American DJ Thomas Wesley Pentz, famously known as Diplo, has delivered multiple hits and needs no introduction. Born in 1978, the DJ moved to India when
he was just 20 and it has said to change his life. And rightly so! For someone whose life has been shaped by sound and rhythm, India was never going to be just another destination for him. It was always going to be a feeling. When he recently shared photos from his time in Rishikesh, what stood out was not the visuals but the story behind them. It was more like a raw and unfiltered recollection of how India quietly changed the way he understood music, place and himself. In his own words, DJing is like a journey. A good set should make you happy but it should also make you curious and teach you something you did not know before. So, long before global stages and sold-out shows, Diplo was chasing sources. At first, those sources were vinyl records, which were found in old warehouses in West Philadelphia, flea markets in New Jersey, second-hand stores in San Juan, and even back-alley junk shops in New Delhi. Eventually, the sources became more than records. They became the cities themselves. After a month of travelling, Diplo landed in Rishikesh. He spoke very highly of this city. "This was Rishikesh, 40 years after the Beatles. There had been Western hippies speaking eastern wisdom before them, but who cares? The Beatles had their own ashram here. And since then, a few hundred thousand yogis had come to study at the foothills of the Himalayas," he wrote.
Rishikesh: The Next Popular Destination In India
Interestingly, this same energy is why Rishikesh is now emerging as India's most unexpected healing destination. Slowly but surely, it is replacing places like Goa and Kerala as the country's most sought-after retreat town.Also Read: The Only National Park In India Which Is Located Inside A Desert
Popularly known as the 'Yoga Capital Of The World', Rishikesh is popular amongst Indians and foreigners alike as many priests, sages and real yogis live there. The city is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, which may seem unbelievable, considering its tourist footfall. Most rainfall is expected between July and August so its always better to visit the city before or after.
Why Is Everyone Travelling To Rishikesh?
One of the primary reasons for Rishikesh’s growing popularity is its spiritual aura. This place, for a long time, has attracted seekers of inner peace and balance. Every year, thousands visit ashrams and wellness retreats for authentic yoga teacher training programs, meditation workshops, and Ayurveda-inspired healing practices.This is not it. Rishikesh is also a magnet for adventure tourism. From white-water rafting on the Ganga river to cliff jumping, zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding Himalayas, the town offers a bizarre adrenaline rush like no other.
Also Read: The Only Indian City With No Traffic Signals!
Then comes another reason: Sustainability and conscious tourism. Both of these factors that have contributed into an increase in number of tourists. Many eco-stays, homestays, and retreats here are now offering low-impact and environmentally responsible lodging options.
