Rishikesh

Scenically located at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the magnificent Ganges descends from the mountains, the quaint town of Rishikesh sprawls on the banks of the arterial river. Although on the threshold of inevitable modernity, Rishikesh’s endearingly rustic charm remains untouched. Rishikesh catapulted to Western prominence in the 1960s, when the Beatles sought spiritual upliftment at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram. The town has become a hub for learning and research in yoga and meditation, and is duly known as the World Capital of Yoga. Numerous Ashrams, some of which are internationally recognised as centres of philosophical studies, yoga and meditation are based here. Rishikesh is a pivotal religious destination in India, as it is the entry point for the 'Char Dham Yatra’ (Four Shrines Sacred Journey), the revered pilgrimage to the four most holy Hindu sites, namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The town is dotted with famed temples and sacred destinations, known for their architectural beauty as much as for their religious prominence. Rishikesh’s topography, which is a labyrinth of rivers, hills, rocks and forests, is a nature enthusiast’s dream come true. Tourists can indulge in stimulating activities like white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, boating, trekking, rock-climbing, mountaineering, safaris, camping, bird watching, etc.

Places to Visit

Triveni Ghat (1 km.): The most famous river bank in Rishikesh, an `Aarti' to the Ganges is performed here every evening. This Aarti is a mesmerising spectacle and a must see for every tourist visiting Rishikesh.

Bharat Mandir (1 km.): The Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple in Rishikesh, about half a kilometre away from the Triveni Ghat, and is regarded as one of the most ancient shrines in India. This temple is dedicated to Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Ram, the protagonist of the mythological epic ‘Ramayana’.

Shivanand Jhoola (2 km.): Known as Ram Jhoola, this is a recently completed suspension bridge, which spans the river near Swarg Ashram, Geeta Bhawan, Parmarth Niketan and the renowned Chotiwala Bhojnalaya etc.

Lakshman Jhoola (3 km.): A suspension bridge across the Ganges along the old route to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. It is believed that Ram's brother Lakshman crossed the river here on a jute rope.

Ashrams & Yoga Centres (within a radius of 3 km.): The main Ashrams at Rishikesh are Shivanand Ashram, Muni- ki -Reti, Mahesh Yogi Ashram, Shankaracharya Nagar, Swarg Ashram, Gita Bhawan, Parmarth Niketan, Ved Niketan, Yoga Study Centre, etc.

Neelkanth Mahadev (12 km.): At an altitude of 1,500 metres, the Neelkanth Temple is situated on top of a hill across the Ganges. According to mythology, after the Sagar manthan Lord Shiva drank all the effluent venom here turning his throat blue, hence the name Neelkanth.

Shivpuri (16 km): A hill drive and the most popular spot to commence white water rafting.

Narendra Nagar (16 km): A hill drive from where one can see the sunset and view of Rishikesh.

Vashishatha Gufa (25 km.): A cave where Swami Ram Krishna Paramhans completed his meditation on the bank of the River Ganges. It is a spiritual centre managed by the disciples of Swamiji.

Haridwar (25 km): Less than an hour’s drive from Rishikesh, Haridwar is one of the holiest places for Hindus. There are several temples and ashrams located in and around the city. The sacred Ghat, Har Ki Pauri, plays host to an ‘evening Aarti’ every day, which is a spectacle to behold.

Kunjapuri Temple (27 km): At an altitude of 1,645 metres, this temple on the hills offers scenic views and one has to ascend 108 stairs to reach it. The inhabitants of the hills celebrate the Navratri festival days in this temple.

Kaudiyala (35 km): A hill drive and renowned place for rapids for white water rafting.

Deoprayag (70 km): Deoprayag is regarded as the most complete showcase of legends, heritage & traditions. Here, the River Bhagirathi from Gaumukh & the River Alaknanda from Satopanth unite and for most Indians, this confluence is no less holy than the Sangam at Allahabad. Located at a height of only 618 metres, Deoprayag is an invocation to the gods who have generously endowed this spot with tremendous natural beauty. It is believed that Lord Rama and his father King Dashratha did penance here. The temple of Raghunathji houses a tall image of Lord Rama made of black granite. The most celebrated event at Deoprayag is the congregation of devotees, who come here to worship at Raghunath temple. The revered temple has sculptures on the walls that display both Buddhist & South Indian influences.

Chandrashila (72km): Near Deoprayag, in the centre of the Bhagirathi River, rests a gigantic boulder named Chandrashila. Legend has it that it was on this boulder that King Bhagirath undertook his severe penance for the salvation of his 60 thousand ancestors. It is believed that one holy dip can make wishes come true.

Chamba: Chamba is just 60 kms away from Rishikesh. This quaint town offers one of the most spectacular views of snow capped Himalayas and the enchanting Bhagirathi valley. Being the centre point of routes to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Tehri & New Tehri, Chamba is fast changing into the ideal interlude. It is in close proximity to the newly made Tehri Dam.