Quick Facts
Also Known As: Home of Sages
Major Attractions: Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula, Gita Bhawan, Swargashram, Nilkanth Mahadev and Ram Jhula
Suitable Time To Visit: April to October
Rishikesh, literally meaning ‘abode of sages’ is a picturesque town, situated in Uttarakhand. Set at a height of 1,360 ft, above sea level, Rishikesh represen
ts the site where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. Spreading over the banks of River Ganges, Rishikesh houses a number of temples and ashrams visited by a large number of pilgrims, adventure seekers and travellers every year. Rishikesh is a gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttarakhan and abounds with natural grandeur, complimented by scenic beauty of the hills from three sides and the verdant forest all-around.
Every day the ghats of River Ganges at Rishiskesh abound with sadhus as well as pilgrims. The 'Aarti' on the banks of the river is not to be missed event while visiting Rishikesh. Every day in the evening, the floating diyas (earthen lamps) provide a superb view to the river ghats. Besides these, the hymns and distance sound of bell chimes create a symphony of sorts during the Aarti.
Rishikesh is a mainly a pilgrimage centre, but it offers plenty of opportunities for shopping as well. You can buy handicraft items made of shells, pearls and beads, sarees, kurtas, sheets, rugs and several other items. These items are available on Government Approved Handloom Shop, Khadi Bhandar and Garhwal Wool and Craft Shop.
Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun (42 kms) is the nearest airport from Rishikesh, while Haridwar Railway Station (25 kms) is the nearest railhead. Buses are the best mode of transport to reach Rishikesh. Government and several private buses are available for Rishikesh from Haridwar (25 kms), Dehradun (42 kms), Mussoorie (77 kms), Uttarakashi (154 kms), Kedarnath (228 kms) and Delhi (238 kms).
Accommodation is not at all a big issue at Rishikesh, as the town is dotted with several good hotels, guest houses and dharamshalas. The Garhwal Vikas Manda Nigam's Guest House is the best place to stay in the town.
Also Known As: Home of Sages
Major Attractions: Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula, Gita Bhawan, Swargashram, Nilkanth Mahadev and Ram Jhula
Suitable Time To Visit: April to October
Rishikesh, literally meaning ‘abode of sages’ is a picturesque town, situated in Uttarakhand. Set at a height of 1,360 ft, above sea level, Rishikesh represen
ts the site where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. Spreading over the banks of River Ganges, Rishikesh houses a number of temples and ashrams visited by a large number of pilgrims, adventure seekers and travellers every year. Rishikesh is a gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttarakhan and abounds with natural grandeur, complimented by scenic beauty of the hills from three sides and the verdant forest all-around.Every day the ghats of River Ganges at Rishiskesh abound with sadhus as well as pilgrims. The 'Aarti' on the banks of the river is not to be missed event while visiting Rishikesh. Every day in the evening, the floating diyas (earthen lamps) provide a superb view to the river ghats. Besides these, the hymns and distance sound of bell chimes create a symphony of sorts during the Aarti.
Rishikesh is a mainly a pilgrimage centre, but it offers plenty of opportunities for shopping as well. You can buy handicraft items made of shells, pearls and beads, sarees, kurtas, sheets, rugs and several other items. These items are available on Government Approved Handloom Shop, Khadi Bhandar and Garhwal Wool and Craft Shop.
Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun (42 kms) is the nearest airport from Rishikesh, while Haridwar Railway Station (25 kms) is the nearest railhead. Buses are the best mode of transport to reach Rishikesh. Government and several private buses are available for Rishikesh from Haridwar (25 kms), Dehradun (42 kms), Mussoorie (77 kms), Uttarakashi (154 kms), Kedarnath (228 kms) and Delhi (238 kms).
Accommodation is not at all a big issue at Rishikesh, as the town is dotted with several good hotels, guest houses and dharamshalas. The Garhwal Vikas Manda Nigam's Guest House is the best place to stay in the town.
Major Attractions in Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is actually a bathing ghat and one of the most popular attractions in Rishikesh. Locals and the pilgrims take a holy dip at this ghat before visiting the temples around Rishikesh town. Thousands of people take bath here and see the Maha Aarti performed on the Ghat, every day in the early morning and evening.
Lakshman Jhula: Built in 1939, this suspended iron bridge (450 ft) is a major attraction for tourists visiting Rishikesh. Legend has it that Ganges has descended to the earth at this place. It is believed that Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama crossed the river Ganges using a hanging bridge made of jute. Radha-Krishna Temple, Lakshman Temple, and an 11.3 metre high monolithic Shiva statue are some of the attractions around the bridge.
Gita Bhawan: Situated adjacent to Lakshman Jhula, Gita Bhawan is a newly constructed building. Gita Bhawan has a fine collection mythological paintings and magnificent statues.
