Rishikesh the Yoga Capital of the World
Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as the "Yoga Capital of the World". It is one of the holiest places and is known as the pilgrimage town. It is always crowded with ages and saints. One who wants to study yoga and meditation can really come to this place. The famous Char DhamYatra starts from here. Vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited here because this place holds a religious significance.
The Ganges River holds an important place in the hearts of local people living there. It’s clean and crystal clear and visitors can bath and swim here. There are lots of places and areas to explore. Visiting to this place can leave an amazing experience with you. For shopaholics there are number of shops selling pretty handmade jewelleries, fabric journals, sequined tapestries, traditional Madhubani artwork, and cushion covers.
When to visit:
The summers are hot to visit to this place. For the travellers who want to experience River Rafting, the best time to visit is from September to mid-November. Another best time to visit this beautiful location is from March – April.
What to do in Rishikesh:
- Cliff Jumping
- Kayaking
- Camping
- Trekking
- River Rafting
How to reach:
Rishikesh bus stand is the nearest bus stand and it is well connected with important places such as Haridwar, Dehradun and New Delhi.
Railway Stationin Haridwaris the nearest railway to reach to this place. From there one is suggested to take taxis or cabs.
Jolly Grant Airport, in Dehradunis the nearest airport to this location.It is 35 Km away from this place.
Places to visit near Rishikesh:
This place is surrounded by various sightseeing spots, temples, markets, restaurants and ashrams. One who is looking for spiritual experiences, can visit to Andhra Ashram, Anand Prakash Ashram, Madhuban Ashram, Nirmal Ashram, Osho Ganga Ashram etc. Apart from these ashrams, below are some famous places one must visit to -
Raghunath Temple – Situated near the TriveniGhat in the heart of Rishikesh, this temple is a Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Ram and his wife. This place holds a religious significance and also has a pond called Rishikund. It opens from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
LakshmanJhula –Connecting Tapovan and Jonk, it is a hanging bridge across the river Ganges. It is made up of iron and is 450 feet long. Throughout the year many tourists travel to this place and now the vicinity is covered with shops and temples.
TeraManzil Temple – As the name suggests, it is 13 storey temple situated at the bank of River Ganges. From the top most floor the view is mesmerising.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve – This place is known for its wildlife and is 19km from Rishikesh. One can spot species of birds, deer and hyena. Bengal tigers can also be easily spotted here.
Timing:It is within Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: For Indians - INR150, for Foreigners – INR600
Cost of Jeep Safari – INR1500
NeelkanthMahadev Temple –Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is a place with sculptors of various Devas and Asuras. People come to visit this temple from corners of the earth. It is at a distance of 30 km from Rishikesh.
Shivpuri –As the name reflects, Shivpuri is the home of Lord Shiva and has number of Shiva temples. It is located at a distance of 19km from Rishikesh. There are magnificent mountains and besides that river Ganges floats, which offers a great view to the travellers. This place is also famous for the adventurous activities like rappelling, river rafting, cliff jumping and rock climbing.
Byasi –This is a little village of Uttrakhand at a distance of 30km from Rishikesh. It is a perfect place for photographers and nature lovers.
Kaudiyala –This place is at a distance of 40km from Rishikesh. It is house for many birds and animals. It is surrounded by dense forests and offers great views to the photographers. One can’t afford to miss the sunset view from here.