Dehradun

Rishikesh

Nearest Railway: Rishikesh
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 21 kms
Famous For: Yoga, Pilgrimage, Rafting, Kayaking, Adventure Tourism, Temples, Ashrams, Weekend Getaway
Altitude: 340 metres above sea level
Languages: Hindi, Garhwali
Best Time to Visit: March to May and October and November

About Rishikesh

The word Rishikesh literally suggests the "locks or hairs of a sage". The city is famously known as the 'Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas' and the 'Yoga Capital of the World'. The celestial city of Rishikesh is a hermit's hermitage, a sage's abode and an adventure lover's hub. This lively city is among the holiest places of Hindus. The tranquil and sometimes raging river of Ganges flows in eternity in this holy city; providing nourishment and life to many the earthly beings.

How to reach Rishikesh

By road: Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand and northern states of India. Luxury and normal Buses to Rishikesh are easily available from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Meerut. Buses and Taxis to Rishikesh are available from major destinations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Haridwar, Srinagar, Tehri, Uttarkashi etc. Rishikesh is situated on National Highway 58 which connects Badrinath.
By air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Rishikesh situated at a distance of 21kms. Taxis are easily available from Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport.
By rail: Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh Railway station are frequent. Taxis and buses are easily available from Rishikesh to Muni-ki-reti and Swargashram

Places to see

Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is a sacred ghat in Rishikesh famous for the Ganga Aarti. Triveni words comes from join of two words Tri (three) and Veni (confluence) meaning confluence of three. It is one of the biggest and must visit ghat of Rishikesh known for its auspicious and spiritual aroma.

Bharat Mandir

Bharat Mandir is an ancient temple of Lord Hrishikesh Narayan located at heart of the Rishikesh city in Uttarakhand. This temple is believed to be very old and most sacred temple in the city. A great Hindu saint Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya reinstalled the idol of presiding deity on Basant Panchmi in the temple in 789 AD.

Rishikund

Close to the Triveni Ghat is the very old place of Rishikund where the Saint Kubz is said to have been blessed by the Goddess Yamuna, who filled the pond with her water. The temple of Raghunath dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita is sited here.2 kilometers from Swarg Ashram, is the well-known Lakshman Jhula a suspension bridge 450 feet long and built in 1939. Named after Lord Ram's younger brother Lakshman, it has temples dotting its either side, including the famed Lakshman Temple at Tapovan.

Ram Jhula

Ram Jhula was built by PWD with the help of Shivananda Ashram in 1980. Previously it was a hanging jute ropeway bridge without any pillars. There are markets on both sides of the Ram Jhula.

Laxman Jhula

As per legends, here Lord Rama younger brother Lakshman crossed the river Ganga on a jute rope. Later on a jute rope bridge was built here to honour Lakshman. Till 1889, there was a 284 feet long hanging jute rope bridge which was washed away in floods of October 1924. After that a new bridge was built in 1930.

Swarg Ashram

There is a cluster of ashrams on the eastern bank of the Ganges, and the place is popularly known as 'Swarga Ashram'. Most of these ashrams provide courses on yoga and spiritual studies, and are well-known among the tourists. Some ancient temples with beautifully carved statues are also located in the place. There are a few vegetarian food joints that serve various Ayurvedic food and refreshments. A few shops are also found, that sell various trinkets and souvenirs in the form of religious tapes, books, beads, beaded garlands, shells and clothes.