Australian Yoga Journal — January 2018

Agama Yoga is one of the world’s

best-known Tantra yoga schools and has

a popular space in Rishikesh. Although

a bit out there for some, it offers a

much deeper energetic experience than

traditional Hatha. Be prepared for a

class with just as much chanting as

postures and techniques that might be

completely foreign. Don’t worry - it’s not

all about sexuality, but if you dive a little

deeper and stay for some of the lectures

you can learn all about that too.

Parmarth Niketen Ashram is one of

the world’s biggest ashrams boasting

over 1000 rooms. Here you can enjoy

practicing twice a day with well-rounded

teachers, 3 meals and a basic room for

just $6 a night. That could be cheaper

than that fancy coffee you had this

morning! The yoga is all Hatha based - a

little different from what you might be

used to but very rewarding and

interesting. The ashram experience is an

altogether different way of enjoying a

place like Rishikesh. Although it’s all

inclusive and very easy, it does take the

freedom away from your experience.

What’s often recommended is to spend

some time at an ashram like this one

at the beginning of your trip before

venturing out and finding your own place

to stay, food preferences and teachers.

The quantity of yoga in Rishikesh is

vast, and there are always some unknown

gems out there. Keep your eyes and ears

open for anything interesting and

remember there’s no harm in trying

everything once.

EAT

The food choices in Rishikesh are vast

and constantly improving, with choices

from cheap, amazing and healthy food

offered at ashrams, to gluttonous feasts

available at a whim.

Pyramid is an adventure up a steep

hill, but once you’re there it rewards

with great food, atmosphere and music

from the live in-house DJ Sleemy. A

literal pyramid, this place has some

seriously high vibes, and is well-

established offering everything from

home made kombucha to a taxi service.

A favourite hang out for yoga

students, Oasis is a simple, friendly and

effective tourist restaurant right in the

heart of Swag Ashram. The food is great,

and the family who run it are generous

and funny. It’s also a great place to meet

fellow travellers.

At the Luxman Jula end of Rishikesh

there is an abundance of great tourist

EXPERIENCE

travel

96

january 2018

yogajournal.com.au