Rishikesh

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Rishikesh Tourism Rishikesh Travel Guide

Rishikesh was named after the God Hrishikesh whose appearance is an answer to the lord penances by Rabhiya Rishi. The Holy Chardham yatra has its starting point from Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is a famous Hindu religious destinations, popular amongst devotees, yoga persons and adventurers as well. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River, Rishikesh attracts thousands of pilgrims every day from India as well as abroad.

Rishikesh Travel Destination

Rishikesh is a small serene town famous for meditation and yoga. It is Gateway to the Himalayas and being on the bank of river Ganges it is an ideal destination for adventurer’s activities like rafting, trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountaineering etc. Rishikesh is situated 25 kms ahead of Haridwar at an elevation of 356mts above sea level. Rishikesh consists of three distinct areas known as Rishikesh, Swargashram and Muni-ki-Reti. 

The town of Rishikesh is such strategically located at the Himalayan foothills that it has easy access by road to the entire Himalayan region in India, and is famous to be the ideal starting-point for your exploring expedition in the Himalayan region.

Rishikesh History, Legend and Mythology

It is believed that when Raibhya Rishi did rigorous penances here, the God appeared to name the place as 'Hrishikesh' and subsequently the place came to be known as Rishikesh.

Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge. The 'Kedar Khand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by a stronger present bridge.

There are several ancient temples and ashrams in Rishikesh which are associated with our mythological and historical background. A dip in the holy water of Ganges flowing from the river beaches of Rishikesh is capable of washing all the sins of a person.

Rishikesh Yoga and Meditation Destination

Thousand of years ago saint came to this place in order to attain peace and spirituality. As their study and practice flourished here, Rishikesh soon established itself as the birthplace of the Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, Spirituality and Spa Therapies, and it became famous world-over as a perfect place to study, learn and practice the Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation, Spiritually and Spa Therapies.

Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "The World Capital of Yoga", has numerous yoga centres that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it.

Rishikesh Weather - Rishikesh Climate Best Time to Visit

Rishikesh has continental climate, with pleasant weather throughout the year, as it is located at the foothills of Himalayas.

• Rishikesh Summers (March to June): have an average temperature of 35°C.
• Rishikesh Winters (November to February): give a pleasant weather with a temperature range of 19°C to 33°C.
• Rishikesh Monsoons: offer average rainfalls during July to September.

Best Time to Visit Rishikesh: Rishikesh can be visited all through the year, may avoid the May month when the temperature reaches maximum. Rafting season is from mid September to April.

People in Rishikesh

The locals of Rishikesh are found to be mostly peaceful with friendly demeanor, speak local language, with good Hindi and some workable English.

Rishikesh in Char Dham Road Route Map

Rishikesh is also popular because it acts as the starting point for salvation trip to the "Char Dham" pilgrimage which includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Char Dham Yatra Route: Haridwar - Rishikesh - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Chamba - Tehri - Dharasu - Barkot - Sayana Chatti - Hanuman Chatti - Jankichatti - Yamunotri - Uttarkashi - Harsil - Gangotri (Gaumukh) - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Augustmuni - Phata - Sitapur - Guptkashi - Gaurikund - Kedarnath - Ukhimath - Chopta - Gopeshwar - Chamoli - Pipalkoti - Joshimath (Auli) - Govindghat - Hanuman Chatti - Badrinath - Nandprayag - Karnprayag - Devprayag