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.
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Major Attractions of Rishikesh |
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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.
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.
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.
Gita
Bhavan : This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive
paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the
Lakshman Jhula.
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.
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Places to Stay in Rishikesh |
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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.
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Shopping in Rishikesh |
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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.
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How to Get there |
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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.