Rishikesh, the very name conjures up images of resonating bells, holy dips, soaring hills and gushing river Ganges in the mind of an individual. Situated on the banks of the holy Ganga River, the town is regarded as the Gateway to the Char Dhams (four major Hindu pilgrimages) - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. It is believed to be the place where meditation can help one attain moksha (salvation). Apart from pilgrims, the town is thronged by adventure aficionados and nature lovers, who come entranced by the challenging streams and towering peaks that form it landscape. In short, Rishikesh is the place where nature and divinity have fused together to create a mysticism that can hardly be seen anywhere else.

Places to See in Rishikesh

Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula is a hanging bridge, built on the river Ganges, which forms one of the major tourist attractions of Rishikesh. As per legends, the bridge was initially a rickety, jute one that was used by Lakshman, Lord Rama’s brother, to cross the river. The bridge, in its present iron form, was built in the year 1939. Standing on the Lakshman Jhula, you can have some of the most mesmerizing views of the Ganges.

Ram Jhula

Ram Jhula is another bridge in Rishikesh, made of iron, which looks quite similar in appearance to the Lakshman Jhula. It is also known by the name of Shivanand Jhula and has been constructed to pave way between Shivanand Ashram and Swarg Ashram.

Gita Bhavan

Gita Bhavan is the name given to a building situated just by the side of the Lakshman Jhula. Constructed a few years back only, the bhavan is famous for housing magnificent statues and paintings, of the various characters in Hindu mythology.

Bharat Mandir

Bharat Mandir, contrary to what the name suggests, is not dedicated to Lord Rama’s brother Bharat. Rather, it enshrines an idol of Lord Vishnu, which is said to be carved out of a single ‘Salagram’. The temple was constructed by Adiguru Shankracharya, in 12th century. Located on the bank of the holy Ganges, the shrine is counted amongst the oldest temples in Rishikesh

Swarga Ashram

Swarga Ashram is a huge complex in Rishikesh, popular for housing several temples within its precincts. Throughout the complex, you can see magnificent statues of various Gods and Goddess. The ashram also comprises of a number of eating joints, apart from souvenir and other shops.

Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat, as the name suggests, is a bathing ghat in Rishikesh. It serves as the venue of a Maha Arti every day. Early in the morning as well as late in the evening, you will find pilgrims taking a dip in the holy waters of the ghat.

White Water Rafting

Apart from pilgrims, adventure enthusiasts form the largest group of visitors to Rishikesh. Serving as a major attraction for them are the violent rivers passing around the town. These aggressive streams present the perfect opportunity for them, to go rafting down the waters. The breathtaking scenery that surrounds the rivers only adds to their attraction.

Best time to visit :     September to November

How to get there

By Air :
Jolly Grant Airport, of Dehradun, is the nearest air link from Rishikesh. It is around 35 km from the holy town.

By Rail :
Haridwar railway station, situated at a distance of approximately 24 km from Rishikesh, will be the nearest rail head.

By Road
Rishikesh is well connected with all the major neighboring cities by road. You can easily get buses and taxis for reaching there from the nearby cities.

Hotels in Rishikesh

http://www.hotelsinrishikesh.com/