Rishikesh can be called as a place of mental peace ness, far away from the tension of our busy life, a paradise for Nature-lovers. This Tapo Bhumi or the place of meditation for the Gods, is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level, nestles at the foot of the Himalayas. Sits at the base of the Himalayan Mountain range and at the edge of the young Ganges Rive, it is a place of surpassing natural beauty.
Our mythology says that, the sage Raibhya Rishi sat on the banks of the Ganga and performed severe penance. He was rewarded when the lord appeared in the form of Rishikesh, thus giving the place its present name. Literally, Rishi’s (holy man) locks, this small town is the point where the holy Ganges crashes down in full glory onto huge boulders and creates long stretches of white sandy beaches. The banks are lined with ashrams, where saints and holy men rested before beginning their arduous pilgrimage up into the snow-covered land of the gods. The spiritual atmosphere here calms many souls. The town of Rishikesh lies in the foothills of the Garhwal region. It is the gateway to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point for pilgrim routes to the four dhams of Uttarakhand-Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
It is called as the `Yoga Capital of the World'. At Rishikesh, Ganga leaves the mountains and joins the plains for her long journey. So, its amazing scenic beauty attracts every one. The total population of the area is approximately 80,000.People mainly speak their own language Garwali or Hindi. People of this place are so simple and gentle. Maximum travelers are from French, they stay here for a long time to learn Yoga, Meditation or Veda and Vedanta, the Hindu sacred scriptures.One of the oldest ashrams in Rishikesh is Kali Kamliwala Kshetra, a mammoth organization embracing many activities. Its founder Swami Vishudhanand was also known as the 'Kali Kamli Wala' (One, with The Black Blanket).
Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, , Triveni Ghat, Gita Bhavan Trayambakeswar MandirGita Bhavan,ancient Sachcha Akhileswar temple, Bharat Mandir, Ashrams etc. are the prime tourist attraction in Rishikesk.
Lakshman Jhula, the famous hanging bridge, has been a major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. It is a 450 feet long suspension bridge, 70 feet height from the river; build in 1929, before that it was made of simple jute rope. It is said that Lakshman crossed Ganga on jute ropes between the places where this bridge is built. This Bridge constructed along the ancient route to Badrinath and Kedarnath. Temples line both sides of the river at Lakshman jhula.
Ram Jhula- Also known as Shivanand Jhula, Ram Jhula is another suspension bridge spanning the river along the ancient route to Kedarnath and Badrinath. It is constructed recently constructed between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula.
Triveni Ghat- a bathing spot, on the bank of the river Ganga and the end of the main Rishikesh market, where devotees take holy dips and offer prayers. It is the most important places for religious ceremonies in Rishikesh. It is believed that the Ganga is joined here by the Yamuna and the Saraswati Rivers. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti mainly performed by the priests. It is very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river, especially at the evening. As the sun begins to set, plating the river with gold, bells and gongs ring and chants fill the air. All devotees, including the tourists from outside India, perform the Aarti and then release flower-filled tiny leaf boats carrying oil lamps and left them float out on the river.
Gita Bhavan, the newly constructed building near Swargasram, famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula Gita Bhavan well known for its Ayurvedic dispensary, bells, shops selling religious books and cotton Khadi, sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology etc.
Traembakeswar Mandir and Kailashanand Mission Ashram two thirteen storied buildings, near to Lakshman Jhula, standing at the top of which, its feels that our eyes watching a canvas where God has painted his holy and picturesque town Rishikesh, surrounded with mountains and sky. The whole temple decorated with the statue of “Dwadas Jyotirlinga”, it is a famous Shiva Temple.
Sachcha Akhileswar Temple, famous for its 14 feet height Shivling, situated at the bank of Ganga.
Near to Triveni Ghat, we can see Bharat Mandir; one of the oldest temples.Bharat Mandir holds an irresistible charm. It is one of the few temples in India that are dedicated to the worship of Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama. The temple's presiding deity is a black stone Vishnu, which is believed to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya when he visited Rishikesh in the 9th century. The old Lakshman Temple is on the West Bank.
Swarg Ashram, one of the famous pilgrim centers, with well equipped lodging facility along with its numerous ashrams, food stalls and shops which is a haunt for those looking for insights into religious themes. The beautiful statues in the area mesmerize the visitors. Boat rides on the river near Swarg Ashram are a pleasant diversion, and you can feed the fish that cluster around pilgrims throwing balls of wheat flour into the waters.
Parmarth Niketan can be called as a spiritual haven, resting serenely on the banks of the holy Ganga(Ganges), nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. The ashrams beautiful architecture and aesthetic presentation of pious themes create an atmosphere of true spiritual sublimity. The beautiful statue of Lord Siva at the middle of Ganga can be seen from here. One can take holy bath here as it is at the bank of Ganga. As you stay in the ashram, you will feel your soul bathing in the peace of sacred energies, including those that emanate from nature and those that linger from the timeless healing powers of saints, sages and holy ones.
