Travel to sacred sites in India — Rishikesh, Varanasi, Ganges River Aarti, yoga, and transportation from Delhi

When planning a pilgrimage to India, the first two cities that come to mind are Rishikesh and Varanasi. Both places are sacred places where the Hindu worldview is concentrated around the Ganges River, but when you actually go there, the colors of the cities and the nature of the trip are quite different. It is better to understand this personality difference and decide which one to go to first or to continue between the two cities.

To put it simplyRishikesh is the ‘living capital of yoga and meditation’, Varanasi is ‘the city of gods where life and death face each other’no see. Rishikesh is characterized by the clear water of the upper Ganges at the foot of the Himalayas and the orderly atmosphere of an ashram, while Varanasi is a place where the narrow alleys, crematories, and evening aarti of the mid-Ganges plain leave a strong impression.

If you have room in your scheduleDelhi → Rishikesh → VaranasiThe order is recommended. After clearing your mind in the clear and quiet Ganges of the Himalayas and then facing the Goddess and Crematorium of Varanasi, the worldview of Indian Hinduism becomes much more three-dimensional.

For both cities, it is most convenient to use Delhi NCR as a starting point. Rishikesh is all accessible by road, train and air, while Varanasi is realistically accessible by air or train. Popular trains during peak season (October to February)Book one month in advanceIt is safer to do so, and it is convenient to create a IRCTC app account in advance.

Delhi → Rishikesh (about 240km)

Delhi → Varanasi (about 780km)

Official timetable and remaining seatsIRCTC Official site (irctc.co.in)You can check at , and if you find it difficult to make a reservation, you can also seek support from a travel agency. If you have not yet set up your SIM card, account, and UPI in the early stages of settling down in Delhi.Checklist for your first 30 days in IndiaPlease also refer to .

Rishikesh is a sacred city located at the point where the Ganges River flows from the foothills of the Himalayas into the plains. The whole cityBan on meat and alcohol salesIt is designated as a religious city, so it has a quiet and restrained atmosphere that is unique to the city. It is a place where long-term practitioners who stay for a few weeks or more for the purpose of yoga and meditation and short-term travelers who come to enjoy aarti, trekking, and rafting naturally mix.

Evening Ganga Aarti — Triveni Gat and Parmart Niketan

Rishikesh's signature Ganga Aarti is held in two locations.

• Triveni Ghat— A public aarti located in the city center and easily accessible. The festival is led by a group of priests at sunset, and the climax is when candles (diyas) are floated in the river.
• Parmarth Niketan— Aarti conducted in the ashram’s own ghat. It is conducted with a chorus of young practitioners, creating a much more immersive atmosphere.

Start times vary slightly each year depending on the season. In the summer, it usually starts around sunset (around 19:00), and in the winter, it starts a little earlier (around 18:00).Check the exact time at the ashram or the front desk of your accommodation on the day.do. It is best to arrive 30-45 minutes before the start to secure a front row seat.

Yoga and meditation programs — from one-day classes to 200-hour instructor courses

• One-day class (drop-in)— Most ashrams and yoga studios offer morning and afternoon hatha yoga and asana classes. There are many places where you can participate without prior registration.
• 3-10 day short-term retreat— A program that combines meditation, Ayurveda, and pranayama (breathing). Accommodation and meals within the ashram are included.
• 200/300 Hour Leadership Course (TTC)— This is a 3-4 week immersion course certified by the International Yoga Alliance.

Representative attractions and transportation

A symbol of Rishikesh in the pastLakshman Jhula Suspension Bridge is closed to traffic due to safety inspection.has continued. Nowadays it is common to cross the river to the Swarg Ashram district via the nearby Ram Jhula and the newly built bridge. Traffic availability at the time of visitRe-confirm with your accommodation or local travel agency.do.

Varanasi (formerly Kashi Benares) is considered the greatest of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. along the Ganges RiverAbout 80 gats (terraced riverside berths)These are connected, and here bathing, prayer, makeup, and evening aarti occur simultaneously every day. When you first encounter the narrow alleys and the tangled flow of cows, autorickshaws, pilgrims, and sadhus (saints), it's overwhelming, but after a few days, you start to notice the rhythm of this city little by little.

Evening Ganga Aarti of Dashaswamedh God

The highlight of my trip to Varanasi isEvening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghatno see. This is a large-scale ritual in which a group of priests pay homage to the Ganges with bells, conches, incense, and giant lanterns every evening, and pilgrims gather from all over India. You can arrive 30 to 60 minutes before the start and take a seat, or watch from a boat anchored on the river. The exact start time varies depending on the season.Confirmation at the accommodation on the daydo.

Early morning boat tour – leave before sunrise

An experience as impressive as ArtiBoat tour at sunriseno see. If you take a wooden rowing boat out on the river near Assi Ghat while it is still dark, you will see the sun rising over the Ganges River and the pilgrims starting their day. commonly1-2 hours, per personYou can avoid fraud and safety issues by negotiating through the ashram or hotel.

A must-visit attraction

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple— One of the highest Hindu sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva. Accessibility has been greatly improved following the 2021 Kashi Vishwanath Corridor redevelopment, but entry regulations to the Holy of Holies are subject to frequent change, so please double-check locally.
• Manikarnika and Harishchandra God— A makeup lamp that applies makeup 24 hours a day.Taking photos and videos is strictly prohibited.And you must quietly and politely pass by.
• Sarnath— About 11 km from downtown. It is a Buddhist sacred site with the Damek Stupa, where Buddha first preached, and an archaeological museum, and is especially meaningful to Korean and Asian Buddhist pilgrims.

