Location:
24 Kms from Haridwar (Uttranchal )
Main Attracion: Lakshman Jhula,
Swarga Ashram
Best Season: Throughout the Year
Main Languages / Dialect: Garhwali
and Hindi |
Tourism in
Rishikesh
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
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.
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.
Gita Bhavan
This newly constructed building is famous
for its attractive paintings and statues
from the Hindu mythology. Situated just
across the Lakshman Jhula.
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.
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.
EXCURSIONS
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.
Dehradun
The Doon Valley situated between the two
most important rivers of India. i.e. Ganga &
Yamuna, is most picturesque having moderate
climate, nestling a number of places of
tourist interest.
Mussoorie
The queen of hill stations.
Haridwar
Gateway to the four pilgrimages in the
Uttrakhand region, is located on the foot
hills of Shivaliks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Auli :
One of the well established Sports Circuit
of the state of Uttranchal . 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.
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.
PLACES TO STAY
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.
SHOPPING
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.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Tourist Office - Tourist bureau, Station
road, Rishikesh, Uttranchal Indi
Tourist Office - Yatra office, Garhwal
mandal vikas nigam, Muni ki reti, Uttranchal
, India .
CLIMATE
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.
NEARBY CITIES
Delhi - 238 Kms
Uttrakashi - 154 kms
Dehradun - 42 kms
Kedarnath - 228 kms
Haridwar - 25 kms
Mussoorie - 77 kms
GENERAL INFORMATION
MAIN LANGUAGES: Garhwali and Hindi
TREKKING FROM RISHIKESH 
Chandrashila Trek
Chandrashila Summit
Devi Darshan Trek
Gangotri Nandavan Trek
Kauri Pass Trek
Kauri Tapovan Trek
Kedarnath Trek
Khatling Sahasratal Trek
Rishikesh Gopeshwar Trek
Rishikesh Pauri Binsar Trek
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India
Travel Guide / States / Uttarakhand
(Uttranchal) / Cities /
Rishikesh Travel