Omkarananda Ashram established by Sage and Philosopher Swami Omkarananda who is an embodiment of highest spirituality, with the prime objective to love, serve and help all equally.The Hatha yoga and Pranayama meditation classes at Sri Veda Niketan Ashram are well known. The Shivananda Ashram is located opposite the Shivananda Jhula and is flocked by tourists. It is also possible to stay in the ashram by intimating the authorities a month earlier. Other well known Ashrams are Yoga Niketan, Vanprastha Ashram, Dayanand Vedanta Ashram, Vanmali Gita Yogashram, Shankaracharya Nagar Transcendental Meditatation Centre, Vithal Ashram and Yoga Study Centre etc. Hemkund Gurdwara is a one of the Sikh pilgrim centre there.
Near the river Ganga, in the deep forest, a few ‘Kuthia’ (huts), have constructed for the famous sages and philosophers, which is covered with deep green forest. Entry to the place reminds the total peace of mind. Above all these spots, the most fascinating thing in Rishikesh is to sit at the bank of the river Ganga and enjoying pristine scenic beauty of the river Ganga at the foot hills of Himalayas, surrounded by big mountains.
Excursion:-
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Situated on top of a hill across the Ganga is 12 kms from Rishikesh and at a height of 1675 mtrs. on Manicut Parvat above Swarg Ashram, is surrounded by peaceful forests and hills. Mythology says that in the ancient times when the ocean was being churned (Sagar Manthan) for 'amrit' (Potion for immortality), first poison came out. Shiva drunk this deadly kalkut vish and retained it in his throat and came to this Parvat.This poison permanently made his throat blue, hence the name Neelkanth (blue throated).After 60,000 years when Shiva left this place and went to Kailash He kept his blue throat here.Neelkanth Mahadeo Mela held in the temple of the same name attracts 3 to 4 lakh pilgrims in every Shivratri and Shravan (mid-July to August) every year. Bhubaneswari Mata Temple:-Near to Neelkanth Temple, it is the place where Bhagwati Mata waited for Neelkath Mahadev.Dwadash JyotirlingaTtemple: A temple with 12 Shivlings, brought from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.Devprayag: The Rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirath leave the mountains and merge at this place. From here they get the name Ganga.From Rishikesh there are excursions to the holy shrines of Badrinarth and Kedarnath, situated at a distance of 228 kms, considered the most holy of pilgrimage places for Hindus.Rudra Prayag:A holly place,137 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini. The temples that dot this region are those of Rudranath and Chamunda Devi.Rajaji National Park at Chilla, 20 kms. from Rishikesh is one of the few sanctuaries where you can see wild elephants along their migratory path up to Corbett National Park. A reservoir fed by the Ganges is a favourite watering hole for the animals and they can be viewed in large numbers. A tourist lodge near the sanctuary provides adequate rooms for the visitors. Haridwar: 24 kms from Rishikesh.Haridwar town is the gateway to the abode of Gods. The mythological and religious importance of Hardwar is well known. The 'Kumbh' and the 'Ardh Kumbh' fairs are held periodically, every twelfth and sixth year in Haridwar, when a large number of pilgrims and devotees converge to commemorate this divine event.Dehradun: Only 42 kms. from Rishikesh. This place is famous for the water falls ‘Sahasra Dhara’.Narendra Nagar: 15 kms on the Rishikesh- Chamba road is located the historical town of Narendra Nagar. Built by the King of Tehri, Narendra Singh the royal palace and the magnificent Nandi Bull attract attention.
Rishikesh offers you handicraft items made of Shells, beads and pearls, easily available in the market near to Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula. Sarees, Kurtas, sheets and rugs can be purchased from here. One can buy these items from the government approved U.P handloom shop, Khadi Bhandar, Garhwal wool and craft shop etc. Rishikesh is strictly vegetarian and there is a ban on alcoholic drinks. The food is reasonably good. Besides the larger restaurants, smaller eateries including the famous ‘Chotiwala’retaurant serve inexpensive tasty food. Different activities include White Water Rafting, Trekking to Nearby Garhwali Village, Rock Climbing & Rappelling, Visit to Stalactite and Stalagmites Caves etc. Accommodation can be sought in the various hotels, lodges and tourist bungalows.It is better to see the place by foot though auto rickshaws are available.
How to get there:-
Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), 25 kms.
Rail: Rishikesh is well connected by rail via Haridwar (24 kms), to Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun etc.
Road: Haridwar is well connected by bus and other vehicles with Delhi, Agra, Kullu, Manli, Shimla, Rishikesh etc.
The peak season for visiting Rishikesh is between September-January.
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