Both cities have a variety of accommodation types to suit your budget and needs. Ashrams have strict rules (no smoking, no drinking, adherence to timetables, etc.) but are cheaper, while riverview hotels are more comfortable but more expensive. During peak season (October to February) and major festivalsReservation 2-3 months in advanceThis is the principle.

Accommodation in Rishikesh

• Ashram— Large ashrams such as Parmart Niketan and Sibanda Ashram also provide rooms to foreign practitioners. Includes yoga/meditation classes and vegetarian mealsMust adhere to a set timetable (meditation at dawn, participation in evening aarti, etc.)do.
• Riverview Hotel·Resort— Across the river, in the Swarg Ashram district and Tapovan area, there are boutique hotels with river views.
• Backpacker Guesthouse— There are many inexpensive guesthouses in the area between Lama Jhula and Tapovan, and there are many long-term yoga students.

Varanasi Accommodation

• Godview Guesthouse— There are many small guesthouses with river views near Asashi Gat and Munshi Gat. There are places where autorickshaws cannot enter because the alleys are narrow.Pick-up information 30 minutes prior to arrivalPlease accept it.
• Medium to large hotel— There are hotels with good access to the airport and train station in the Cantonment area. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to get to Gat by auto or taxi.
• Ashram/Temple Accommodation— There are Korean and Japanese Buddhist temples near Sarnath that sometimes provide lodging and lodging for pilgrims. Advance inquiry is required.

Most payments are made by UPI·card, but cash is often required for small guesthouses, boats, flowers, etc.Paytm·PhonePe·GPay practical usage methodclassEssential apps for living in IndiaIt is convenient to check the directions together.

The most common problem when traveling to sacred sites in India isHygiene, clothing, photography, fee negotiationno see. Most unpleasant situations can be prevented by following a few basic principles.

hygiene and health

• Water must besealed bottled waterDrink only, and use ice and fresh fruit juice only at trusted stores.
• Just dip your feet in the river,Avoid getting river water on your face or mouth.Be careful.
• Prepare over-the-counter medications such as antidiarrheals, antipyretics, and oral fluids (ORS). If severe symptoms persist for a long time, use a private general hospital (Apollo, Fortis, etc.) and share the situation with the embassy or company representative.

Clothing and temple etiquette

• both men and womenClothing that covers shoulders and kneesThis is the default. It is useful to bring a thin scarf.
• When entering a temple, ashram or aarti siteTake off your shoesThere are many places that do it. Shoes that are easy to take off and thin socks are comfortable.
• There are temples (especially Kashi Vishwanath) where mobile phones and cameras are prohibited.Use the Cloak Room in advancedo.

photo shoot

• Photography and video taking are prohibited in the cremation hats (Manikarnika and Harishchandra).. Be sure to follow the requests of the bereaved family and priest.
• During aarti, take pictures quietly from the back row and do not use flash.
• Prior consent is requested for portraits of Sadhus and locals. After filmingThere are cases where an example is requested., If you don't want to, it's better not to pick up the camera in the first place.

Typical types of fraud and how to deal with them

• Free flowers and tika (forehead blessing) followed by strong sales— From the beginning, politely decline and do not open your wallet.
• Unlicensed boat/guide— Please make reservations at ashrams, hotels, or official booths instead of individuals approaching from the river.
• Auto/rickshaw meter not working— Use the Uber/Ola app first, and if you have to,Confirm fare before boardingdo.

Female travelers should avoid traveling early in the morning or at night, and avoid traveling through street corners or alleys.two or more togetherI recommend doing this. 응급 상황 대응은Guide to using hospitals and emergency medical services in IndiaThis is helpful.

You can freely combine them according to your taste, but we have summarized two standard courses that were highly satisfactory among those who actually went.

Course A — 4 days and 3 nights Rishikesh intensive

1. Day 1— Departure from Delhi (morning train or morning flight) → Arrival/check-in in Rishikesh → Triveni God evening aarti
2. Day 2— Ashram morning yoga class → Swarg Ashram district walk → Parmart Niketan evening aarti
3. Day 3— Ganges rafting (optional) or meditation/Ayurveda treatment → Night market walk
4. Day 4— Morning yoga/walk → Return to Delhi in the afternoon

Course B — 5 nights and 6 days Rishikesh + Varanasi combined

1. Day 1~3— Same as Days 1 to 3 of Course A (Rishikeshi)
2. Day 4— Depart from Rishikesh in the morning → Transfer to Varanasi by domestic flight via Delhi → Dashaswamedh Gat Aarti in the evening
3. Day 5 — early morning boat tour→ Kashi Vishwanath Temple → Sarnath half-day visit
4. Day 6— Alley walk and traditional market → Return to Delhi by afternoon flight

If you want to make a short trip on weekends or holidays, Course A is fine, and if you want to experience a wide range of Hindu and Buddhist sacred sites in India, Course B is recommended. both citiesAlleys, crowds, noiseThis is not easy, so the last day of the trip isAllowing a full day's buffer time in your Delhi hotelThis is much more comfortable physically.