Fast Facts
Location : 25 kms from Haridwar, Uttaranchal.
Attractions : Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula, Gita Bhawan,
Swargashram, Nilkanth Mahadev, Ram Jhula etc.
Best Time To Visit : April to October.
Introducing Rishikesh
Whether
you are wishing to chant your way to peace and solitude, or looking to align
your chakras or visit the country's holiest shrines, all signpost point
toward Uttranchal's picturesque small town Rishikesh. Situated at an
altitude of around 1,360 ft, above sea level, Rishikesh represents the site
where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.
Set on the banks of Holy Ganges river, Rishikesh is home to a number of
temples and ashrams which attract large number of pilgrims every year. A
Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttaranchal,
Rishikesh abounds in natural grandeur. The spectacle of the river Ganges
gushing through the foothills of Himalayas, surrounded by scenic beauty of
the hills from three sides and the verdant forest all-around, provide a
wonderful sight to Rishikesh.
Known for its strong currents and fierce behaviour upstream, the Holy
Ganges river becomes surprisingly slow and gracious at Rishikesh. Next, the
Ganga leaves the mountains and joins the plains for her further journey.
Every day the ghats of Ganges abound with sadhus as well as pilgrims and the
'Aarti' on the banks of the river is not to be missed event on your tour to
Rishikesh. In the evening, the floating diyas (earthen lamps) provide a
superb view to the ghats. Besides, the hymns and distance sound of bell
chimes create a symphony of sorts during the Aarti.
On the whole, Rishikesh is not only an attraction for pilgrims, but it also
welcomes tourists and adventure seekers from India and world as well. So, if
you want to observe and experience the charm of Rishikesh on your own, then
don't wait, just opt a suitable package, pack your bag and head straight
towards this enchanting place.
How to Reach
By Air : Rishikesh does not have its own airport, Jolly
Grant Airport at Dehradun (42 kms) is the nearest airport from Rishikesh.
Flights are available from Delhi to Dehradun. From the airport, you have to
take the road route to reach Rishikesh.
By Train : Haridwar Railway Station (25 kms) is the
nearest railhead from Rishikesh. Haridwar is served by a number of trains
from all parts of the country. Frequent buses are available from Haridwar to
Rishikesh.
By Bus : Buses are the best mode of transport to reach
Rishikesh. DTC, UPSRTC, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana
roadways and several private bus services are available for Rishikesh. The
distances of some of the important places from Rishikesh are Haridwar (25
kms), Dehradun (42 kms), Mussoorie (77 kms), Uttarakashi (154 kms),
Kedarnath (228 kms) and Delhi (238 kms).
Places Where You Can Stay
The Garhwal Vikas Manda Nigam's Guest House is the best place in the town
and has dormitory as well as single and double rooms for the tourists.
Rishikesh is a city of dharamsalas and most of the people prefer to stay in
the dharamsalas. But, if you do not like to stay in dharamsalas, there are a
number of good hotels for you.
Most of the hotels are situated at the centre of the town, providing good
accommodation facilities. Some of the famous hotels of the town include
Ananda-In the Himalayas, Explore Himalayas on the Ganges, The Glasshouse on
the Ganges, Ganga Beach Resort, Hotel Ganga Kinare, Hotel Ganga View and The
Camp 5 Elements.
Tourist Attractions in Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat : A bathing ghat, the Triveni Ghat is one of
the most popular places in Rishikesh. Local people and the pilgrims take a
holy dip at this ghat before visiting the temples around Rishikesh town.
Every day, in the early morning and evening, thousands of people take bath
here and see the Maha Aarti performed on the Ghat. You can spend your
evening at Triveni Ghat and observe the beautiful sight created by lighted
lamps floating on the river.
Lakshman
Jhula : Built in 1939, this suspended iron bridge (450 ft) is a major
attraction for the tourists visiting Rishikesh. Legend goes 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. At Lakshman Jhula, you will see the Radha-Krishna Temple and
at the entrance of the bridge, Lakshman Temple, the only one in India. On
the opposite side of this temple, you can see a 11.3 metre high monolithic
Shiva statue.
