Wednesday 21 March 2012

Rishikesh..a Travelers delight.

Rishikesh
Located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River, Rishikesh attracts thousands of pilgrims every day from India as well as abroad. There are several ancient temples and ashrams in Rishikesh which are associated with our mythological and historical background. A dip in the holy water of Ganges flowing from the river beaches of Rishikesh is capable of washing all the sins of a person. Rishikesh is also popular because it acts as the starting point for salvation trip to the "Char Dham" pilgrimage which includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.



Rishikesh is the ideal destination for adventurer’s activities like rafting, trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountaineering etc.
Rishikesh is situated 25kms ahead of Haridwar at an elevation of 356mts above sea level. Rishikesh consists of three distinct areas known as Rishikesh, Swargashram and Muni-ki-Reti. It is believed that when Raibhya Rishi did rigorous penances here, the God appeared to name the place as 'Hrishikesh' and subsequently the place came to be known as Rishikesh. Numerous spiritual Yoga and meditation centres are located at Rishikesh which are regularly visited by large number of tourists from all over the world.
Rishikesh is one of the best-located pilgrimage centres along the right side of the bank of the Ganga. The holy river emerging from the high mountains not far from here, runs deep and silent through the thickly wooded hills of the Terai that straddle this region. A breathtaking experience of natural beauty and undiscovered wildlife await here. Not to mention the peace and tranquillity of a landscape associated with `munis’ and meditation. According to legend, sage Raibhya Rishi, undertook staunch penance at Rishikesh to please God. In answer to his meditation, god appeared here, manifested as `Rishikesh’ and the place thus came to be called after him.
Rishikesh is a famous religious place also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Rishikesh is popular amongst devotees, yoga persons and adventurers as well. Today, Rishikesh has become a centre for learning and research in yoga and meditation – the renowned Indian methods for mental and physical health.
The International Yoga Festival which attracts participation from all across the world is held here annually for one week in the month of February (2nd to 7th) on the banks of the serene Ganga.
Rishikesh at a glance
Area 11.20 sq. km (City area)
Altitude 356 m (1190 ft)
Climate
Summer Max 41.0ºC, Min 36.6ºC
Winter Max 32.2ºC, Min 18.3ºC
Rainfall 152.4 cm yearly average
Best Season Throughout the Year
Clothing
Summer Cottons
Winter Woollens
Places of intrest at Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat
It is an interesting placed to be at dawn, when people make offerings of milk to the river and feed fishes. After sunset, priests set floating lamps on the water during the Aarti Ceremony. Nearby is the Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple.
Neelkanth Mahadev
Just 32 kms from Rishikesh via Barrage and 22 kms via Ram Jhoola, this place abounds in religious fervour, mythological significance and picturesque surroundings. According to a legend, this place derived its name from Lord Shiva. It is believed that it was here that Lord Shiva consumed the venom, which emanated during the 'Samudra Manthan'. Due to this, his throat became blue in colour, thus giving Shiva the name of Neelkanth. Centuries old temples here reserve in their fold the celestial aura and legendary ambience. At 926 meters, amidst three valleys (Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot and Manikoot) and on the confluence of Madhumati and Pankaja rivers awaits Neelkanth Mahadev. Neelkanth Mahadev is 22 kms from Swargashram. A 12 kms trekkable road is surrounded by dense forests, a sight every trekker would love to behold. Accommodation is available at the Irrigation & Forest Rest Houses.
Bharat Mandir
The Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple of Rishikesh, situated near the Jhanda Chowk. Rishi Rabhya did his penance at this holy spot and the place is devoted to Lord Vishnu. A spectacular sacred Shree Yanthra is placed at the inner canopy of the temple. Bharat Mandir celebrates colourful spring festival called 'Basant Panchami'.
Rishikund
Rishikund literally suggests the sage's pond. It is believed that the waters of the Yamuna drenched this pond on the request of Kubz saint. Shani mandir is also situated at Rishikund.
Laxman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is on of the main attraction of Rishikesh. It is 450 ft long hanging bridge on the river Ganga which was built in 1939. According to myths and legends Laksman, brother of Lord Rama crossed Ganga River on a jute rope from this point. The 13 storied temple is located near Lakshman Jhula where the idols of several Gods and Goddesses are kept. The bridge gives a magnificent view of the Ganges, greeting you with the cool breeze from the river.
Ram Jhula
Ram Jhoola connects Swargashram with Shivananda Ashram. Several ashrams are located near Ram Jhoola. Ram Jhoola is bigger than Laxman Jhula and even more picturesque.
Geeta Bhawan
Geeta Bhawan is one of the oldest temple complexes situated by the side of Laxman Jhula on the banks of sacred Ganges in Rishikesh. Gita Bhavan is dedicated as a Museum for puranic and mythological awareness for the common public. Building consists of a very large complex comprising discourse halls and over 1000 rooms available free of charge for the stay of devotees. For the convenience of the devotees, simple vegetarian food, kitchen and grocery items and Indian sweets are available at very moderate price.
The old Lakshman temple is situated on the western bank. Other attractions like the school of Yoga and Meditation and white water rafting camp at Shivpuri, 15 km. up stream, extends an irresistible invitation.
Swarga Ashram
One can find numerous temples here. This place has the eating joints and shops where one can do shopping. The beautiful statues in the area mermerise the visitors.
White Water Rafting At Rishikesh
The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers
Ashrams
There are many important ashrams in Rishkesh. Most ashrams are centres for spiritual studies which also calls for Physical disciplines. Some ashrams, however, are monasteries. Among the better known ashrams are :- Paremarth Niketan, Sivanand Ashram, Yoga Niketan, Omkaranand Ashram, Vanprastha Ashram, Ved Niketan, Dayanand Vedanta Ashram, Vanmali Gita Yogashram, Shankaracharya Nagar, Transcendental Meditatation Centre, Vithal Ashram and Yoga Study Centre.
White Water Rafting At Rishikesh
The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers.
Situated near Rishikesh is another ideal river rafting site of Shivpuri, where there camping facilities are present along the Ganges River. The camps are well equipped with two single beds with mattresses, complete bedding, towels, etc. From the camp base one can opt for half-day rafting trip, for which no previous rafting experience is necessary.
Beside the camping facilities, tourists are also provided with Expert guides and top quality equipment and rafting gear. Shivpuri presents an ideal way to explore the flora and fauna of the Himalayan region on foot too, taking a hiking tour to the nearby small villages. As the area is close to Rajaji National Park, one can see a good variety of resident and migratory birds.
Rafting Season in Rishikesh
The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus September-November and March-April-May are most appropriate. Most of the river established river camps near the on the Ganges above Rishikesh operate from the end of September to mid-December, and from mid-February until late April. Tour operators even arrange rafting excursions varying in length from one-day runs to extended camping-rafting expeditions, but advanced booking is required.

How To Reach
By Air
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehra Dun 18 km.
By Train
Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar which is on the main route. Haridwar is connected directly with Mumbai, Lucknow, Howrah, Kalka, Sri Ganganagar, Allahabad and Delhi.
By Road
Rishikesh is well connected by road with all major cities in the state.

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