Uttarakhand Rishikesh

In Sanskrit Rishikesh is a name of Vishnu that means 'lord of the senses'. The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to 'Raibhya Rishi', as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord Hrishikesh.

Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary 'Kedarkhand' (the present day Garhwal). Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where the present 'LakshmanJhula' bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge.

The 'KedarKhand' of SkandaPurana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by a stronger present bridge.

The sacred river Ganges flows through Rishikesh. It is here that the river leaves the Shivalikmountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh.

Some important questions arise when we choose a destination.

Most important places to Visit in Rishikesh. / Sightseeing places in Rishikesh.

Which all places I can visit along with Rishikesh?

Tour Itineries along with Rishikesh.

Best time to visitRishikesh.

How to reach Rishikesh?

Most important places to Visit in Rishikesh. / Sightseeing places in Rishikesh.

TriveniGhat. A confluence of three holy important Rivers the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswathy, is a most revered sacred bathing spot in Rishikesh and is situated on the banks of Ganges River. It is of belief that those who take a dip in water at this ghat washes away all the sins and purifies the soul and will have salvation, a relief from all sins carried out; the water here has the power to purify them. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the MahaAarti being performed.It very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.

Trayambakeshwar Temple

On the east bank of the Ganges at LakshmanJhula Bridge, is 13 stories high, with different deities throughout.

Bharat Mandir

Built by AdiguruShankraCharya around 12th century, Bharat Mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the banks of the Ganges. 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 AdiSankrayaCharya.

Ram Jhula

Ram Jhula is situated 3 Km north of Rishikesh, Is an iron suspension bridge. It is made over river Ganges to cross the river and is a landmark of Rishikesh. Ram Jhula has been added recentlyconstructed between Shivananda Ashram and Sawargashram. The fresh air and sound of flowing water, the scenic beauty of the region can be seen from the bridge.

LakshmanJhula

LaxmanJhula - LxmanJhoola, - is a 450 feet long an iron suspension bridge situated in Rishikesh in Indian state of Uttarakhand. LakshmanJhula is one of the most prominent landmarks at Rishikesh. It is made over river Ganges to cross the river and is a landmark of Rishikesh. It is said that Lakshman crossed Ganges on jute ropes between the place where this bridge is built. LakshmanJhula was built in 1939. There are spectacular views from the bridge.

Gita Bhavan

Place of Guru Shri Ram SukhDaasji, (the great thinker of his time) Popular among the Hindu Brahmin Community. Twice a year people gather at this ashram to read the Ramayana together.

Swarg Ashram

Shri 108 Baba SaliKamli Wale Swami AtamPrakashJi. Swargashram( Heavenly Adobe) as the name connotes is a beautiful place situated in picturesque surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxmanjhula. It is the spiritual “ground zero” of Rishikesh, filled with a concentration of ashrams and temples. The areas is known for its healthy and satwik living environment. It is this spot where from ages of yore the famous Yogis and Rishis have been doing the Tapasya. Numerous mention of this spot occurs in the holy scripturePuranas.

ParmarthNiketan

One of the few Ashrams left in India where Kids get the Vedas Education. Must Visit in Evening for the Pooja/Aarti. 5 PM in Winter and 6 PM in summer.

NeelkanthMahadev Temple

It is situated on the outskirts of Rishikesh, around 12 km away, is a revered temple, known as ‘NilkanthMahadeo’. Perched on top of a hill, at a height of around 1675 m, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legends say that the venom that oozed out while the ‘SamudraManthan’ was ingested by Lord Shiva at the place which is now known as the NilkanthMahadeo.

VashistaGoofa

One hour drive from Rishikesh up river is situated VasishthaGoofa , where famous saint vasishthameditaed on the banks of the Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is a perfect place for meditation

Which all places I can visit along with Rishikesh?

Tour Itineries along with Rishikesh.

Delhi-Haridwar- Rishikesh-Shivpuri-Rishikesh-Haridwar-Delhi

Delhi - Rishikesh - Beasghat - Kaudiyala -Rishikesh - Delhi

Haridwar-Joshimath-Ghangaria-Hemkund Sahib-Valley of flowers -Rudraprayag-Rishikesh-Delhi

Delhi - Mathura - Agra - Delhi - Rishikesh - Haridwar - Delhi

Dehradun - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Auli - Binsar - Munsiyari - PatalBhuwaneshwar - Bhimtal - Mukteshwar - Haridwar - Dehradun

Delhi - Rishikesh - Agra - Hardwar - Varanasi - Delhi

Delhi - Haridwar - Guptkashi - Kedarnath - Badrinath - Rudraprayag - Haridwar - Delhi

Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Shivpuri -Beas - Kaudiyala - Rishikesh - Haridwar –Delhi

Best time to visit Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is a picturesque destination affording enchanting views throughout the year.

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 365 days of the year.

However right time to visit Rishikesh would be February, March, August-October.

May June is quite hot at Rishikesh temperature touching + 35 °C.

Best Time To Visit Rishikesh Best Time - Season to Visit Rishikesh for River Rafting

The best time to visit Rishikesh for River Rafting is from late September - October to mid November, and then the best time to visit Rishikesh is from early March - April to first week of May.

In July there is a festival in Rishikesh called Savan where thousands of people flock to Rishikesh. Major roads are blocked and hotels are crowded. It is better to avoid travelling to Rishikesh during that time.

How to reach Rishikesh?

How to reach Rishikesh by air

 Nearest Airport - AirPort Near ByRishikesh is in close proximity of Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (about 15 km) - a small, quiet and recently renovated airport handling many flights from Delhi. The runway is being extended and will possibly then handle flights from other metros as of now there are flights only from Delhi (The capital of India)

How to reach Rishikesh by Rail

Rishikesh railway station A quiet branch line connects Rishikesh to Haridwar, but there are only about three slow trains daily. It's best to take the train to Haridwar as Haridwar is serviced by many trains from to Delhi, Varanasi, Rajasthan, Amritsar, etc. and continue by bus (45 min), by taxi (30 mins or by shared auto-rickshaw (40 min). Travelling by train comes recommended because they often run empty and the fares are low & run right-time especially in peak seasons or "Melas" (Fares) when bus routes are diverted in Haridwar& share rickshaws try to make a killing. You can take "Vikrams" towards LakshmanJhula from Rishikesh station.

You will have to cross Ram Jhula to reach Swarg Ashram (On the other side of river Ganges). From Delhi there are many trains to Haridwar, some of the best are :-Shatabadi Express, Jan Shatabdi, AC Special Express, Mussoorie Express. to buy a ticket.

How to reach Rishikesh by Road

From Delhi the city is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A bus journey may take about 5-7 hours - depending on the traffic. Taxis are widely available anywhere in India. The drive from/to Delhi lasts around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions.