For me Rishikesh has always meant two things: The Beatles & Peace! And what a great combination it is. Which is why I return to Rishikesh time & again to be rejuvenated.

If you have never been to Rishikesh, it’s a humble hill-station in Uttarakhand, India. To reach there, one can easily drive from Delhi. The drive will take around 6-7 hours; however the route is beautiful so it makes for a great road trip. Another way to reach is by train to Haridwar & then an hour drive to Rishikesh. It’s best to visit here from October- February, as in summers it gets hot

The Beatles Ashram

If you’re a fan of The Beatles, Rishikesh must be on your Bucket-list. The iconic band lived here for quite a while at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram to gain spirituality. It’s rumoured that they even wrote their album Whitehere.

Here’s a glorious picture on my way to the Ashram, I must say this sign made me jump with joy. J

Though the Ashram is in ruins now, one can see why they chose this place; in the midst of the forest, the only sound is of The Ganges flowing by. There are many different cave type architectures here, where The Beatles used to meditate

During my recent visit to Rishikesh, I even found a Beatles Café. It was near the Laxman Jhula, with a glorious view of the Ganges. The menu had their items named after The Bealtes songs. Needless to say, its quite popular with foreigner tourists.

The market & the beautiful evenings

There’s lots to explore in the town as well, there’s a market where you will find anything under the sun; from food items to interesting book stores, street food, restaurants, even a cow or two passing by.

Though it is a little crowded in the evenings, there’s a peace in the chaos. As if its perfectly orchestrated. One always feels safe here, apart from the monkeys crawling here and there who might snatch items from your hand.

Another great part of Rishikesh are the amazing prayers that happen every evening. I can bet you have never seen Indian prayers like the one in Rishikesh. It’s done by Parmath Niketan Ashram, where they sing many hymns & prayers as you sit by the river & watch the sun colour the Ganges in various hues of pink & orange. It’s absolutely magical

If you want to have a delicious meal after this, you can sneak into the many German bakeries that have propped up in Rishikesh. It’s an absolute delight!

Yoge & Where to Stay

The Rishikesh visit is not complete without some Yoga sessions. Usually the resorts have Yoga rooms & in-house Yoga instructors. It’s a good idea to start your day with those J

.

There are two resorts where we stay at when we visit Rishikesh; Divine Resort & The Rainforest House.

For a more authentic experience & to experience Rishikesh truly, I would recommend The Rainforest House. We stayed here once & fell in love with the place. The clean & spacious rooms, a small waterfall flowing right by the room, a great place to do Yoga which transforms into a cozy bonfire place by the evening; this hotel has everything.

It’s owned by a great couple who take care of all your needs, if you’re looking for some peace; this is the place to be. Here’s are picture to help you out:

You can check out their website here:

http://www.rainforest-house.com/

& find them on FB here:

https://www.facebook.com/rainforest.house/

Needless to say, if you haven’t made that trip to Rishikesh, put it on your list!

Written by: VAGABONDSTORIES

The post GET YOUR PEACE ON IN RISHIKESH! appeared first on | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India.

Utterly gorgeous Uttarakhand, one of India’s most beautiful states, is a land that has been endowed with stunning scenic beauty and is also called the Land of the God’s owing to its numerous temples and pilgrimage centers. It is but natural that such a serene place would be the home of the ancient art of Yoga and yoga related events amidst its pure and pristine environs.

One such festival is the International Yog Festival (IYF) that is organized annually by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) in association with Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). Every year the IYF sees a great attendance by Indian and International participants.

The upcoming IYF 2019 is scheduled to be held from 1st – 7th March 2019 in Rishikesh, the beautiful city that calls itself the Yoga capital of the world. These 7 diverse days promise to make you discover a new perspective to the art of Yog and to discover a new you.

It is to be noted that while there are many yoga festivals being organized in Rishikesh (even on similar dates), The International Yog Festival 2019, is the official government festival for yoga and spiritual learning. IYF does not support or authenticate ANY other festival for yoga in Uttarakhand.

Snippets of IYF2018

The mission of IYF –
The mission is to create a platform where all traditional and modern styles of yoga can come together and learn from each other.

The aim of the festival is to give yoga enthusiasts from around the world a chance to experience the divine art of uniting mind, body and soul.

The vision is to maintain the image of Uttarakhand as the land of and also enhance it further by giving birth to many more yogis who can manifest the power of yoga and inspire others to do the same.

The goal is to see that yoga becomes a part of every person’s life and enriches it with health, happiness and harmony.

Venue –

The festival venue is Hotel Ganga Resort, Rishikesh.

The 7 day life transforming event will be jointly inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat and the Minister of Tourism, Shri Satpal Maharaj.

Snippets of IYF2018

Schedule –
This week long festival has been divided into 3 themes –\

1.Traditional Yoga (Day 1 and 2),
2.Contemporary Yoga (Day 3 and 4)
3.Shakti – the power of creation (Day 5-7).
The last 3 days will be a celebration of divine feminine spirit, wherein prominent female spiritual figures and yoga practitioners will share their knowledge and conduct Shakti (energy) invoking sessions in a variety of yoga styles.

