Visit Rishikesh, India

One of India’s seven Hindu holy cities, and bisected by the mighty Ganges, Rishikesh is home to many ashrams offering spiritual learning, yoga and meditation.

The river is the focal point of the fascinating evening aarti which starts with a holy fire ceremony. Priests offer a purifying mixture of herbs and ghee to the fire whilst prayers are chanted and small lamps are lit to thank the river for being the source of life and prosperity in the area.

Since ancient times Rishikesh has been a rest stop for holy men and pilgrims heading into the Himalaya seeking purity.