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Rishikesh – The World Capital of Yoga
Located along the union of the Chandrabhaga River and Ganga in the foothills of Himalayas, Rishikesh is known as the most tranquil place of Uttarakhand. The city is also known as “Yoga Capital of the world” and “Gateway to the Himalayas”. It is the only place in the world that is popular equally for pilgrimage, adventure sports, and yoga, attracting tourists both from India and abroad. For those in the hunt for peace and spirituality, Rishikesh is a perfect destination. Located on the banks of River Ganga, it also makes an ideal destination for adventurous activities like trekking, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, and more.
According to the legends, Lord Rama performed penance at this place for killing Lanka’s asura king – Ravana. Pleased by Lord Rama, Lord Vishnu in the avatar of “Hrishikesh” appeared before him. It is where the town received its present name, “Rishikesh”. The place where the Lakshman Jhula is situated is the spot from where Lakshman, Lord Rama’s brother crossed the River Ganga with the help of a jute rope. This jute bridge was then replaced in 1889 by an iron bridge, which got destroyed by the floods of 1924. It was then replaced by a stronger bridge in 1927.
Rishikesh is not only a land of temples but the city is also the host of many festivals and events. You can experience the real colors of Hindu festivals in Rishikesh. People from around the country come to Rishikesh to become a part of these festivals.
International Yoga Festival Since 2008, an International Yoga Festival is held in the city. People from different cities come and take part in the festival. One can learn different styles and types of asanas and yogas in this festival.
Kanwar Mela: This festival invites people from across the country to come and collect the holy water from Ganga. This is a huge fair and people come in flocks to Rishikesh to attend it. Except for the above-mentioned festivals and events in Rishikesh, the city also celebrates Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, and Navratri will full zeal and enthusiasm.
International Kayak Festival Rishikesh holds the exciting rapid of the International Kayak Festival. This festival has 3 competitions including Mass Boater Cross, River Race, and Boater Cross. Professional level kayakers can participate in this festival.
Rishikesh is well-known for its sacredness and holiness and offers a lot to the visitants. It has an alter ego that sometimes gets adventurous, sometimes holy, and sometimes surreal. Below is the list of must-visit places in Rishikesh:
This iron suspension bridge of the 20thcentury is one of the most popular tourist attraction on the Ganga Holy bank, at the junction of an enthralling history, magnificent architecture and stunning scenery. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world with its wild water on your feet and strong winds blowing through your head.
This bridge is built in the honor of two brothers, the Rama Jhula sister ridge. The legends say that this is the place where Lord Rama 's newest brother Lakshmana with only two jute ropes crossed the Ganga River.
Bharat Mandir is known as one of the most sacred temples in the city, an ancient temple in the heart of Rishikesh. It is reported that Lord Vishnu was happy with the tough penance of Raibhya Rishi in the XVIIth century and he said that he will reside there as Hrishikesh Narayan.
It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here to worship Hrishikesh Narayan during their journey to Heaven. The place was also supposed to have transformed into a Buddhist monastery during the reign of Ashoka and Lord Buddha himself visited the temple.
The confluence of the three major rivers, the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswathi, is considered the most luxurious bathing area of the popular Ganga Snan. The person who dips in the Triveni Ghat is expected to be released from all sins and cleaned by water.
The place is home to devotees who give their daily devotions from Hindu culture, including milk and fish feeding, in the morning. Some of the biggest attractions for fans, as well as visitors is the Ganga pujas or the Maha Aatri.
A renowned temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most prominent places in Rishikesh, the Neelkanth Mahadev temple. The joy of this is further enhanced by being one of the leading Hindu temples in this beautiful region.
In the months of Shrawan and Sivratri, one of the best known places to share their love to their lord Shiva, crowded and graced with a number to Hindu devotees. You can pray or get the respected priests to read your doshas and correct them in the stars.
The temple will amaze you with the subtleties of fine detail without any technology, its enthralling architecture.
Parmarth Niketan is a real spiritual sanctuary on the banks of Mother Ganga. Considered to be Rishikesh 's largest Ashram, it is home to thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. A clean , pure and sacred environment with lots of beautiful gardens is the convergence of traditional spiritual living with modern amenities.
Alongside the enchanting beauty of the ashram, the pure flowing gange at your side of Parmarth Niketan 's voice and spirit of divine human communion, the love of the essence of forest and healing power for the saints, savages and saints.
The Swargashram Ashram, which has been built in Swami Vishudhanand 's memory, is especially popular among international tourists thanks to its ethnic touch. Located near Ram-Jhula in Gangapur, it is surrounded by ashrams, temples and many of the houses.
As an environment where the religious practices such as singing, meditation, and aarti are often attracted, Swargashram is a place built for persons who want to live closer to God.
This place will not let you experience boredom, regardless of how long you stay, with an arena of various shopping areas, shops, parks, cafes, libraries, meditation centers , hotels and restaurations.
The Gita bhavan is a great place to devote devotees, a large resort situated on the banks of the Holy River Ganga. The Gita Bhavan offers a great number of safe, modern facilities and spiritual atmosphere for people on the popular Ganga Snan.
Gita Bhavan is the home of a variety of meditation programs and Satsangs for people who want to embrace spirituality. This is also the place you plan to buy holy clothes, books and various ayurvedic drugs and cures for a better way of life.
A place with the love of the All-Powerful leave behind your worldly problems, with a month's stay
This 13-story temple, built like the pyramid, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses hundreds of Hindu gods and deity. In order to ensure that you visit all the sanctuaries on your way to the main temple, a move in the square will lead you to a peaceful experience.
