Rishikesh (Hrishikesh) which means Lord of Consciousness i.e. Lord Vishnu. The city of Rishikesh is in the Dehradun district, the capital of the state of Uttarakhand and today is one of the most famous tourist places in the whole world. Rishikesh is also known as "Capital of Yoga" and "Gateway of Garhwal" in Uttarakhand.
Rishikesh is not only known for religious or adventure tourism but also for yoga and natural health centers . Every year millions of tourists from India and abroad come to visit Rishikesh, the city of Lord Vishnu. Rishikesh is famous for ancient temples, magnificent Ganga Arti, natural scenic site, as well as for adventure sports like river rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking.
Although Rishikesh can be visited throughout the year, but the season from October to March is the best time to visit Rishikesh. The temperature remains around 20 degrees during the day and there is no rain in these months. This is the best time to enjoy and experience adventure sports here. River rafting and other adventure activities are closed during monsoon from June to September. So if you are planning to go to Rishikesh in your upcoming holidays, it is must to know about the weather, tourist places, religious sites and places and adventure activities.
Rishikesh - Temples and Other Tourist Places
We can keep the tourist place in Rishikesh in three categories. If you are coming here for religious purposes, then the ancient temples of this city and the places of penance of sages will attract you.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh in Hindi
Neelkanth Mahadev temple, dedicated to the Neelkanth form of Lord Shiva is located in Pauri Garhwal, about 32 km from Rishikesh City. Built in the Dravidian style of Dakshina Bharata, this temple is established as a major pilgrimage. Legend says, Lord Shiva drank the poison at this place that came out during the churning of the ocean. He kept the poison in his thorat and it turned his throat to blue. Blue is called "neela" in Hindi and throat is called "kanth". That is why Lord Shiva was called Neelkanth. This temple is called Neelkanth Mahadev Temple after his name.
Read more about Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh !
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple organizes big festival every year on Shivratri and Maha Shivratri. A large number of devotees come to be a part of this festival.
Bharat Temple Rishikesh
Bharat Temple is known as the oldest temple of Rishikesh. Many mythological stories related to this temple are also very popular. This temple is called Bharat Mandir after the name of King Bharat. The Mahabharata also describes this place and the temple. It is said that King Bharata performed Rajasuya Yagya here. This temple is dedicated to the Hrishikesh Narayan form of Lord Vishnu. This name of Rishikesh is derived from his name only.
The museum located in Bharat Mandir is also special for those interested in history and archeology. Sculptures and other objects found in the excavation can be seen in this museum.
Read more about Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh !
Shatrughan Mandir /Temple Rishikesh
The Shatrughna Temple is dedicated to Shatrughna, the youngest brother of Lord Rama. This temple is also known as Adi Badrinarayan Temple. This one temple dedicated to Shatrughna is located in North India and the other temple is located in Thrissur district of Kerala.
Trimbakeshwar Mandir / Temple, Rishikesh
Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the famous temples of Rishikesh, which is not dedicated to any one God but dedicated to all Hindu Gods and Goddesses. This temple is built up to 13 floors, hence it is also known as Terah Manzil Temple. This temple was established in the 12th century. Big religious festivals are celebrated here every year on Shivratri and Mahashivratri.
Read more about Trimbakeshwar Mandir / Temple , Rishikesh !
Lakshman Mandir /Temple, Rishikesh
This temple dedicated to Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, is situated on the banks of the river Ganga. It is said that Lakshman ji meditated at this place and the Lakshman Jhula built here was made by Lord Rama himself with a rope.
Kunjapuri Devi Mandir
One of the 52 Shaktipeeths, Kunjapuri Devi Shakti Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Sati/Parvati. Kunjapuri Devi Temple is situated on a hill and watching the sunrise from here is a very beautiful experience. Also, the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas can be seen from this temple.
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Raghunath Mandir, Rishikesh
The Raghunath Temple at Triveni Ghat is dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita. Devotees visit here in large numbers to witness the evening aarti that takes place in the temple.
