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Rishikesh uttaranchal
Rishikesh :: Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place. From this point on, the great Ganges leaves behind her mountain home and enters the vast plains of Northern India.
One of the many pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas, Rishikesh is where Raibhya Rishi is believed to have done penance to please God who appeared as Hrishikesh, hence the name. Millions of Hindus come here every year hoping to absolve their sins by bathing in the holy Ganga.
Legends abound here of renunciation, meditation, penance and salvation. It has developed into one of the better known centres for schools of yoga and meditation. It is also well known for several Himalayan Ashrams or religious retreats and for the availability of treatment for a variety of stress-induced ailments using meditation practices and ancient herbal techniques.
Rishikesh General Information
Location - 24 Kms from Haridwar (Uttar Pradesh)
Near by Attractions - Haridwar, Dehradun, Mussoorie
Best Season - Throughout the Year
Prime Attractions of Rishikesh
River Rafting :: River Rafting in RishikeshFor all tourists heading to northern India, River Rafting in Rishikesh or White Water Rafting in Rishikesh is a major attraction. Since, rafting is a sport which can be enjoyed by the whole family, tourists arrive in Rishikesh in huge number. It doesn't matter whether you are a newbie in the field or a skilled rafter, Rishikesh offers rafting opportunities for all. With the assistance of professional rafters and trainers, rafting in Rishikesh can be a lot of fun. While rafting along the Ganges River, you can also feast your eyes upon the scenic sights that welcome you on the either side of the river.
Lakshmanan Jhula :: Lakshmanan Jhula in RishikeshIt is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Rishikesh. Built back in the year 1929, the Lakshman Jhula is actually a suspended bridge. As per the Hindu traditions, it is believed that Lakshmana (Rama's brother; Rama is the hero of epic Ramayana) crossed the river here with the help of a jute rope. Apart from for its mythological significance, the bridge is also visited to soak up the panoramic views of the surroundings.
Ashrams in Rishikesh :: Parmarth Niketan in RishikeshThe prime tourist attractions in Rishikesh are the ashrams. The town is dispersed over with a number of ashrams, world renowned centres for spiritual studies and lessons on meditation. Some of the most popular and much visited ashrams in Rishikesh include Paremarth Niketan, Sivanand Ashram, Yoga Niketan, Omkaranand Ashram, Vanprastha Ashram, Shankaracharya Nagar Transcendental Meditation Centre, Vithal Ashram and Yoga Study Centre.
Bharat Mandir :: Bharat Mandir in RishikeshThe temple was laid down by Adiguru Shankaracharya around 8th century AD. One of the most ancient in Rishikesh, the temple occupies a position on the banks of the Holy Ganges. An idol of Lord Vishnu stands in the inner sanctum of the temple.
Triveni Ghat :: Triveni Ghat in RishikeshIt is the place where tourists can witness Hindu pilgrims in hordes. Pilgrims from all across the country arrive here to observe a holy dip in the Ganges. The scene however becomes surreal as hundreds of pilgrims flock to the ghat in the evening to attend the Ganga Aarti, an important ritual to worship the Ganga. Hundreds of diyas afloat the River Ganges add much to the sight.
Ram Jhula :: Ram Jhula in RishikeshYet another suspended bridge in Rishikesh is the Ram Jhula. The bridge serves as the connection between the Shivanand Ashram and Swarg Ashram. It is dedicated to Ram, Lakshmana's elder brother.
Tourist Attractions:
Bharat Mandir :: Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya arround 12th centuray, Bharat mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the Banks of the Ganges. Detailed account of this oldest temple of Rishikesh are available in anciant record of Kearkhand. The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of lord Vishnu, carved out of a single Saligram. In the inner canopy above the idol is shree yantra installed by Adi Sankraya Charya. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D. Lot of old statues , coins, pots and other things of historical importance were found in recent excavatiions in the premises of the temple.
Rishikund :: Close to Trivenighat is the most anciant place, the rishikund. Anciant records relate this to Kubz Saint , who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water.The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath , deicated to lord rama and his wife.
Triveni Ghat :: The main ghat in the town area where most of the pilgrims take holy dip. Every evening hundreds of pilgrims attend the Ganga Arti at the Ghat.
Geeta Bhawan :: One of the oldest temple complex in the area. The famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharta are described here on the walls.
Tera Manzil Temple :: A multistory temple complex of idols of hindu Gods, and Goddesses. Very popular among the domestic pilgrims. One can have an excellent view of the entire area from the top floor of the temple complex. Sunset view from this place in winters is a excellent option.
Festivels
Rishikesh :: Uttaranchal Tourism made a token start of the Beatles festival here on the concluding day (March 6) of the International Yoga Week. 'Vichitra Veena' player Ajit Singh gave a small performance. Incidentally, Ajit was among the local artists that performed in George Harrrison's 25th birthday in 1968 in Rishikesh.Uttaranchal Tourism plans to hosts an annual Beatles Festival here to commemorate the visit of Fab Four to this holy township. Music concerts, exhibitions, shows, etc are likely to take place from next year.The Beatles Festival in Rishikesh made a quiet start this year but even then it evoked worldwide response.Lauding the move, Tom Weel, Editor of Beatles Unlimited (London), said," It's a good idea, hope it will attract many people and fans.Expressing similar sentiments Paul Saltzman says, "I am very happy to hear that the people of Rishikesh and the Uttaranchal Tourism are remembering the visit of the Beatles to Rishikesh in 1968.Their visit there brought great attention, worldwide, to Rishikesh and to meditation. I hope, in the future, that an annual festival of music, lectures and other events can be created to celebrate all that Rishikesh has to offer to the world," he adds. Paul is a Canada based two-time Emmy award winning director/producer and author of 'The Beatles in Rishikesh.The 1968 visit to Rishikesh had a deep impact on the life of the Beatles. Stating this Jorie B. Gracen. Says, "As a Beatles fan I know just how important India's influence was over the Beatles and their music and how it became a spiritual destination for George Harrison in life and in death.It was in Rishikesh where India's mysticism, beauty and culture captured the heart of the Fab Four. So much so that to this day Paul McCartney still visits India, decorates his house and his private backstage "inner sanctum" in Indian decor, and has written a song called "India" which has not yet been released. Ringo Starr boasts a large library of Indian music which he sometimes plays in the background for his amusing Web cam Internet videos," she concludes.Jorie is the author of "Paul McCartney: I Saw Him Standing There" (Billboard Books) and the Web master of the Paul McCartney Photo Web Page and Macca Report.
Rishikesh Travel Information
Air :: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehra Dun 18 km.
Rail :: Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar which is on the main route . Haridwar is connected directely with Mumbai, Lucknow, Howrah, Kalka, Sri Ganganagar, Allahabad and Delhi.
Road :: Rishikesh is well connected by road with all major cities in the state.
Some important cities distance from Rishikesh
Haridwar
24 kms.
Dehra Dun
42 kms.
Mussoorie
77 kms.
Gangotri
258 kms.
Yamunotri
288 kms.
Delhi
238 kms.