A beautifully interesting view of Ganga and the Rishiksh valley is combined with the sublime comfort of the temple.
The Mahá Shivratri Festival and the Sawan month were founded at the 12th century by Shankaracharya and are the most famous times to visit the temple due to the celebrations of Lord Shiva, the Hindu god.
This beautiful ashram was previously called Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram and is situated on the right spot on the lap of the National Park of Rajaji, surrounded on the one side by the hypnotistic river Ganga, and on the other by the thick deep forest.
In 1968, the band of members of one of the famous English Band Beatles visited and stayed at this place attracted the attention of the entire world. The place had been in the news for a while, but with time the mood died and the Forest Department of Uttarakhand finally transformed the Ashram into an eco-friendly tourism destination.
Jumping heights, if there's a place in India to jump through the mountains. The experience of bungee jumping is something which Jumping Heights only masters, completes with the highest safety standards in the world combine with the incredible view of the mountains.
This place is the home of adrenalin junkies, who want to live life at the edge of it, providing you with three impressive experiences, that of Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox and the Giant Swing. Mr Rahul Nigam, the man's brainchild, is not only the first Indian bungee experience, but the first Extreme Adventure Zone in India is being unveiled at the facility.
Vashishta Gufa is a beauty lapped by Ganga water and a spot for a quiet life and meditation. It is believed that Saga Vashishta decided to commit suicide by drowning himself in the Ganga River after the death of his kids, rich in natural beauty and historical significance, but the goddess refused to let him die. Vashishta Gufa is after that the place where he long meditated as his wife Arundhati lived.
visitors have a calming effect on them when they visit this place.
With fascinating views of the river under your feet and an air full of mysticism and relax.
Ganga Arti is one of the most wonderful places of worship with the scent of incense, the songs that fill the room and beautiful diyas and lamps illuminate the night and the water. The Ganga Arti is an experience that goes straight into the heart, transcending human borders, literature and language understanding.
The daily dusk of witnesses gathers people at the banks of the river Ganga and thanks them for providing people with light and life. Ganga is life's canal, which supplies millions of people with fresh water on their way.
Shiva or Shivpuri's Adobe is a lovely small village 19 kilometers from Rishikesh. This place is a haven for adventure sports seekers with the river ganga surrounding this lovely location. In addition to international safety standards and qualified guards alongside you, Shivpuri offers you the opportunity to play sports like climbing, rappelling, cliff jumping, paragliding and, of course, river rafting.
Shivpuri is the ideal confluence point for peace and adventure and is made entirely for adventure junkies. Shivpuri reflects the image of the landscape we used as children with a multitude of camping sites,mountains, river and the sun setting behind the mountains.
Holy Dip: This should be on the top of your list when you are on a trip to Rishikesh. Taking a holy dip in the holy River Ganga lets you experience the reputed healing powers.
River Rafting: Rishikesh is quite famous for river rafting on Ganga. For those adventure lovers, it is the best activities to do in Rishikesh.
Bungee Jumping: Bungee Jumping is another fun activity in Rishikesh. Get ready to kiss the gravity while losing yourself from high up in the air.
Camping: A wonderful recreational activity that can be enjoyed by anyone without considering the age limit. If you want to explore new spots in Rishikesh and enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature, then you can embark on a superb camping voyage.
Mountain Biking: For those in love of biking, Mountain Biking can leave you in awe in Rishikesh. Allow the adrenaline flow in you while you pedal through the mud, wood, and rocky terrains.
Trekking: You can see many soft treks around Rishikesh that will take you to hidden waterfalls and beautiful natural wonders.
Cliff Jumping: Like other adventurous sports in the city, cliff jumping can be of great interest to both beginners and experts.
Rappelling: In Rishikesh, rappelling is something that should not be missed. A delight for the adventurous people, it is going to test your strength.
Ayurvedic Therapies and Massages: When it comes to different Ayurvedic practices, Rishikesh is a well-known holy grail. Many places like Ayurveda Bhavan, Ayurveda Center, Braham Yoga & Healing, etc. offer Ayurvedic massage service to put your body and mind in serenity.
Meditation and Yoga: There are many meditation and yoga centers in Rishikesh like Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Shree Mahesh Heritage School and more. They are the best places to visit to rejuvenate yourself when you are in Rishikesh. Just visit any of them and hold the tranquility in you.
Ganga Aarti: Attend the Rishikesh’s Ganga aarti to witness the vibrant and zealous Hindu customs and cultures. Let your spirit get familiar with the peaceful and calm side of this city. Beatles Ashram: Learn meditation from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at the Beatles Ashram. You can take incredible selfies before the cool and artistic walls of this place.
Wildlife Sightseeing: Visit Rajaji National Park to venture into the house of the Bengal tigers and Asiatic Elephants. The place welcomes you to experience the wilderness of Rishikesh.
Shopping: For the shopaholics, Rishikesh offers many local shops. You can get something really great that will also reflect the Rishikesh culture. The markets offer many organic and exotic products. If you need a break from your monotonous life and mundane routine, Rishikesh can be a heaven for you. You can experience solitude, peace, and adventure at the same time at this place.
Rishikesh is strategically situated on the foothills of Himalayas. It has simple access to the whole Himalayan area in India. It is 25 km from Haridwar and 43 km from Dehradun. The nearest railways to Rishikesh can be taken from Haridwar. Being a famous tourist destination, the town has a great network of buses also connecting it with the nearest important places like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport to Rishikesh and is just 35 km away.
