Rishikesh Travel Guide
Location
Rishikesh is situated in Garhwal district of Uttaranchal.
About Rishikesh
Rishikesh, also called as Yoga capital of India, is one of the most
visited cities of Uttaranchal. The place is famous for its Ashrams,
Temples, Ghats and Lakshman Jhula. The gateway to Char Dhams is in close
proximity to Haridwar. Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360
feet above sea level. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived
and practised penance here. Rishikesh is an ideal destination not only
for pilgrims but also for those who want to delve deeper into
meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. Tapovan, on the other
bank of the Ganges, houses a temple of Lakshman. It is believed that
Lakshman carried out penances here. Bharat, brother Lord rama is also
said to have meditated here, and there is a temple dedicated to Bharata
here. For the adventure lovers, Rishikesh is the place for starting
their trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks.
Getting There
Air
The Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is 35 Km from Haridwar, from where
one can easily get transport to Rishikesh.
Rail
Rishikesh is well connected via railways network to the major cities of
Uttaranchal and India. Rishikesh and Haridwar are the major railway
stations in Uttaranchal.
Road
The extensive road network of Uttaranchal makes Rishikesh conveniently
connected to the major cities of state and neighbouring states. Some of
the major distances are: Haridwar- 24 Kms, Dehradun- 47 Kms, Mussoorie-
77 Kms, Badrinath- 301 Kms, Kedarnath- 228 Kms, Gangotri- 258 Kms,
Yamunotri- 288 Kms and Joshimath 252 Kms.
Major Attractions
Meditation and Yoga
Rishikesh is also termed as Yoga capital of India. Legends have it that
Brahma, creator of universe, performed Yagna here. Later Vishnu and
Shiva also performed penances here. The land of Rishikesh has been
described perfect for meditation. It is mentioned in ancient texts, that
the aura and geographic conditions of Rishikesh makes it the most
suitable to perform Yoga and Meditation.
Ashrams
The ashrams of Rishikesh are globally renowned for there serene
environment. The ashrams hit to the fame during the Hippy movement.
Celebrities, like The Beatles, came here to regain the peace of mind in
the holy land. An annual International Yoga Week Festival is organised
in Rishikesh, during the months of February or March. Leading spiritual
leaders, Yoga teachers, Meditation teachers, Naturopath doctors and
thousands of devotees participate in the festival.
Lakshman Jhula
The Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh is a landmark. It is a suspended
bridge, made of iron, over river Ganga. Lakshman Jhula is said to be
present at the same point where the original jute bridge was constructed
by Lakshman, brother of lord Rama.
Bharat Mandir
The Bharat Mandir was built by Adiguru Shankracharya in 12th century.
The temple was a part of the movement started by Shankaracharya, in
order to unite whole India. Bharat mandir is situated in the heart of
the old town on the Banks of the Ganges. The Inner sanctum of the temple
has the idol of lord Vishnu, carved out of a single Shaligram. In the
inner canopy above the idol is Shree Yantra installed by Adi
Shankaracharya. The original temple was destroyed by Taimur-Lang in 1398
A.D. The temple is dedicated to Bharat, brother of Lord Rama.
Triveni Ghat
The main ghat in Rishikesh, where most of the pilgrims take holy dip.
Every evening hundreds of pilgrims attend the Ganga Arti at the Ghat.
Rishikund
Close to Triveni Ghat is the most ancient religious place, the
Rishikund. Ancient records relate this to Kubz saint , who was blessed
by the Goddess Yamuna when she saturated the pond by its water. The pond
reflects the temple of Raghunath, dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife,
Goddess Sita.
Ram Jhula Area
The Ram Jhula is another bridge, built over the Ganges. The bridge is
near Lakshman Jhula. The adjoining area is full of temples, ghats and
ashrams. The view of Ganga river is fabulous from the bridge.
Adventure Sports
Rishikesh offers a host of adventure sports activities. White water
rafting in the Ganges is the most favored adventure sports in the
region. The GMVN and agents provide with the necessary training and
equipment to the tourists. Short trekking trips are also organised
around Rishikesh.
Accommodations
There is no dearth of good accommodation facilities in Rishikesh. There
are luxury, semi-luxury and budget hotels in the city. The Ashrams
provide with excellent stay facilities, that can be compared to a luxury
hotel. The Ashrams also keep the visitors indulged in activities like
Yoga, meditation, naturopathy and other related activities.
