About Rishikesh
Rishikesh presents a trip that’s high on adrenaline and enlightenment – a unique blend of adventure, spirituality and yoga. Located in the foothills of the Lower Himalayas, in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, this holy town serves as a starting point for the other religious hubs in the state – Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Yamunotri (part of the ‘Char Dham’ pilgrimage route). Rishikesh is also a gateway of another sort. Today, it is a magnet for the adventure-sport enthusiast. Whitewater rafting is synonymous with the town, and the area around, thanks to the presence of the mighty (and rafting-friendly) Ganges.
Negotiating this pristine, glacier-fed river on a raft is an experience unlike any other – a thrill for the novice, a challenge for the hardcore adventure junkie. Other activities available here include trekking, biking and rappelling – as well as birding and wildlife safaris (links to national parks in area). For those looking for a break of the spiritual kind, Rishikesh has a host of ashrams and yoga centres, offering lessons in yoga and meditation, besides other spiritual activities.
History
Rishikesh is named after the god Hrishikesh, who appeared in answer to a plea for penance by a saint, Rabhiya Rishi. Folklore has it that several mystics lived and practiced penance here. It was also at Rishikesh that Lord Vishnu slew the demon Madhu.
Also according to legend, Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Rama’s younger brother, Lakshmana, crossed the Ganges on a bridge made out of jute rope, at the point where today the Lakshman Jhula bridge stands (the jute-rope bridge was replaced in 1889 by an iron suspension structure; the current river crossing, also of iron suspension, dates back to 1939). Bharata, Lakshmana’s brother, is believed to have meditated in Rishikesh – there is a shrine dedicated to him in the town.
Places to Visit
Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
One of the most prominent places in Rishikesh, Laxman Jhula is a 450-feet long suspension bridge at the height of 70 feet from the river. Built in the year 1939, the bridge is an important attraction as it is believed that it is the same place where Lord Laxman crossed the Ganga River on a jute rope.
Tera Manzil Mandir, Rishikesh
Also known as Trimbakeshwar Temple, this is one of the most renowned temples of Rishikesh. Perched on the banks of River Ganga, the temple (as its name suggests) has 13 storeys and a strikingly beautiful architecture. It can be easily distinguished from afar thanks to its colourful facade.
Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh
It is one of the most famous ghats in Rishikesh and makes for a beautiful place to watch the evening Ganga Aarti. The sanctity of the Ghat comes from the legend that it sees the confluence of three major rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.
The Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh
Located at a distance of around 18 km from the city centre, The Beatles Ashram is among the most important places to visit in Rishikesh. After the Beatles visited the ashram to do transcendental meditation, the outlook on Indian spirituality changed the world over.
Shivpuri, Rishikesh
No trip to Rishikesh is complete without trying the adrenaline-spiking water sport – river rafting. And the best place to indulge in one of the most exciting adventure activities in Rishikesh is Shivpuri. A hub for river rafting, the place is crowded with people who want to try this adventure sport. Whether you want to go for the short 9-km or the long 21-km expedition, you will find all the equipment and arrangements at Shivpuri.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
Located around 30 km from Rishikesh, this holy temple is considered as one of the most important pilgrimage places for all the devotees of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the temple is built at the same spot where Lord Shiva drank the venom ‘Halahala’ that was extracted after churning the ocean to obtain the elixir of life.
