Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – A serene pilgrimage town, 24km from Haridwar, where Holy Ganges River descends from the Himalayas to the plain

Rishikesh is a small scenic town situated in the panoramic location where Holy Ganges River descends from the Himalayas to the plain. Rishikesh is also spelled Hrishikesh, Rushikesh or Hrushikesh. The site rests at the base of the Himalayas of the Garhwal region. It is the gateway to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath). Rishikesh is an ideal location for not only the pilgrims but also for the adventure enthusiasts and meditation and yoga lovers.The town is also called the “Place of Sagas” and is 24 kms upstream from Haridwar. It is surrounded by magnificent hills on all the three sides. This esteemed location forms one of the holy cities in India. Rishikesh is a vegetarian town declared by law and a non-alcoholic town too. Rishikesh is the other name of Lord Vishnu. The meaning of the word is ‘Lord of the Senses’.

Places to see in Rishikesh: From Rishikesh you can go for sight seeing to places like:

Triveni Ghat:

The Triveni Ghat is a bathing Ghat where people take a dip in the holy water in the sacred Ganga River to wash the sins. It is believed that the three streams of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are flowing together underground at this point. Pinda Shradha is also performed at Triveni Ghat.

Bharat Mandir 

This is the oldest temple of Rishikesh, located near the Jhanda Chowk. Rishi Rabhya did his penance at this holy spot and the place is devoted to Lord Vishnu. A spectacular sacred Shree Yanthra is placed at the inner canopy of the temple. Bharat Mandir celebrates colourful spring festival called ‘Basant Panchami’.

Rishikund

Rishikund literally means the sage’s pond. It is believed that the waters of the Yamuna drenched this pond on the request of Kubz saint. Shani mandir is also situated at Rishikund.

Laxman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula is the prime attraction of Rishikesh. This is 450 ft long hanging bridge on the river Ganga which was built in 1939. According to myths and legends Laksman, brother of Lord Rama crossed GangaRiver on a jute rope from this point. The 13 storied temple is located near Lakshman Jhula where the idols of several Gods and Goddesses are kept. The bridge gives a magnificent view of the Ganges, greeting you with the cool breeze from the river.

Ram Jhula

Ram Jhoola forms the connection between the Swargashram and Shivananda Ashram. There are a no. of ashrams located near Ram Jhoola. It is bigger than Laxman Jhula and is more beautiful.

Geeta Bhawan

Geeta Bhawan is one of the oldest temple complexes across the Laxman Jhula situated on the banks of sacred Ganges in Rishikesh. Gita Bhavan is dedicated as a Museum for puranic and mythological awareness for the common public. Building consists of a very large complex comprising discourse halls and over 1000 rooms available free of charge for the stay of devotees. For the convenience of the devotees, simple vegetarian food, kitchen and grocery items and Indian sweets are available at very moderate price.

Neelkanth Mahadev

The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is situated on the peak of the mountain beside the sacred Ganga River. According to myth this is the place where Lord Shiva drank the venom produced during ‘Sagar Manthan’ which turned his throat blue and was thus the place was named as Neelkanth. Neelkanth and Mahadev are names of Lord Shiva.

Tera Manzil Temple 

This is a famous temple in Rishikesh. It is also named as Trimbakeshwar Temple and this holy temple has 13 storeys with several idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses in each storey.The temple is visible from Haridwar-Badrinath Highway.

Lakshman Temple

This is believed to be the place where Lakshman performed Tapa. As per the popular myth, Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshman made a swing bridge near this temple on their way to Himalayas. The main attraction in this temple is the Rishi Kund, where Lord Ram and Lakshman bathed in order to get rid of their sins of killing the demon Ravana.

Kunjapuri Devi Temple

Just 15 km away from Rishikesh, this temple is dedicated to one of the thirteen most important goddesses of Shivalik range. The temple is well-known among the travellers as it gives a beautiful view of the sunrise and the sunset from the greater Himalayan peaks.

Swargashram

This is one of the oldest ashrams in Rishikesh, and is founded Swami Vishudhanand was also known as the ‘Kali Kamli Wala’ (One with The Black Blanket). Today the Kali Kamliwala Kshetra is a mammoth organization embracing many activities.

Nearby attractions around Rishikesh: Rishikesh is also embellished by some nearby locations too. These include:

Phulchhatti

Only 10km from Lakshmanjhula Phulchhatti, is a secluded spot. A bend in the river offers a good spot for swimming, midst huge boulders that dominate the landscape.

Kaudiyala Rafters Camp 

Just 38 kms away, on the road to Badrinath shrine, in the midst of thickly wooded slopes at 480 metres, the Kaudiyala Rafters Camp has been promoted by GMVN for white-water rafting. Kaudiyala also offers some rock climbing sites.

Things to do in Rishikesh: Rishikesh offers a host of exciting and thrilling activities. Enjoy an adrenaline rush by river rafting down the Ganges. White water rafting is mainly something for which people come here for. Many camps dot the banks of the Ganga each offering you rafting as part of their package. In the evenings sit by a bonfire at your camp and watch the river gush by.This apart you can also enjoy rock climbing or bungee jumping from a height. In Rishikesh you can also enjoy practicing your yoga and meditation skills. Find peace and quiet in the tranquil surrounding of the many ashrams in Rishikesh.

Best time to visit Rishikesh:The best time to visit Rishikesh is between May and November

How to go ?

By Air

Nearest airport is Jollygrant which is 18 km away from Rishikesh and is situated in Dehradun. Jollygrant airport, Dehradun is connected to Delhi airport.

By Rail

Rishikesh railway station is linked to all cities in India.

By Road

Rishikesh is well connected to many cities in the region by buses. Private and public buses offer services from Rishikesh to Pauri (117 km), Haridwar, Dehradun and Kotdwar.

Where to stay ?

Rishikesh offers a good variety of hotels suited to budget. Some options are:

Bharat Bhoomi (GMVN): +91-0135-2433002
HotelVasundharaPalace: 91+ 135 + 2442345 Website: www.hotelvasundharapalace.com
Hotel Ganga Kinare: +91 9015544000 Website: www.gangakinare.com
Hotel The Amaris: 1800-180-4162 (Toll Free) Website: www.theamaris.com

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.