1,160 feet above sea level, Rishikesh is 24-kms from Haridwar. According to the ancient holy books, its earlier name was “Kubjamrak”. Set along the right bank of the Ganga, Rishikesh is a famous religious centre with a plethora of ashrams and yogic centres imparting training in meditation and physical health. . A person visiting Haridwar invariably visits Rishikesh.

Rishikesh, also known as the 'City Of Saints' is at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of 'Hrishikesh' appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name.

Attracting Pilgrims & Adventurers
It is the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrims and also for the people who are interested in meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the adventure seekers, Rishikesh is the suggested place for starting their trekking expeditions to the Himalayan peaks and for rafting. Also, International Yoga Week which attracts participation form across the world, is held here, every year, in February on the banks of the Ganga.

Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of this place. From this point on, the great Ganges leaves behind her mountain home and enters the vast plains of Northern India.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS OF RISHIKESH

Lakshman Jhula
This suspended iron bridge was build in 1939 and has been a major attraction among the tourists. Ram Jhula - the other suspended Iron bridge was recently constructed between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram.

Triveni Ghat
This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.

Swarga Ashram
One can find numerous temples here. This place has the eating joints and shops where one can do shopping. The beautiful statues in the area mesmerise the visitors.

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
Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya arround 12th centuray, Bharat mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the Banks of the Ganges. Detailed account of this oldest temple of Rishikesh are available in ancient record of Kearkhand. The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of Lord Vishnu, carved out of a single ‘Saligram’. In the inner canopy above the idol is Shree Yantra installed by Adi Shankraya Charya. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D. Lot of old statues , coins, pots and other things of historical importance were found in recent excavatiions in the premises of the temple.

Rishikund
Close to Trivenighat is the most ancient place, the Rishikund. Ancient records relate this to Kubz Saint, who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water. The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath, dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.

White Water Rafting At Rishikesh
The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams, they race along tortuous boulder-strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into silvery-white rapids.

PLACES OF INTEREST AROUND RISHIKESH

Mussoorie
Mussoorie is located in the Garhwal hills. Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is known as the queen of hill stations.

Haridwar
Gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttranchal state, is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks.

Kunjapuri Temple- Sun Rise Or Sun Set
Drive to Kunja Puri, one of the thirteen most important Goddesses of Shivalik range, the lower Himalayas. One can witness excellent sunrise or sun set on the Greater Himalayan Peaks and the vast Indo-Gangetic plains. One can see almost all the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here.

Vasishtha Goofa
One hour drive from Rishikesh up river is situated Vasishtha Goofa, where famous saint Vasishtha meditaed on the banks of the Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is a perfect place for meditation.

Dehradun
The Doon Valley situated between the two most important rivers of India. i.e. Ganga & Yamuna, is most picturesque having moderate climate, nestling a number of places of tourist interest.

Valley Of Flowers
The famous Valley of Flowers with the largest concentration of various species of wild flowers is off the Rishikesh-Badrinath road, 16 km from Govindghat.

Chila
It is just 20-kms from Rishikesh. The whole place is covered with forests and provides very pleasant environment. Government has declared Chila a sanctuary. A canal from Ganga feeds the reservoir where one can spot many animals. One can stay at the tourist lodge and enjoy the peaceful scenic surroundings

SHOPPING IN RISHIKESH

Being a pilgrimage place, the glamour of big shop bargains are absent But Rishikesh offers you handicraft items made of shells, beads and pearls. Sarees, Kurtas, sheets and rugs can be purchased from here. You can buy these items from the government approved Uttaranchal handloom shop, Khadi Bhandar, Garhwal wool and craft shop etc.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air
The closest airport is the Jolly Grant which is 18-kms away from Rishikesh.

Rail
The nearest railway station is Haridwar.

Road
The government operates regular bus services from Delhi, Agra, Dehra Dun, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Chandigarh, Shimla, etc