Rishikesh

Attraction in Rishikesh

Rishikesh which means “saints hair” is situated on the bank of Ganga in the foothills of the Himalayas. This is also known as the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. It is situated at the altitude of 409 meters above sea level. It is a world known destination for yoga and meditation, every year international yoga festival is organized here in Rishikesh. This city has its own significance. It has lots of ashrams and temples where you can come for spiritual relief, yoga and meditation.

Today this place is also catching eyes of the adventure lovers as lots of adventure activities are being promoted in the area. People who love river rafting, trekking and bungy jumping, for them this is a best adventure destination. You can also try for wildlife safari in Rajaji national park.

It is well connected with road and railways. The nearest airport (jolly grant) is just 25 km’s from Rishikesh. Dehradun and Mussoorie are also easily accessible from Rishikesh.

Famous Places in Rishikesh:-

Laxman Jhula:- This is an iron suspension bridge built in the year 1929. It is built over Ganga and is the landmark of Rishikesh. It is said that lord Laxman (Brother of lord Rama) crossed Gange on jute ropes between the place where this bridge is built. A famous 13 story temple (Trimbakeshwar Mahadev) is situated near the bridge. This bridge connects two districts of Uttarakhand. The left side is Pauri Garhwal and right side is Tehri Garhwal. Lots of cafeteria and shops are on both side of the bridge.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram :-

This ashram is also known as Beatles ashram after the name of famous band of music “Beatles”. This ashram is situated near Ram jhula and known worldwide for its Transcendental Meditation. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a disciple and assistant of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya (spiritual leader) of Jyotirmath in the Indian Himalayas. The Maharishi credits Brahmananda Saraswati with inspiring his teachings. In 1955, the Maharishi began to introduce his Transcendental Deep Meditation (later renamed Transcendental Meditation) to India and the world. His first global tour began in 1958.His devotees referred to him as His Holiness, and because he often laughed in TV interviews he was sometimes referred to as the “giggling guru.”

Parmarth Niketan :-

This ashram is known very much for its evening Ganga aarti sung by the young students learning Vedas in the ashram. They are also the host of international yoga festival. This ashram is very famous amoung the tourist for yoga and meditation.

Triveni Ghat:-

This is the biggest ghat in Rishikesh and it is said that three rivers meet here and it is the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Every evening ganga Aarti is organized at the ghat. It also has a long marine drive for evening sunset and walk.

Attraction Around Rishikesh:-

Rajaji national park :- Rajaji National Park is an Indian national park and tiger reserve that encompasses the Shivaliks, near the foothills of the Himalayas. It is spread over 820 km’s and three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. This park is very much well known for elephants and tigers. You will easily see deer’s, wild boars and other animals in the area. It is also a paradise for bird lovers.

Kunjapuri temple:-

This temple is situated in at the distance of around 18 km’s from Rishikesh. It is one of the Shakti peeths of mother sati. This is very famous place for morning sunrise and you will have panoramic view of the Himalayas from here. It is a good destination for day hikers. You can trek down from Kunjapuri to Rishikesh through local Garhwal villages and small big waterfalls. Famous Neer waterfall is also on the way coming down from kunjapuri.

Some other famous attractions near Rishikesh are NeelKant Mahadev temple, Vashist cave, jhilmil cave etc.