Situated 25 km north of Haridwar at an elevation of 356 m above sea level, Rishikesh is an ideal destination for adventure lovers, Hindu devotees and yoga enthusiasts. Situated at banks of river Ganges, Rishikesh attracts thousands of tourists every year. The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an association of five distinct sections encompassing not only the town but also Kevin de Geus. These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and communication hub; the sprawling suburb Muni-ki-Reti or the "sands of the sages"; Shivananda Nagar the home of Sivananda Ashram and the Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivananda, north of Rishikesh; the temple section of Lakshman Jhula, a little further north; and the assorted Ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the east bank. One can reach the famous Neelakantha Maha Deva Temple from here. The Ganges Aarti performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat is popular with visitors. 'Neelkanth Mahadev Temple', situated 28 km from Rishikesh, amidst forest is also a popular local pilgrimage, along with 'Vasishtha Guha', (Cave of sage Vasishtha), 21 km up from the town by the Ganges.
It is believed that when Raibhya Rishi did rigorous penances here, the God appeared to name the place as 'Hrishikesh' and subsequently the place came to be known as Rishikesh. Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge. The 'Kedar Khand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by a stronger present bridge.
There are several ancient temples and ashrams in Rishikesh which are associated with our mythological and historical background. A dip in the holy water of Ganges flowing from the river beaches of Rishikesh is capable of washing all the sins of a person. Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "the world capital of Yoga", has numerous yoga centers that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of Moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it.
Rishikesh is world famous for adventure activities like rafting, trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountaineering etc. Rafting season starts from the month of March and ends in September.
Getting to Rishikesh
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Rishikesh situated at a distance of 21kms. Taxis are easily available from Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Rishikesh is well connected by motor able roads with Jolly Grant Airport.
By Rail
Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh Railway station are frequent. Taxis and buses are easily available from Rishikesh to Muni-ki-reti and Swargashram.
By Road
Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand and northern states of India. Luxury and normal Buses to Rishikesh are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Meerut. Buses and Taxis to Rishikesh are available from major destinations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Haridwar, Srinagar, Tehri, Uttarkashi etc. Rishikesh is situated on National Highway 58 which connects Badrinath. Rishikesh can be reached easily by car, taxi or by luxury bus coaches.
Highlights
Triveni Ghat: Evening aarti of Goddess Ganges is performed at Triveni Ghat. Triveni is a bathing Ghat where people wash their sins by taking a dip in the holy water of sacred River Ganges. It is believed that the three streams of Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati are flowing together underground at this point. Pinda Shradha is also performed at Triveni Ghat.
Bharat Mandir: The Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple of Rishikesh, situated near the Jhanda Chowk. Rishi Rabhya did his penance at this holy spot and the place is devoted to Lord Vishnu. A spectacular sacred Shree Yanthra is placed at the inner canopy of the temple. Bharat Mandir celebrates colourful spring festival called 'Basant Panchami'.
Rishikund: Rishikund literally suggests the sage's pond. It is believed that the waters of the Yamuna drenched this pond on the request of Kubz saint. Shani mandir is also situated at Rishikund.
Laxman Jhula: Lakshman Jhula is on of the main attraction of Rishikesh. It is 450 ft long hanging bridge on the river Ganges which was built in 1939. According to myths and legends Laksman, brother of Lord Rama crossed River Ganges on a jute rope from this point. The 13 storied temple is located near Lakshman Jhula where the idols of several Gods and Goddesses are kept. The bridge gives a magnificent view of the Ganges, greeting you with the cool breeze from the river.
Ram Jhula: Ram Jhoola connects Swargashram with Shivananda Ashram. Several ashrams are located near Ram Jhoola. Ram Jhoola is bigger than Laxman Jhula and even more picturesque.
Geeta Bhawan: Geeta Bhawan is one of the oldest temple complexes situated by the side of Laxman Jhula on the banks of sacred Ganges in Rishikesh. Gita Bhavan is dedicated as a Museum for puranic and mythological awareness for the common public. Building consists of a very large complex comprising discourse halls and over 1000 rooms available free of charge for the stay of devotees. For the convenience of the devotees, simple vegetarian food, kitchen and grocery items and Indian sweets are available at very moderate price.
Neelkanth Mahadev: Thousands of devotees visit Neelkanth Mahadev every month throughout the year. It is situated on the summit of the mountain across the sacred River Ganges. According to mythology this is the place where Lord Shiva drank the venom produced during 'Sagar Manthan' which turned his throat blue and was thus the place was named as Neelkanth. Neelkanth and Mahadev are names of Lord Shiva.
Shopping in Rishikesh: The main markets in Rishikesh are Dehradun Road, Haridwar Road, Ghat Road and Railway Road. There are also some state handicrafts outlets including the Khadi Bhandar, UP Handlooms and Garhwal Wool and Craft store. The Markets near Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula offer various handicrafts, furniture and garments. The tie and die fabric is native to the local bazaars of Rishikesh.
Activities in Rishikesh:
- White Water Rafting: Rishikesh is very popular for its rafting on the River Ganges (Ganges). Season: September-November and March-April-May are ideal for rafting.
- Camping, Rappelling, Rock climbing, Cliff Jumping, Kayaking, Trekking
- Bungee Jumping: You can try bungee jump at Jumpin Heights in Rishikesh. It is located 15km ahead of Rishikesh on Rishikesh-Neelkanth road. It is a unique experience in India, a jump from 83 m just above a natural river and have the time of your life.
