Rishikesh
RISHIKESH

Rishikesh is a city in India’s state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills on the right bank of Ganges River. The river is considered holy, and the city is renowned as a centre for studying yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is nestled at an elevation of about 372 meter (1220 ft). Rishikesh is identified more as a pilgrimage destination for the availability of numerous temples here. The word Rishikesh is derived from Sanskrit from the name of Vishnu meaning ‘Lord of Senses’. It is here from Rishikesh the Ganga leaves the Shivalik Mountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. During the past Rishikesh was known by the name ‘Mayapuri’. Rishikesh is known as ‘The Gateway to the Garwhal Region’ and also ‘The Yoga Capital of India’. Rishikesh has long been claimed as a spiritual center for its yoga classes, tourists from all over the world visit here to learn yoga. The Vedic temple that dates back to around 120 years old is also situated at Rishikesh. Rishikesh is known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and students and participants from different parts of the world visit Rishikesh to learn Yoga. During the first week of March International Yoga Festival is organized at Rishikesh. Rishikesh is the confluence zone of River Ganges and River Chandrabhaga. Hindi Sages and Saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times to meditate and attain holiness. Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary Kedarkhand. Legends say that Lord Rama did penance at Rishikesh for killing Ravana. Rishikesh also forms the main gateway to the famous Chardham Yatra.

Places to see around Rishikesh

Lakshman Jhula: The main attraction of Rishikesh is Lakshman Jhula located 5 km north-east of Rishikesh. The present bridge (Lakshman Jhula) dates back to around 1889 AD. The bridge connects the two villages of Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal district, on the west bank of the river, to Joni in Pauri Garhwal district, on the east bank. It is said that the Hindu deity Lakshmana crossed the Ganges on jute ropes where the bridge is built. Till 1889, there was a 284 feet long hanging jute rope bridge which was washed away in floods in October 1924. After that a new bridge was constructed in 1930.

Swargasram: The Swargasram is a notable tourist attraction at Rishikesh. This ashram was built in the memory of Swami Vishudhanand, the saint better known as Kali Kamli Wala. Every day during sunrise and sunset different types of rituals are performed here. The Swargasram is very popular among tourists both from domestic and international for its ethnic touch. Swargasram consists of many ashrams and temples inside its periphery.

Ram Jhula: Ram Jhula is another iconic structure at Rishikesh built in 1986 that connects Sivananda Nagar area of Muni Ki Reti in Tehri Garhwal district to Swargashram in Pauri Garhwal district crossing the river from west to east. Ram Jhula is located 03 km north- east of Rishikesh. Ram Jhula measures upto 450 feet long which a little longer than Laxman Jhula. Ram Jhula is located a few kilometers downstream from Laxman Jhula. Similar to Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula is also built in iron and steel.

Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is the biggest, famous and sacred bathing ghat at Rishikesh situated on the banks of River Ganges. The word Triveni comes from two different words Tri (three) and veni (confluence), which literally stands for the confluence of three. The Triveni Ghat at Rishikesh is the confluence of three different rivers The Ganga, The Yamuna and Saraswati. It is believed that devotees who take bath in this ghat, they get rid of their sins which hence it purifies the soul and will have salvation. The main attraction of Triveni Ghat at Rishikesh is its ‘Maha Arti’ being performed every day evening.

Neelkantha Mahadev Temple: Neelkantha Mahadev Temple is a popular and sacred temple located around 32 km from Rishikesh. The Neelkantha Mahadev temple is nestled at an altitude of about 1330 meter. The Neelkantha Mahadev temple is located 07 km above Swargasram. As per Hindu mythology, the place where the Neelkantha Temple is located is the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that originated from the sea. The temple is covered with dense greenery all over.

Gita Bhawan: Gita Bhawan is one of the largest and popular ashram in Rishikesh and is located in the area of Swargasram. The Gita Bhawan was built to accommodate 1000 of devotees and offers them stay free of cost. During the summers the Geeta Bhawan gets completely filled with devotees visiting here to attain the Satsang. The Geeta Bhawan Book Shop has wide collections of spiritual and religious books. The Ayurvedic department of Geeta Bhawan sells pure herbal products which are worth buying. Being very close to River Ganges Gita Bhawan receives numerous devotees that visit here for meditation.

Kailash Ashram: Kailash Ashram is one of the oldest and first large ashram established in Rishikesh which is proudly known for its vedic studies. Kailash Ashram was established by Swami Dhanraj  Giri in 1880. The Kailash Ashram is located in Muni Ki Reti in Rishikesh which is 02 km away from the new bus stand and the Trivei Ghat as well. Dhanraj Giri was known as the abbot of Kailash Ashram.

Trayambakeshwar Temple: Trayambakeshwar Temple is located to the left of Laxman Jhula. This is a thirteen floor temple, and each floor houses different gods and goddesses. Trayambakeshwar temple is an important holy shrine in Rishikesh considered as the abode of Lord Shiva. The Trayambakeshwar Temple is considered to be around 400 years old and is a must visit temple at Rishikesh.

