Rishikesh - Rishikesh Travel Guide - Rishikesh Tourism
On the banks of the Ganges, Rishikesh is home to sages and saints, an opening to the Himalaya, a dreamland for lovers of sacred practices, and the self-proclaimed yoga capital of the world. For Hindus it is the initial spot of pilgrimages to the Char Dham, the four holy cities of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. On foot around the contracted lanes of Rishikesh, you are enclosed by the young and old in a rainbow of attire: saints with dreadlocks and painted faces; hippies in jeans; traditional Hindus; small children in saffron robes who are learning to pray; and travelers from all over the humankind. Monkeys and cows walk the city freely. The temples and idols in Rishikesh are not dedicated to any one god, and it is equally well-known as a center of yoga and Ayurvedic healing, spiritual retreat, and music and dance classes. Along the Ganges on the eastern side of the city lie areas that are perfect for meditation; these can be found only on foot. It is definitely generally a walking city, but shared rickshaws can be used to get around. In the twilight, most temples hold the Ganga Aarti, in which priests light huge candles to venerate the river with chanting and the tolling of temple bells. The closest airport is the Jolly Grand in Dehradun, with flights from Delhi. From there take a taxi to Rishikesh. You can also get trains and buses direct from Delhi to Rishikesh. There are hotels to suit every budget, but book in advance. A week is generally enough to get a good sense of the city and its close to ashrams and temples. Be very careful if you take a dip in the Ganges. The present is very fast even if the surface looks calm.
Rishikesh Tourist Attraction
Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat : The Maha Aarti or the Ganga Aarti as it is commonly known is one of the most exciting sights that can be seen in Rishikesh. Many priests performing aarti to the holy river Ganga at a time in a synchronized way is a feast for the eyes. A large number of devotees and visitors chanting Bhajan accompanied by the sound of drums and bells create a vibrant ambiance. Watching hundreds of Diyas left floating in the holy river by the devotees is a soul soothing experience which is to be experienced when you are in Rishikesh.
The Beatles Ashram : The Beatles Ashram as it is commonly known nowadays is a must visit place if you are the kind of person who likes solitude. The ashram came to be known as the Beatles Ashram since the world famous music band, 'The Beatles', stayed here in 1968. There are a lot of meditation chambers inside the ashram premises where you can meditate or just read a book. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the ashram just seeing the paintings and enjoying the quaint nature.
Tera Manzil Temple : Located right on the banks of River Ganga and very close to Lakshman Jhula, this temple is special as it has 13 floors with symmetrical idols of various Hindu gods in all floors. Though it is difficult for most to climb up all the 13 floors of the temple, the gorgeous view of the town and Lakshman Jhula Bridge from the top most floor of this temple is worth the climb. There are a lot of small shops inside the temple complex selling souvenirs and artefacts.
Rafting and Camping : Rafting camps at Rishikesh has something for everybody. If you are coming down here alone, or along with your family or kids, these camps will make sure; no one goes back without taste of adventure. Rafting camps set up here have definite grades of rafting for all age groups, so that no one will feel left out. There are no less than 13 river rapids in Rishikesh and all these camps can make you experience all of them. Rafting camps at Rishikesh are extensively accepted and valued where there are various rafting camps set around this site to make sure that your experience of escapade be as fun and safe as possible. The feeling of living in a tent, bonfires, rafting and the beaches, are all set to take away your breath. These rafting camps are set up in places like Devprayag, Brahampuri, Kirti Nagar, Rudraprayag, Shiv Puri and Marine drive.
How to Reach Rishikesh
By Air : The nearest airport from Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant airport at a distance of 12 kilometres.
By Rail : Although Rishikesh has a railway station of its own, not many trains frequent it. Better option of getting to Rishikesh would be to alight at Haridwar, which is a major railway station and situated at distance of around 25 kilometres.
By Road : Rishikesh is well connected by roads with all the major cities of the state as well as the National Capital Delhi which is at a distance of 230 kilometres. There are taxis as well as buses available easily from all the major destinations.