People travel from all over the world to northern India to seek calm, and Rishikesh is one of the main tourist and pilgrimage destinations. With good reason, Rishikesh is known as the "yoga capital of the world." In the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh—sometimes spelled Hrishikesh—is a Tehsil and Municipal Corporation located in the Dehradun District. Located on the Ganges River's right bank, it is a Hindu pilgrimage destination where saints and sages from antiquity have meditated in pursuit of enlightenment.Along the river's banks are a large number of temples and ashrams. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri are the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites that may be reached from Rishikesh. Along with summer and winter trekking sites like Dodital, Dayara Bugyal, Kedarkantha, and Har Ki Dun, it serves as a starting point for Himalayan tourist destinations including Harsil, Chopta, and Auli. Rishikesh's food is exclusively vegetarian. In Rishikesh, the sale of meat, fish, and eggs has been prohibited since 1956. The Supreme Court maintained the egg prohibition in 2004.Garhwali cuisine, which includes common meals like daal, gahat, and phaanu, is the traditional cuisine of Rishkesh. The main ingredients are vegetables, millet, barley, buckwheat, lentils, and legumes. Only specific spices are utilized. The typical cooking oil is mustard oil.Street vendors selling chaat and samosas are ubiquitous, as are restaurant thalis. Rafting is a highly well-liked adventure sport in Rishikesh, and there are plenty of authorized and trained instructors and operators available for all skill levels. The greatest months to go rafting are September through June.There are serious pollution problems with the Ganges River, which rises in Rishikesh from the Himalayas. The river exhibits high levels of contamination in the urban areas of Rishikesh and Haridwar, even though it is largely undisturbed by pollution at its source. In Rishikesh, rafting is a widely popular adventure sport. There are numerous trained and authorized rafting teachers and operators available for all skill levels. Rafting is most enjoyable from September to June.The Ganges River, which rises in Rishikesh from the Himalayas, is severely polluted. Although the river is largely undisturbed by pollution near its source, it exhibits high levels of contamination in the metropolitan areas of Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Royal Palaces in Jaipur You Can Visit for History and Architecture Step into Jaipur and you’ll instantly see why it’s called the Pink City. Those rosy facades aren’t just for show — they’re a tradition rooted in pride, hospitality, and heritage. When Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727, he wasn’t just building another capital. He dreamt up India’s first planned city — with broad streets, vibrant bazaars, and palaces designed to impress. But Jaipur’s palaces aren’t only about grandeur. They’re living storytellers. Every arch, courtyard, and jharokha (balcony) whispers tales of queens peeking at parades, kings holding court under painted ceilings, and artisans turning stone into poetry. Some were built for defense, some for leisure, and a few still welcome royalty today. Visiting them is less sightseeing, more time-travel into Rajasthan’s regal past.