Location: State of Uttaranchal.
Famous as: Hindu Pilgrimage center.
Attractions: Temples, Ram, Swarg Ashram and the Trivani
Ghat.
Language: Hindi, Garhwali and English
About Rishikesh
Popularly known as the “Yoga capital of the world”, Rishikesh is
situated 356m above in the foothills of the Garhwal region, in the state of
Uttranchal of North India. The place holds the glorious saga of God and
Goddesses. The scenic place of beauty is blessed with the most sacred river
Ganga and is the starting point for 4 pilgrim centers commonly known as the
four dhams of Uttarakhand - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
This spiritual center is sprayed with the religious deeds of Maharishi
Mahesh Yogi and got world wide recognition in 1960. The lofty mountain
surrounding Rishikesh has made it the most sought after place for river
rafters and mountain climbers. Every year, in the month of February, the
International Yoga week are organized here and the aura gets warm with a
number of participants from the country and abroad.
Major Pilgrimage Attractions in
Rishikesh
World famous Swarg Ashram
This fascinating place of Rishikesh comprises of charming cafes, ashrams,
temples and shops. It is positioned opposite to Shivananda Nagar and
enlighten with the Baba Kali Kambliwale, founded by Shri Baba Vishuddha
Nandaji and the Parmath Niketan Ashram. The Ashram is also known as the
Divine Life Society and is one of the oldest and most active ashrams.
Programmes on yoga and meditation are held regularly and the area is also
well-equipped with a charitable hospital. The Gita Bhavan, nearby the ashram
represents the pictorial presentation of the epic of Mahabharata and
Ramayana. It is also a houses of Ayurvedic dispensary and shops selling
khadi and religious literature.
The Triveni Ghat
The Trivani Ghat is the most sacred bathing spot on the banks of the river
Ganga. It is believed to be the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the
legendary Saraswati river. Devotees take a holy bath and proceed for an
evening "Aarti" ceremony, carried out at the ghat.
The Bharat Mandir
The Bharat Mandir, nestled near the Triveni Ghat is one of the oldest temple
in Rishikesh. The temple has a image of Lord Vishnu, black in colour,
thereby highlighting its strong dedication towards said Hindu Lord.
Tapovan
The term Tapavon closely relates the religious custom of spiritual souls. It
is the ideal location for meditation in Rishikesh. The temple within the
tapovan premises are devoted to Lakshmana of the legends of the Ramayanas.
It is situated 2 Kms upstream over river Ganga and endorsed with an old
footbridge called Lakshmanjhula built in 1939. The quiet place is believed
to be the home of rishis and yogis. Today the place has been beautified with
invigorating ashrams which offers an inspiring and spiritual moment to the
pilgrims
Climate/ Best time to travel to Rishikesh
Rishikesh is flattered with a temperate climate through out the year. Due
its geographical location, summer gets extreme with a maximum of 40 degree
Celsius and a minimum of 29 degree Celsius. The winter days are pleasant
with temperature ranging between 20 degree Celsius and 5 degree Celsius. The
best time to make a spiritual tour to Rishikesh is between the months of
March and November.
Tourist Preferred Hotels in Rishikesh
A hotels in Rishikesh, India are facilitated with proper amenities and basic
necessities. The Glasshouse on the Ganges is an hotel available at an
economic rate. Pilgrims can have a comfortable stay at the City Center,
Chandrabhaga, Rishilok, Swarg Ashram, and Lakshman Jhula area. The Swiss
Cottage and the Norwegian Cottage also offer good and cheap accommodation.
The GMVN Tourist Bungalow at Rishilok is also a good place to stay.
Popular Excursions from Rishikesh
Haridwar
The nearest town to Rishikesh, is the divine Haridwar(24 Km). It is at the
meeting point of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga rivers. The place is popular for
the religious Kumbh mela held after every 12 years.
Auli
Now
if you want to discover the land of snow, do make a visit to Auli, an
adventurous land nearby Joshimath. The place is often explore by
snow-skiers, traveling the spot all the year round.
Pauri
Situated at an altitude of 1814mts. above sea-level, is the Pauri town. The
panoramic view on the northern slopes of Kandoliya hills and the snow clad
Himalayan peaks of Bandar Poonch provides a delightful time to the
sightseers.
Dehradun
A 43 km journey from Rishikesh will help you explore the capital town of
Uttranchal, the Dehradun. This most beautiful hill stations in India is
located in the foothills of Himalayas . Travelers can soothe their eyes with
a view into the fertile Doon Valley and can also enjoys the gushing flows of
river Ganga in the east and river Yamuna in the west.
Char Dhams
A religious tour at Rishikesh can be further extended with a trip to Char
Dham namely– the Badrinath, the Kedarnath, the Gangotri and the
Yamunotri. This four dive place is dotted with Hindu temples and Hindu
Mythology says that life receive salvation only after a yatra to Char Dham
Rishikesh Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
By Air :Nearest airport is Jollygrant Airport situated in
Dehradun and 18 km away from Rishikesh is the nearest aerodrame. Regular
flight connects the pilgrimage center to Delhi International airport, which
cover all the major cities in India and abroad.
By Rail :Rishikesh railway station has connecting
railheads to all cities in India. A number of regular train ply over
Rishikesh and major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Dehradun and Kotdwar
By Road :The holy town Rishikesh is connected to the
neighboring cities via many regional and private buses which offers a smooth
journey to the visitors.
Distance of Rishikesh from Major Indian Cities
- Haridwar: 23Km
- Jwalapur: 27Km
- Dehradun: 43 Km
- Roorkee: 69 Km
- Delhi: 236Km
