9 April 2025
Known as the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh naturally draws visitors looking to join drop-in yoga and meditation classes, stay at ashrams, or complete Yoga Teacher Training courses. But it’s evolved into something far bigger—a vibrant hub offering a wild variety of courses, programs, and events that stretch far beyond just yoga. Depending on the kind of person you are, it would be difficult to find yourself bored here on any day.
I couldn’t miss the opportunity to join a few classes myself and finally decided on Divine Circle, a studio conveniently located right around the corner from the hostel I’m staying at.
We were only a small group, and I instantly liked our quiet, friendly teacher. Yoga here is often taught very differently than what many Westerners are used to. The classes are simpler, more grounded in the basics—focused inward, guiding you to discover more about yourself as you breathe deeply into each asana. This is what yoga is supposed to be: a union of mind, body, and soul. A lifestyle, not just an exercise routine. A practice that carries its energy into our daily lives. The hour and a half passed quickly, and I looked forward to the next four classes I’d be attending there.
After a shower, I took off in the opposite direction to meet Juliana for coffee. Right now, I’m really enjoying having friends around who are also staying longer. Solo travel can become quite lonely at times, and moments like these offer such an easy, welcome pause from the hyper-awareness of constantly depending on yourself.
Cute, cozy little cafés are everywhere in Tapovan. Not very “Indian” at all, they serve cappuccinos, pastries, cakes, and all the Western comfort food we tend to crave after weeks of curries and thalis. Coffee cravings satisfied, we decided to explore the winding streets and find corners we hadn’t seen before. I was also on the hunt for a different hostel, as mine doesn’t have working Wi-Fi—something that’s become essential for many of us digital nomads.
I hadn’t known this before, but many places now raise their daily tariffs over the weekends. A slight increase might be understandable—but tripling the price for a dorm bed is just unacceptable. I wasn’t about to pay hotel room rates for a mixed dormitory bunk.
Luckily, we didn’t have to walk far before stumbling on a welcoming garden café and hostel. We were both immediately drawn to the cheerful vibe and the smiling faces that greeted us. I was delighted to learn that they offered the best rate I’d seen so far—and that the price was fixed. No nasty weekend surprises. The dorm rooms were very simple, with no luxury, but honestly, I prefer this over cold, polished hotel rooms. Too many hostels have become just another commercial venture, focused on profit instead of creating an easy-going, budget-friendly backpacker hangout. It was an easy decision to move there tomorrow.
In need of a break from the warm sun, we peeked curiously around a set of colorful curtains into a tiny café tucked just off the street. It was a perfect little oasis, and we settled in gratefully. Lemon sodas—always a favorite in the heat—were followed by lunch: chili-paneer and dhal. I love the way chili-paneer (minus most of the chili, for me) is cooked in that sticky-sweet sauce, served with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Tummies full, we could’ve easily napped on the soft cushions and pillows.
But I decided to head back to my hostel, as I had to prepare for an online meeting later tonight. I’m still working through online courses I need to complete, and the days seem to fly by without my journal even being opened or another lesson checked off.
I often feel impatient, worried that I’m not making progress fast enough. But I keep reminding myself: I must trust the universe. Everything is unfolding in divine timing. All good things will find me when I am truly ready.
