Rishikesh is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India and attracts foreign and domestic tourists all the year round. It is often referred to as the gateway to the Garhwal hills and is a major stopover destination to all the major treks and tourist destinations in this region. It is often referred to as the Yoga capital of India and does have a number of ashrams and yoga centres.Rishikesh temperature remains pleasant during the winters and spring season. There are a number of places to visit in Rishikesh and it is one of the most holy cities for Hindu pilgrimage and spirituality. The Ganges river flows through Rishikesh and there are a number of temples and ashrams on its banks that attract visitors and pilgrims throughout the year. Rishikesh is also a great hub for adventure junkies and offers a number adventure activities. River rafting in Rishikesh and bungee jumping in Rishikesh are some of highly recommended activities one should definitely try here.
History
Rishikesh is also a famous place for Hindu pilgrimage and has a number of important temples. A number of mythological stories are centred around this place which gives it a special relevance. Sages and saints are said to have meditated here for ages. The Ganges river flows through the city of Rishikesh and is therefore the lifeline for this holy city. Ram and Lakshman Jhula which are the most important landmarks in Rishikesh. The legend behind this place has association to the Ramayanas. Ram had come here for salvation after killing Ravana along with his brother Lakshman and crossed the river at the same point where Lakshman Jhula is presently located.
How to Reach
Rishikesh is easily connected by road and rail. There are a number of buses that connect Rishikesh with Delhi and other major cities. There are a variety of buses available at frequent intervals from Kashmere Gate in Delhi bound for Rishikesh. Rishikesh does have a railway station but major trains run upto Haridwar which is located 25 kilometres away. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun which is located 35 kilometres away.
Places to Visit in Rishikesh
There are number of places to visit in Rishikesh. The suspended bridges of Ram and Laxman Jhula are the important landmarks of Rishikesh situated over the Ganges river. These bridges offer stunning views of the entire region and the river. There are also a number of yoga centres and ashrams spread over this town with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram popularly known as the Beatles Ashram being the most prominent one. The Triveni Ghat is a great place for witnessing the evening Aarti. Geeta Bhawan which is a pilgrim complex housing a number of pilgrims has a lot of stories and history attached with it and is an important place for visiting. There are also a number of temples like the Neelkanth Mahadev temple situated all over this town.
Adventures to explore
Rishikesh is a great hub for adventure sports and activities. Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh is a popular adventure activity. There is also white river rafting in Rishikesh which is extremely popular. Bungee jumping is an activity that requires you to jump from a tall structure like a cliff while being connected to a large elastic cord. Tall structures here can be bridges, buildings and even cranes. The elastic cord stretches and oscillates for some time providing a different degree of thrill and excitement which cannot be explained in mere words. River rafting in Rishikesh is an exciting activity and has different types of rapids of different difficulty levels. Camping in Rishikesh along the banks of the river is also something one should definitely try. Camping in Rishikesh and staying in tents is a great way to relax and being amidst nature’s tranquillity. Rishikesh is an important centre for yoga activities and hosts the International Yoga Festival in March. Rishikesh also has a number of treks and hikes in the vicinity.
Best time to Visit
Weather in Rishikesh remains pleasant throughout the year however the best time to visit Rishikesh is between the months of February to May. Rishikesh temperature ranges on an average range from 19 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius during this period. Rishikesh temperature rises during the summer months. The monsoon months from July to September are the times when the water level in the river increases and water activities like river rafting in Rishikesh are closed.
