Rishikesh

Quick Facts
Location : On the banks of Holy Ganges (Uttarkhand)
Language : Hindi, Garhwali, English
Best Season : April – October

Introduction
24 kms upstream on the banks of the Ganga, where it adjoins the Chandrabhaga, is the holy town of Rishikesh. This small town is the point where the holy Ganges dashes down in full halo onto huge boulders and produces a long stretching of white sandy beaches. The banks are dotted with ashrams, where saints and holy men rested before beginning their strenuous pilgrimage up into the snow-covered land of the gods. Rishikesh is basically a blend of five different districts- Rishikesh the commercial centre, Muni-ki-reti in the calm suburbs, Shivananda Nagar to the north, Lakshmanjhula with its holy enshrines and Swarg Ashram where most of the ashrams are dotted.

Rishikesh is also the circuit of Hindu philosophy and learning, with several ashrams devoted to the understanding and spreading of the faith. It is a pathway of yoga and meditation with Indian science & culture in a gradual, systematic & scientific way to eject tension from day to day life. Rishikesh provides wonderful opportunity for trekking, rock climbing and river rafting. Rishikesh also represents the site where Vishnu trounced the demon Madhu.

Places of Attraction
The Triveni Ghat
It is one of the most prominent bathing ghat in Rishikesh. With its modern images of Hindu deities and white sandy beach, the ghat is ideal for a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga. The evening, arati (worship) with lamps is worth watching.

Bharat Mandir
The Bharat Mandir near Triveni Ghat is esteemed to be the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The temple's presiding deity is a black stone Vishnu, which is considered to be blessed by Adi Shankaracharya while his visit to Rishikesh in the 9th century. This occasion is marked with special celebrations on the day of spring festival, Basant Panchami.

Lakshmanjhula
Lakshman Jhula is basically a hanging bridge on the Ganges and the most popular spot in Rishikesh. About 2 kms upstream is the old footbridge called Lakshmanjhula, named after the brother of Lord Rama. Temples line both sides of the river at Lakshmanjhula.

Swarg Ashram
With its numerous ashrams, food stalls and shops, this ashram is a haunt for those looking for insights into religious themes.Important shrines and ashrams at Swarg Ashram include Kali Kumbliwale founded by Swami Vishudhananda, Parmarth Niketan with large statues of gods and goddesses and the Gita Bhavan with its Ayurvedic dispensary.

Accommodation
Visit some of the most popular hotels in the Himalayan region that are located in the hilly and adventurous region and well-known for its hospitality, accommodation facilities that offer both quality and standard with enchanting surroundings.

» Hotel Ganga Kinare ( 3 Star Hotel )
» Hotel Great Ganga ( 3 Star Hotel )

How to Reach
By Road : Rishikesh is well connected with other parts of the country by road transport. There are several luxury buses to common destinations like Delhi, Pushkar,Varanasi and Jaipur.

By Train : Haridwar is the nearest railhead and well-connected to all parts of India.

By Air : Jolly Grant at Dehradun is the nearest airport. Rishikesh is about 230 kilometres from Delhi.