Rishikesh
Rishikesh, a small town in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, has become a popular destination for tourists and spiritual seekers alike. It is also known as the "Yoga Capital of the World." Rishikesh is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, which flows down from the Himalayas. The town is also the confluence point of the Ganges and Chandrabhaga rivers, where the famous Triveni Ghat is located.
The Ganges River is considered sacred by Hindus, and Rishikesh is a prime spot for pilgrims to take a holy dip in its waters. Visitors from all over the world come to witness the Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ceremony held every evening. Besides its spiritual significance, Rishikesh is also famous for river rafting and kayaking, making it a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts.
Rishikesh has a rich spiritual history, with many ancient temples and ashrams located in and around the town. One of the most famous ashrams is Parmarth Niketan, situated on the banks of the Ganges. This ashram offers daily yoga and meditation classes and hosts the annual International Yoga Festival, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Another popular attraction in Rishikesh is the Beatles Ashram, also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. The ashram gained fame in the 1960s when the Beatles visited to learn Transcendental Meditation. Today, the abandoned ashram, covered in colorful graffiti, is a popular spot for tourists to explore and soak in the memories of the Beatles.
[Read More: Pandukeshwar Temple]
Rishikesh is also known for its stunning natural beauty. The town is surrounded by the Himalayas and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Visitors can hike through the nearby forests and hills or take a cable car to the Neer Garh Waterfall for a refreshing dip.
Mythological History of Rishikesh
Rishikesh has been a center of religious and spiritual belief since ancient times. The town is mentioned in Hindu religious texts and the Skanda Purana's Kedarkhand. Its mythological name was "Kubjabharmak," which later became famous as Rishikesh. It is said that Rishi Raibhya took the form of a hunchback under a mango tree during his penance to see Lord Vishnu.
Lord Vishnu was pleased with Rishi Raibhya's austerities and said, "O Sage, you have controlled your senses and meditated on me at this place. Therefore, this place will be known as 'Hrishikesh.'" 'Hrishik' means senses and 'Ish' means Lord. Over time, Hrishikesh became known as Rishikesh. The oldest and most famous temple here is Bharat Mandir. Nearby, Tapovan is the place where Laxman performed penance.
Places to Visit in and Around Rishikesh
Rishikesh, a beautiful town in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, is known for its spiritual and religious significance, attracting many tourists each year. Here are some notable places to visit in Rishikesh:
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is one of the most popular tourist spots in Rishikesh, known for its spiritual significance and the confluence of three sacred rivers – the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit Triveni Ghat daily to take a dip in the holy waters and perform various rituals. It is believed that Lord Krishna rested here after being struck by an arrow, and it is considered a sacred place for performing the last rites of the deceased.
Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan is a spiritual retreat and ashram located on the banks of the Ganges River, known for its serene and peaceful environment. The ashram offers various courses and programs on yoga, meditation, and spirituality, making it an ideal place to rejuvenate and reconnect with oneself. Parmarth Niketan also hosts the famous Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ceremony held every evening where devotees light lamps and worship the Ganges River.
[Read More: Ukhimath – A Beautiful Town Nestled in the Himalayas]
Laxman Jhula
Laxman Jhula is a popular suspension bridge located 5 km from the town center, connecting the two banks of the Ganges. The bridge is named after Lord Rama's younger brother, Laxman, who is believed to have crossed the Ganges at this point using a jute rope. Laxman Jhula offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding hills, making it an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing. The bridge is also lined with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothing, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Neer Garh Waterfall
Neer Garh Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located about 5 km from Rishikesh, surrounded by lush forests and rocky terrain. The waterfall can be reached through a short trek and offers a refreshing and rejuvenating experience, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The surrounding area is also home to various temples and religious sites, making it an ideal spot for picnics and day trips.
Beatles Ashram
Beatles Ashram, also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, is an abandoned ashram where the Beatles stayed in the late 1960s. The ashram is now a popular tourist spot known for its colorful graffiti and murals. Located near Rajaji National Park, Beatles Ashram offers a unique glimpse into the counterculture of the 1960s and is an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing.
[Read More: Madmaheshwar Temple, Rudraprayag]
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located about 18 km from Rishikesh, known for its diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to various animal species, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer, making it an ideal spot for wildlife safaris and bird watching. Rajaji National Park is also surrounded by lush forests and beautiful hills, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula is a suspension bridge located 3 km from Rishikesh, spanning the Ganges River. Similar to Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula is a popular spot for pilgrims and tourists alike. The bridge offers panoramic views of the river and the surrounding hills, and it is lined with shops selling souvenirs and religious items. The bridge is also surrounded by various temples and ashrams, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing and photography.
Tryambakeshwar Temple
Tryambakeshwar Temple is a famous ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Ganges River. The temple is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and rich history. It is believed that the temple was built by the king of Ayodhya, and it is a popular spot for devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple also hosts various cultural and religious festivals, making it an ideal place to experience local culture and traditions.
Swarg Ashram
Swarg Ashram is a serene and peaceful ashram located on the banks of the Ganges River, known for its natural beauty and tranquility. The ashram is a popular spot for yoga and meditation and offers various courses and programs on spirituality and self-realization. Swarg Ashram is also surrounded by various temples and religious sites, including the famous Parmarth Niketan, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing and spiritual activities.
[Read More: Garjiya Devi Temple, Ramnagar]
Beatles Cathedral
Beatles Cathedral is a famous attraction in Rishikesh, known for its stunning architecture and unique design. The cathedral is part of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles stayed during their visit to Rishikesh in the 1960s. Surrounded by lush forests and beautiful hills, the cathedral is an ideal spot for meditation and spiritual activities.
Kaudiyala
Kaudiyala is a small village located about 38 km from Rishikesh, known for its adventure sports and natural beauty. The village is situated on the banks of the Ganges River and offers various adventure activities, including white water rafting, kayaking, and trekking. The surrounding area is also home to various waterfalls, temples, and sightseeing spots, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
How to Reach Rishikesh?
By Air: The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located about 35 kilometers away from the city. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with daily flights operated by various airlines. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rishikesh.
By Rail: Rishikesh has its own railway station, well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The city is also served by Haridwar Railway Station, located about 25 kilometers away from Rishikesh. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rishikesh.
By Road: Rishikesh is well-connected by road, with regular bus services operated by state-owned and private operators from major cities in India, including Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. The city is also located on National Highway 7, which connects it to major cities in northern India. You can hire a taxi or drive your car to reach Rishikesh.
Once you reach Rishikesh, you can explore the city on foot or hire a taxi or auto
This Whole article is originally written by Deepak Bisht on wegarhwali.com. With his permission, It is translated into English. if you find some errors. Please correct us. :)