Veerbhadra Mandir, Rishikesh
This temple is dedicated to the Veerbhadra (angry form) form of Lord Shiva. More than a thousand years old, this temple is the one of the main attraction of Rishikesh for Shiva devotees. Jagran and religious festivals are organized in this temple on Shivratri and then on Mahashivaratri which falls in the month of Sawan.
Visit Virbhadra Mandir Rishikesh !
Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh
The Laxman Jhula bridge built on the river Ganga connects Tapovan and Jonk villages. It is said about this bridge that it was built by Lord Rama and it was on this bridge that Lakshmana crossed the river Ganga. Earlier this bridge was made of ropes, which was later made a strong bridge by putting iron structures. Right now only pedestrian access is allowed on this bridge. The construction of a new bridge is going on along with this bridge.
Read more about Lakshman Jhula Bridge, Rishikesh !
Ganga Arti, Rishikesh
In Rishikesh, Ganga Aarti can be seen taking place on the banks of river Ganga. The Ganga Aarti performed by the Parmarth Niketan Ashram every day at 6 pm on the banks of the river Ganga is a major attraction among the devotees. Every day in the evening, tourists, devotees and locals also come here to watch the Ganga Aarti. A lot of lamps can be seen floating in the river Ganga during the Ganga Aarti.
The bhajans, mantras and aarti recited at the time of Ganga Aarti mesmerize everyone.
Ram Jhula Bridge, Rishikesh
Ram Jhula, a famous tourist place in Rishikesh, is a bridge built on the river Ganga which connects Muni ki Reti and Swargashram. There are many ashrams and temples around this bridge on both sides of the river Ganga.
Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh
The famous Triveni Ghat of Rishikesh city is located in the heart of the city. You can visit the main tourist place of Rishikesh near this ghat. Devotees take a dip in the river Ganges after coming to this ghat. Ganga Aarti takes place at this ghat in the evening.
Rishi Kund, Rishikesh
The Rishi Kund inside the Raghunath temple is known as the Kund of Lord Rama. It is said that Lord Rama took bath in this pool. Rishi Kund is also considered to be the meeting place of the Ganga-Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, although the water streams of Ganga and Yamuna can be seen meeting at the confluence of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Rishi Vashishtha Cave, Rishikesh
Rishi Vashishtha Cave is an ancient cave where sage Vashishtha meditated. According to mythology, Sage Vashishtha was the son of Lord Brahma and is considered one of the Sapt Rishi (seven sages).
Muni ki Reti, Rishikesh
Muni Ki Reti is an important place from the religious point of view. It is also called the gateway of Char Dham Yatra. This name of Muni Ke Reti is because this place is called the abode of sages. Rishi Muni (sages) used to do penance here. King Bharat and Lord Ram's youngest brother Shatrughan also did penance at this place.
Ashrams in Rishikesh
Parmarth Ashram, Rishikesh
Parmarth Ashram is the biggest ashram in Rishikesh. Here tourists come for yoga, health benefits and stay. Parmarth Ashram is situated on the banks of river Ganga and the Ganga Aarti of the ashram is very famous.
Geeta Bhavan, Rishikesh
Geeta Bhavan is a large ashram built on the banks of the river Ganga where free service is provided to stay. Thousands of devotees from all over the country and abroad come to participate in the satsang programs held here.
Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh
Sivananda Ashram established by Swami Sivananda is a renowned name in the field of Yoga. Here the ashram is working in the field of Vedic education along with Yoga.
Madhuban Ashram, Rishikesh
Madhuban Ashram is a beautiful ashram where aarti is performed in the morning and evening to worship Lord Krishna.
84 Kuti Ashram / Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh
In 1968, members of the Beatles rock band came here and stayed for a few days and also learned meditation and stayed here for some time in the ashram, since then it came to be known as Beatles Ashram. The ashram has 84 small huts in which tourists/devotees can sit and meditate. This ashram is also famous for graffiti. This ashram is also known as 84 Kuti Ashram.
Andhra Ashram
This ashram is run by people who have settled here from Andhra Pradesh. South Indian festivals are celebrated with great pomp in this ashram.
