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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.
Religious Places
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.
Gita Bhavan
This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings
and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman
Jhula.
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.
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.
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.
White
Water Rafting
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.
Dehradun
The Doon Valley situated between the two most important rivers of India.
i.e. Ganga & Yamuna,
is most picturesque having moderate climate, nestling a number of places
of tourist interest.
Mussoorie
The queen of hill stations.
Haridwar
Gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is located on
the foot hills of Shivaliks.
Valley of
Flowers
The
famous Valley of Flowers with the largest concentration of various species
of wild flowers is off the Rishikesh-Badrinath road, 16 km from
Govindghat.
Chila :
It is just 20 kms from Rishikesh. The whole place is covered with forests
and provides very pleasant environment. Government has declared Chila a
sanctuary. A canal from Ganga feeds the reservoir where one can spot many
animals. One can stay at the tourist lodge and enjoy the peaceful scenic
surroundings.
Narendra nagar :
15 kms on the Rishikesh Chamba road is located the historical town of
Narendra nagar. This town is of archaeological importance. The town was
built by the King of Tehri Narendra Singh. Narendra nagar has recorded
many events which have left their impact on the town. The Royal palace is
worth seeing and the huge magnificent Nandi bull cannot escape your
attention.
Kunjapuri :
Close to Narendra nagar, situated at 7000 ft this place is covered with
dense forests. From here one can get a glimpse of the peaks and valleys.
Auli : 
One
of the well established Sports Circuit of the state of Uttranchal . With
their wide open spaces above the snowfields of Garhwal and Kumaon, the
place offers an exciting possibility - ski touring amongst the glaciers.
The cross-country runs of 10-20 km with added advantage of fresh powder
snow from crisscrossing streams, tearing down the snowlines of the
European Alps.
Devprayag :
The rivers Alaknanda
and Bhagirath leave
the mountains and merge at this place. From here they get the name Ganga.
A peaceful holy place. It has got the ancient Raghunathji Temple.
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.
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.
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.
Tourist Office - Tourist bureau, Station road,
Rishikesh, Uttranchal Indi
Tourist Office - Yatra office, Garhwal mandal vikas nigam, Muni ki
reti, Uttranchal , India .
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 any time of the year.
Delhi -
238 Kms
Uttrakashi - 154 kms
Dehradun - 42 kms
Kedarnath -
228 kms
Haridwar - 25 kms
Mussoorie - 77 kms
MAIN LANGUAGES: Garhwali and Hindi
Even the police here accepts that crime is increasing and incidents of fraud are common. Tourist, if new to place, should only contact authorised persons for assistance and should keep an eye on the thugs. Bargain in the tariffs of the hotels.
| TREKKING FROM RISHIKESH |