If
you are in Rishikesh, you are in the 'Yoga Capital of the World'! Located in
the northern Indian state of Uttaranchal, the town of Rishikesh is both an
important Hindu pilgrimage centre and an ideal starting point for treks to
other popular pilgrimage destinations in the foothills of the Himalayas. The
river Ganga, flowing throughout the town, is revered and worshipped by
devotees, and it is staunchly believed that meditation and penance practiced
at Haridwar and Rishikesh ensures salvation. Being a Yoga and Meditation
Center of India it is studded with various ashrams and centers imparting
lessons on perfect way of living. Besides, Rishikesh is also chiefly popular
for adventure sports including river rafting and trekking. The town is
positioned at 24 kms upstream from Haridwar, at an altar of 1360 feet above
sea level, bisected by the Ganges.
Popular
Tourist Attractions in Rishikesh
On the first day of your tour to Rishikesh you will be greeted by a warm
religious aura of Ghata, temples and Ganges. It is best to begin your trip
from Laxman Jhula.
Laxman Jhula
A signature landmark and tourist spot, Laxman Jhula is a suspended iron
bridge built in 1939. This is Hanging Bridge across Ganga and about 5Kms
from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath. It was originally a jute rope
bridge without pillars. The place is showered with temple and ashrams, each
with a distinct mythological legends. The most important of all sanctums
here is Tera Manzil Temple(Thirteen-storied-temple) or Kailash Niketan
Temple, a multi-storied complex of idols of Hindu Gods, and Goddess.
Ram Jhula Area
This
is a hanging bridge similar to Laxman Jhula constructed between the
Shivanand Ashram and Rishikesh. The Geeta Bhavan, the oldest complex at
Rishikesh, is situated close to Ram Jhula area. Inside the complex the
famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharata is inscribed on walls here.
Parmarth Niketan
One of the popular ancient temple complex and center of ancient learnings,
Parmarth Niketan is acclaimed world wide for its concrete work on Indian
literature. The Ganga Aaarti performed during dusk and dawn is excellent
worship way to be viewed.
Transcedeantal Center of Maharshi Mahesh Yogi
Placed on the extreme side of Geeta Bhavan the sprawling ancient centre of
India is located in quietudes of forest area. Visit here to see the glimpses
of India that was long long back.
Neelkanth Mahadev
Settled on hilltop in Rishikesh, the Neelkanth Mahadeva Temple is a tribute
to Shiva's (Hindu God) saving and courageous attempt for drinking venom,
produced during the Sagar Manthan, which turned the God blue.
Shatrughan Temple
Visit this temple dedicated to Shatrughan, Lord Rama's brother and situated
5 kms from Rishikesh.
Shatrughan Temple
Visit this temple dedicated to Shatrughan, Lord Rama's brother and situated
5 kms from Rishikesh.
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is located at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and
legendary Saraswathi and bathing here is considered sacred. The evening
Aarti ceremony here is worth attending.
Adventure Sports in Rishikesh
Your tour to Rishikesh also gives you an opportunity to enjoy adventure
sports. Rishikesh is popular for rock climbing, river rafting and trekking.
There are a number of popular spots around Rishikesh, where you can enjoy
these sports. Shivpuri is an excellent point from where you can raft down
the river Ganges.
Shopping In Rishikesh
There are no malls, no high platform shopping streets, but Rishikesh offers
you with handicrafts items made of shells, beads and pearls, sarees, kurtas,
sheets and rugs can be bought from here. Make sure to purchase all these
items from government approved U.P hand loom shop, Khadi Bhandar, Garhwal
wool and craft shop etc. Never forget to include a sample piece of murals
and paintings in your shopping cart at Rishikesh. You have a wide choice to
buy a piece of wooden furniture in plenty apart from carved and decorated
chests, chairs, cradles and low tables & stools while shopping in
Rishikesh. Several utilities and objets d'art as well as tie-and-die fabric
are also popular items for shopping in Rishikesh.
Eating Out/ Restaurants In Rishikesh
Hotel Neelam : The hotel is one of the oldest hotel in
Rishikesh ,offering Indian, and Italian dishes
Choti wala Restaurent : Located near the Ramjhula on the
left bank (One has to cross the bride), one of the oldest and most famous
eating places of Rishikesh for Traditional Indian "Thali". Chinese
and some continental dishes are also in the menu.
Elachi Restaurent : Situated on the left bank on the
river this is place for relaxed eating.
How to Reach
Rishikesh (Air/Rail/Road)
Rishikesh, the religious center of India, enjoys a cardinal position near
states like Delhi and Uttranchal and Himachal, and so finding an entry into
Rishikesh is extremely easy. The nearest Airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant
Airport), 25 kms from Rishikesh. Travelling to Rishikesh by train you need
to get to Haridwar Railway station. Reaching Rishikesh via road is advisable
for those who are coming from Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar and Mussoorie. After
landing at Haridwar you need not worry about accommodation problems at all
as Haridwar has number of it. From backpackers to business class there is a
hotel for anyone and everyone.
Rishikesh Hotel
Information
The pilgrimage town of Rishikesh offers travellers a range of options when
it comes to staying. There are budget category hotels and resorts where you
choose to accommodate yourself. Staying at a hotel close to the Ganges is a
wonderful experience.
» Ananda In the Himalayas
» The Glasshouse on the Ganges
» Explore Himalayas Resort
» Ganga Beach Resort
» Hotel Ganga Kinare
» Hotel Ganga View
» Raj Mahal Hotel