Snippets of IYF2018

Besides the yoga classes, there are various symposiums going to be held on topics, such as
Yoga for women,

The Yogic way of Life,

Traditional vs. contemporary Yoga,

Yoga before and beyond the asanas,

The goal and the foundations of Yoga,

An integrated (body-mind-soul) approach to Yoga,

Significance of the Shatkarma in Yogic advancements,

Frontiers of Yoga as per the ancient texts & their attainability

Yoga for me vs. I’m for Yoga

Snippets of IYF2018

Sessions by experts –
The festival will host a number of sessions with some of the leading Yoga affiliated experts and eminent personalities like Yogi Arun Perumal, Yogi Jaydevan, Trivendaram, Yogi Jeet Anand Ji, Yogi Nitin Virkhare ji, Brahmachari Patrey Ji, Sadhvi Yoganjali Puri, Yogachary Amrit Desai, Yogacharya Kamini Desai, Yogacharya Nirali, Yogacharya Geeta Shankar, Chennai, Yogachary Gandhar Mandlik, Yogachary O.P. Tiwari, Yogachary H.R. Nagendra ji, Yogachary Radhyshyam Ji will grace the occasion.

Yoga Packages and Booking –
There are pocket friendly packages created for this 7 day open festival and they can be booked online directly from the official website of IYF
All facilities and amenities like food and stay will be made available 24/7 for tourists and participants.

Also connect with them at –
More details of the festival are available at their website of the IYF. The latest updates of IYF2019 can also be obtained from the FB page of Uttarakhand tourism, Instagram of Uttarkhand tourism and Twitter of Uttarakhand tourism
Phone +91-8057214444, 9058737211

Please Note – All pictures in this post have been used with permission from the official websites of Uttarakhand tourism and International Yog Festival.
For more pictures see My Facebook – Uttarakhand-International Yog Festival 2019. Also catch me on My Twitter and My Instagram

The post Uttarakhand – International Yog Fest IYF 2019 appeared first on | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India.

When the urge for adventure assailed Hollywood star Brad Pitt, do you know where he headed out to? It was Rishikesh! Rishikesh is a picturesque town on the banks of the legendary river Ganga in the state of Uttarakhand, India. A stretch of about 16 kilometers of the river Ganga near Rishikesh offers one of the best and thrilling river rafting experiences in the world. This is what Brad Pitt was looking for. It is appropriate that the PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 is being held in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh with its enchanting environs of cascading waterfalls and the pristine banks of the river Ganga in the foothills of the Himalayas is an exciting chapter of adventure and thrills in the intriguing book that is India. Rishikesh apart from its spiritual persona and being recognized as the Yoga capital of the world is also the gateway to adrenaline pumping adventure experiences.

The PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 being organized here is an acknowledgment of the importance of Rishikesh as a prime destination for adventure travelers.

What To Expect From PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019

The PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 is being held in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand between 13-15 February. The event includes a one-day Travel Mart which would provide a forum for interaction between buyers and sellers of products related to adventure travel from across the world. A conference that will see the confluence of some of the best minds in the adventure travel industry is also slated as one of the highlights of the event.

River rafting in Rishikesh.

And of course, the event offers opportunities for delegates to indulge their own adventurous streak too. White water river rafting in Rishikesh is a very popular adventure activity in India. One can choose this and experience river rafting in the rapids of the river Ganga.

Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh

One can opt for a heritage trek to the famous Beatles Ashram of Rishikesh. Beatles Ashram is also known as Chaurasi Kutia. Beatles, the famous band of 1960s came to learn transcendental meditation at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram.

The heritage walk starting point will be Ram Jhula ( Shivanand Jhula ) -> Gita Bhawan -> Paramarth Niketan -> Swarg Ashram -> Beatles Ashram and back to Ram Jhula.

When in Rishikesh one can of course not miss the surreal experience of the Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganga.

Ganga aarti

The importance of Rishikesh as an emerging travel destination on the world map is underlined by the fact that the PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 is being held there. It may be noted that earlier editions of the event were held in places like Thimpu, Chiang Rai, Al Ain in Abu Dhabi, among others. The event is being hosted by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board.

Check out the schedule of events for more details on what to expect from the conference. Also, you can view the brochure here.

Responsible Tourism At PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019

One of the focus areas of the conference would be on ensuring responsible tourism. Nature provides such a wealth of riches and opportunities for adventures. Steps need to be taken to ensure that we do not denude these very resources. Measures to ensure that these are preserved for future generations to come; need to be implemented. This can be attained by a collaborative effort between all stakeholders and agencies. These are some of the issues and challenges that will be discussed in the course of the PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019.

What is PATA

PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) is a non-profit organisation that is known for relentlessly working towards ensuring the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. The association has as its members Government organisations, Tourism Boards, Educational Institutions, travel companies and travel professionals. PATA not only helps business for its members by organising events, but it also works for the conservation of environment and heritage in the Asia Pacific region.

Quick Facts About PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019

• The PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 is being held from 13-15 February 2019
• The PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 is being hosted by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board at Ganga Resort, KMVN, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
• One can register as a Buyer, Seller or Conference delegate for PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019
• Registered delegates of PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2019 have to complete online booking before January 31st, 2019 to secure the spot
• The dress code for the business session is smart casuals
• Special rates are available for Uttarakhand delegates
• Rishikesh is located about 268 kilometers from Delhi and about 45 kilometers. from Dehra Dun
• The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun at a distance of about 35 kilometers

Registered delegates can now download the PATA events app

The PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 in Rishikesh promises to be an interesting and important event for all associated with adventure travel and also concerned about the environment. Are you planning to be there in the thick of the action at Rishikesh?

Photo Credits: Few photos in this blog post are from PATA site.

Written by: Sandy N Vyjay

The post PATA 2019 appeared first on | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India.

The lure of adventure even drew the likes of Brad Pitt to Rishikesh, a small town situated besides the sacred river Ganga in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. He was there to experience the thrill of river rafting in the rapids of the Ganga in Rishikesh, some years ago. Thus it is fitting that this picturesque town is playing host to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019, from Feb. 13-15.

Adventure and responsible tourism

Rishikesh, which has emerged as an international destination for health and wellness is poised to make its mark as an adventure destination too. The focus of the 3-day PATA Conference and Mart would be to catalyze the interaction between the best of minds in the adventure travel industry. Another important aspect of the event is the impetus it aims to provide to the development of responsible tourism around the world. How all stakeholders from the travel industry, governmental agencies and NGO’s can work towards the preservation of the environment and development of sustainable tourism are some of the issues that would be discussed in the course of the event.

On the sidelines

The adventurous and pristine side of Rishikesh would also be unveiled to visitors and delegates to the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2019. A thrilling 16 kms., river rafting experience, a trek to the famous Beatles Ashram where members of the legendary musical band spent some time, and the visual evening treat of the river Ganga when thousands of lamps wave in benediction to the river are some of the unforgettable moments to look out for at the event. The event organized by PATA and hosted by Uttarakhand Tourism promises to be an exciting and enlightening experience.

Written by: Sandy And Vyjay

The post Adventure At Rishikesh, India: 2019 Responsible Tourism Conference appeared first on | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India.

Yog in India is famous since ages as one of the oldest tradition. From sages to epics have again and again been told the importance of yog in everyday life.

The benefits of Yog are countless. It is one of the very few exercise regimes that can be adopted by people of any age and health. It benefits everybody ranging from people who are differently abled to heart patients to patients with arthritis etc. Yog in India is highly therapeutic in nature and it focusses on your strengthening your body’s core fitness. Let’s look at a few undeniable advantages of including Yog inone’s diurnal.

1. Yog enhances blood circulation –

Yog is essentially a stretching routine for muscles. All of its asanas are designed to stretch and relax muscles which in turn does wonders for blood circulation in the body. Asana like the multi-step “Suryanamaskara” is a prime example of excellent stretching of muscles. This asana is like several other Yogic asanas are intense and also provide a good replacement for cardio exercises.

2. Yog relieves stress and in several cases alleviates it–

Yogic asanas can lead to a relaxed body and mind. Stress is a real hazard that haunts more a large chunk of our population. An hour of commitment to Yog every day can help free your stress. “Shavasana” and a combination of “Yogic Pranayams” are crucial for relieving stress.

3. Yog increases energy and helps maintain better posture and better flexibility –

Yogic Asanas provide your body with more energy and it increases your flexibility regardless of your age. These asanas are age-friendly and one of the best parts about them is that they can be customized for people of all needs. They can be as intense or as relaxed as the pupil needs.

4. Yog improves immunity –

Since Yog in India takes a holistic therapeutic approach, it keeps your body healthy by enhancing its immunity. Yog is great for mental peace as well.

5. Yog for body toning and weight loss –

These days we all want to invest time in exercise routines that along with providing other things helps tone our body and also helps us lose weight and Yoga works really well here. Kapalbhati Pranayam and the Suryanamaskara or Sun Salutation are excellent asanas for losing weight and muscle toning. Yoga also helps reduce cellulite. It also helps strengthen your spinal cord and has been known to be very successful with patients who suffer from spondylitis and other bone and muscle related ailments.

6. Yog may help fight depression –

This may be because yog is able to decrease the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that influences levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter often associated with depression. This is why yog may have an anti-depressant effect and could help decrease symptoms of depression.

7. Yog could also promote sleep quality –

People of all ages suffer from insomnia or some or the other sleep disorder. Yog can be a great solution for such people. Several calming asanas along with guided meditation can help people who suffer from sleepless nights may find themselves catching an elongated snooze.

8. Yog may also relieve people who suffer from migraines –

Traditionally, migraines are treated with medications in order to manage symptoms. Increasing evidence shows that yog could be a useful adjunct therapy to help bring down migraine occurrences.

Researchers suggest that doing yog may help stimulate the vagus nerve, which has been shown to be effective in relieving migraines.

If you too are impressed with the benefits of yog and want to make it as your daily routine than “The International Yog Festival, Rishikesh, is the best event.

