Rishikesh is a city located in the state of Uttarakhand in India. Rishikesh has a peculiar mention in great epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata and it is renowned for its ashrams, ghats, and temples and also considered the gateway of famous char dhams(Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath). It is well known for its rattling ghats and cultural vibrance. Rishikesh is located on the banks of the river Ganga which originates from the Gangotri glacier in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh offers multiple activities to all types of tourists be it children, young and old people, from the Adventure sports like bungee jumping to soothing and peaceful Ganga arti and from beautiful waterfalls to aesthetic cafes. The Yoga City is also an ideal location for nature therapy, Hills of Shiwalik, crystal clear water, and the roaring sound of the Ganges, Lush green Terai forest which is home to a variety of birds and animals adds great value to the luster of Rishikesh. The Best way to stroll or explore is by renting a scooty or bike in Rishikesh because of the small bridges and parochial lanes.
Top Attractions of Rishikesh:
1. Triveni Ghat:
Rishikesh is a city of ghats and ashrams. Triveni Ghat is the biggest among all the ghats. The famous Ganga Arti of Rishikesh is held here every evening. According to mythological scriptures, Lord Krishna visited there. Devotees take a dip here in the Holy water of the Ganges to wash away their sins, famous Gita temple is located near to Triveni ghat.
2. Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman jhula is a suspension bridge supported by cables that connected tapovan to jonk. It is said that Lord Lakshmana crossed the Ganges from this place. It is a pedestrian bridge. Lakshman Jhula offers a great view of the Shiwalik hills underneath the unfathomable Ganges flowing. Many Cafes on the Tapovan side offers delicious cuisine.
3.Ram Jhula
Ram jhula is an iron suspension bridge that connects the Muni ki Reti area to Swargashram. It is younger and broader than Lakshman Jhula. It is a Pedestrian bridge that also allows motorbikes. Many Ashrams are located on both sides of Ram Jhula.
4. Parmarth Niketan
The famous institution for Yoga ‘Parmarth Niketan’ offers a variety of sadhana and yoga to the disciples including the famous ancient Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga. It is situated in the lap of the exuberant Himalayas. It is the largest ashram in Rishikesh having more than 1000 rooms. The famous Ganga Arti of Parmarth Niketan is held every evening.
5. Beatles Ashram
The name of the ashram is based on the famous British Rock band ‘The Beatles’ which visited there in 1968. Beatles made Rishikesh famous worldwide as a Meditation Centre. Beatles ashram is famous for its wall aesthetic painting which shows the assimilation of Indian culture with a Western touch.
6. Neergarh Waterfall
Neergarsh waterfall lies on the Badrinath Highway less than 10 km from Rishikesh. It is a renowned waterfall for crystal clear water. People can take a bath there and local shops also offer Maggi and tea nearby the waterfall. It is accessible to all ages of people and it is well connected by road and then a short trek of less than 1 km. People take scooty and bikes on rent from Rishikesh and explore the waterfall and nearby areas.
7. Neelkanth Mahadev
Neelkanth Mahadev is situated at a height of more than 1300m and it is 30km from the main city. The main deity is Lord Shiva. It is associated with the Samudra Manthan event when Lord Shiva drank poison ‘Halahala’ and his neck had become blue from the effect of Halahala that’s why Lord Shiva has also the name Neelkanth as per Hindu mythology. Temple offers a great view of Lofty Himalayan peaks and nearby valleys.
8. Shivpuri
Shivpuri is located at a distance of 16 km from Rishikesh. This small town is famous for white water rafting. This is a well-known and world-famous white river rafting route that starts from Shivpuri and ends near Lakshman Jhula. Many camps and resorts are opened there offering pleasant and leisurely stays for visitors. A lot of Other activities are available for tourists like kayaking, rappelling, Camping, and beach activities in Shivpuri.
‘Rishikesh’ as in the name of the city shows its cultural roots to sage(rishi) and ashrams and it is rightly said that Rishikesh is the yoga capital of India. It incorporates all the things under its rich cultural heritage from the calm and soothing practice of meditation to rushing high adrenaline adventurous sports.
Rishikesh has good connectivity to all the big cities of India and is well connected to National capital Delhi by road and rail. The Nearest Railway station is Yog Nagri Rishikesh and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun.