Location: State of Uttaranchal.
Famous as: Hindu Pilgrimage center.
Other Attractions: Temples, Ram and Lakshman Jhula.


About Rishikesh
The land of ashrams and yogis is located in the foothills of the Garhwal region, in the state of Uttranchal of North India. Girdled by hills, divided by the Hindus most sacred river Ganga it is the starting point for 4 pilgrim centers commonly known as the four dhams of Uttarakhand - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Overs the years Rishikesh have been a spiritual center. Rishikesh got a worldwide fame in 1960 due to stay of Beatles with their guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Today it is known for white water rafting and all other mountaineers’ sports.

The vision of the river Ganges, devotees arriving to the temples chanting prayers, taking a dip in the river replenish the environs with devotion. The pure air, green hills, burning of fragrant sticks, gong of temple bells make it a perfect place for meditation and devotion.

Main Attractions
World famous Swarg Ashram
Include Kali Kumbliwale founded by Swami Vishudhananda, Parmarth Niketan comprising statues of gods and goddesses and the Gita Bhavan with its Ayurvedic dispensary and shop selling religious books and cotton Khadi.

The Triveni Ghat
in the most important bathing ghat in Rishikesh, an absolute banks to bath in the holy waters of the Ganga.

The Bharat Mandir
situated near the Triveni Ghat is the oldest temple in Rishikesh and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu presiding in a black stone Vishnu.

Tapovan
That houses a temple dedicated to Lakshmana of the Indian epic The Ramayanas. Here people come to seek solace through yoga and meditation.
About 2 kms upstream over river Ganga is the old footbridge called Lakshmanjhula built in 1939 named after the brother of Lord Rama and the new bridge Ram Jhula are entirely exciting. Both side of the Lakshmanjhula lies the Pilgrims.
Muni-ki-reti lies northeast along the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, is a perfect spot for adventure lovers, swimmers or fish catchers. Boat rides are another attractions for the travelers. The Nilkanth Mahadeo temple, 12 kms away, at a height of about 5000 feet, gives an over all view of the region.

Excursions
Haridwar
Situated 24 km upstream from Rishikesh at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga rivers, it is one of the four places where the Kumbh mela is held every 12 years.

Auli
One has to take the cable car from Joshimath , since the roads are buried under snow during the winter to reach this ski resort .

Pauri
This small town, situated at a height of 1814 metres, on the northern slopes of the Kandolia hills, provides a delightful view of the snow clad Himalayan peaks of Bandar-Punch.

Dehradun
Dehradun, the capital of Uttranchal located in the foothills of Himalayas is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. The town lies in the fertile Doon Valley, enjoys the flows of river Ganga in the east and river Yamuna in the west.

Char Dhams
Char Dham consists of four most divine and worshiped Hindu Temples - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. According to legends the Char Dham Yatra is of intensely religious importance.

Mode of Transport
Being a main center of meditation and yoga the town of Rishikesh is well connected with Air, Rail and Road Transport to all parts of India.

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