Ram Jhula: Ram Jhula is situated between Shivananda Ashram and Sawargashram। According to legend, Ram Jhula was constructed by Rama to cross the Ganga at Shivananda for returning to Rishikesh.
Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is actually a bathing ghat and one of the most popular attractions in Rishikesh. Locals and the pilgrims take a holy dip at this ghat before visiting the temples around Rishikesh town. Thousands of people take bath here and see the Maha Aarti performed on the Ghat, every day in the early morning and evening.
Lakshman Jhula: Built in 1939, this suspended iron bridge (450 ft) is a major attraction for tourists visiting Rishikesh. Legend has it that Ganges has descended to the earth at this place. It is believed that Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama crossed the river Ganges using a hanging bridge made of jute. Radha-Krishna Temple, Lakshman Temple, and an 11.3 metre high monolithic Shiva statue are some of the attractions around the bridge.
Gita Bhawan: Situated adjacent to Lakshman Jhula, Gita Bhawan is a newly constructed building. Gita Bhawan has a fine collection mythological paintings and magnificent statues.
Ram Jhula: Ram Jhula is situated between Shivananda Ashram and Sawargashram। According to legend, Ram Jhula was constructed by Rama to cross the Ganga at Shivananda for returning to Rishikesh.
Just 2 km south of Lakshman Jhula, Swargashram is an abode of hermits and saints. There are large number of Hindu temples at Swargashram. Apart from temples, Swargashram has several good eating joints and shops.
Nilkanth Mahadev: Nilkanth Mahadev, one of the important temples of Rishikesh is located above Swaragashram, atop a 1,675 m high hill. For reaching the temple, you have to take a trek of around 12 kms through the tranquil forests. From the temple you can enjoy commanding panoramic view of the surroundings.
Adventure Sports: You can enjoy a range of adventure sports in Rishikesh. Rock Climbing, White Water Rafting and Trekking are some of the adventure sports. Shivpuri is an ideal point from where you can raft down on the Ganges River.
Narendra Nagar (15 kms): Narendra Nagar is a histor
ical town situated on Rishikesh-Chamba Road. In addition to historical significance, this town also has archaeological importance. Royal Palace and massive Nandi Bull are two of the prime attractions here.Kunjapuri: Close to Narendra Nagar, Kunjapuri is set at an altitude of 7,000 ft and covered with dense forests. You will get a wonderful view of the lofty peaks and verdant valleys.
Valley of Flowers: 16 kms away from Govindghat, off the Rishikesh-Badrinath Road, the Valley of Flowers is world renowned for housing a number of exotic floral and faunal species. Valley of Flowers has the largest concentration of several species of unique wild flowers.
Chila (20 kms): Chila is a wildlife sanctuary covered with lush dense forest and offers a soothing tranquil environment. Visit the popular reservoir, where you can spot a variety of animals, drinking water.
Haridwar (25 kms): Set on the foothills of Shivalik range, Haridwar is the gateway to Chardham (four pilgrimages - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath) in the Uttarakhand. Haridwar is popular as being the place that has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva and is also one of the major Shaktipeeths of the country. Major attractions of Haridwar are Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Chanda Devi Temple, Sapt Rishi and Daksh Mahadev Temple.
Dehradun (42 kms): Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is a worth visiting place. Dehradun houses several tourist attractions, namely Tapkeshwar Temple, Sahastradhara, Dakpathar, Laxman Sidh, Asan Barrage etc.
Mussoorie (77 kms): Mussoorie is a fascinating hill resort, providing a spectacular view of the snow covered Himalayan ranges to the north-east and the picturesque Doon Valley. Major attractions of Mussoorie are Camel's Back Road, Gun Hill, M
ussoorie Lake, Kempty Fall, Nag Tibba, Dhanolti, Bhadraj Temple, Yamuna Bridge and Municipal Garden.Devprayag: A tranquil holy town, Devprayag is the spot where the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, leave the mountains and merge. Devprayag has the ancient Ragunathji Temple, which deserves a visit.
Auli: Auli is a small town, offering excellent opportunities for adventure sports like Skiing, Snow-Boarding etc.
Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh
Rishikesh has a number of ashrams and yoga centres where you can take lessons on these two ancient Indian disciplines. You may contact Swami Shivananda's Divine Society Ashram, which is an authentic place. It is situated on the Tourist Bungalow side of the river. You may stay here for short term study or for longer three month courses. Other popular yoga and meditation centres in Rishikesh are Ved Niketan, Yoga Study Centre, Maharshi Mahesh Yogi's Transcendental Meditation Centre and Yoga Niketan - Rishikesh.
Swargashram:
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