RISHIKESH  

Scenically located where the holy Ganges river comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a holy and pilgrimage town of Uttarakhand. It is also known as the ‘World Capital of Yoga’.

It is situated around 35 km from the state capital Dehradun and is well connected by roads to all the major cities of India with the likes of Doon valley and Mussoorie nearby Rishikesh is a perfect getaway for the tourists. The well-known Indian religious tour ‘Char Dham Yatra’ ideally begins from Rishikesh.

Once the visitor/tourist is in this Himalayan town he/she has many activities to do in this town. The town’s center where the bus and train stations are situated is of very little interest to most of the Travelers. The main attraction and tourism activities take place at the Ram Jhula and Lakshman jhula near Tapovan.

The main hubs of activity and interest are at the ends of these bridges. From taking a holy dip in the Ganga to having an adventure this Himalayan town is ready for every tourist activity including base jumping, free falling, rafting, kayaking and a number of other adventure activities are available in this Himalayan town.

The tourists can also take a religious tour of temples, ashrams, popular cafes, and whatnot. This Himalayan town is also been famous and extremely popular due to its association with things like spirituality, yoga, meditation. It can be a great visit for the tourists who are spiritual.

Rishikesh has been the ‘Land of Gods’ and is history is associated with various myths and legends. Some people say that this place is associated with Raibhya Rishi who performed self-punishment(penance) on the banks of river Ganga, impressed by his sadhana lord Vishnu himself appeared before him in form of Hrishikesh. This is how Rishikesh was named. Another story tells that Lord Rama did penance here after defeating Ravana(king of Lanka), then lord Rama and his younger brother Lakshman crossed the river Ganges using two jute ropes at the place where the present Lakshman Jhula stands today. So all this makes Rishikesh a religious and mythical town as well.

Being a religious destination majority of sightseeing locations have religious connections. On the other hand, the town also welcomes adventure seekers from worldwide. Although there are many places and tourist attractions in the town here are some must-visit tourist places in the town of Rishikesh.  

LAKSHMAN JHULA

One of the main attractions of Rishikesh and just 5kms from the city. It is said till 1889 there was a jute rope in the place of the modern-day Lakshman Jhula which was replaced by steel ropes later. The bridge exists between Rishikesh and Tapovan, you will find a temple dedicated to Lakshman close to Lakshman Jhula.

TRIVENI GHAT 

Triveni Ghat is the meeting point of the three rivers namely Saraswati, Kapil, Hiran. This is where arti of goddess Gangesis performed every evening, which is the main attraction here. One can witness a lot of tourists at this ghat during the arti time.

SWARGA ASHRAM

This big ashram is a town in itself. There are parks, Ayurveda centers, temples, restaurants, libraries, etc. in the town.

GITA BHAWAN 

An extremely popular tourist destination is a large complex located on the banks of the river Ganges. It houses a temple, retail shops, accommodation for the visitors.

PARMARTH NIKETAN

A well-known tourist attraction of Rishikesh Parmarth Niketan literally means ‘An Abode Dedicated to the Welfare of all. It is a true spiritual heaven on the holy banks of river Ganges and in the lap of lush Himalayas. It is the largest ashram in Rishikesh with thousand of pilgrims/visitors coming from all corners of the world. It has a clean, pure, and sacred atmosphere and beautiful gardens with several hundred rooms. The daily activities include morning prayer, daily yoga, meditation classes, daily Satsang, lecture program, kirtan, and world-famous Ganga Arti at sunset.

BEATLES ASHRAM

This is one of the most known and famous ashrams in Rishikesh also known as chaurasi kutia is located on the banks of river Ganga and foothills of the Himalayas. During the 1960-70s it was the International Academy of Meditation, it was the training center for students of maharishi Mahesh Yogi who planned the transcendental meditation training course. The ashram gained popularity in April 1968 when the English rock band ‘Beatles’ studied meditation here. The site was abandoned in the 1990s and given to the forest department. The site was officially opened to the public in Dec 2015. It has since become known as the Beatles ashram.

Rishikesh is known for its spiritual and religious beliefs at the same time most visitors/travelers come here for the adrenaline rush that comes with adventure sports. It offers one of the best adventure sports in India. So if you are one of those adventure lover or freak who love climbing rocks, rappelling down the mountain, river rafting or any other such stunts then Rishikesh is the perfect place to be and here are the top adventure sports in Rishikesh that will make you rush to this Himalayan town.

RIVER RAFTING

Rishikesh is known as one of the best places in India for river rafting and adventure sports. The rapid points in the river make it a dangerous and adventurous sport. There are various rafting rides like the shortest one is from brahmpuri which is 8 kms. The most popular among tourists is the marine drive i.e of 26 kms. Rafting expeditions are also provided by the authorities.

RAPPELLING

Bring out the inner mountaineer as you climb your way up the rocks. Rishikesh has a lot of regions with rocky terrains and hence you will get rappelling activities.

BUNGEE JUMPING

Once you are at the jump point feel the adrenaline rush as you soar 83ft. in the air and then down towards the ground

FLYING FOX

Zipline through two hills as you fly through the sky. Flying fox is one of the most common adventure tourism activity in Rishikesh.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Rishikesh still has more to offer head up the mountain with a bike and experience the wilderness as you bike your way to the mountain top.

GIANT SWING

Feel like a child again as you experience the giant swing. Swing from a rope at mohan chatti and bring joy. This is one of the most fun adventure activity to do.

CLIFF JUMPING

Jumping of a cliff is I think everyone’s desire. Try the cliff jump in Rishikesh H

KAYAKING

Kayaking is a water sports which allows you to navigate the river while canoeing and you can enjoy your way through the currents and rapids. 

WATERFALL HIKING

After all the adventure sports if you are hoping or planning a b it of relax and hiking then you can hike upto to the nearby waterfalls and enjoy some piece and natural atmosphere around the waterfall.

HOW TO REACH

BY ROAD – Rishikesh is well connected to all major cities of India and is around 240 kms from Delhi. Buses, cabs are easily available round the year.

BY AIR – Jollygrant airport on the Dehradun-Rishikesh road is the nearest airport at a distance of 25 kms from Rishikesh. From here you can hire a taxi to Rishikesh    

BY TRAIN- The nearest railway station is Haridwar which is 25 kms away from Rishikesh. A taxi or a bus is further available to reach Rishikesh.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Although tourists can visit Rishikesh round the year it is best to be there in winters or between march to April. In summers Rishikesh is very hot and humid, monsoons are also good and pleasant for the visit.