RISHIKESH

Rishikesh, the Yoga and Meditation Capital of India, is a leader for spritual teachings in world. The city is close to Haridwar, increasing the spiritual sense manifolds. Rishikesh is also known for its ashrams and Lakshman Jhula.

Rishikesh, the twin city of Haridwar, is said to be Yoga and Meditation capital of India. The city has been defined as perfect for performing meditation and penances. Many historic sages and monks have come here to learn and perform Yoga. The city has been blessed by nature, which is evident in the lush green surroundings, mountains, river Ganga, and unspoilt environment. Rishikesh boasts of numerous ashrams, which have come up in the city. These ashrams take classes on Yoga and Meditation and teaches the spiritual lessons of Hinduism.

 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.