There are many more Ashrams in Rishikesh such as Omkaranand Ashram, Swargashram, Anand Prakash, Himalayan Yoga Ashram, Nirmal Ashram, Phool Chatti Ashram, Swami Dayanand Ashram, Vanprastha Ashram. All these ashrams provide information about Yoga and Vedas.
Cooking Classes in Rishikesh
Vegetarian cooking classes are also very popular in Rishikesh. If you want to learn some vegetarian recipes here, you can also register for these classes.
Rishikesh Waterfalls
There are many clear sweet water springs around Rishikesh city where tourists like to spend some time.
Neergarh Waterfall
Neergarh Waterfall is a small waterfall of pure water where you can enjoy nature. This waterfall is only 3 kilometers away from Lakshman Jhula. You can go to the waterfall by your own vehicle. To reach this waterfall, you can go a little off the road and trek for one kilometer. Tourists can also take a bath in its pure water. This waterfall is a special attraction for tourists after the rainy season in October-November.
Garud Chatti Waterfall
Patna Waterfall
This waterfall is near Rishikesh, about 7 kilometers away in Patna village. It is called Patna Waterfall after the name of this village itself.
Himshail Waterfall
Fool Chatti Waterfall
This waterfall is also a short distance from Lakshman Jhula. Not many tourists come here. If you want to enjoy nature in peace then you can spend some time at Phool Chatti Waterfall.
Rishikesh is also known as the city of Yoga or "Yog Nagri". Apart from religious and adventure tourism, tourists also come here to learn yoga in yoga ashrams and for health benefits.
Adventure in Rishikesh
Geography of Rishikesh makes it a perfect location for adventure sports and activities. For the past few years, Rishikesh has also made its mark in the area of adventure tourism and tourists often come here for bungee jumping, river rafting and biking.
Bunjee Jumping Rishikesh
Bungee jumping can be done at Mohan Chatti, about 30 km from Rishikesh. Special guide lines are given for bungee jumping and you can do bungee jumping if you are above 12 years of age.
River Rafting Rishikesh
Mountain Biking Rishikesh
If you want to go cycling on the mountain roads here, then travel agencies can help you for this. While planning Rishikesh trip or even after reaching there, you can contact the travel agency and plan adventure sports activities for yourself.
Cliff Jumping
Camping in Rishikesh
If you like camping, then camping is done in Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges and also in the mountains. For this, you can plan your trip by contacting the travel agency.
Trekking in Rishikesh
How to Reach Rishikesh
By Flight
Dehradun airport is the nearest airport to Rishikesh. Distance from Dehradun to Rishikesh is approximately 35 km. Flights or connecting flights are available from all the airports of the country for Dehradun airport of Uttarakhand. Once you reach Dehradun airport, you can take bus or taxi to reach Rishikesh by road.
By Train
Rishikesh is well connected by train network.
By Road
Rishikesh is well connected by road network. One can easily reach here by bus, taxi or by driving in your own car.
Roaming in Rishikesh
The best way to get around in Rishikesh is on foot. Tourists can also take autorickshaws to travel around the city. Taxis or scooters / motorbikes can also be hired to go outside Rishikesh such as Neelkanth Temple, Kunjdevi Temple and to the camping site.
Shopping in Rishikesh
You can buy Puja material, woolen clothes, Rudraksh beads from Rishikesh. Brass and stone idols can also be bought in Rishikesh.
Food in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a religious tourist place and it has also been named as the land of sages. Here only vegetarian food is available in hotels and alcohol is also not served.
Stay in Rishikesh
It takes 3 to 4 days to visit Rishikesh and its surrounding and see all the tourist spots. Apart from this, experiencing the weather and atmosphere here is special itself. Hotels will be available in every budget to stay here. Advance booking should be done during the summer season as the hotels in the city are often booked due to the tourist season. For hotel booking, you can book hotels online.
Best time to visit Rishikesh
October to March is the best season to visit Rishikesh. The temperature of Rishikesh is not very hot even in summer. Rishikesh's weather remains pleasant throughout the year due to the mountains and the banks of the river Ganga. If you want to go to Rishikesh for adventure activity then it is good to go in October after monsoon.
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