indian classical music instruments, Indian vocal training, ragaas, bhajans, kirtan, and mantra singing, kathak and rhythm dance classes, daily drop-in yoga and meditation classes and a weekly spiritual discourse. Concerts are held twice a week. A small dormitory and other accommodation are available.
Veena Maharaja Music School
Courses: Sitar and yoga classes.
Bhuwan Chandra Music School
Courses: Sitar, harmonium, tabla, mantra chanting and vocal classes.
Swami Sivananda Ramesh Music School
Courses: Tabla, sitar, Indian flute, vocal singing, kathak and bharatanatyam dance classes.
Om Rudra Cultural Society
Website is not available but the school is in the Swargashram area.
Tel: +91 135 243 4425
Email: rudradance@rediffmail.com
Website is not available.
Courses: Kathak dance, flute, tabla and Hindi lessons.
Hindi classes
Himalayan Language Institute
Courses: Online and classroom Hindi classes.
Sachdeva Language Service
Courses: Private Hindi classes at Laxman Jhula.
Ayurveda, massage and other holistic therapy classes
Bharat Heritage Services
Courses: Ayurveda, naturopathy, massage, Reiki, acupressure and yoga classes and vedic astrology reading in the main Rishikesh city area.
Ayuskama Ayurveda clinic & Panchakarma center
Courses: Ayurveda, ayurvedic cooking, nutrition and massage classes in Upper Tapovan.
Ayurveda Nirvana
Courses: Ayurveda, ayurvedic nutrition and massage classes in between Upper and Lower Tapovan.
Ayurveda Course
Courses: Ayurveda and naturopathy classes in Lower Tapovan.
Braham yoga ayurveda & natural healing
Courses: Ayurveda, Reiki, Marma massage and yoga classes in Swargashram (Ram Jhula).
Vedic Yoga Centre
Courses: Ayurveda therapy, ayurvedic cooking and massage therapy, yoga, kriya and meditation classes in Laxman Jhula.
Buddha Hall
Courses: Different levels of reiki courses, tarrot reading classes, crystal and chakra healing, colour therapy consultations, meditation classes and TTC in Lower Tapovan.
Astrology and other related courses
Himalayan Astrology
Courses: Vedic astrology, vedic ritual, palm reading, graphology, crystal healing, reiki, meditation and kundalini awakening classes near Laxman Jhula (Lower Tapovan side).
Vedic Astrology centre (Dr. A. S. Kalra)
Courses: Vedic astrology classes and readings in Ram or Laxman Jhula.
Chief Astrologer (Dr. Prateek Mishrapuri)
Courses: He does only astrology readings, also via email and on the phone. He does not conduct classes in Laxman Jhula.
Indian Palmistry Institute
Courses: Palmistry and vedic astrology courses and readings in Laxman Jhula.
Indian Cooking Classes
There are a few restaurants that offer cooking classes. These will usually have a board outside announcing them, but they are not regularly conducted. Else a few private people also offer cooking classes such as at
Om Homestay in Upper Tapovan, Cooking Masala in Lower Tapovan and with Babli (Mrs Chauhan) located 300m upstream from Laxman Jhula on the right side (no website yet). If you are staying with a family in a homestay, chances are if you ask the lady of the house, they might be willing to teach you too (perhaps for a small fee).
Outdoor Activities
There are many outdoor activities one can enjoy in Rishikesh. The activities listed below can easily be booked through all the travel agents in town, and there are plenty of them, providing very competitive prices and services.
Trekking
As Rishikesh is surrounded by mountains, there are many trekking opportunities around, just be sure to take a local guide with you as it can be dangerous to go alone for various reasons - the trekking routes are not clearly marked, there are insects and animals that could be potentially dangerous which you may not be aware of and there may be other safety concerns especially as a lone female trekker. Duration and difficulty of treks can be discussed with your guide and customized to your needs. There are both independent guides and those who work with travel agencies. Check with your guide what you need to bring depending on the season.
Water rafting and kayaking
Water rafting and kayaking down the Ganges is another popular activity. You will usually be driven a few kilometers upstream to start and end up downstream at the Rishikesh city areas. Locals have differing opinions about using the holy river for such activities, but they are nonetheless very popular with both Indian and foreign tourists.
Camping
Camping in Rishikesh can be a wonderful experience. There are several camp sites upstream from Laxman Jhula, mostly in an area called Shivpuri, where you can stay overnight to enjoy the peaceful surroundings deep in the valley of the mountains and away from the tourist crowds. The camping tents are usually right on the riverbanks (on either side), with simple sleeping beds and toilet facilities, and cooked food is provided (often non-vegetarian food is also served upon request as these areas are out of the 'holy zone'). If you need a little more comfort, there are camp sites with guestrooms as well. It is quite an experience to seat by a bonfire under the moonlight, listening to the gentle gush of the river and to wake up to the surrounding mountains and fresh air. There are no shops in the camping areas, so if you need more than what is provided at the camps, be sure to buy them before you leave for the trip as it is a good few kilometers away from the next shop and there are no public transport to take you there or back.
Want to do some day trips or short trips to see the mountains and national parks around Rishikesh and explore other nearby places? Get the details here.
As Rishikesh is surrounded by mountains, there are many trekking opportunities around, just be sure to take a local guide with you as it can be dangerous to go alone for various reasons - the trekking routes are not clearly marked, there are insects and animals that could be potentially dangerous which you may not be aware of and there may be other safety concerns especially as a lone female trekker. Duration and difficulty of treks can be discussed with your guide and customized to your needs. There are both independent guides and those who work with travel agencies. Check with your guide what you need to bring depending on the season.
Water rafting and kayaking
Water rafting and kayaking down the Ganges is another popular activity. You will usually be driven a few kilometers upstream to start and end up downstream at the Rishikesh city areas. Locals have differing opinions about using the holy river for such activities, but they are nonetheless very popular with both Indian and foreign tourists.
Camping
Camping in Rishikesh can be a wonderful experience. There are several camp sites upstream from Laxman Jhula, mostly in an area called Shivpuri, where you can stay overnight to enjoy the peaceful surroundings deep in the valley of the mountains and away from the tourist crowds. The camping tents are usually right on the riverbanks (on either side), with simple sleeping beds and toilet facilities, and cooked food is provided (often non-vegetarian food is also served upon request as these areas are out of the 'holy zone'). If you need a little more comfort, there are camp sites with guestrooms as well. It is quite an experience to seat by a bonfire under the moonlight, listening to the gentle gush of the river and to wake up to the surrounding mountains and fresh air. There are no shops in the camping areas, so if you need more than what is provided at the camps, be sure to buy them before you leave for the trip as it is a good few kilometers away from the next shop and there are no public transport to take you there or back.
Want to do some day trips or short trips to see the mountains and national parks around Rishikesh and explore other nearby places? Get the details here.
