Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a famous religious place also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Rishikesh is popular amongst devotees, yoga persons and adventurers as well. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River, Rishikesh attracts thousands of pilgrims every day from India as well as abroad. 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 is also popular because it acts as the starting point for salvation trip to the "Char Dham" pilgrimage which includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Rishikesh is the ideal destination for adventurer’s activities like rafting, trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountaineering etc.

Rishikesh is situated 25 kms ahead of Haridwar at an elevation of 356mts above sea level. Rishikesh consists of three distinct areas known as Rishikesh, Swargashram and Muni-ki-Reti. 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. Numerous spiritual Yoga and meditation centres are located at Rishikesh which are regularly visited by large number of tourists from all over the world.

Sightseeing in Rishikesh -

Bharat Mandir: Built by Adiguru Shankra Charya around 12th century, Bharat Mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the banks of the Ganges. Detailed account of this oldest temple of Rishikesh is available in ancient record of Kearkhand. The inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of lord Vishnu, carved out of a single Saligram. In the inner canopy above the idol is shree yantra installed by Adi Sankara Charya. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur Lane in 1398 AD. Lot of old statues, coins, poys and other things of historical importance were found in recent excavations in the premises of the temple.

Rishi Kund: Close to Trivenighat is the most ancient place, Rishi Kund. Ancient records relate this to Kubz Saint, who was blessed by the goddess Yamuna.

Triveni Ghat: is the main ghat in the town area where most of the pilgrims take holy dip. Hundreds of pilgrims attend gamga aarti in the evening at the ghat.

Geeta Bhavan: is on of the oldest temple complex in Rishikesh. The famous indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharat are depicted on the walls here.

Parmarth Niketan: one of the most renowned temple complex and ashram in Rishikesh, known for its substantial work on hinduism.

Tera Manzil Tample: A multistorey temple complex of idols of hindu gods and goddesses. One can have excellent view of th entire area from the top floor of the temple complex.

Kunjapuri Temple: Drive to Kunja Puri, one of the thitrteen most important Goddesses of Shivalik range , the lower Himalayas.One can witness excellent  sunrise or  sun set on the Greater Hiamalayan Peaks and the vast Indo Gangetic plains . One can see almost all the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here e.g Banderpunch (6316 Mts) , Swarga Rohini (6252 Mts) Gangotri ( 6672 mts) Chaukhamba (7138 mts) etc.

Vasishtha Goofa: One hour drive from Rishikesh up river is situated Vasishtha Goofa , where famous saint vasishtha meditaed on the banks of the Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is a perfect place for meditation. The entire drive to Vasishtha Goofa is along the river.

Must Do - Rafting : Only few rivers in the world have the mystique of the ganges. Rafting on its water of wisdom is certainly an unusual experience. Enjoy and explore the lifetime experience on a date with mother Ganges. Your firts encounter will be the beginning of an addiction.

Shopping in Rishikesh - The area has many emporiums selling Rudraksh Malas, Navratna Mala, and silver Jwellery.

How to reach-

By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant,  which is 45 minutes away from Rishikesh. Taxi cabs are easily available to Rishikesh from here.

By Train: Nearest railhead is Haridwar, which is 21 kms from Rishikesh. Taxi cabs and buses are easily available from here to Rishikesh.

By Bus: Rishikesh is well connected by buses.