Rishikesh Travel Guide

Rishikesh Travel Guide

Rishikesh also spelled as Hrishikesh, Rushikesh or Hrushikesh is an ideal place for pilgrimage which is frequented by a large number of Hindu worshippers every year. Perched in the foothills of the Himalaya in Northern India, Rishikesh is a city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It has Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal as its neighbours. The very name ‘Rishikesh’ invokes the image of holiness. It is a place of meditation where one can attain moksha or salvation. It is commonly referred to as the city of temples, yoga and meditation hence the name ‘Yoga City” or “Yog Nagri”. Travellers will find tranquillity of mind and soul on their very entrance to the place.

According to legends, Rishikesh is a place where Lord Vishnu is believed to have defeated the demon Madhu. The rolling hills deliver a landscape of harmony all around. Situated on the bank of the river Ganges Rishikesh is also the Gateway to the four major Hindu pilgrimages – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The towering peaks give ample opportunity for various sport adventures like trekking and rock climbing while the gushing streams present the perfect opportunity for river rafting.   

Rishikesh engrosses travellers with many noteworthy places of interest and attractions. There is the Bharat Mandir, Laxman Jhula, Gita Bhavan, Rishikund, Swarga Ashram, Nilkanth Mahadeo and Triveni Ghat. Bharat Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Rishikesh which preserves an idol of Lord Vishnu. The idol is believed to have been carved out of a single ‘Salagram’. One of the major landmarks of Rishikesh is the Laxman Jhula built on the river Ganges.  It is a hanging bridge previously made of jute and used by Lord Rama’s brother to cross the river. It has been reconstructed to its present form in the year 1939. Statues constructed from the various characters of Hindu mythology are housed at Gita Bhavan which stands just by the side of the Laxman Jhula. Rishikund is a sacred tank in Rishikesh, believed to have been filled with water by the Goddess Yamuna. A huge complex, the Swarga Ashram has within its precincts a number of gigantic statues of Gods and Goddess. Nilkanth Mahadeo is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which nestles on top of the hill at a height of 1675m. It is 12km away from Rishikesh. The Triveni Ghat is a place where pilgrims take holy dip early morning and late evening. It is popularly known as the bathing ghat in Rishikesh.  

Well connected with all the major cities by road Rishikesh is easily accessible. It has so many tourist places of interest that spending a day or two in the city will surely be worthwhile.  

Last Updated: 29/03/2012