RISHIKESH

ABOUT RISHIKESH

Rishikesh is an Pilgrimage city of Hindus,situated at a distance of 20 km from Haridwar,Rishikesh is a Gateway for for pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Badrinath.Bathing in Sacred river Ganga can and visiting temples alongside the river bank holds an important place in Hindu religion.Pilgrims and tourist from all across the country and outside the country come in large numbers to visit this Holy and Beautiful city.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air : The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), 25 km. Vayudoot services operates from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant).
Rail: Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar (24 km), to all the major cities of the state and India
Road: Rishikesh is connected by road via Haridwar with Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Kullu, Manali, and Shimla. It is also linked to Mussourie (77 km), Badrinath (301 km), Kedarnath (228 km), Gangotri (258 km), Yamunotri (288 km), Srinagar (105 km), and Joshimath (252 km). We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too

DISTANCES FROM MAJOR CITIES

» Delhi (235 km)
» Meerut (170 km)
» Chandigarh (175 km)
» Mussoorie (36 km)

PLACES OF INTEREST IN RISHIKESH

Nilkanth Mahadeo : Mythology says that in the ancient times when the ocean was being churned for 'amrit' (Potion for immortality), first venom oozed out. Lord Shiva drank the venom at a place which is now called Nilkanth Mahadeo. It is 12 kms from Rishikesh and is surrounded by peaceful forests.

Lakshmanan Jhula :This suspended Iron bridge was build in 1939 and has been a major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. It is said that Lakshman crossed Ganga on jute ropes between the place where this bridge is built. The Ganges appears very panoramic from the bridge.
One can enjoy the picturesque surroundings and the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge. If you feel like feeding the fish in the Ganges, take a boat and cross the river. The boat ride makes the bridge appear more gorgeous. Close to LakshmanJuhla is the Ram Jhula - This suspended bridge was recently build between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. Ram Juhla is also known as Shivanand Jhula.

Bharat Mandir : Bharat Mandir: Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya around 12th century, 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 excavations in the premises of the temple.

Parmarth Niketan : This temple is 12 km off Dehradun on route to Rishikesh. It is one of the few temples in the region, which can be accessed by a motorable road, and a large number of people visit this temple on Sundays. Legend has is that Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord ram underwent his penance here for killing the demon king Ravan.
"When global orange sun suspended, waits low amid the red/yellow streaked horizon, then all these combine to give this town a very special evening. The temple bells roar, priests enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stand the pilgrims . Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals and a small candle flame, flickering ride the current of water of wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens , spreading a blanket of stillness. Everything stops, except the sound of current , which has just sunk the tiny flames of cupped leaves, few minutes".
Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi:Situated on the extreme end of Geeta Bhawan area , Marishi's TM centre is situated in the peaceful forest area. Once the most active branch has nothing much to offer to the visitors today.

Kunjapuri Temple : Drive to Kunja Puri, one of the thirteen most important Goddesses of Shivalik range , the lower Himalayas.One can witness excellent sunrise or sun set on the Greater Hiamalayan Peaks and the vast Indo Gangetic plains . One can see almost all the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here eg Banderpunch (6316 Mts), Swarga Rohini (6252 Mts), Gangotri ( 6672 mts), Chaukhamba (7138 mts) etc.

Vasishtha Goofa : One hour drive from Rishikesh up river is situated Vasishtha Goofa , where famous saint Vasishtha meditated on the banks of the Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is a perfect place for meditation.

Rishikund : Close to Trivenighat is the most ancient 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 , deidicated 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.

EXCURSIONS FROM RISHIKESH

Dehradun : Beyond the gardens amidst the low hill guarding the city lies the old pilgrim centre of Galtaji. Temples, pavilions and holy 'kunds' (natural springs and reservoirs) dot the serene green landscape. The small temple of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on top of the highest peak, is visible form all parts of the city.