Ram Jhula : A new hanging bridge, Ram Jhula is constructed
between Shivananda Ashram and Sawargashram. Ram Jhula has been constructed
to avail cross the Ganga at Shivananda for returning to Rishikesh.
Gita Bhawan : Located close to the Lakshman Jhula, Gita
Bhawan is a newly constructed building. Gita Bhawan displays mythological
stories through fantastic paintings and magnificent statues.
Swargashram : Situated 2 kms south of Lakshman Jhula,
Swargashram is an abode of hermits and saints. You can see a number of Hindu
temples here. Apart from temples, Swargashram has several good eating joints
and shops, where you can shop and satisfy your palates.
Nilkanth Mahadev : One of the most important temples of
Rishikesh, Nilkanth Mahadev is situated above Swaragashram, atop a 1,675 m
high hill. You have to take a trek of around 12 kms through the tranquil
forest to reach Nilkanth Mahadeo. Reach the temple and get a commanding
panoramic views of the surroundings. Legends has it that in the ancient
times when the ocean was being churned for 'Amrit' (Drink for immortality),
first venom oozed out. Lord Shiva drank that venom at this particular place,
which is now known as Nilkanth Mahadev.
Adventure Sports : You can enjoy variety of Adventure
Sports in Rishikesh. Popular adventure sports you can undertake here are
Rock Climbing, White Water Rafting and Trekking. Shivpuri is an ideal point
from where you can raft down on the Ganges river.
Tourist Attractions Around Rishikesh
Narendra Nagar (15 kms) : Situated at a distance of 15 kms
from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh-Chamba road, Narendra Nagar is a historical
town. Apart from historical importance, this town also has archaeological
importance. Among the various attractions, the Royal Palace and massive
Nandi Bull will certainly catch your attention at once.
Kunjapuri : Located close to Narendra Nagar at an altitude
of 7,000 ft, Kunjapuri is covered with dense forests. Reach this place and
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 known 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) : Just 20 kms from Rishikesh, Chila is a
wonderful place to visit. Declared as a sanctuary by the government, Chila
is 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. You can stay at the tourist bungalow, which provides
a pleasant stay.
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 region. Popular as being the place that has been blessed by the
trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, Haridwar is also one of the major
Shaktipeeths of the country. Major attractions of the town are Har Ki Pauri,
Mansa Devi Temple, Chanda Devi Temple, Sapt Rishi and Daksh Mahadev Temple.
Dehradun (42 kms) :
42 kms away from Rishikesh, Dehradun is a worth visiting place. Nestled in
the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun has always been an important centre
for Garhwal region. Dehradun is home to a number of tourist attractions like
Tapkeshwar Temple, Sahastradhara, Dakpathar, Laxman Sidh, Asan Barrage etc.
If you visit Rishikesh by airways, you have to land in Dehradun because
Rishikesh does has its own airport.
Mussoorie (77 kms) : Fondly referred to as the 'Queen of
Hill Stations', Mussoorie is a must visit destination from Rishikesh. A
fascinating hill resort, Mussoorie provides a spectacular view of the snow
covered Himalayan ranges to the north-east and the picturesque Doon Valley.
Visit Mussoorie and see the main attractions like Camel's Back Road, Gun
Hill, Mussoorie Lake, Kempty Fall, Nag Tibba, Dhanolti, Bhadraj Temple,
Yamuna Bridge and Municipal Garden.
Auli :
If you wish to indulge yourself in some adventure, then visit the town
of Auli. Known as the well-established sports circuit of Uttaranchal, Auli
offers excellent opportunities for adventure sports like Skiing,
Snow-Boarding etc.
Devprayag : A tranquil holy place, 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.
Yoga and
Meditation in Rishikesh
If you are interested in Yoga and Meditation, Rishikesh is the perfect
place for you. 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.
These centre offer a variety of courses including food and lodging.
Shopping in Rishikesh
Of course, 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. In addition, you can buy sarees, kurtas, sheets,
rugs and several other items. All these items are available in the
Government Approved Handloom Shop, Khadi Bhandar and Garhwal Wool and Craft
Shop.
