Fresh Tracks: 10 Peaceful Days in Rishikesh

We have loved being in the small, mountain town of Rishikesh (the "yoga capital of the world") for the past 10 days. Here is a quick recap in pictures of how we've spent our time ...

The daily wander around town. Rishikesh is full of brightly decorated temples and ashrams, and to add to the color of the town, there are hundreds of shops selling vibrant scarves and jewelry. This picture is of one of two footbridges that takes you to the other side of the river. And yes, the cow is making the already crowded bridge harder to pass!

Laxman Jhula Foot Bridge

Yoga Classes. We've attended many morning and evening Hatha/Iyengar yoga classes given by Arvin. (This has been by far my favorite part of being in Rishikesh!)

Morning Yoga with Arvin

Morning, afternoon, and evening tea. We have gotten hooked on Ginger/Lemon/Honey Tea ... and drink it morning, noon, and night, it's that good. Pete every once in awhile changes it up and has some mint tea.

Ginger/Honey/Lemon Tea and Mint Tea

Hiking and Whitewater Rafting. We enjoyed a day-hike to a waterfall and a day-paddle down the Ganges.

Carrie, Erin, & Pete hiking

Waterfall! We went for a swim in the pool at the bottom

The crew paddling down the Ganges

The Rugby World Cup Final. With the help of our Canadian friends, we found one of the only restaurants in this dry town that serves beer. It was great to watch the All Blacks victory with some curry and Kingfisher beer (note, the can is under the table!)

Note the can of Kingfisher under the table

Evening Prayers. At sunset one night, we headed to Swarg Ashram, another part of town made up of temples and ashrams, to see the ganga aarti, or evening prayers held at the bathing ghats on the Ganges. There was much singing, chanting, and lighting of candles.

Evening prayers on the Ganges, Swarg Ashram

Cooking class. We took a cooking class given by Lalita at a local restaurant. We learned to make Malai Kofta, Paneer Tikka Masala, and Biryani ... and then got to enjoy our cooking!