Fitness, Friendship, and Fulfillment: A Thrill-Seeker's Thrillophilia Review for a Rishikesh Trip
It had been a while since my friend and I had planned an adventurous getaway. But it wasn't until we came across an Instagram post that felt like a magnet pulling us towards Rishikesh.
Both of us being calisthenics enthusiasts saw it as a great opportunity to combine two of our favorite things - fitness and natural landscapes. As we browsed some of the tours online, we couldn't help but think about the fun we were going to have.
Mountains, workouts, scenic views - it sounded like a dream trip for a calisthenic enthusiast. Filled with a sense of excitement, we started packing our bags with sports gear, like climbing shoes and resistance bands, ready to explore the mountains and our fitness goals. Soon after, we were on a bus, leaving the familiar behind to explore the magic of the Himalayas.
Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas
As we looked at the splendid mountains and the flowing Ganga river, my friend exclaimed, “This place is just breathtaking!” I nodded, awestruck by the beautiful sunset. “I never thought it would feel this magical, it looks way better in reality,” I said, feeling deeply connected with the scenic landscapes.
Our guide for the trip told us how Rishikesh was another name for Lord Vishnu, as hṛṣīka translated to 'senses' and īśa meant 'lord', meaning 'Lord of the Senses'. And truth be told, the place was indeed an absolute feast for the senses. No wonder why we couldn't help ourselves and feel lost in its charm.
Upon reaching Baghera River Retreat, which was our riverside stay in Rishikesh, we were greeted by the calm sounds of the Ganga flowing nearby. The scenic views of the mountains and the flowing water felt like a call to adventure. We dropped our bags in the room and stepped out for a walk in the area, soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
“This looks like a paradise for calisthenics lovers!” I remarked, looking at the natural beauty that surrounded us. The idea of practicing our workouts in the middle of it all felt incredible.
As the sun began to set, and the sky turned orange and yellow, we gathered with some fellow travelers to enjoy a bonfire. Laughter echoed in the air as we challenged each other for a push-up competition. “Maggi for everyone if I lose!” My friend declared teasing me.
I won the contest by a margin, and we both burst into laughter, eventually treating all fellow travelers with Maggi.
Embracing Adventure and Spirituality
We didn't need the alarms in the morning, the gentle rustle of leaves and the peaceful sounds of the Ganga flowing nearby woke us up.
As we got off our beds, my friend exclaimed, “Sounds like the perfect music for our adventure, doesn't it?” I smiled, feeling thankful. Before we could realize it, we were off for a thrilling river rafting adventure, something we had been very excited about.
"Time for some action" My friend and I nodded to each other, as we joined our rafting group. As we navigated the mighty waters, each wave brought along a rush of exhilaration. We paddle along the challenging rapids, sailing past the strong waves. It was amazing how the whole group paddled in sync, laughing and splashing our way through the ice-cold currents.
As we reached a calm stretch of the river, our instructor asked us to jump into the water. “This is freezing, but it feels outstanding!” I yelled, laughing as I splashed around. It was one of our favorite moments of the trip that captured our adventurous spirit - pure joy, freedom, and friendship.
Later, we also got a chance to visit one of Rishikesh’s Ghats, where we found ourselves spellbound by the spiritual energy around us. With devotees performing rituals all around, it created a peaceful contrast to the thrills we had just experienced.
Taking in the inspiration, we laid out our mats and enjoyed an impromptu calisthenics session. We even drew a tiny crowd of onlookers as we practiced our moves. “I never knew calisthenics could attract a fan club?” I joked, noticing some shared smiles and the joy of connecting with the locals through our passion for fitness.
Epic Views and Shared Meals
Sometime around the sunset, we came back to our riverside stay, where a delicious dinner awaited us. We had great conversations with fellow travelers while enjoying a lip-smacking meal that was made from locally sourced ingredients.
“If only we could stay here forever and never leave the mountains,” my friend said, and everyone at the table agreed. We realized that our love for fitness had now bonded deeply with nature, and it already has us both looking forward to more adventures together.
We woke up a little early on the last day of our trip, to witness the sunrise from a viewpoint located nearby. Hiking up the rugged trails, we couldn't stop thinking about the views that we'd get to see from the top of the viewpoint. The trail was challenging, but it couldn't stop our hearts from beating with adventure.
As soon as the first ray of sunlight struck the mountains, the whole landscape turned into a fantasyland. “I could've hiked for a week for this view, it's unreal!” I said, taking in the outstanding views.
Our time in Rishikesh was more than an adventure, it was an experience that blended our love for fitness with exploration. With moments of thrill, devotion, and solitude, it deepened our friendship that would inspire countless journeys in the future.
Read More: Thrillphilia Rishikesh Reviews