Rishikesh

The Gateway to the Himalayas, Rishikesh is abundant in natural splendor. It falls in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttar Pradesh. Rishikesh, a most tranquil place in northern Uttar Pradesh, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and holy Ganges, it is often termed the `Yoga Capital of the World'

Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. Moreover, it is also believed that this was the place frequently visited by Lakshmana and Bharat.

Rishikesh could serve as a good starting point for Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamnotri- the well known and frequently visited treks of the Himalayan Range.

Situated 24 km upstream from Haridwar, Rishikesh has long been a spiritual centre at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that the sage Raibhya Rishi did penance here and satisfied with him God appeared to him in the form of Rishikesh. The name originates from that only.

Tourist Attractions in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is full of temples, ashrams, and greenery. The mind and the soul gets refreshed by coming over here.
Ashrams : The ashrams of rishikesh are world famous for yoga, and these are abun dant in number n and around Rishikesh. Some of these are very well known and is regarded as tourist spots while some are still been regarded as proper ashrams where rishis (saints) stay. Ashrams situated on the eastern bank of the river Ganges are collectively known as Swargashram. The credit for World famous Maharishi goes to the beauty of natural rock band Beatles. Yoga, in most of the Ashrams, is another important aspect for drawing tourists from around the world.

Lakshman Jhula : The hanging bridge, Lakshman Jhula is on the river Ganges that flows through Rishikesh. According to legends, Lakshman the brother of Lord Ram crossed this river with the help of a hanging bridge made of jute. The present bridge was built in the year AD 1939, on the same spot where the original jute suspended bridge used to be. The current of water, when increases gives an incomparable scene when viewed from the bridge. There's another bridge calle dthe Ram Jhula or the Shivanand Jhula.

Gita Bhavan : Situated by the side of the Lakshman, the Gita Bhavan is a beautifully constructed building housing some attractive statues of various gods and goddesses.

Triveni Ghat : Triveni is a bathing spot at a distance about 1.5 km from Rishikesh. It is considered sacred for being the confluence of three mountain streams. Pilgrims from all over the worls come here to take a dip into the holy waters.

Neelkanth Madhav : Neelkanth Madhav, at a distance of 12 km from the Rishikesh town and surrounded by lush green, it is a place of interest especially for the religious minded tourists. According to mythological data Lord Shiva drank the venom that came out of the cosmic churning of the ocean by the gods and demons.

Temples : Rishikesh is full of innumerable small and big temples. In the banks of the Chandrabhaga River there is a team of temples. Char Dham, the famous four temples club starts off this place. The Rishikund tank and Raghunath temple near the tank also present quite beautiful scenic views. Lord Ram used the tank for bathing while he was in exile. The Bharat temple named after Bharat, one of the brothers of Lord Ram.

Rishikesh is known to be a place of importance from very ancient periods and is bounded by a massive wall supposed to be of thousand years old.

Events and Festivals
Many yoga enthusiasts from around the world do visit the International Yoga Week, usually celebrated from February 2-7 every year. The festival owes a lot credit for making Yoga popular around the world. This ancient form of free hand is the form of exercise that is considered to be most body friendly and free of side effects. Some of its forms are also helpful in curing diseases.

Besides, there is the other Hindu festivals celebrated with full enthusiasm and by heart in this small and sacred piece of India.


How to go there
Air : The nearest airport is Dehradun Jolly Grant (25 km). Vayudoot services operate from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant).

Rail: Haridwar (24 km), Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other cities are well networked with Rishikesh.

Road : Haridwar (24 km), Dehradun (47 km), Mussoorie (77 km), Badrinath (301 km) Kedarnath (228 km), Gangotri (258 km), Yamunotri (288 km), Srinagar (105 km), Joshimath (252 km) are all approachable by road from Rishikesh.

Bus Services : Haridwar is connected by bus with Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Kullu, Manali, and Shimla, which in turn is connected with Rishikesh.