IYF help Meet the Yogi Within You . This fest is an incredible sight to behold. In the first week of March, swamis and yoga masters from around the world flock to Rishikesh, Utta for lectures and training. One must consider visiting the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Swarg Ashram as this is where most of the action can easily be caught. This is truly a humbling experience and one must not miss this one of it’skind Yog Fest.

Written by: Sapna

The post How to get naturally relieved of depression to weight loss- 8 benefits of Yog/ yoga appeared first on | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India.

So far, I am sure you would have come to know about my love for Uttarakhand. It is one of my favorite traveling destinations. From romantic to thrill you can enjoy any kind of experience in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has many festivals all year around celebrated on a massive scale and it’s well worth a traveler’s time to be a part of them. Here is a list of the top 10 festivals of Uttarakhand with their details to entice you further.

Gangotri Temple

1. Most Significant Human gathering- Kumbh Mela –

One of the oldest and the most widely known festivals is the Kumbh Mela. It is a phenomenon and not just a place. The Kumbh Mela sees the largest congregation of pilgrims in the world and it involves taking tips in the holy Ganges to wash away one’s sins. You don’t have to be a devotee in order to participate in this phenomenon. Several onlookers and tourists flock to this three-month-long festival in order to witness the Kumbh’s grandeur. This Mela is a three-month-long festival that rotates between Allahabad, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Nasik. This is the most significant human gathering in the world.

Haridwar

2. The festival of Colours-Holi:

is a very big occasion for the people of India and obviously of Uttarakhand. Holi is celebrated with an immense zeal in the Kumaon region and the celebrations here are longer than just one day. As per the scriptures, Holi marks the victory of good over evil. Holi brings together a spectacular amount of colors, food, music and community spirit together. It is truly a sight to behold especially in the Kumaronregion of Uttarakhand.

festival of colours

3. Learn the art of Meditation-

The International Yog Festival (IYF) is held in the first week of March in Rishikesh and is co-organised by the Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Uttarakhand Tourism. This festival is the most peaceful and sometimes life-altering festivals one may come across. Several yogis and spiritual leaders flock to this festival and do yoga together in the ashram. The sheer spectacle of a huge group of people doing Yoga and meditating is a sight to behold. Participate in this fest and it may have a way to spiritualityor be an onlooker. In any case, The International Yog festival is not a place, it’s a state of mind.

Mediatation at #IYF

4. Grand puja- Magh Mela-

This is a week-long festival that is held in mid-January and usually coincides with another popular Indian festival of maker Sankranti. Devotees carry miniature deities of Hindu Gods and Goddesses to the main temple in Uttarkashi where the grand puja is held.

5. Festival of flow of lights-

Ganga Dusshera, also called Dassar, celebrates the flow of the river Ganga from the heavens. This festival falls in the month of Jyeshtha (May) and is a ten-day long celebration. One can be a part of the festivities along the Ghats of Ganga at Rishikesh and Haridwar.

ganga Dussehra

6. Festival of harvested crops-

Bhitauli and Harela – Bhitauli celebrates the beginning of the rainy season and is celebrated by the people of Kumaon in July-August. This festival also celebrates the great Indian Lord Shiva and Parvati. Devotees make miniature deities of lord Ganesha during this festival. Harela is a festival celebrating harvested crops and is celebrated in the months of March-April.

7. Festival of prosperity- Bat Savitri –

This famous festival is celebrated all over Uttarakhand. On this day, married women fast for their husband’s health, wealth and prosperity for an entire day and offer prayers to the deity Savitri and a Banyan Tree. It is a very peaceful and engaging festival.

Bat savitri

8. Festival of change- Basant Panchmi –

This festival celebrates the advent of Basant or spring. It is an important festival celebrated all over Uttarakhand. This festival marks the end of winter which is considered the source of decay and is celebrated is the month of January or February. The goddess worshipped is Saraswati and the locals all dress in yellow colored clothes.

9. Festival of songs- Kale Kauva or Ghughutia –

This festival follows several cute little traditions. The locals prepare sweets made from deep-fried flour in the shapes of knives and swords and feed the crows and migratory birds so that they come again the next year. The children also participate in this festival by singing songs in order to attract the migratory birds.

10. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Mela –

Held on Mahashivratri which is a big festival celebrating the great Lord Shiva, this festival takes place in the shrine housed inside the cave temple of Tapkeshwar Mahadev which is 6 kilometers from Dehradun

Mela at Tapkeshwar

India is a land of different traditions, cultures and to understand its fully, festivals are one of the main things. The festivals of Uttarakhand are unique in its way and defines its rich culture and tradition which is not to be missed.

The post Spirituality, Culture and celebrations-“Explore the greatness of Uttarakhand’s culture through it’s festivals”- Top 10 festivals of Uttarakhand appeared first on | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India.

Rishikesh is one of those places which hold a special place in my life, hence no doubt that I have a special liking for this spiritual township. My first memories of this town are from 1987 when I came here as a teenager and spent more than a week alone in search of myself. That’s altogether a different story, but since then I developed a close affinity to this place. I have come here a number of times since then, and what is significant that almost my every subsequent visit to this place has been part of a defining trip, as much as my first visit here.

