Rishikesh

Located on the banks of the holy Ganges, Rishikesh is a popular religious destination in India. Rishikesh has a number of ashrams and temples that make it an ideal destination for a religious tourist. But Rishikesh is an equally wonderful destination for an adventure traveler. Rishikesh provides wonderful opportunity for trekking, rock climbing and river raftingin in rishikesh. Rishikesh is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is about 230 kilometres from Delhi.

Rishikesh is an exciting destination that is dotted with a number of temples and ashrams. Rishikesh is surrounded by the verdant forest and river Ganges flow through the town. Rishikesh has a number of tourist places that one can visit. Since Rishikesh is known as a pilgrimage center, religious places form a major chunk of tourist attractions in Rishikesh.

Triveni Ghat is a popular place in Rishikesh. Many people take a dip at the ghat before visiting temples in Rishikesh. Lakshman Jhula is an important landmark in Rishikesh.Lakshman Jhulais basically a hanging bridge on the Ganges and the most popular spot in Rishikesh. Legend has it that Lakshman, the younger brother of lord Rama crossed the river using a hanging bridge made of jute. Ram Jhula is another famous place in Rishikesh where you can visit.

The Aarti on the banks of the Ganges is what you should not miss on your tour to Rishikesh. The floating diyas (earthen lamps) present a wonderful view in the evening. The hymns and sound of bells creates a symphony of sorts during Aarti.

Rishikesh is the gateway to Chardhams of Uttarakhand . You can take a tour of the Chardham of Uttarakhand from Rishikesh. Rajaji National Park at Chila is another place that you can visit from Rishikesh.

Lakshman Jhula
The bridge has been a major attraction among the tourists to Rishkesh. The suspension iron bridge Lakshman Jhula. was build in 1929. This is where Rama's brother Lakshaman is said to have crossed the river on a jute ropes. One can enjoy the spectacular surroundings and the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge.

Ram Jhula
Another suspended bridge close to Lakshman Jhula.is the Ram Jhula- This suspended bridge was recently build between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. Ram Juhlais also known as Shivanand Jhula.

Raghunath Mandir and Triveni Ghat
It is the most important places for religious ceremonies in Rishkesh. It is believed that the Ganga is joined here by the Yamuna and the Saraswati Rivers. Geographically, however, the Yamuna joins the Ganga in Allahabad. The dusk Aarti on the Triveni Ghat is most impressive.

Gita Bhavan
This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.

Bharat Mandir
It is the oldest temple in Rishkesh. The image installed here has a distinctly Himalayan cast of features. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu, it holds a number of image normalley associated with the worship of Lord Shiva.

Ashrams
There are many important ashrams in Rishkesh. Most ashrams are centres for spiritual studies which also calls for Physical disciplines. Some ashrams, however, are monasteries. Among the better known ashrams are :- Paremarth Niketan, Sivanand Ashram, Yoga Niketan, Omkaranand Ashram, Vanprastha Ashram, Ved Niketan, Dayanand Vedanta Ashram, Vanmali Gita Yogashram, Shankaracharya Nagar Transcendental Meditatation Centre, Vithal Ashram and Yoga Study Centre.

By Rail
The nearest railhead is at Haridwar, about 21 km from Rishikesh. There are morning and evening trains for Delhi to Haridwar. On can take a bus, car from Railway station to reach Rishikesh

By Road
Rishikesh is well connected to all major cities of India by road. Some important road distances from Rishikesh are - Badrinath 301 kms. Delhi 224 kms. Dehradun 43 kms. Kedarnath 228 kms. Gangotri 258 kms yamunotri 288 kms. And Uttarkashi 1 54 kms.