Hey, before I dive in—hi, I’m Renu, a remote-job girly trying to actually live life and not just exist between meetings and deadlines.
Back in June 2023, I took my first-ever solo trip to Rishikesh, and to this day, it remains one of the most grounding experiences of my life.
This is the story of my solo journey to Rishikesh, and how it quietly shifted something inside me.
From Delhi to Haridwar: A Night Bus & New Beginnings
I boarded a bus from Delhi with a backpack, some nerves, and a lot of expectations. Overnight journeys always feel symbolic—like you’re shedding one version of yourself and arriving as another.
At 4:00 AM, I reached Haridwar. The city was still half-asleep, but the air? It felt sacred.
Har Ki Pauri & My First Ganga Snaan
I went straight to Har Ki Pauri to witness the morning Ganga Aarti. No crowd. No noise. Just chants, bells, and the river flowing like it had all the time in the world.
I took a Ganga snaan—they say it purifies your soul.
I don’t know about science, but my heart felt lighter.
The water was so pure, so cold, yet incredibly calming and soothing. It felt like the river was whispering, “You’re okay. You’re exactly where you need to be.”
Sharing Auto to Rishikesh & Hostel Life Begins (Day 1)
After that, I took a sharing auto to Rishikesh and checked into my hostel—The Hosteller.
I had a bunk bed in a shared room with three other roommates. Everyone was chill, respectful, and kind—the kind of people who make solo travel feel safe.
I rested for a bit because, let’s be honest, night buses take a toll.
Scooty, Ganga Views & Doing Nothing (Which Felt Amazing)
Later that day, I rented a scooty—because freedom on two wheels hits different.
I rode near the Ganga, parked somewhere quiet, and just… sat.
No phone.
No agenda.
Just me and the river.
That moment alone was worth the entire trip.
An Unexpected Friend: Neel & Triveni Ghat Chaos
Back at the hostel, while I was getting ready, I realized a guy named Neel was sleeping on the bunk above mine. He casually asked where I was going and if he could join.
Normally, I’d hesitate.
But solo trips make you braver.
I said, “Come on, I’ve got a scooty.”
We headed to Triveni Ghat.
Plot twist? 🚨
The police stopped us because we had only one helmet.
Fine paid. Lesson learned. Still laughed it off.
We sat at Triveni Ghat, talked about life, travel, random thoughts—and that’s when I found out it was his birthday.
Day 2: River Rafting, a Birthday, and an Evening That Healed Me
Day 2 began with excitement—I had river rafting planned, something I was genuinely looking forward to. Since I found out the previous night that it was Neel’s birthday, I invited him along to celebrate it in a slightly adventurous way.
River rafting in Rishikesh was pure adrenaline. The cold splashes of the Ganga, the roar of the river, the screams mixed with laughter—it was intense, thrilling, and oddly freeing. For a while, nothing else mattered. No past, no future—just the moment.
After rafting, we came back exhausted but happy. We talked a little, laughed about random things, and then Neel left. And just like that, I was alone again.
But this time, being alone felt comfortable.
By evening, despite my body feeling sore and my back clearly protesting, I decided to step out once more. Around 5 PM, I headed to Parmarth Niketan Ashram for the evening Ganga Aarti.
The energy there was completely different from the morning rush or the afternoon thrill. The chants, the bells, the glowing diyas floating gently on the river—it all felt deeply calming. Sitting there, watching the Ganga flow, I felt my mind finally slow down.
The aarti didn’t just calm me it grounded me.
After a day filled with adrenaline, conversations, and movement, this quiet evening at Parmarth Ashram felt like a soft pause. Being alone no longer felt strange or heavy. It felt peaceful, whole, and exactly what I needed.
I returned to my hostel that night physically tired but emotionally lighter, letting the silence do the healing.
Day 3: Neelkanth Mahadev & A View I’ll Never Forget
On Day 3, I woke up early, took my scooty, and rode to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
The road itself was an experience winding turns, forest views, silence broken only by birds and the engine hum.
The scenic beauty was unreal. Standing there, after darshan, I felt grounded… like all the noise inside me had settled.
Back to Delhi, But Not the Same Person
After coming back from Neelkanth, I returned the scooty, packed my bags, and took a bus back to Delhi.
Physically, I returned home.
Mentally, I returned changed.
This solo trip taught me that:
- I enjoy my own company
- Strangers can become beautiful memories
- Silence can be healing
- And I’m braver than I think
Final Thoughts
My first solo trip to Rishikesh wasn’t about ticking places off a list. It was about feeling—the river, the roads, the people, and myself.
If you’re waiting for the “right time” or the “right people” to travel—this is your sign. Just go. 💛
FAQs
1. Is Rishikesh safe for a solo female traveler?
Yes, very much so. Just stay alert and choose good hostels.
2. Is river rafting safe for beginners?
Absolutely, as long as you go with certified operators.
3. Best time to visit Rishikesh solo?
February to April and September to November are ideal.
4. Is Ganga snaan really calming?
100%. It’s cold, spiritual, and incredibly grounding.
5. Would I recommend solo travel to first-timers?
Yes—start small, trust yourself, and you’ll surprise yourself.
If you liked this story and want more remote-job + travel diaries, I’ll see you on the road—and maybe in the comments next time 🌍✨