Magical colours of Rishikesh

Haridwar nearby was the more heralded one always- mythologically as well as religiously. It was bigger and more accessible, but it still couldn’t make Rishikesh less attractive for me. Whenever I had a choice, I would prefer to stay in Rishikesh instead of Haridwar. That is why, I consider Haridwar as more religious and Rishikesh as more spiritual. So, when its spiritual, it brings more of peace and tranquillity- peace of mind as well as body. A lot has changed obviously, since that visit 32 years ago, but the charm off the place is still intact.

Free flowing Ganges at Rishikesh and hills in the background

Check your Yoga quotient

Talking about body, Rishikesh for ever has been unofficial Yoga Capital of the world. I might not be that religious, but I had believed and practised Yoga since my childhood. The serene environs of Rishikesh always motivate towards a mindset inclined to Yoga. Rishikesh has been a breeding ground of many Yoga Gurus. Many Yoga Festivals have been organised in Rishikesh for years. Many of them have over the time got an organised structure and huge following across the world. They have made their mark on the international travel calendar. Prominent among them is the International Yog Festival (IYF) organised by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) in association with Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). Since its inception in 2013, the calendar for IYF is fixed- 1st to 7th March every year at Ganga Resort of GMVN, right at the banks of the river Ganges. It’s the same time of the year again, when you need to start making your preparations for the event.

Yoga on the river

This global festival attracts yoga enthusiasts from around the world and gives them a chance to experience the divine art of uniting mind, body and soul. This year’s weeklong festival has been divided into 3 themes: Traditional Yoga (Day 1 and 2), Contemporary Yoga (Day 3 and 4) and Shakti – the power of creation (Day 5-7). The last 3 days will be a celebration of divine feminine spirit, wherein prominent female spiritual figures and yoga practitioners will share their knowledge and conduct Shakti-energy invoking sessions in a variety of yoga styles.

International Yoga Festival will rejuvenate your mind and soul

Besides the yoga classes, various symposiums will be held on the topics, such as Yoga for women, The Yogic way of Life, traditional vs. contemporary yoga, Yoga before and beyond the asanas, the goal and the foundations of Yoga, an integrated (body-mind-soul) approach to Yoga, Significance of the Shatkarma in Yogic advancements, frontiers of Yoga as per the ancient texts & their attainability, Yoga for me v/s I’m for Yoga (How to get out of our comfort zone & grasp the goal of Yoga). The festival will host a number of sessions with some of the leading experts who can change your perspective and deepen it by sharing their knowledge. Various yoga affiliated eminent personalities will grace the occasion.

Yoga lovers from all over the world will converge for IYF at Rishikesh

The Thrill Factor

But it’s not all spirituality and yoga. Rishikesh, as I said, always had defining moments for me. One of those was my trip to Jumpin Heights. The highest bungee jump in India was very instrumental in kicking out some level of fear factor out of me, and what made it more thrilling for me was the fact that I was able to have the experience before most of the people could have it as I was the part of the pre-launch experience media team. That still remains etched in my memory as one of the most thrilling moments of my life. Its something probably in this place which brings the impossible out of you, be it yoga or be it adventure. No doubt that city attracts tourists from all over the world for its numerous adventure sports such as white-water rafting, cliff-jumping, kayaking and camping. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’, Rishikesh is starting point for treks to numerous Himalayan pilgrimage centres and shrines. And, I have tried to have every sort of adventure here.

Thrill of Flying Fox near Rishikesh

As an icing on the cake, Rishikesh has now been honoured not only as the Yoga Capital but also been given the title of India’s Adventure Capital. According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Rishikesh has been identified as the capital of adventure sports of India. Rishikesh, the host of India’s highest bungee jumping platform, along with popular and intense rafting rapids, is the first choice of adventure lovers this year; Goa was second in terms of choice of adventure lovers, while Kerala remained third.The year 2018 was celebrated as the Year of Adventure as declared by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

This is India’s highest Bungee Jumping platform

It has also been found that people chose trekking and river rafting to be their preferred adventure sport. The reason for this has been observed as the increased number of rafting rapids available in India and people enjoying it as a group activity, to encourage team spirit. I have seen rafting in Rishikesh for more than two decades now. Similarly, bungee jumping in Rishikesh has also emerged as one of the most favourable activities for adventure enthusiasts. Since its inception nine years back, more than 70,000 jumps have been made and it is expected to increase exponentially. Camping is being taken up as another form of important group activity.

Plunging for a new adventure

So, if you are one of the ardent adventure aficionados and are longing for your adrenaline kicks amidst the lofty mountain peaks, dense beautiful forests or the challenging rapids of the Ganges, Uttarakhand is place to be! Pack your bags, gear up and make rush your adrenaline!

That feeling of togetherness

Another thing is driving Rishikesh these days. It is now also getting favour for meetings, conventions and team-building or leadership-building activities. Its right on the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas. The serene atmosphere here is deemed to be just perfect for rejuvenation and bonding. This is attracting a lot many corporates for their activities here.

