Rishikesh, also known as the 'place of sages' is Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of 'Hrishikesh' had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name.

It is the starting point for the Char dham pilgrims but also for the people who are interested in meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the adventure seekers, rishikesh is the suggested place for starting their trekking expeditions to the Himalayan peaks and for rafting. Also, International Yoga Week which attracts participation form across the world, is held here, every year, in February on the banks of the Ganga. Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place

SEASON:
In Rishikesh, the temperatures are average and the maximum in summers reaches 106f while it dips to a low of 98f. During winters, the maximum reach is 90f while a low of 65f is reached. One can expect about 60" rainfall taken the average and normal conditions. However, Rishikesh is more of a pilgrim land and with temperatures averaging out, one can frequent the place throughout the year. You can decide upon the climate that suits you the most.

Attraction

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

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.
 

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.

Bharat Mandir

Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya arround 12th centuray, Bharat mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the Banks of the Ganges. Detailed account of this oldest temple of Rishikesh are available in ancient record of Kearkhand. The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of Lord Vishnu, carved out of a single ‘Saligram’. In the inner canopy above the idol is Shree Yantra installed by Adi Shankraya Charya. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D. Lot of old statues , coins, pots and other things of historical importance were found in recent excavatiions in the premises of the temple.

Rishikund

Close to Trivenighat is the most ancient place, the Rishikund. Ancient records relate this to Kubz Saint, who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water. The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath, dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.

White Water Rafting At Rishikesh

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.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT

• Pushkar Temple (1.6 kms)

• Shatrughan Temple

• Muni-Ki-Reti (4.8 km)

• Parmath Niketan (8 km)

• Lakshman Temple

• Sadanand Jhoola

• Shivanand Ashram

• Kailash Ashram

• Academy of Meditation

HOW TO GET THERE?

Air
The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), 35 kms from Haridwar. Vayudoot services operates from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Jagson Airlines also operates flights from Delhi to Dehradun.

Rail

Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar (24 kms), to Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other cities.

Road

By road Rishikesh to Haridwar 24 kms, Dehradun 47 kms, Mussoorie 77 kms, Badrinath 301 kms (Son Prayag), Kedarnath 228 kms, Gangotri 258 kms, Yamunotri 288 kms (Hanuman Chatti), Srinagar 105 kms, Joshimath 252 kms.

Bus Services

Haridwar is connected by bus with Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Kullu, Manli, Shimla, Rishikesh etc.