Long known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is fast turning into a go-to adventure destination. Rafting and trekking have for long been on the outdoors menu. Add bungee jumping, flying fox and shooting galleries to the fast expanding smorgasbord.
The once little town, now somewhat of a sprawl and with no evidence of town-planning, remains exotic to foreign eyes and domestic tourists alike. Regarded as an auspicious religious site for millenia, as the spot where the mighty Ganga descends to the plains from Shiva's matted locks(jatau), its resplendent colours, thousands of devout pilgrims and the two pedestrian hanging bridges - Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula - still remain a considerable draw for visitors.
On offer in the popular Swarg Ashram and Laxman Jhula area, are quaint river-side cafés with vegan cakes and pastries, and an eclectic choice of unheard of yoga styles - nada yoga, mantra yoga, kundalini yoga among others.
While safety in rafting and adventure sports is increasingly getting the importance it deserves, the clogging of its narrow streets with large SUVs and the pedestrian bridges with motorcycles can be more than an annoyance. The iconic Laxman Jhula abused for years by a constant stream of honking motorcyclists has as on date been deemed unsafe and shut down even for pedestrians.
The ultimate fate of this quaint spiritual and adventure destination lies in the hands of the local populace, who stand to lose the most if the quality of visitor experience deteriorates. They might be reminded that nothing lasts forever. Visitors, both domestic and foreign, should not be taken for granted.
Till doomsday dawns enjoy the yoga and the rafting and the lovely mist-covered hills.