Ganges commands the most respect of them all

City is already getting ready for PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2019 (ATRTCM 2019) organised by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). This will be held in Rishikesh from February 13-15. The three-day event, kindly hosted by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, comprises of a one-day travel trade mart and one-day conference that brings together public and private sector tourism professionals involved in adventure travel and responsible tourism. It is going to be a big event.

Sunset can be so dramatic at Rishikesh

Rishikesh is indeed a land with many faces. It has gushing river flowing by side, it has got feeling of hills but is easily accessible by all means of transport. It is spiritual town but far away from chaotic crowd. It has got wide range of foods, without any restrictions which are imposed in nearby Haridwar. Rishikesh gained instant international fame when The Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, in the 1960’s. It has come a long way since then. Worth a many visits and lot many experiences.

Joy of camping along the riverside is immense at Rishikesh

Written by: swamiupendra

The post Charm that brings me again, and again to Rishikesh appeared first on | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India.

Originally built in 1963 as a gift from American tobacco heiress Doris Duke, the main four-storey ashram is now a shell.

What do Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, have in common with Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates?
They have all been to Rishikesh and probably Liverpool too.
Fifty years ago, The Beatles went to India to study transcendental meditation, write some songs, smoke a lot of dope and have a lot of sex.
And chill.
Most of the White Album – released in November 1968 – was written in India.
Classics like Revolution, Back in the USSR, Blackbird and Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da were composed at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s International Academy of Meditation and Chaurasi Kutia (84 huts) ashram when Rishikesh was the world yoga hub.
Now Rishikesh, a 45-minute drive from Dehadrun, which is an hour’s flight from Delhi, is the adventure capital where you can zip-wire over the Ganges, whitewater raft down and bunjee jump within a foot of its jade green holy waters. And, afterwards, calm your disorientated mind, still your heartbeat and palpitating body parts and get your laundry done in a five-star royal palace.
It is still a place of meditation. A former vice-regal palace, Ananda in the Himalayas is India’s top luxury health resort.

In Sanskrit, ananda means ‘absolute joy’. Ultimate bliss is attainable through a combination of chickpea poultices, nostril washes, avoiding potatoes and eating more millet, regular and ruthless exfoliation and colonic irrigation, express pedicures, skull polishing, eyebrow threading and drinking more beetroot, papaya and watermelon juice.
And paying an Indian enormous sums of rupees to pour buttermilk over your forehead. And fiddle with your sacral dam.

The Fab Four’s trip completely changed the face of the tourism industry in Rishikesh.

On hand for wellness seekers are resident and visiting inferential therapists and whole-body welfare counsellors, intuitive and sacro-cranial masseurs, ‘rolfers’ and masters of refining your etheric body and giving your ‘ojas’ or aura a rejuvenated lustre.
In time you can learn universal adoration. And become accepting.
Even of sitar music.
Ringo described The Beatles’ 14-acre ashram on Manikoot hill ‘as a kind of spiritual Butlin’s’
And the lack of Wi-Fi.
Ringo described The Beatles’ 14-acre ashram on Manikoot hill over the Lakshman Jhula bridge in the Rajaji National Park above the Ganges as “a kind of spiritual Butlin’s”. The Beatles were resident from 10 days to 12 weeks. Lennon and Harrison lasted the longest. Donovan was a guest.
Originally built in 1963 as a gift from American tobacco heiress Doris Duke, the main four-storey ‘Puri’ accommodation block is now a shell. The two-storey lecture hall is ground-floor only and roofless. There has been talk of conservation and re-development of the Beatles bungalow, Yogo’s residence and the post office.

About 8,000 tourists visited the site last year.

To mark the 50th anniversary, a new toilet block has been opened. And a cafeteria and two galleries with wildlife and period Beatles photographs. The ashram is managed by the reserve.
The old, five-room beehive stone meditation caves stink of urine and retain the aura of other methods of self-expression. More recent than the 60s. The message seems to be “Please, Please Do”.
You have to “Let It Be”.
But you can experience peace and love on the banks of the Mersey too. Although it may not be so pampering and exotic or as extravagant, Liverpool’s Albert Dock gives you a taste of India at its Beatles Story museum, which now has a two-year special exhibition of The Beatles in India.
Along with a pair of John Lennon spectacles, Harrison’s first guitar, a Brian Epstein jacket and the original Strawberry Fields sign there are also reconstructions of the Cavern Club and Casbah Coffee House. India may have the weather but Liverpool still preserves the romance. Entry to the historic Uttarakhand ashram is £1 for Indians. £6 for ‘Foreigners’.
The Fab Four’s trip completely changed the face of the tourism industry in Rishikesh. The positive media publicity has helped Rishikesh emerge as a popular tourist destination. About 8,000 tourists visited the site last year. If not to get the T-shirt, to get the marigold petal garland.
Guests at the uber-expensive Ananda in the Himalayas pay to get reborn. Special restorative work has been carried out on the world’s most famous Liverpudlians.
To celebrate the anniversary, the Beatles have all been titillated. Old graffiti have been airbrushed or lovingly restored.
Sir Paul has had a complimentary facelift and looks 50 years younger. John and George have been brought back to life. And Ringo has also been subjected to a rejuvenating makeover. On the house.

