Rishikesh - The City of Uttarakhand -:-
Rishikesh is a city in India's Northern state of Uttarakhand. In the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River. The River is considered holy, and the city is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation. Temples and ashrams ( centers for spiritual studies ) line the eastern bank around Swarg Ashram, a traffic free, a alcohol- free and vegetarian enclave upstream from Rishikesh Town. Rishikesh, also spelt as Hrishikesh, is a city governed by Rishikesh Municipal Corporation ( since October 2017 ), and a tehsil in Dehradun district of the Indian state Uttarakhand. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as the "Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas" and "Yoga Capital of the World" It is also known as the pilgrimage town and regarded as one of the holiest places for Hindu's. Hindu sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times.
Rishikesh , at an Altitude of 372 meters and at a Distance of 45 kilometers from Dehradun is the most popular tourist spot during Uttarakhand tour packages, whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual solace, or a yoga or adventure enthusiast, Rishikesh has a lot to offer. Situated 25 kms north of Haridwar, along the banks of river Ganga, Rishikesh is also called 'Hrishikesh', a combination of Hrishik (senses) and Ish (Lord). The city, it is said, belongs to the 'Lord of the senses', Lord Vishnu.
A Ganga aarti is performed every evening here, at the Triveni Ghat, and is a popular attraction for tourists and locals.
History -:-
The history of Rishikesh states several mythical stories associated with this place. It was here in Rishikesh a famous saint named Raibhya Rishi performed penance on the banks of the river Ganga. As a reward for his strong penance God Vishnu appeared to him in the form of Hrishikesh and so the place was referred by the name Hrishikesh which later became famous by the name of Rishikesh. God Rama's younger brother Bharat himself has performed deep penance here, that is why even today there stands the Bharat temple after his name.
However, Rishikesh become a noted religious pilgrimage place only after the visit of Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th Century Ad who was one of the famous religious leaders of contemporary times. Yet there is another version of history which says that the name Rishikesh is derived from the word. Hrishikesh, is another name of Lord Vishnu who killed the demon Madhu here.
Location -:-
Rishikesh is located in the Northern part of the Uttarakhand ( India ).
Fairs & Festivals -:-
In Rishikesh India, the Yoga festivals in Rishikesh are one of the most popular in the country of India. Lectures and Yoga lessons are conducted by experts in this field during which yoga teachers from different parts of the country participate and many people come from different parts of the country to attend this,
Attending Satsangs and meditation sessions also major part of the yoga festival in the city of Rishikesh. Ganga Aarti is another religious ceremony celebration during the yoga festival in Rishikesh.
Attraction Places in Rishikesh ( Uttarakhand ) -:-
1. River Rafting -:-
In Rishikesh, River Rafting is for all the tourists heading to northern India, River Rafting is Rishikesh or White Water Rafting in Rishikesh is a major attraction. Since, rafting is a sport which can be enjoyed by the whole family, tourists arrive in Rishikesh in huge number. It doesn't matter whether you are a newbie in the field or skilled rafter. Rishikesh offer rafting opportunities for all with the assistance of professional rafters and trainers.
Rafting is Rishikesh can be a lot of fun. While rafting along the Ganges River, you can also feast your eyes upon the scenic sights that welcome you on the either side of the River.
2. Lakshmanan Jhula -:-
It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Rishikesh, Built back in the year 1929, the Lakshman Jhula is actually a suspended bridge. As per the Hindu traditions, it is believed that Lakshmana (Rama's brother; Rama is the hero of epic Ramayana ) crosses the river here with the help of a jute rope. Apart from for its mythological significance, the bridge is also visited to soak up the panoramic views of the surroundings.
3. Ashrams in Rishikesh -:-
The prime tourists attractions in Rishikesh are the ashrams. The town is dispersed over with a number of ashrams, world renowned centers for spiritual studies and lessons on the meditation. some of the most popular and much visited ashrams in Rishikesh include Paremarth Niketan, Sivanand Ashram, Yoga Niketan, Vanprastha Ashram, Shankarcharya Nagar Transcendental Meditation Centre, Vithal Ashram and yoga Study Centre.
4. Trivedi Ghat -:-
It is one of the place where tourists can witness Hindu pilgrims in hordes. Pilgrims from all across the country arrive here to observe a holy dip in the Ganges. The scene however become surreal as hundred of pilgrims flock of the ghat in the evening to the attend the Ganga Aarti, an important ritual to worship the Ganga.
5. Ram Jhula -:-
Yet another suspended bridge in Rishikesh is the Ram Jhula. The bridge serves as the connection between the Shivanand Ashram and Swarg Ashram.
It is dedicated to Ram Lakshmana's elder brother.
6. The Bharat Mandir -:-
The temple was laid down by the Adiguru Shankarcharya around 8th century. All One of the most ancient in Rishikesh, the temple will occupies a position on the banks of the holy Ganges. An idol of Lord Vishnu stands in the inner sanctum of the temple.
Built in 1939 by the British, Laxman Jhula, an iron suspension bridge across the Ganges, is a famous tourist attraction. It is believed to be a part of the old route to Badrinath (295 kms) and Kedarnath (215 kms) shrines.
>> About 2 kms ahead of Laxman Jhula, walking with the flow of the river is another, newer, suspension bridge called Ram Jhula. Lying on the outskirts of Rishikesh, Muni ki Reti, literally translating to 'sands of the sages', is another popular attraction.
There are several ashrams here - Sivanand Ashram and Yoga Niketan Ashram being the more famous ones.
The most famous ashram in Rishikesh is that of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, whose disciples included no less than The Beatles. The musicians first encountered the Maharishi at a lecture in London in 1967. They came to Rishikesh in 1968 to study Transcendental Meditation. It was one of the Fab Four's most productive periods, leading to their best-selling White Album. 'Happy Rishikesh', 'Child of Nature', 'India, India', 'The Fool on the Hill', put Rishikesh on the global map.
Apart from yoga, Rishikesh has recently become a popular destination for adventure activities such as river rafting, rappelling, bungee jumping, trekking and camping. The Ganga, upstream from Rishikesh to Byasi, offers great opportunities for adventure sports.
There are several rafting and camping facilities along the river between Shivpuri (16 kms from Rishikesh) and Byasi (28 kms) where one can enjoy white-water rafting amidst splendid views of the surrounding mountains. The Marine Drive, a beautiful stretch of road along the Ganga, is about 27 kms from Rishikesh, en route to Devprayag.
Yoga in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand -:-
First mentioned in the Kathopanishad, yoga seeks to bring the mind and body together (yoga comes from the Sanskrit word, yoga, which means to join). The earliest texts on yoga are the Yog Sutras, by the great scholar, Patanjali. Yoga became popular in Rishikesh, especially with foreigners, after celebrities like The Beatles and actress Mia Farrow came to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram looking for spiritual rejuvenation.
Soon, others looking for a spiritual awakening found their way here, which led to the mushrooming of yoga center in this small town. Over time, Rishikesh acquired the title of 'Yoga capital of the world'.
For more information on Rishikesh and other holiday destinations in Uttarakhand contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agency in Delhi, India.
General Information About Rishikesh -:-
Location - 27kms from Haridwar ( Uttarakhand )
Near by Attractions - Haridwar, Dehradun, Mussoorie.
Best Season Visit In Rishikesh - Throughout the years ( 365 days).