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Rishikesh is situated at 409 meters
above sea level in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayan Range and
surrounded by the Shivalik range. Rishikesh is 35 kms far from
Haridwar, 90 Kms from Mussoorie, 25 Kms far from Jollygrant
airport Dehradun, and 240 kms far from New Delhi.
Rishikesh has spectacular view of jungle-clad hills. Rishikesh has
also confluence of River Ganges and Chandrabhaga. The glorious
attraction of Rishikesh is none other than the great river Ganges
herself, running rapidly throughout the city. In the ancient time
and still so many yogis, rishis, sages and sannyasis attracted to
Rishikesh to practice yoga in this peaceful location. Since then,
Rishikesh has known as an abode of sages. Rishikesh is a holy town
with so many Ashrams and it is famous for the yoga world wide.
Rishikesh is now world famous as a Yoga Capital of the world.
Every year during the March month one week long International yoga
festival is hosted by Rishikesh.
Attractions in Rishikesh:
Triveni Ghat:
Triveni Ghat is biggest bathing ghat in Rishikesh. Situated near
the main market this ghat has mesmerizing view of mountain and
river. The reason for the name is it is believed that this is
conference of 03 rivers Ganges, Yamuna and legendary Saraswati.
Due to the conference this ghat is great place to take a bath.
Ghat is structure of steps where people can acess river for holy
bath. Everyday Ganges ceremony (Ganga Aarti) is organized at ghat
in evening. (5 PM in winter and 6 PM in Summer) This is beautiful
place to sit right on the bank of the river and view the mountain
and river with the company of cool river breeze. Triveni Ghat is
situated just 100 meter far from the main market. Small Shani
Mandir is also located near Triveni Ghat.
Lakshman Jhula:
Big iron su spension
bridge on the river Ganges which is 4.5 kms far from Rishikesh. It
is believed that Lakshman (Brother of lord Ram) crossed the river
here by jute rope. Current bridge is built in 1929 in when the old
bridge (1989 built) was damaged in flood. Laskman Jhula is popular
in tourist for shopping and other activites such as rafting. Both
side of the bridge has so many different shops with interesting
things to buy. Lakshman temple and Tera Manzil Temple is also
situated here. From the bridge you can have spectacular view of
river and the city. Lakshman Jhula is pedestrian bridge but it is
also used for bikes.
Ram Jhula:
Suspension bridge similar to the Lakshman Jhula between Sivananda
Ashram and Swarg Ashram is known as Ram Jhula or Sivananda Jhula.
Bo at
is also available here on sharing basis to cross the river. So
many shops are available on the both side of bridge for shopping.
Sivananda Ashram, Yog Niketan Ashram and Omkarnanda Ashram is
located at one end of the brindge and the other end has Swarg
Ashram, Gita Bhawan and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Ram Jhula is
pedestrian bridge but it is also used for bikes.
Parmarth Niketan:
Parmarth Niketan Ashram is located in the Swarg Ashram area. The
Ashram has so many rooms for devotees as well as tourist. Ashram
has many religious statues inside. Parmarth Niketan is also host
for the Internationa Yoga Festival every year. Ashram is popular
among the tourist for Yoga. Every day Ganga Aarti ceremony is
organized at the Ghat of the Ashram in Evening.(5 PM in winter and
6 PM in Summer. The aarti is widely visited by the tourists.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
This temple is situated at 1325 meters height and 31 kms far from
Rishikesh. Neelkant Mahadev is Temple of Lord Shiva. According to
legends Lord Shiva came here for meditation when he consumed
poison during the sea churning. Lord Shiva's throat became blue
colored due to the poison so he is known as a NeelKanth (Blue
throated) here. Thousand of tourist visit this temple during
Shivratri and Kanwar Mela. Temple is also accessible by trekking
route and by road from Swarg Ashram. Temple Timings: 05 AM to 01
PM and 04 PM to 09 PM.
Sivananda Ashram
Sivananda Ashram is also known as Divine Life Society. It is
located near Ram Jhula. Sivanada Ashram was established by Swami
Sivananda. Swami Sivanada lived here for more than 30 years. There
are several activities performed by the Ashram such as Yoga
Meditation and hospital. Sivananda Ashram has rooms for the guest.
Ashram has Meditation hall, Yoga Hall & Music Hall. Sivananda
Ashram is one of the most popular ashrams in Rishikesh.
Bharat Mandir
Bharat Mandir Temple situated at the center in Rishikesh and near
the main market. This is one of the oldest temples in Rishikesh.
The deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu. Raibhya Rishi made penance
here and lord Vishnu appeared in front of the sage to give him
blessing. Temple has small musium also. Bharat Mandir Temple is
inside the Rishikesh Market area and can be reached easily from
Chandrabhaga Bridge(Temple Timings: 05 AM to 11 AM and 3 PM to 09
PM).
Gita Bhawan:
Gita Bhavan (Geeta Bhawan) is Ashram located in Swarg Ashram area.
The ashram has large complex with discourse hall and more than 300
rooms which they are offering to tourist at very low cost. There
is temple of also inside the ashram. Lessons from Bhagvad Gita is
written on the walls of Ashram. Inside the temple you can see life
of Lord Krishna in pictures. Cloth store, Book store, Ayurvedic
medicine shop and restaurant are part of this.
Swarg Ashram:
Swarg Ashram is area between Lakshman Jhula and Rishikesh. This
place is well known for various famous ashrams, beautiful
surroundings, healthy and divine living. So many shops are also
here for shopping. Place is accessible via Ram Jhula bridge by
walk or by road via Beraj. Parmarth Niketan, Gita Bhawan,
Bhootnath Temple and many other intresting places are part of the
Swarga Ashram area.
Tera Manzil Temple:
Tera Manzil Temple has 13 floors. Each floor has many small
temples with different deities throughout the This temple is
located near the Lakshman Jhula. The view from the top of the
temple is amazing. Temple is also known as Trayambakeshwar Temple,
Trimbakeshwar Temple or Kailashanand Mission Trust.
Other places to visit in Rishikesh:
Bhootnath Temple, Iscon Temple, Astha Path, Raghunath Temple,
Rishikund, Swarga Niwas Temple, Marine Drive, Rishikesh Main
Market, Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple and Goa Beach.
Things to do in Rishikesh:
Rishikesh is unique city in terms of variety of things which it
can offer to tourist. There is something for everyone who comes
here. Rishikesh can't disappoint anyone. All you need is good
guidance. Take a look at some of the activities in Rishikesh.
Ganga aarti (Ganges Ceremony):
High ly
recommended for everyone. Take a holy dip in the Ganges and enjoy
Ceremony in evening at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat. Sit near
the river Ganges, feel the music, the breeze and the auspicious
atmosphere around you. Ganga Aarti is ceremony for the River
Ganges. Every evening many people visit Triveni Ghat or Parmarth
Niketan for the ceremony.
Rafting in Rishikesh:
Brahmpuri, Shivpuri and Kaudiyala are small villages from where
people can start their rafting to Rishikesh. Small rafting can be
done from Brahmpuri (11 kms). 18 kms rafting can be done from
Shivpuri and 25 kms long rafting can be done from kaudiyala.
During monsoon rafting is not possible due to heavy rain. October
to June is general season for Rafting. More Information for
Rishikesh rafting click here
Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh:
Rishikesh is world famous for yoga. You can experience yoga is
small sessions or you can stay here and spend a
week or month to learn yoga. So many yoga experts are here who can
teach you yoga in unique way which you cant learn anywhere.
Rishikesh is also one of the best places in whole world for
meditation. Natural atmosphere, auspicious surroundings, river and
mountains what else one can expect to make a strong bond with
nature and himself/herself. That's reason that thousands of famous
spiritual personalities selected this place for their meditation.
Camping in Rishikesh:
Camping is a famous weekend activity. So many temporary camps are
established near Rishikesh. Camping can be done in jungle and
river bank. Some camps provide group activities. There is no age
limit for camping. Enjoy the nature, river and small trek in the
camp. Best time for stay in camp October to May. You have a few
options of choice for camps like budget camps, Luxury camps or
deluxe camps. More Information for Rishikesh rafting click here
Trekking in Rishikesh
There are so many treks available near the Rishikesh. Soft,
moderate and hard trek are options. Small treks can be done to
beautiful villages and waterfalls and other treks for more than 01
day can be done in jungle or near by mountains. Trekking alone is
not advisable. Famous small trek are Neer garh (Neer Gaddu
waterfall trek, Kunjapuri trek, Neelkanth Temple Trek, Jhilmil
Gufa Trek and Trek near Rajaji National Park. Other famous long
treks are Gomukh (Gaumukh) Trek, Valley of flower Trek, Tungnath
Trek, Devoria tal Trek, Hemkund sahib trek, Kuari Pass Trek and
Roop kund Trek.
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