The post The Beatles reborn appeared first on | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India.

The view from the plane window was enchanting. Colorful and pretty buildings dotted the green landscape. The beautiful panorama of the city of Dehradunnestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, stretched out below us. We were about to land at the Jolly Grant Airport that serves Dehradun. The thrill of anticipation pervaded us as we looked forward to a great and fruitful experience at the PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 being held in Rishikesh. The beautiful town of Rishikesh on the banks of the sacred river Ganga lies about 20 kilometers from Jolly Grant Airport. We had been invited by Uttarakhand Tourism to be a part of the event.

The Venue Of PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019

The PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 was held between Feb.13th and Feb.15th, 2019 in the scenic environs of the Ganga Resort of GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), under the aegis of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and supported by ATOAI. Ganga Resort located on the banks of the flowing Ganga with spectacular views of the Ram Jhula and the Ashrams that line the Eastern bank was indeed an ideal location for the PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019. In many ways the hosting of this event in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand was a testimonial to the emergence of this mystical town as the adventure capital of India.

Day One Of PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019

The first day of the PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 saw the delegates gazing in awe at the spectacle of the river Ganga and its eastern banks, even as they completed their registration formalities after being given a traditional welcome by women dressed in colorful local attire.

The excitement in the air was palpable as the Buyers, Sellers, and Delegates from across the world got ready to experience a slice of what Rishikesh had to offer through Pre-Fam tours. They could choose from two options.

Beatles Ashram

Some chose to walk along the eastern banks of the river Ganga on a heritage walk that took them to the famous Beatles Ashram where the iconic band stayed and gave birth to some of their legendary music.

River Rafting

Those with a more adventurous frame of mind opted to go river rafting in the famous rapids of the Ganga.

The day came to an enchanting conclusion with a session of Yoga on the banks of the Ganga. Delegates experienced the mystical effect of Yoga which was a curtain raiser for the upcoming International Yog Festival 2019 being organized by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam(GMVN) from the 1st to 7th March 2019 at Rishikesh.

As the daylight over the Ganga slowly evaporated and the waters assumed a silvery sheen, devotional prayers by a group of young students filled the place with a mystical aura and set the stage for the famed Ganga Aarti.

Ganga Aarti

The night dazzled in a magical tableau as the lighted lamps paid homage to the eternal Ganga accompanied by Vedic chants. It was an experience that touched the core of the hearts of all present.

Day Two Of PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019

After a day that was surcharged with excitement, the delegates, refreshed and rejuvenated by the fresh Himalayan air that blows over the Ganga, gathered again at the Ganga Resort for a day filled with enriching interactions through lectures and panel discussions

The PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 was formally opened by the traditional lighting of the lamp by Shri Satpal Maharaj, Honourable Minister of Tourism, Uttarakhand along with other noted dignitaries that included Shri Dilip Jawalkar, Secretary Tourism, Religious Affairs and Culture Department, Government of Uttarakhand, Shri Suman Billa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Shri Yogendra Tripathi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Dr. Mario Brady, CEO of PATA, and Capt. Swadesh Kumar, President of ATOAI.

Shri Satpal Maharaj, Honourable Minister of Tourism, Uttarakhand and the team from Uttarakhand Tourism highlighted the amazing tourism potential of the state and the support offered by the Tourism Board. After the welcome address from all the dignitaries, the event was underway.

Interaction At The PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019

Lectures & Presentations

The ball was set rolling by an interesting keynote address rejuvenating your soul through travel by Paul Brady, Editorial Strategist, Skift, USA. Paul talked about the emerging trends in tourism that was a blend of travel with wellness. He underlined the various offshoots and how tourism, in general, would benefit from this trend as major players in the wellness industry enter the travel sector with holistic offerings.

An interesting talk about harnessing the power of Instagram for promoting travel experiences and destinations titled “Storytelling to sell travel on Instagram”, was given by Ajay Jain, Writer, and Owner of Kunzum Travel Cafe. He also provided basic tips and tricks to get the most out of Instagram.

Apoorva Prasad of The Outdoor Journal, Luxembourg spoke about how one could future proof destinations using sustainability. He talked about the need for all stakeholders to come together to ensure balanced and sustainable growth of tourism in the Indian context. He emphasized the need for the preservation of our tourism assets for the generations to come.

Ms. Choy Teh, Account Manager-Media Relations from Bannikin Asia and Mr. Rohan Prakash, CEO of Trip 360 shared their perspectives of adventure travelers from China and India respectively.

The talks focused on marketing strategies for the New Adventure travelers.

A talk titled, “A Special Story Of Indian Rejuvenation”, by Ms. Yosha Gupta, Founder, Meraki, Hong Kong SAR focused on how the organization is geared towards bringing alive the lost art forms of India in a sustainable manner, through high-end product offerings like Bags, Wallets, and clutches.

Mrs. Robin Weber Pollak, President, Journeys International, USA, delivered the closing keynote address. She talked about vision-driven leadership in Adventure Tourism. She shared the inspiring story of her parents who started the company Journeys and her own journey to take up a leadership position in her company and industry vertical.

