Rishikesh in Uttrakhand is a perfect place to witness the confluence of spirituality, divinity of river Ganga, Yoga, adventure, mediation and Ayurveda. Due to its spectacular views and its religious importance Rishikesh become one of the largest tourist attraction from all over the globe.
Rishikesh ( Rishi+kesh) defines as the hair locks of sage (Rishi). Rishikesh is also known as an abode of sage where many sages meditated and attained moksha from Vedic times. Here Yoga is practiced by many sages, rishis from ancient times which is why Rishikesh is also known as Yoga Capital of World where people from all over world come to learn and practice of yoga.
Since 1999 International Yoga Fest is held every year. It is a one week festival that serves yoga lessons for 70 hours.
Location
Rishikesh is located at the banks of river Ganga in the Dehradun district of Uttrakhand state in India. It resides on the foothills of Shivaliks in Gharwal region. Haridwar and Rishikesh were announced as Twin National Heritage cities of India. Rishikesh from Haridwar is at the stretch of around 30-35 km is Gateway to Gharwal Himalayas , A junction of the paths leading to Chardham of Uttrakhand (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath). Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun.
Places to visit in Rishikesh
Due to it’s Divine History, Rishikesh is a site of many, temples and ashrams where one can visit to have blessings and find peace in the lap of divine nature.
Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is a holy bath in the conference of three rivers the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Saraswati. Every evening Arti is organized at the ghat. The Arti in itself is fulfilling with divine beauty of sparkling diyas floating with the spiritual chanting in the river.
Triveni Ghat is located near the main market.
Lakshman Jhula: Lakshman Jhula is popular due it’s market and rafting site. It is a suspension bridge on river Ganga which is around 5 km from Rishikesh. It is believed that Lakshman , brother of lord Rama crossed the Ganga by jute rock. There is Lakshmana temple on one end of the bridge. One can walk through the bridge or can also ride a bike.
Ram Jhula: Ram Jhula is also a suspension bridge in Sivanand that connects Sivanand Ashram with Swarg Ashram. Like Lakshman Jhula Ram Jhula is also a pedestrian bridge and is also used for bike rides. Parmarth Niketan is located in Swarg Ashram which hosts International Yoga Fest every year.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth temple dedicated to Shiva is located at a distance of 32 km from Rishikesh.Actording to legends here Mahadev consumed poison due to which his throat turned blue due to which he is also known as the name of Neelkanth.
Beatles Ashram
Chorasi Kuti original name of the Ashrm built and Run by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ji, It is the place where the band, Beatles stayed and learnt Yoga and meditation. They wrote many songs which appeared in White album.
Adventure sports in Rishikesh.
White water Rafting
Rishikesh is extremely popular for its rafting on the river Ganga. There are many grades or levels of rafting. March to June is considered as best period for Rafting
Cliff Jumping
Cliff Jumping is also one of the craziest and exciting sport one can do in Rishikesh after Rafting. Cliff Jumping into river Ganga is considered as most thrilling as well as dangerous activity.
Kayaking
one can enjoy the beautiful views paddling through Kayak in Flawless waters of river Ganga.
Apart from this the activities like bungee jumping, rock climbing are also very popular. One can also practice yoga, meditational in various ashrams. Rishikesh is also famous for its cafes and music with beautiful ambiences.