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Rishikesh
[ Edit ] Overview
Rishikesh is situated on the Ganges, about 25 km to the north of Haridwar. Rishikesh meaning ‘lord of the senses’ is a holy city for the Hindus and is generally the starting point for pilgrims doing a pilgrimage of the Char Dham. While the numerous ashrams and shrines attract the religious travelers in search of spiritual solace, the natural beauty of Rishikesh also attracts tourists who come to enjoy its beautiful surroundings. It has become a center for the study of Hindu philosophy, ayurvedic medicine and yoga.
The renowned Hindu spiritualist, Adi Shankaracharya, came here in the 9th century AD and spent time here during the course of his pilgrimage to different prominent Hindu religious centers.
[ Edit ] History
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
[ Edit ] Location
365m above sea level in the Dehradun district of Uttaranchal.
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
October to April
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
[ Edit ] STD Code
0135
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Bharat Mandir
Another popular attraction for devotees and tourists, the temple is near the Triveni Ghat. It is reported to be the oldest of the temples in the area. The statue of Vishnu in the temple was supposedly sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit in the 9th century.
[ Edit ] Lakshman Jhoola
About 3km from Rishikesh, is Lakshman Jhoola, a suspension bridge along the River Ganga. It was the old route taken to reach the holy cities of Badrinath and Kedarnath. This iron bridge was built in 1939. There is another newly constructed iron bridge, very similar to this one called Ram Jhoola. It extends from Sivanand Ashram to Swarg ashram.
[ Edit ] Other Attractions
There are many ashrams in Rishikesh. Some of the popular ones are Swarg Ashram, Parmarth Niketan and Ved Niketan. Muni-ki-reti has sandy shores and clear waters – ideal for swimming or resting.
[ Edit ] Rajaji National Park
Wild Elephants and rich biodiversity, with the majestic Ganges flowing through it, are the primary attractions of Rajaji National Park. The Park is spread across 820 sq. km. in the Shivalik Hills of the Outer Himalayas and has two rivers flowing through it - Rivers Ganga and Song. In addition to these rivers there are numerous streams and brooks which flow during the monsoons but dry up for most parts of the year. The park is home to 24 species of mammals including elephants, tigers, and panthers and 316 species of birds. Rajaji National Park is located 37 kms from Rishikesh. more
[ Edit ] Tera Manzil Temple
This multistoried temple is very popular among pilgrims. From the top floor of the complex offers great view especially during sunset.
[ Edit ] Triveni Ghat
Conveniently located in the center of the town, pilgrims come here to take a dip in the waters of sacred river Ganga. In the morning devotees come to the ghat to pray and give offerings of milk or to feed the fish in the river. In the evenings thousands of lamps are lit here for the evening prayers or aarti.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport, from where you can continue to Rishikesh by road (1 hour drive). Kingfisher Red flies from Delhi to Dehradun, twice a day.
[ Edit ] Rail
The main station is at Haridwar, from where the journey is continued by road.
[ Edit ] Road
Rishikesh has good road connections to Delhi and other nearby cities and towns. The bus services are very efficient. Taxis or private cars can be easily hired.
Driving distances to Rishikesh from:
- Delhi: 224 kms
- Dehradun: 43 kms
- Haridwar: 25 kms
- Rajaji National Park: 37 kms
[ Edit ] Getting Around
Chauffeured cars are available to move around the town. Auto and cycle rickshaws provide a cheaper mode of transport. There are regular ferries to get across the river.
[ Edit ] Other Information
Try to visit the International Yoga festival in February. It is a major event organized for visitors by the tourism department. Well organized facilities for boating, swimming and trekking are available here. For the adventurous tourists, white-water rafting and rock climbing is available at Shivpuri and Kaudiyala. Take up a yoga course at one of the ashrams or travel to nearby places like Neelkanth, Mahadev or Rajaji National Park.
Most of the accommodation available is fairly simple. In fact, facilities at some of the cheaper ashrams consist of mere essentials. But there are also some very convenient hotels. Most of the hotels are located around the bus stand in the town, while the ashrams are along the banks of the river.
[ Edit ] Shopping
Being a major pilgrim center, shopping here caters mainly religious articles and religious books. Handicrafts, woolens, cotton handloom textiles, souvenirs and other paraphernalia can be purchased from the Gharwal Wool and Craft Store, Khadi Bhandar and UP Handlooms. The shops at Gita Bhavan sell religious items, including books and Khadi cotton items. The place has a good Ayurvedic dispensary.
[ Edit ] Food
Only vegetarian food is served in Rishikesh. Non vegetarian food is not allowed in the city. However both north Indian and south Indian food is readily available. Consumption of alcohol is also strictly prohibited in here. Restaurants vary in size but the food in general is wholesome and tasty. Some of the less expensive places are very basic but the food is good. The Ayurvedic and health food restaurants have become very popular over the years.
Try the German Bakery at Laxman Jhoola if you are looking for decent Continental fare, including a great spinach pasta.
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