Panel Discussions

Apart from lectures and presentations at the PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019, one also saw stimulating panel discussions among experts which threw the spotlight on areas like the trends in travel to India, the creation of regenerative experiences for the traveler, and the use of tourism as a tool for rejuvenation.

A Panel that included Ms. Mariellen Ward, Digital Storyteller, Content Marketer, Traveller, Breathedreamgo, India, Mr. Mohan Narayanaswamy, Managing Director, Travel Scope, India, and Capt. Swadesh Kumar, President of ATOAI discussed the various travel segments that are available in India and what draws travelers to India. Issues like safety and solo women travel were discussed at length. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Mario Brady.

Another panel discussed threadbare the various aspects of product strategies for niche segments like culinary tourism, Adventure Tourism, Wellness Tourism, etc. The discussion centered on customer expectations and ways to create integrated and holistic itineraries that gave a regenerative experience to the customers. The participants in this panel discussion were, Mr. Trevor Jonas Benson, Director of Food Tourism Innovation, Culinary Tourism Alliance, Canada, Ms. Vivienne Tang, Founder, Destination Deluxe, Hong Kong SAR, and Mr. Rajeev Tewari, CEO, Garhwal Himalayan Explorations Pvt. Ltd, India. The panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Ajay Jain.

Tourism can help in reviving and sustaining the culture and heritage of a place. This was the focus of a panel discussion by Mr. Trevor Jonas Benson, Director of Food Tourism Innovation, Culinary Tourism Alliance, Canada, Ms. Shradha Shrestha, Manager-Brand Promotion and Corporate Marketing, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal, and Ms. Moe Moe Lwin, Director and Vice Chairperson, Yangon Heritage Trust, Myanmar. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Mario Brady.

Day Three Of PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019

The third day of the event was reserved for a buyer and seller interaction with the holding of the travel mart. There were 47 seller organizations from across 10 countries that included Bhutan, India, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, as well as Thailand. They interacted with 44 buyer organizations from across eighteen countries that included Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the USA.

The highlight of the day was the visit of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat.

He interacted with the participants and visited the different stalls at the travel mart. It was heartening to see the presence of the Chief Minister at the event and show the focus that the state has on the tourism sector.

Media Briefing

A media briefing session was held on the third day where Shri Dilip Jawalkar, Secretary Tourism, Religious Affairs and Culture Department, Government of Uttarakhand, Dr. Mario Brady, CEO, PATA, and Capt. Swadesh Kuma, President of ATOAI addressed the media and answered queries. Check the video below to see our interaction with Dr. Mario Brady and Shri Dilip Jawalkar in the course of the media briefing

The PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 in the enchanting environs of Rishikesh was successful in presenting the diverse spectrums of adventure and spirituality of Rishikesh and Uttarakhand on the world stage. The event also turned the spotlight on challenges like sustenance of the environment and culture as well as over tourism.

We were hosted by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.

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The post PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 appeared first on | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India.

The new tourism policy, which was released at the end of last year, came 17 years since Uttarakhand’s first tourism policy was released in 2001. The policy accorded industry status to the sector, which opened up incentives for investors, and focused on new segments and products such as adventure tourism and homestays. The new policy also aims to develop one new tourism destination in each of its 13 districts.

Rishikesh at dusk

“We have different products to offer to international markets but at present we are confined to yoga, wellness, high-altitude mountaineering and wildlife. New segments like adventure travel will be promoted,” said Dilip Jawalkar, secretary, tourism, religious affairs and culture department, government of Uttarakhand.

“We are also looking to host more international events in the future (like the PATA conference) so that so that local stakeholders know about best international practices,” he added. “Also, considering that we have ecological fragile areas, the focus is on increasing international arrivals in a sustainable way.”

Welcoming the proactive efforts that the state government have rolled out in recent time to promote tourism, Ravi Gosain, president, Uttarakhand Tourism Professionals Association, shared: “Interest from markets like France, Spain and Italy is picking up. The focus on homestays in the new tourism policy will help target international travellers interested in experiencing local culture. Events like PATA will also offer a global exposure to the destination and help in increasing inbound numbers.”

Rishikesh’s inbound arrivals are already mostly international, but there are a number of other destinations in the state that if can draw more international tourists with greater promotion, noted Anil Gusain, head, sales & marketing, Divine Resort & Spa Rishikesh.

In 2018, Uttarakhand received 120,000 international visitors, a growth of 20 per cent over the previous year. Key international tourist markets for the state include the US, Europe, Israel, Latin American and Central Asian markets.

International tour operators, such as Tom Parsley, personal travel consultant of UK-based Hays Travel, who attended the PATA event in Rishikesh, are already taking note of Uttarakhand’s emerging prominence for foreign visitors.

“Uttarakhand is a new, unheard of and diverse tourist destination. If infrastructure can be developed for easy access helping tourists to reach different points easily, it can become popular in overseas markets. Enough information on various tourism products and experiences available in the state should be made available to foreign tour operators,” Parsley said.

Written by: Rohit Kaul

The post In India, Uttarakhand revs up efforts to lure more international arrivals appeared first on | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India.