White Water Rafting :The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams, they race along tortuous boulder-strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into silvery-white rapids.

Chila : It is just 20 kms from Rishikesh. The whole place is covered with forests and provides very pleasant environment. Government has declared Chila a sanctuary. A canal from Ganga feeds the reservoir where one can spot many animals. One can stay at the tourist lodge and enjoy the peaceful scenic surroundings.

Kunjapuri : Close to Narendra nagar, situated at 7000 ft this place is covered with dense forests. From here one can get a glimpse of the peaks and valleys.

Valley of Flower : The famous Valley of Flowers with the largest concentration of various species of wild flowers is off the Rishikesh-Badrinath road, 16 km from Govindghat.

Narendra Nagar : 15 kms on the Rishikesh Chamba road is located the historical town of Narendra nagar. This town is of archaeological importance. The town was built by the King of Tehri Narendra Singh. Narendra nagar has recorded many events which have left their impact on the town. The Royal palace is worth seeing and the huge magnificent Nandi bull cannot escape your attention.

Auli : One of the well established Sports Circuit of the state of Uttar Pradesh. With their wide open spaces above the snowfields of Garhwal and Kumaon, the place offers an exciting possibility - ski touring amongst the glaciers. The cross-country runs of 10-20 km with added advantage of fresh powder snow from crisscrossing streams, tearing down the snowlines of the European Alps.

Devprayag : The rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirath leave the mountains and merge at this place. From here they get the name Ganga. A peaceful holy place. It has got the ancient Raghunathji Temple.

ASHRAMS AND YOGA IN RISHIKESH

Yoga : Yoga is a form of physical exercise, which involves physical stress to get perfect harmony, balance and concord between the physical, physiological and spiritual health. Yoga is of many types, including Hatha-yoga, Raj-yoga, Karma-yoga, Bhakti-yoga, Mantra-yoga and Laya Yoga. Ashrams in Rishikesh have all the required facilities for Yoga.

Meditation : Meditation is a form of mental exercise, done to improve the mental power and concentration. Meditation is generally done at a quite place, eyes closed, and getting lost in an unknown world of spirituality. A typical session of meditation lasts for 10 minutes to one hour.

Massage and Naturopathy : The ashrams in Rishikesh provide services for massage and naturopathy. Massage is done using natural oils and herbs. Naturopathy involves medical treatment, using the natural resources and processes. Naturopathy has been very successful in curing acute and chronic diseases.

Residential Ashrams : The ashrams in Rishikesh provide with full residential facilities. These ashrams are known for the best of stay facilities. Fooding, lodging, laundry and other requirements are fulfilled in the ashrams. Most of the ashrams here donot charge anything for stay. They are run on donations made by pilgrims and visitors.

MAJOR ASHRAMS :
An annual International Yoga Week Festival is organised in Rishikesh, during the months of February or March. Leading spiritual leaders, Yoga teachers, Meditation teachers, Naturopath doctors and thousands of devotees participate in the festival.
Some of the major ashrams in Rishikesh are:
• Paramarth Niketan
• Sivanand Ashram
• Yoga Niketan
• Omkaranand Ashram
• Vanprastha Ashram
• Ved Niketan Dayanand
• Vedanta Ashram
• Vanmali Gita Yogashram
• Shankaracharya Nagar Transcendental Meditation Centre
• Vithal Ashram and Yoga Study Centre

SHOPPING

The adventure destination of Rishikesh does have its fair share of attractions in the local markets too. You may check out the local market for products in beads, shells and pearls besides the handicraft items. Then there are the handloom products that are very typical of the state. The pilgrims who flock to Rishikesh pick up the Rudraksh mala or the Hindu rosary along with some other natural beads.
Handicrafts made with shells, pearls, etc and also colourful semi precious stones. Close to Ram Jhula is a place called Gita Bhavan where one can buy bedsheets, sarees and various other clothes. The asafetida of Rishikesh is very famous.