Sightseeing Highlights:
Ghats & temples:
Triveni Ghat, located in the heart of town, is the most prominent bathing ghat, where most pilgrims take a holy dip before they visit the various temples. This is done generally in the early mornings, with the pilgrims offering prayers and milk at the Ghat and feeding the fish in the water. An amazing sight here is the evening arati, a ceremony accompanied by lights, drums and chanting, with the entire ghat lit with lamps glowing from a distance.
Near the Ghat, is the temple called Bharat Mandir, said to be the oldest temple here built by the Adi Shankaracharya. This 9th century temple has the deity of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single black stone called Saligram, and is placed in the inner chambers of the temple. The original temple was said to have been destroyed in 1398 AD. If you are lucky, catch the spring festival also called Basant Panchami celebrated here.
Also close to the Triveni Ghat is the ancient place of Rishikund, where the Saint Kubz is said to have been blessed by the Goddess Yamuna, who filled the pond with her water. The temple of Raghunath dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita, is located here.
Swarg Ashram Area:
This is a complex of ashrams, cafes and shops, lying opposite to Shivananda Nagar, which can be crossed over either by ferries or by the Ram Jhoola, which is a new extension of the Laxman Jhoola, and is also called Shivanand Jhoola. It is a fascinating place backing hills covered with forests and many caves that are home to saints and hermits. It is a place for those looking to connect with their inner self or on a religious exploration.
The other ashrams and temples to visit at the Swarg Ashram area are Kali Kumbliwale, founded by Swami Vishudhananda and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. The Shivananda Ashram, also known as the Divine Life Society, is one of the oldest and most active ashrams here. It runs several yoga and meditation courses as well as a charitable hospital. Close by is Gita Bhavan, one of the oldest temple complexes in the area, where you can find the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana inscribed on the walls. It houses an Ayurvedic dispensary and various shops selling khadi and religious literature. To the extreme end is located the Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Just above the Swarg Ashram, at an altitude of 1,675 m is the Neelkanth Mahadev, considered a revered temple in Rishikesh.
Two kilometers from Swarg Ashram, is the famous Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge 450 feet long and built in 1939. Named after Lord Ram's younger brother Lakshman, it has temples dotting its either side, including the famous Lakshman Temple at Tapovan. Another noteworthy ashram is the thirteen storeyed Kailashananda Ashram, with each storey being dedicated to a different deity.
Other Attractions:
You can also visit some monuments like the Ganga Museum, housing a vast collection of 18th and 19th century paintings of the Mughals and Rajputs, and the tomb of Fateh Jung, built in memory of a minister in the court of the Emperor Shahjahan, its architecture combining Islamic and Hindu influences. Jaisamand Lake built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910 is a great place to open out your picnic hampers. You can also visit his palace Vijay Mandir Palace.
Moving on to the northeastern part of Rishikesh is Muni'ki-reti, located on the riverbanks of Chandrabhaga River. A secluded area, this is your beach haven, where you could sunbathe, swim and take boat rides.
Activities:
The Holy Dip
Experience the holy dip in the Ganges along the various ghats and light a lamp for the evening arti.
Yoga and Meditation
The various ashrams offer courses in yoga and if you are here in February, you can attend the International Yoga Week organized by the Department of Tourism annually. Or just stay in an ashram, where you can meditate or learn about Hindu philosophy.
White Water Rafting
In addition to being a holy place, one associates Rishikesh with the swirling white waters, spraying water on your face as you beat it out on the rapids of the River Ganga. This is an ideal activity in the months of September to November and March to May. Good places for rafting are Brahmpuri and Shivpuri.
Excursions:
The palace of Vilas Vinay, 10kms away from Rishikesh, used to be the home of the erstwhile Maharaja Vinay Singh and is set amidst beautiful gardens and a lake.
Visit the fascinating historical town of Narendra Nagar, built by the King of Tehri, Narendra Singh. An important archeological site, it is known for its beautiful palace and the Nandi Bull, Lord Shiva's attendant. It is 15 kms from town and located on the Rishikesh-Chamba road.
To see some wildlife, drive out 16 kms to the Rajaji National Park at Chilla, covering an area of 820 sq. km, and well known as a home to wild elephants.
The Shakti Temple at Kunjapuri is set atop a hill, with the presiding deity known as one of the thirteen most important goddesses of the Shivalik range. Also from this temple, you can catch the most captivating view of the Himalayas.
Located an hour away from Rishikesh is the Vashishtha Goofa or a cave, said to have been the place where the famous sage Vashishta meditated. It is a quiet and calm place, perfect for meditation.
Finally for some action in the water, Shivpuri, 10 kms from Rishikesh, is the favoured destination for white water rafting and camping. There is also Kaudiyala, 38 kms upstream.
Tourism info:
Uttaranchal Tourism Development Corporation
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam
74/1, Rajpur Road
Dehra Dun - 248 001
Phone: (0135) 746817, 749308v
Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, this holy city on the banks of the River Ganga is an important pilgrimage centre, and considered to be one of the major seats of Hindu philosophy. It is no wonder that you only see temples, ashrams and shops selling literature and religious items lining the river ghats and roads. Rishikesh is also the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas and the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Rishikesh derived from the word Hrishikesh, is another name of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have slayed the demon Madhu here. Legend also has it that Lord Rama, on the advice of the sage Vasishtha, sought penance here after having killed Ravana. Thus in Sanskrit, Rishikesh means 'he who has conquered his senses', rishik meaning 'senses' and ish meaning 'master'. Yet another version says that the sage Rabhiya Rishi, after completing his penance on the riverbanks of Ganga, was blessed with the appearance of god Vishnu or Hrishikesh and so the place got its name. All these legends made it a holy place and an important point of meditation for many saints, including Adi Shankaracharya, over the centuries.
Located at an altitude of 1,360 feet, it lies 26 kms upstream from Haridwar and presents a beautiful sight with the River Ganga flowing through it and a long expanse of white beaches. Being in the foothills, it experiences a moderate climate through the year. The city comprises five sections that include settlements on either side of the river. The focal point for all communication and commercial activities is Rishikesh Muni-ki-reti is the quiet outskirts where the beaches lie; Shivananda Nagar is an area to the north; Lakshmanjhula houses the many temples; and Swarg Ashram is home to many ashrams.
Rishikesh as a tourist destination for the Westerners, gained popularity with the Beatles, when they came to meet Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, in search of salvation. The city attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the country and the world. Its popularity extends to other aspects as well. It is called the 'World Capital of Yoga', housing several yoga centers, where people come in search of health and nirvana. It is also a popular haunt for for the white water rafting along the upper regions of the river, near Shivpuri. |
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