Raghunath Temple: Raghunath Temple is the most important place for religious ceremonies in Rishikesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita. The Raghunath temple is located at the heart of Rishikesh near Triveni Ghat.

Rishi Kund: Located close to the Raghunath Temple and the Triveni Ghat is Rishi Kund. The word ‘Kund’ is derived from pond. The Rishi Kund at Rishikesh was fed by the goddess of Yamuna River after she was pleased with the gentleness of Saint Kun and is believed to be sacred among the Hindus. Rishi Kund which means ‘Pond of the Sages’ is a hot water spring. The image of Raghunath temple is clearly reflected on the waters of Rishi Kund. Rishi Kund is a square type pond with ten stairs at each and devotees need to climb down the stairs to take a plunge in the pond.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Parmarth Niketan Ashram is true spiritual haven lies on the banks of River Ganges at Rishikesh guarded by the lush Himalayas from all sides. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is the largest ashram in Rishikesh that provides staying options to thousands of pilgrims those come from different parts of the globe for a search for a sacred, pure and clean atmosphere. The awe inspiring attraction of the ashram is its natural ambience with majestic Himalayan ranges, flowing Ganges and the lush greenery all over. Pilgrims visiting the ashram get themselves involved in spiritual, musical, cultural and social activities.

Shivanand Ashram: The Sivananda Ashram was founded in 1936 by Swami Sivanand and it is located around 03 km from Rishikesh near Ram Jhula on the way to Badrinath. Sivanand Ashram is one of the biggest ashram in Rishikesh with a hospital and school that provides services to many communities. The ashram provides food and room to all its visitors and is also a calm and peaceful place where one can practice meditation and yoga. The serene environment with the majestic River Ganges flowing beside offers everyone to pay a visit to this ashram during their tour to Rishikesh. There is a bookshop inside the ashram where visitors can browse some of the books in Vedic philosophy

Pushkar temple: The Pushkar Temple also known as the Lord Bramha Temple built around the 14th century. It is one of the most beautiful, colourful, and intricately decorated temples and is listed one of the oldest temples in Rishikesh. The Pushkar Temple lies on Pushkar Mandir road and is within a short walking distance from Ram Jhula. The Pushkar temple is dedicated to the creator of Hindu God ‘The Bramha’.

Chandreshwar Temple: The Chandreshwar temple or Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple was built by King Ram Singh and named the temple after his wife Chandravati. The Chandreshwar temple is located at Rishikesh and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shivling inside the Chandreshwar Temple at Rishikesh was brought from Narmada River. The Chandeshwar Temple lies at the confluence of River Chandrabhaga and River Ganges at Rishikesh.

Bharat Temple: The Bharat Temple or Mandir is believed to be the most ancient, most sacred and most famous temple in Rishikesh located at the heart of the city. The presiding deity of the temple was reinstalled by Adi Shankaracharya during the 12th century or 789 A.D. Just opposite to the temple there is an age old tree (which is basically three different trees, the roots of which are intermingled with each other, that it is very hard to separate those) beneath which Adi Shankarcharya sat during his meditation. Each year during the occasion of Basant Panchami, the presiding deity is taken for a holy bath in the sacred Mayakund, which is carried in a grand procession through the city. There is a museum inside this temple that houses many collections of sculpture, potteries and decorated brick items which are worth watching.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram (Beatles Ashram): To the south of Swargashram there is Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, which is also known as the ‘Beatles Ashram’. During 1968 the famous rock band ‘Beatles’ visited Rishikesh and stayed in this ashram. The ashram was started by Mahrishi Mahesh Yogi who started the Transcendental Meditation movement. Although it was abandoned back in 1997, it has now been taken by the forest department. The meditation hall and the room of Maharshi still exist. This ashram remains open from 08.00 am to 06.00 pm. This ashram is located on the eastern banks of Ganges opposite to the Muni Ki Reti. The house of Maharishi and the place where the Beatles stayed still exist and are important sightings of tourist’s interest.

Tapovan: Tapovan is a lively area with an alternative vibe, known for its yoga ashrams, adventure tour outfits, and upscale resorts at Rishikesh. Tapovan is set beside River Ganges with laid back terraced cafes and small shops. These shops sell quirky clothing and crafts.

Muni Ki Reti: Muni Ki Reti is a small town located within close proximity to Rishikesh which is about 5 km. The word Muni Ki Reti literally means ‘Sands of Sages’. Muni Ki Reti is considered to be a holy site and also the gateway to the Char Dham Yatra i.e. Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunatri. Muni Ki Reti forms the home to several temples and ashrams along with the center of Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation. Munu Ki Reti is also considered to be a place where Indian King Bharat did penance.

Vashistha Cave: Vashistha Cave is an ancient cave where Sage Vashistha used to meditate. Vashistha Cave is located around 25 km from Rishikesh on the Badrinath road. Vashistha Cave is popular among tourists who seek profound contemplation in Rishikesh for deep meditation. Inside the Vashistha Cave there is a shivalinga which is worshipped everyday and near the cave there is Swami Purushottamananda Ashram and society that manages the cave and the ashram. According to the Hindu folk lore Vashistha cave was dedicated to Sage Vashistha who was the human child of Lord Bramha and also one of the seven incredible sages of India. The cave lies close to River Ganges and hence provides a complete tranquil ambience for peace seekers.

