May/June in Rishikesh, Varanasi or Dharamsala?!

Soteria

Hello everyone!

I have finally booked my ticket to Kolkata on the 3rd of May and have a few questions. Firstly I'm sorry if these are answered elsewhere but everything is so mindboggling that I decided to create my own thread.

I am going to be in India until the end of June and would like to spend all of my time in one or two (not more) locations learning Yoga, Reiki and Meditation, living a vegetarian lifestyle and all that, to see what comes of it and for the obvious benefits. Everybody recommends Rishikesh, but I have heard people say Dharamsala and Varanasi as well. I myself am most persuaded by Rishikesh.

Can anybody who knows for sure please tell me about the weather in these three places in May and June, and also how to get to them from Kolkata? My guidebook has instructions mostly on how to get to places from Delhi... Do I need to book any trains in advance? I am really confused! One of my friends is telling me to go to Varanasi for sure but my guidebook says that it's 40C in May and June!

I am looking for a place where I can do a variety of classes and meditations, hopefully some classes that last a month or more so I can progress, where I can stay for cheap and walk to places. I do like hippies and backpackers but would like something with a community feel as well (so not somewhere where everyones just passing through). Apart from Yoga and meditation I would like to learn Reiki and head massage and possibly have some tabla lessons, I have heard all these are available in those three places?

Please help me out! Thank you in advance

Sofia

atala

I have not been to Dharamsala and do not know what is really available there in the line of things that you wish to experience while in India, but would definitely recommend you go there; that is to avoid the heat. Varanasi is probably recommended to you for its picturesque views and the strong Hindu ritualist life there, but I would only go there for a few days when you travel north from Kolkata. Rishikesh is also going to be similarly hot, therefore Dharamsala would be the better option in the long run. But go there anyway to see how you like it and whether it has what you'd like. If it is a place too many, skip Varanasi, because near Rishikesh is Haridwar, another Hindu pilgrimage place. we had this thread not too long ago about the choice between them: http://www.indiamike.com/india/uttar...ridwar-t53441/

wonderwomanusa

Are you sure you want to go to India in May?

Today's temperature:

Kolkata: 29C & 74% humidity
Varanasi: 32C & 24%
Dharamsala: 21C
Rishikesh: 36C

At this time of year, temperatures get warmer every day AND the humidity increases day by day.

Soteria

so wait, which one of rishikesh and varanasi will be warmer? :S

Piyush_Indian

Hiiii,

I belong to Varanasi.

As far as your interests are concerned such as Yoga, Reiki and Meditation, living a vegetarian lifestyle and all that, Varanasi would be the best place for you.

Temperatures will be high here , but donot worry for that , you can get accomodation, cars etc of your choice.

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Indizen

Go to Dharamsala. You can also go on a trek to Triund. The weather will be pleasant. Upper Dharamsala, aka Macleodganj is very atmospheric and has good amenities for the body and soul.

kullukid

It's a verrreeee looooong journey from Kolkata to D'sala. Rishi sounds more suited for what you want, Varanasi will be unbearably hot at this time. KK

sanjaymehra

Well you are landing in the wrong place to begin with. Kolkata is one end of a very wide country. Varanasi is in the middle and about a 1000km from Kolkata. Flights or trains are the two modes to get there.
To get to Rishikesh, it is best to go to Delhi and then go from there. It is about 6 hours drive (300km) and buses are easily available.
Dharamsala is 11 hours from Delhi. If you go by train, then go to Pathankot which is the nearest railhead. Then take a taxi or bus to Dharamsala.

Varanasi is great to view the traditions of Hinduism. A few days would be enough. You could check out the ashrams for a course in Yoga.
Rishikesh is another great place to learn Yoga. It is full of ashrams of all hues and variety. Great place to learn meditation.
Dharamsala is best known for being the seat of the Dalai Lama. The place to be is Macleodganj where all the tourists stay. Good hotels, restaurants, pleasent weather. Good place to see Tibetian culture and cuisine.
Reiki is best learnt in the metros. Delhi would be a good place.
A friend of mine teaches Reiki and meditative dances. I will send you her website address tomorrow. You can check her out. She is good at her work.

Here I got it out. Her name is Akash Dharamraj and website is www.akhaldans.com/akhaldans.html. Check it out. She is really good.

Soteria

Hi Everyone, thank you for your replies!

Someone has suggested to me to take the Rajdhani express from Kolkata to Delhi.. I hope I can do this with a stopover in Varanasi, where I will spend just a few days and then I will go to Rishikesh. If that turns out too hot I will go to Dharamsala after. I'm glad i've finally sorted that out in my head, and that they're all in a line So if anyone is in those areas next week/month, I'd love to meet up!