Rishikesh – Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas
Rishikesh is a small serene town located in foothills of Himalayas and most visited place for meditation and yoga therefore, known as “the World yoga capital”. Rishikesh is also known as Gateway to the Himalayas or “Uttrakhand Char Dham Yatra” and being on the bank of river Ganges it is an ideal destination for adventure activities like Rafting, camping, trekking, rock climbing, bunjee jumping etc. Atmosphere of Rishikesh is very pleasant and attracts all tourists, elevation of this place is 372 m. The Ganges is in the centre of Rishikesh in both geography and activity, there are a series of beaches that line the river. In Rishikesh, the river leaves the Shivalik in the Himalayas and flows into the plains of northern India. Rishikesh is famous for its temples and natural beauty. Places near Rishikesh are a perfect coalescence of hill stations, trekking spots and wildlife sanctuaries. In Rishikesh, there are many famous spots that showcases the beauty of the place and offer an unforgettable travel experience.
Rishikesh get its name on the name of “Hrishikesh”, we divide in two words “Hṛṣika” means “senses” and “isa” means “lord”, thus “Lord of the Sense”’. Rishikesh city has been a part of the legendary ‘Kedarkhand’ (Garhwal Region). Rishikesh is world famous for its two twin jhulas (bridge) “Ram Jhula” and “Lakshmana Jhula”. Besides its natural beauty; Rishikesh is famous for ayurvedic treatments and has AIIMS, one of the popular in six apex health care institutes that have been established by the Government of India. Rishikesh is filled with many ashrams, if you don’t find any place you can stay in ashrams; some popular ashrams are Parmarth Niketan, Vanprastha, Swargashram, Shivananda, Jayram, Gangadham. Rishikesh is situated 25 kms ahead of Haridwar, 50 kms from Dehradun and 225 kms from our national capital Delhi.
Places visit in Rishikesh or near Rishikesh:-
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula: These two Jhula or bridges are world famous in Rishikesh on the river Ganga and become the symbol of the Rishikesh. Your trip is incomplete without visiting these two architectural significance bridges. Both bridge have their religious story also, Where there is today Laxman Bridge, it is believed that Lord Rama’s younger brother Laxman ji crossed the river Ganga with the rope of jute“ therefore, Lakshmana Bridge is more popular than “Ram Jhula. In 1889, a bridge made of jute rope was made of iron.Later in 1924, an iron bridge was washed away by floods, and a strong iron bridge was rebuilt in 1929.From 2019, the iconic Lakshman Bridge is close, government decide to close Lakshman Jhula bridge and built new stronger bridge because it is not strong enough to handle the load. There is also another similar suspension bridge called “Ram Jhula” built in 1986 at nearby Sivananda Ashram.
The Maha Aarti at Triveni Ghat: Rishikesh is very popular for its Ganga Aarti in many ghat of the holy river Ganga. All of them Triveni Ghat Ganga aarti and Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti is most famous. Aarti held at in the evening time attract a lot of tourist and pilgrims. It is believed that streams of three religious rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are found inside the land at this place, hence the name of this place is Triveni.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, thousands of devotees visited every month throught the year. Temple is situated in the village across the holy river Ganga. It is believed that, this is the place where Lord Shiva drank the venom that originated during the “Sea churning” which turned his throat blue and the place is called NeelKanth, Neel means “blue” or Kanth means “neck.”
Thirteen Floor Temple: One of the famous temple on the bank of river Ganga, located in Lakshman Jhula Area. Temple is also visible from Haridwar-Badrinath-Highway. Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Beatles Ashram: Before the Beatles Ashram, this ashram was known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi took it on lease from the government in 1950s. After that, In 1968 the famous rock band “Beatles” lived for a year in this ashram and composed a number of songs in this place therefore, this ashram is also famous by the name of “Beatles Ashram”. Now Beatles Ashram comes under Rajaji National Park so it can’t be renovated. The place has an amazing positive vibe and you can also see a beautiful sunset from the right by the Maharishi’s bunglow.
Rajaji National Park: If you are animals lover, you can visit Rajaji National Park. It spread over in three districts of Uttrakhand- Pauri Garhwal, Haridwar and Dehradun. You can enjoy a thrill moment and some wild encounters of Elephants, Cheetah, Leopard, Deer etc.
Adventure Activities: Every year many tourists come to Rishikesh to experience some adventure activities like Rafting, Camping, Trekking, Bunjee Jumping etc. Your travel is incomplete without Rafting in Rishikesh. By doing Camping on the bank of Ganga is an amazing experience, Ganges shore, surrounded by the nature’s best work, born fire doing its deed, everything will be so calm and peaceful. You wake in the morning, the birds chirping around, beautiful weather and a perfect sunrise of your life. There are so many options for trekking from Rishikesh, If you have idea then you can go by yourself. However, it is always recommended to take a local guide with you, just to ensure safety! For Bunjee Jumping you need some guts! Rest you will get to know, once you are here. All the things are under Technical Supervision.
Yoga: Rishikesh is world famous for yoga and thus known as “World Yoga Capital”. There are many yoga schools or ashram for learn yoga that allow stay also. You can join yoga course and learn some yoga for daily practice.
Natural Attractions: Rishikesh has been blessed with abundant natural beauty. The Ghats, Holy river Ganges, mystical mountains make Rishikesh more beautiful. You can also visit Shivpuri village, Rishikund, Patna waterfall, Neer Gadu waterfall and much more.
The Royal Palace in Narendra Nagar: Royal Place of the king of Tehri Garhwal is built in 1919 and it is pretty famous for its architecture. Narendra Nagar gets its name because if king named Narendra Shah. At a distance of 8 km from Narendra Nagar, the famous Kunjapuri Devi Temple is located, temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati (wife of lord shiva) and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas established by Jagadguru Shankaracharya.