Kunjapuri Temple: Kunjapuri Devi Temple is one of the most revered Shakti Peeths of Goddess Shakti in the Garhwal Himalayas. This is an ancient temple nestled at an altitude of about 1600 meters and located around 15 km from Rishikesh. The Kunjapuri temple periphery offers stunning views of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges to name but a few are Swarga Rohini, Gangotri, Banderpoonch and Chaukhamba along with River Ganges flowing far bottom. Kunjapuri temple area is a popular sun rise view point at the backdrop of the Himalayan ranges. Thousands of visitors visit this temple throughout the year mainly during April and October. One is during Navaratri and another is during Dusheera. Kunjapuri temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths and is believed to be sacred among the Hindus.

Rajaji National Park: Rajaji National Park is spread over an area of about 820 sq km. It comprises Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji Sanctuary and in the year 1983 all these three merged up and formed Raja National Park. Rajaji National Park was named after the first governor general of India who was also a freedom fighter Late Sri. C. Rajagopalchari. The Rajaji National Park is home to wide species of wild animals and birds that inhabit the region. The Rajaji National Park lies at the foothills of Shivalik Ranges and on the Indo- Gangetic plains. Rajaji National Park is located around 14 km from Rishikesh.

Things to know: Being a destination on the lap of the mountains and on the banks of river Ganges, Rishikesh attracts every tourist for its adventurous activities like river rafting, rock climbing, cliff jumping and trekking.

Rishikesh River Rafting: Rishikesh is one of the most famous rafting destinations in India. Rafting in Rishikesh attracts numerous tourists from around the globe. Rafting is done on River Ganges that flows down from Gangotri to Rishikesh in full of Rapids. Rafting is a sport which is very exciting and thrilling. Rafting at Rishikesh is mainly done on the turbulent waters of the Ganges. Rafting is a sport which is enjoyed both by the adults and kids as well. At Rishikesh adventure lovers mainly practice white water rafting. At Rishikesh there are many certified and authorized rafting instructors that instruct tourists in rafting. The best time to do river rafting is from March to June. During rafting tourists will encounter a number of rapids which they will need to sail over. There are almost sixteen rapids each divided into different grades.

Black Money Rapid (Grade I)
Sweet Sixteen Rapid (Grade I)
Good Morning Rapid (Grade I)
Body Surfing (Grade I)
Club House Rapid (Grade II)
Initiation Rapid (Grade II)
Double Trouble Rapid (Grade II)
Hilton Rapid (Grade II)
Terminator Rapid (Grade II)
Shivpuri Rapid (Grade II+)
Three Blind Mice Rapid (Grade III)
Cross Fire Rapid (Grade III)
Roller Coaster Rapid (Grade III)
Golf Course Rapid (Grade III)
Return to Sender Rapid (Grade III)
Diniel’s Deep Rapid (Grade III+)
The Great Wall Rapid (Grade IV)

Below mentioned are few of the rafting points at Rishikesh:
Bramhapuri – 08 km – shortest and easiest rafting.
Shivpuri – 16 km – Easy, low cost, most demanding rafting stretch.
Marine Drive – 26 km – Mainly popular among corporate groups.
Byasi – 35 km.
Kaudiyala – 40 km
Devaprayag – 75 km – Two days rafting expedition.

Rafting at Rishikesh is mainly divided into few grades:
Grade I – Easy, small waves and no obstacles.
Grade II – Moderate difficulty with clear passages.
Grade III – Difficult, Narrow passages and irregular high waves.
Grade IV – Difficult and very powerful waves.

Getting there:

By Flight: The nearest airport is Dehradun. Flights like Spice Jet, Jet Airways, Air India arrive at Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun. Rishikesh is about 21 km from Jolly Grant Airport. From the airport both hired and shared taxis are available for Rishikesh. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected with Delhi.

By Train: The nearest rail head is Rishikesh Railway station which is well connected with other major cities of India. Several trains connect to Rishikesh railway station. From the railway station both shared and hired cars are available that reach to different tourist destinations of Uttarakhand.

By Road: Rishikesh is well connected with good motor-able roads with Delhi and Haridwar. Both buses and cars are available that connect Rishikesh with other major destinations of Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is located around 34 km from Haridwar. From Delhi around 245 km is Rishikesh.

Best time of visit:  Though Rishikesh can be visited throughout the year, the best time of visit is February, March and August – October. The best time for rafting at Rishikesh is from September – October to mid November. And from March – April to the first week of May.

Distance of other major tourist destination from Rishikesh:
Rishikesh – Srinagar: 105 km
Rishikesh – Rudraprayag: 139 km
Rishikesh – Gauri Kund: 209 km
Rishikesh – Joshimath: 250 km
Rishikesh – Badrinath: 298 km
Rishikesh – Uttarkashi: 148 km
Rishikesh – Janaki Choti (Yamunatri): 216 km
Rishikesh – Gangotri: 248 km