Rishikesh is the only destination in the world that is equally popular for pilgrimage, Yoga, and Adventure Sports. It is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik range on the banks of the river Ganga in Northern India. Rishikesh has also become a popular destination for white water rafting and kayaking, attracting tourists from both India and abroad. It is also a center for hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, and bungee jumping.
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 the river Ganges it is an ideal destination for adventure activities like rafting, trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, etc.
Rishikesh is situated 25 km ahead of Haridwar at an elevation of 356 meters above sea level and 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.
Why visit Rishikesh?
Rishikesh known for its holiness has a lot to offer to its visitant as the city has an alter ego which sometimes becomes holy, sometimes adventuresome, sometimes surreal and comely. The travelers can go for temple-hopping to the nearby shrines such as Shri Neelkanth Mahadev, Vashishtha Gufa, or pamper themselves with an exotic Ayurveda treatment.
Either pay a short visit to the several assorted ashrams around Swargashram or relish the timeless beauty of the ancient temples such as Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir, and Lakshman Mandir that were enshrined by Guru Adi Shankaracharya.
One can stroll around the Sivananda Nagar, the home of Sivananda Ashram, or visit the Divine Life Society established by the great Hindu philosopher, Swami Vivekananda. You can also admire the construction of the two mammoth suspension bridges of Rishikesh, the Ram Jhula, and the Lakshman Jhula that are known for their exquisiteness.
If you are a hardcore Beatles fan, then head to the Beatles Ashram where the fab five attended a session of transcendental meditation. Also, don't miss the blissful Ganga Arti performed on the Triveni Ghat during dusk.
Staying in Rishikesh
Accommodation is not a problem at Rishikesh as the place is flooded with numerous guesthouses, hotels and resorts. Also, being a religious place, there are many ashrams and dharamshalas in Rishikesh where one can stay.
Rishikesh Food Guide
Due to the high influx of tourists and pilgrims to Rishikesh respectively, there are plenty of restaurants and roadside food stalls mushroomed at Rishikesh where chiefly Indian vegetarian food is served along with Punjabi and Garhwali dishes. Being a revered place of religious importance, non-vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly prohibited in Rishikesh.
Mythology about Rishikesh
Widely known as one of the holiest towns of India, Rishikesh is associated with several legends and mythological tales. The first one states that a sage by the name of Raibhya Rishi performed a strict penance on the banks of river Ganga. Impressed by his utmost devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of him as 'Hrishikesh' meaning ‘Lord of the Senses’ in Sanskrit. Therefore, the place became popular by the name of Hrishikesh, another name for Lord Vishnu and was later re-named as Rishikesh. The 'Kedar Khand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point.
While the other legend states that Lord Rama indulged in deep meditation here for annihilating Ravana and it was here that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama crossed the mighty river using a jute rope bridge. However, the original bridge was later replaced by an iron rope suspension bridge in 1889 and a similar bridge called Ram Jhula was made in 1986. Also, there are several ancient temples in Rishikesh that were enshrined by Adi Shankaracharya.
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. 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 at a Glance
Rishikesh is a city, a municipal council and a tehsil in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is the seventh most populous city of Uttarakhand and the largest municipal council of Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is the starting point for travelling to the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
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.
What is Rishikesh famous for?
Rishikesh is famous among tourist as Yoga, Pilgrimage, Rafting, Kayaking, Adventure Tourism, Temples, Ashrams, Weekend Getaway.
Rishikesh is recommended destination for Corporates, Couples, Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.
Rishikesh is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Biking, Camping, Char Dham Route, Christmas and New Year, Hiking, Kayaking, Leisure, Pilgrimage, Rafting, Religious, Shopping, Temples, Weekend Getaway, Yoga and Meditation.
