Rishikesh Tourism

Introduction

Rishikesh is a district in the Tehri- Garhwal region of Uttar Pradesh, and is famously known as the Gateway to the Himalayas. The natural beauty, the state is endowed with, makes it a favourite tourist destination in the North.

Truly a trip to Rishikesh evokes images of the River Ganga in full spate, flowing through the Himalayan ranges. Temples here are the best part about Rishikesh tourism. Tourist potentials in Rishikesh has an impetus when the rock group Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogis’s Ashram in the city.

The town nowadays is famed as the world capital of yoga as it is home to a mixture of ashrams providing the town a spiritual complexion. The Char Dham Yatra ideally commences in Rishkesh. So get set for a truly Himalayan experience, with yogasanas, white water rafting, temple viewing and some ancient medicine.

Get Tour Quotes

Important tourist information

Police sources confirm that crime rates in Rishikesh are exceedingly high so tourists must watch of fraudulent rishis, theft etc. You would also do well to deal only with the authorised agents in the area.

When to visit

Rishikesh is well-located in the state of Uttarakhand . So the climate is beautiful throughout the year, while the winters get a little extreme. October-April is a good time to visit there, but do carry appropriate clothing.

Shopping in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is basically a pilgrimage destination signifying that local handicrafts, shell necklaces and the beaded jewellery are on display. Ethnic hand-looms and confectioneries are integral to the culture of the hill region, Rishikesh.

Food

Tourists would do well to note that non-vegetarian food has been banned in Rishikesh, for many years. North and South Indian food is broadly available, while international tourists may exult in Lakshman Jhula that is home to various multi-cuisine restaurants. Ayurvedic and the health food restaurants are also a part of the food prospects in Rishikesh. This offers truly an ideal choice after a yoga session. Rishikesh as a sacred spot, prohibits the consumption of alcohol.

How to Get There

Rishikesh is 15 kms from Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. Trains link Rishikesh to Haridwar, but there are only about three trains every day. The high-grade option here takes the train to Haridwar and one can continue from there by bus. Various luxury buses also ply from Rishkesh to Delhi, Jaipur and Varanasi.

Get Tour Quotes

Attractions

Laxman Jhoola

As the legend explains that Lord Rama spent his time in the forest area of Rishikesh, along with his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana. The Laxman Jhoola features testimony to their stay here. The avant-garde bridge was made of jute and it was later renewed in 1939, by changing it into an iron bridge. Ram Jhoola is another suspension iron bridge linking the Shivanand Ashram to the Swarag Ashram. The Laxman Jhoola holds a special place on the Rishikesh tourist map, by the excellence of its fabulous origins. 

Neel Kanth Mahadeva Temple

NeelKanth Mahadeva Temple is a pilgrim destination 12 kms. from Rishikesh. The temple has an absorbing assemblage behind it. In the ancient times, when the churning of the oceans produced both nectar and venom, a few drops fell on to the earth. The first drop of venom were consumed by Shiva at the spot where Neel Kanth Mahadev temple is. The temple is situated amidst the forest area.

Bharat Mandir

Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple in Rishikesh, located near the Jhanda Chowk. The Chanda Chowk served as a penance site for the sages of the day.

River Rafthing & Canoeing in Rishikesh 

This is truly the best part about the Rishikesh trip. This Indian sub-continent comes home to the largest network of rivers in the world. The northern rivers that meet in Rishikesh flow with force making rafting an elating adventure. River guides and the self-bailing rafts add to the rafting occurrence. These rivers hit the banks with an awe-inspiring speed creating whirlpools, cascades and deluge. So realise your wildest adventure dreams with the exciting white-water rafting experience. For adventure enthusiasts this is truly the defining moment of the Rishikesh trip.

September-November and March-April-May are the most befitting for rafting. River camps on the River Ganges run from the end of September to mid-December, and from mid-February until late April. Advance bookings are preferable for rafting expeditions.

Your kit should include light clothes for rafting, suntan lotion, torches and other personal requirements, while wanting to raft in Rishikesh. Sneakers, warm clothes for the camp, light clothes for rafting are the personal requisites. If you care for a taste of canoeing to complete the adventure exercise, a caneo trip in a light-weight metal canoe is what you should look at.

Famous Ashrams of Rishikesh

Rishikesh is home to the various ashrams that serve as the centres of religious growth, in keeping with the image of the town. These ashrams give lessons in yoga, ancient breathing techniques, relaxation exercises and meditation. Ashrams such as the Himalayan Retreat are a chance to get close with nature, its jungle walks, mountain biking and rock climbing. Some ashrams such as the Yoga Niketan ashram avail two-weeks long yoga courses. So plan your stay accordingly.

The very intention of a stay at the ashrams means to escape the hustle and bustle of life and soak in the peace and calm of the ashrams. The ashrams in Rishikesh are set amongst a beautiful backdrop, with a colourful view of the mountains and rivers in full spate adding to the rejuvenation package.

Get Tour Quotes

Nevertheless life in ashram comes with stipulations, no alcohol, no smoking etc. Some of them consider organic food as part of their menu to further the physical health of its residents. Truly Rishikesh is the perfect opportunity to de-stress.

Rishikesh is heaven on earth. Its a place to soak in the incredible beauty of nature.