The holy city of Rishikesh lies about
24 km from Haridwar. It is surrounded by hills on three sides and is at an
altitude of 356 metres. This is also an excellent centre of learning and is
a place that is the hub of ashrams and sadhus. Rishikesh is also the jumping
off point for treks to Himalayan pilgrimage centres like Badrinath,
Kedarnath and Gangotri. This city is also an important destination for those
who want to delve deeper into meditation, yoga and other aspects of
Hinduism.
See & Do
Triveni Ghat - On
this sacred ghat devotees take holy dips and offer prayers. This Ghat is
believed to be the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the legendary
Saraswati river. The Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat, on the south end of
Rishikesh, takes place at the sunset.
Lakshman Jhoola - This suspension bridge across Ganga is
situated about 5kms from Rishikesh. It is believed that Ram's brother
Lakshman crossed the river here on a jute rope. On the west bank, there is a
Lakshman temple also. Shri Raghunath temple is also located on the sides of
the bridge.
Ram Jhoola - This is
a suspension bridge between the Shivanand Ashram and the Swargashram. It
provides an alternative to a boat ride from one bank of Ganga to another .
Its construction is similar to that of the Lakshman Jhoola.
Shivanand Ashram - This ashram is an spiritual centre and
was founded by Swami Shivanand. Here meditation and yoga classes can be
attended in the morning and evenings.
Just Rock!
Rishikesh is no less than a paradise for the adventure
enthusiasts. One can enjoy -
White Water Rafting - Rishikesh is an important centre Of
White Water Rafting in North India. Rafting on the Ganges provides an unique
experience. For rafting the most appropriate months are from April to May
ans September to November.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling - There are proper
provisions of trained instructors who assist in climbing, equipment required
for mountaineering/rock climbing with transport facilities and Camping/
Catering and First Aid.
Canoeing - Adventure lovers can even indulge in canoeing
at Rishikesh. A gentle canoe trip in a lightweight alloy-metal craft is
popular with the adventurers.
Visit to Stalactite ans Stalagmite Caves - Enjoy the
sight of the Stalactite and Stalagmite caves.
Trekking from Rishikesh - There are a number of
trek routes in Rishikesh.
1. Chandrashila Trek
2. Chandrashila Summit
3. Devi Darshan Trek
4. Gangotri Nandavan Trek
5. Kauri Pass Trek
6. Kauri Tapovan Trek
7. Kedarnath Trek
8. Khatling Sahasratal Trek
9. Rishikesh Gopeshwar Trek
10. Rishikesh Pauri Binsar Trek
Shopaholics
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. Rishikesh also basks
in the glorious tradition of painting. One can buy carved decorated chests,
chairs, cradles and low tables and stools from here. The tie-and-die fabric
are also very popular items for shopping in Rishikesh.
Dinning Delight
Rishikesh has a plenty of dhabas and cafes. The
food offered in the dhabas are very palate pleasing. Neelam's is an all time
favourite with an almost exclusively Western clientèle.
Restaurants
- Anjali
- Chotiwala
- Ganga View
- Lakshaman Jhula Cafe
- Madras Cafe
- Neela's
Climate
Rishikesh experiences a continental type of climate. Due to
its location in the hills, the climate in Rishikesh is pleasant throughout
the year.
Summer :- Max 41.0ºC, Min 36.6ºC.
Winter :- Max 32.2ºC, Min 18.3ºC.
