Rishikesh is the only destination in the world which is equally popular for pilgrimage, Yoga and Adventure Sports. It is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik range on the banks of 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 river Ganges it is an ideal destination for adventure activities like rafting, trekking, rock climbing, kayaking etc.
Rishikesh is situated 25 kms 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 travellers 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.
Activities in Rishikesh
Pilgrimage: Rishikesh is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in Hinduism and attracts large number of devotees and pilgrims who visit this spiritual abode and take a dip in the holy Ganges to cleanse their soul.
Yoga and Meditation: Rishikesh is considered the ‘Yoga capital of the world ’. Tourists and spiritual seekers from all over the world visit Rishikesh to learn the ancient techniques of yoga and meditation and find inner peace. Every year in March, International Yog Festival is organized in Rishikesh.
Rafting: Rafting in Rishikesh is popular all over the country and the turbulent waves of river Ganges makes it a popular adventure activity at Rishikesh. Adventure seekers flock at Rishikesh in large numbers post-monsoon to enjoy the thrill of rafting. Book your rafting tour here.
Adventure Sports: Apart from rafting, there are many adventure activities that will appeal to the adventure seekers. Some activities tourists can try at Rishikesh are bungee jumping, Flying Fox, Cliff Jumping, Body Surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, and zip lining.
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, Shopping, Temples, Weekend Getaway, Yoga and Meditation.

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