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Rishikesh 24 Kms. from Hardwar. Located in the laps of
lower Himalayas, and is surrounded by scenic beauty of
the hills on three sides. At the confluence of the
Chandrabhaga and Ganga, Rishikesh has long been a
spiritual centre. It is said that the sage Raibhya Rishi
did severe penance here and as a reward, God appeared to
him in the form of Hrishikesh, hence the name. Rishikesh
has numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally
recognized as centers of philosophical studies, yoga and
meditation.
Rishikesh, the gateway to Himalayas, is considered as
the Mecca for Yoga and Meditation centres. Rishikesh
nestled in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttaranchal
abounds in natural splendour. The spectacle of the Ganga
rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome
sight. Several temples dot the banks of the Ganga at
Rishikesh. Rishikesh is located at a height of about
1360 feet above sea level. It is believed that several
yogis and sages lived and practised penance here.
Rishikesh is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on
three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it. Located
in the laps of lower Himalayas, this place is considered
to be the access point of three other pilgrim places of
Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Rishikesh
is famous for its yoga sessions that are taught here by
many yoga experts (yoga fair held annually in February).
Beatle's Paul Saltzman drew inspiration from this place
and visited the place in 1968 to learn Meditation and
Yoga. One can go for trekking, river rafting and
excursions to the Valley of Flowers. One can also visit
Devprayag the junction of the Alaknanda and the
Bhagirathi rivers. Dehradun, Haridwar, Mussoorie and
Chila sanctuary are within reachable distance from here.
Best Season to Visit :
No such season that could be specified as the best time
to visit Rishikesh, as being in the hilly region, the
climate of this place always remains pleasant.
Reaching Rishikesh -
Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar.
Air : The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly
Grant. This small airport is situated at a distance of
about 24 km from the main Rishikesh town. However, air
is not the preferred mode of transport for getting into
the town. Reach Delhi International airport in India and
take a train or bus route to Rishikesh.
Rail : Rishikesh is well connected with all the
major towns and cities of India though some of the links
can only be accessed from Haridwar.
Road : Rishikesh is 6 hours (250 kms) by bus from
Delhi. Buses depart regularly throughout the day from
ISBT. Rishikesh is very well connected by a network of
roads to all major towns of Uttaranchal and surrounding
areas.
Tourist attraction in Rishikesh:
Bharat Mandir:It
is an engrossing temple established by Adiguru
Shankaracharya near in the 8th century AD. It is in the
center of the old town on the Banks of the River Ganges.
According to the ancient records, it is one of the
oldest temples of Rishikesh and is among the most
important places to visit in Rishikesh. In the inner
sanctum, you will find an idol of lord Vishnu. Several
old statues, coins, pots and other artifacts of
historical importance have been found during recent
excavations within the premises.
Rishikund: It is located adjacent to Triveni Ghat
and is one of the most significant among the tourist
attractions in Rishikesh. According to the legend, this
pond was saturated by Goddess Yamuna and it mirrors the
temple of Ragunath, which is devoted to lord Rama and
his wife.
Triveni Ghat:It
is a sacred spot where the pilgrims swarm to for a holy
dip. A large number of pilgrims throng in to this place
every evening to attend the Ganga Arti that takes place
at this Ghat.
Geeta Bhawan: This is the oldest temple complex
in the entire area and you can find the description of
well-known Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharata on its
walls. Only peace and harmony seem to dwell at this
place and it is must visit among the tourist attractions
in Rishikesh.
Lakshman Jhula: It is one of the most prominent
landmarks at Rishikesh. This is a suspended bridge and
was built in the year 1929. According to the beliefs,
the river at this place is said to have been crossed by
Rama’s brother Lakshman using a jute rope. To savor the
panoramic views of the surroundings and the cool breeze,
this bridge is an ideal spot.
Ashrams:
The ashrams strewn all over the town are indisputably
the leading tourist attractions in Rishikesh. On your
tour to Rishikesh, you will come across lots of them.
Most of them impart spiritual studies and lessons on
meditation and well-being of the mind. Some of the
leading ones are Paremarth Niketan, Sivanand Ashram,
Yoga Niketan, Omkaranand Ashram, Vanprastha Ashram,
Shankaracharya Nagar Transcendental Meditation Centre,
Vithal Ashram and Yoga Study Centre. |
