One of the holiest cities in India, Rishikesh is not just known for its religious connection but also for its beautiful landscape. Rishikesh is well-known for its ashrams on the banks of Ganga, at many such ashrams yoga is practiced and taught regularly. About 245 kms from Delhi and 43 kms from Dehradun, Rishikesh with an area of just over 11 sq km, lies at a height of 365 m above the sea level. It is higher than other holy cities of Haridwar and Varanasi, the water in Ganga here is cooler and cleaner. The flow of the river is stronger here and the city is less occupied than others.
Rishikesh tourism highlights the mythological legends that have woven the history of this scenic hill station in Uttaranchal. Rishikesh, literally meaning the place of sages' is a celebrated place on the bank of Ganga. The Shivalik range of the Himalayas surrounds the place from three sides. Giving this sacred place a tremendous scenic beauty. For the pilgrims, Rishikesh is the starting point for the Char Dham Pilgrimage (Comprising of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath)
Rishikesh is an idyllic location not only for those who want to delve deeper into meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. The International yoga week (2nd Feb to 7th Feb every year) attracts visitors from all across the world. For the adventurous tourists, Rishikesh is again the starting point for trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayas. 10 kms upstream from here is Shivpuri, the site for river running and rafting on the roaring Ganga. Be it Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhoola or the Shivanand Ashram. Often referred to as the gateway to the lofty Himalayas, Rishikesh is a peaceful town located about 24 kms away from Haridwar. The popularity of Rishikesh as an adventure tourism destination is also growing steadily as the place affords numerous thrilling possibilities to the adventure tourists such as white water rafting and trekking.
April to October.
Bharat Mandir: Situated in the centre of the town, the Bharata Temple is a very ancient temple. It is the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The image installed here has a distinctly Himalayan cast of features. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu, it holds a number of image normalley associated with the worship of Lord Shiva. According to an inscription found in the temple, Shankaracharya, the great theologian of the 8th century India, had the temple renovated.
Lakshman Temple: Near the bridge is the Lakshman Temple within which is Risha Kund. According to a tradition, Rama and Lakshman bathed at this well to expiate their sin of killing Ravana, who was a brahmin. In ancient Hinduism, killing a brahmin (a member of the priestly class) was considered one of the worst crimes. The ancient lawbooks assert that while the killing of the other three classes could be expiated by paying fines, it could not be done so in the case of the killing of a brahmin. In the vicinity of the Lakshman Jhula exists a seven-storeyed temple. Scenes depicting the spiritual and otherworldly life are engraved on the walls of this temple.
Ashrams and Yoga Centres: The main Ashrams at Rishikesh are Shivanand Ashram, Muni ki Reti, Mahesh yogi Ashram, Shankaracharya Ashram, Swarg Ashram, Gita Bhawan, Parmarth Niketan, Ved Niketan, Yoga Study Center, Shanti Kunj & Maa Anand Mai Ashram.
Muni-ki-Reti: The area around the Chandrabhaga River has a cluster of temples.
Triveni Ghat: A bathing ghat were every evening an ‘Aarti’ to river Ganga is performed. They also offer milk to the river and feed the fish in its waters.
Lakshman Jhula: 3 km from the centre of the city, Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge across the Ganga. The bridge has been a major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. The suspension iron bridge Lakshman Jhula was build in 1929. This is where Rama's brother Lakshaman is said to have crossed the river on jute ropes. One can enjoy the spectacular surroundings and the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge.
Ram Jhula: Another suspended bridge close to Lakshman Juhla is the Ram Jhula- This suspended bridge was recently build between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. Ram Juhla is also known as Shivanand Jhula.
Gita Bhavan: This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.
By Air: Rishikesh does not have its own airport, Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun 42 kms is the nearby airport from Rishikesh. Flights are available from Delhi to Dehradun.
By Rail: Rishikesh is among the last railheads for Garhwal. Most trains terminate at Haridwar, from where Rishikesh is easily accessible by bus or tourist taxis.
By Road: Delhi: 238 kms, Dehradun: 42 kms, Haridwar: 24 kms, Mussoorie: 77 kms, Mussoorie: 77 kms, Yamunotri: 288 kms, Uttarkashi: 154 kms, Gangotri: 258 kms, Kedamath: 228 kms, Chandigarh: 252 kms and Badrinath: 301 kms.
We provide you exclusively designed and prepared tour packages for the almost all tourists cities of India with best possible combination with different cities, towns and states of India. You are also free to make your own itinerary, just let us know your preference of destination, nos of days for travel, travel period; preference of hotel category and no. of persons and mail to us, our professional team will work out most ideal tour packages for a scintillating and memorable tour plan for you with detailed services. To select your tour, please check the option of various tours, please visit at: http://www.india- tourism.net/itineraries.htm and to justify our credibility please check experience of our guests who toured to India with our services: http://www.india-tourism.net/testimonials.htm
Design your tour with our expertise Plan My Trip
