 |
Rishikesh Travel Tourism, Get the well
packaged Taj Mahal circuit tours and get to know the real cultural
heritage of India with the Taj Mahal, the
ultimate monument of love, is India's gift to the monumental legacy of
the world.
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Rishikesh
| --> Location : |
24 Kms from Haridwar (Uttar Pradesh) |
| --> Main Attracion : |
Lakshman Jhula, Swarga Ashram |
| --> Best Season : |
Throughout the Year |
| --> Main Languages : |
Garhwali and Hindi |
Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower
Himalayas, this place is considered to be the access point of three other
pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four
great places which combine to make Chardham . Rishikesh is surrounded by
scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through
it.
The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that
meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many
temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. The River side is
dotted by the ashrams of Sadhus and sages. Rishikesh is also famous for
ashrams teaching Yoga.
In the 60's even the Beatles could not miss the charm of Rishikesh and they
came here to meet their Guru. The Ganga, which is known for its strong
currents and fierce behaviour up stream, suddenly becomes slow and gracious
here. At Rishikesh, Ganga leaves the mountains and joins the plains for her
long journey.
Rishikesh is not only an attraction for pilgrims but it also attracts
foreigners who want to know about Hinduism, who want to spend some time
close to the Lord, people who love rafting come here to conquer the rapids
of Ganga. Rishikesh is also an ideal base camp for trekking in the nearby
Himalayas.
Prime Attractions of Rishikesh ( Religious Places )
§ 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.
§ Gita Bhavan
This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and
statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.
§ 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.
§ Neelkanth Mahadev Mela
Situated at a height of 1675 m, on a hill above Swarg Ashram, Neelkanth
Mahadev is one of the most revered temples of Rishikesh.
§ Nilkanth Mahadeo
Mythology says that in the ancient times when the ocean was being churned
for 'amrit' (Potion for immortality), first venom oozed out. Lord Shiva
drank the venom at a place which is now called Nilkanth Mahadeo. It is 12
kms from Rishikesh and is surrounded by peaceful forests.
§ 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.
Excursions of Rishikesh
§
Dehradun
Beyond the gardens amidst the low hill guarding the city lies the old
pilgrim centre of Galtaji. Temples, pavilions and holy 'kunds' (natural
springs and reservoirs) dot the serene green landscape. The small temple of
the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on top of the highest peak, is visible
form all parts of the city.
§
White Water Rafting
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.
§
Haridwar
Gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is located on the
foot hills of Shivaliks.
§ Mussoorie
The queen of hill stations.
§ 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.
§ Kunjapuri
Close to Narendra nagar, situated at 7000 ft this place is covered with
dense forests. From here one can get a glimpse of the peaks and valleys.
§ 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.
§ Narendra Nagar
15 kms on the Rishikesh Chamba road is located the historical town of
Narendra nagar. This town is of archaeological importance. The town was
built by the King of Tehri Narendra Singh. Narendra nagar has recorded many
events which have left their impact on the town. The Royal palace is worth
seeing and the huge magnificent Nandi bull cannot escape your attention.
§ Auli
One of the well established Sports Circuit of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
With their wide open spaces above the snowfields of Garhwal and Kumaon, the
place offers an exciting possibility - ski touring amongst the glaciers. The
cross-country runs of 10-20 km with added advantage of fresh powder snow
from crisscrossing streams, tearing down the snowlines of the European Alps.
§ Devprayag
The rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirath leave the mountains and merge at this
place. From here they get the name Ganga. A peaceful holy place. It has got
the ancient Raghunathji Temple.
Places to stay in Rishikesh
Rishikesh does not have any big hotels in the five star category but there
are other hotels which offer comfortable stay. The Ashrams also provide
accommodation facility. There are also dharamsalas and guest houses which
offer good, inexpensive stay. The Garhwal Vikas Manda Nigam's guest has
dormitory as well as single and double rooms for the tourists.
How
to get there
Rishikesh does not have an airstrip of its own. But there are trains from
all the major cities in the plains. The best transport for Rishikesh is by
bus. Bus services are available from far and near places. Particularly there
are regular services from Haridwar which is just half-an- hour journey from
Rishikesh.
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 U.P handloom shop, Khadi Bhandar,
Garhwal wool and craft shop etc.
Climate in Rishikesh
The climate here is continental type but its location in the foot hills
gives it a pleasant weather throughout the year. One can visit Rishikesh any
time of the year.
Trekking from Rishikesh
1. Chandrashila Trek
2. Chandrashila Summit
3. Devi Darshan Trek
4. Gangotri Nandavan Trek
5. Kauri Pass Trek
6. Kauri Tapovan Trek
7. Kedarnath Trek
8. Khatling Sahasratal Trek
9. Rishikesh Gopeshwar Trek
10. Rishikesh Pauri Binsar Trek
Tourist Information Centres for Rishikesh
§ Tourist Office
» Tourist bureau, Station road, Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh, India
» Yatra office, Garhwal mandal vikas nigam, Muni ki reti, Uttar
Pradesh, India .
General Information
§ Main Languages
Garhwali and Hindi
Near by Cities of Rishikesh
»
Delhi -
238 Kms.
» Uttrakashi - 154 kms.
»
Dehradun
- 42 kms.
» Kedarnath - 228 kms.
»
Haridwar
- 25 kms.
» Mussoorie - 77 kms.
A word of caution
Even the police here accepts that crime is increasing and incidents of
fraud are common. Tourist, if new to place, should only contact authorised
persons for assistance and should keep an eye on the thugs. Bargain in the
tariffs of the hotels.
Tour Packages of Rishikesh
