The doorway to the Himalayan pilgrimage, Rishikesh is
located 24 km from Haridwar, Uttaranchal and 43 km from Dehradun. The
spiritual center of Rishikesh sets the perfect ambience for the
pilgrims. Blessed with the bounties of nature the holy Ganges rushing
through foothills of the Himalayas. There are several temples and
ashrams (hermitages) on the banks of the Ganges. It is located at an
altitude of 1360 feet. There is no specific time to visit the place. You
can visit throughout the years. Rishikesh is considered as the place for
sages, saints and scholars. It is known for its yogic culture. Along
with the holy essence of the place Rishikesh is known for its adventure
sports activities. It's a paradise for people who love river rafting as
they can conquer the white water of the Ganges and it also serves as the
ideal base camp for trekking in the nearby Himalayan range.
Places of Worships in Rishikesh
Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is a 450 feet long suspension bridge. It was built in
1939 and recently a new iron bridge called the Ram Jhula has been added,
which connects between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram. It is one of
the major tourist attractions. The beautiful sound of flowing water,
pure air, and pictorial scenic beauty of the region and the floating
sound of the holy bells in the temple creates an atmosphere, which is
unforgettable.
Nilkanth Mahadeo
Nilkanth Mahadeo is located at an altitude of 5000 feet, 12 km away
from Rishikesh.
Tapovan
There is a temple of Lakshman called Tapovan on the other bank of the
Ganges. According to legends Lakshman carried out penances here. It is
also said that his brother Bharata meditated here, so there is a temple
to Bharata here.
Swarga Ashram
There are various temples here. There are different types of eating
joints and shops here.
Gita Bhavan:
This building is newly constructed and it is famous for its attractive
paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. It is situated just
across the Lakshman Jhula.
Triveni Ghat:
This is a famous bathing ghat. Daily thousands of pilgrims take bath in
this ghat. And everybody who takes bath here witnesses the Maha Aarti
being performed everyday.
Nearby Attractions from Rishikesh
Dehradun
Mussoorie
Haridwar
Valley of Flowers:
It is famous for the largest concentration of various species of wild
flowers. It is off the Rishikesh-Badrinath road, 16 km from Govindghat.
Chila
It is 20 km from Rishikesh. The whole place is covered with forests.
Government has declared Chila a sanctuary.
Adventure Sports Activities in Rishikesh
White Water Rafting
Canoeing and Kayaking
Hiking & Trekking:
Camping
Rock Climbing
How to Reach
If you want to travel by train than there is trains from all the major
cities in the plains. Rishikesh does not have an airfield of its own but
if you want to travel by air than the nearest airport is at Jolly Grant,
Dehradun. The best transport for Rishikesh is bus. Regular bus services
are available from Haridwar, which is just half-an- hour journey from
Rishikesh and bus services are also available from other places.
