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.
Attractions
to See
- Lakshman Jhula
- Gita Bhavan
- Swarga Ashram
- Neelkanth Mahadev Mela
- Nilkanth Mahadeo
- Triveni Ghat
How to Reach
- Air
The closest airport is the Jolly Grant which
is 18 kms away. One can get there from Delhi.
- Road
The Government operates regular bus services
from Delhi, Agra, Dehra Dun, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Chandigarh,
Shimla, etc.
