About 24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, and is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it. The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. Rishikesh is important not only as pilgrimage centre closely associated with the Ramayana, but also as home for many important centres of Hindu religious thought and spirituality, and as a very grat Yoga Centre. There are a great many ashrams and Yoga institutes here. Rishikesh is also the gateway and the start-off point for journeys to important religious places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Rishikesh is also acquiring greater significance as a centre for white water rafting, other riverine sports, a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas.
Facts & Figures :
Area 11.20 sq. km (City area).
Altitude 356 m (1190 ft).
Rainfall 152.4 cm yearly average.
Best Season Throughout the Year.
Clothing Summer :Cottons, Winter :-Woollens.
STD Code 0135
Climate Summer :- Max 41.0ºC, Min 36.6ºC.
Winter :- Max 32.2ºC, Min 18.3ºC.
Lakshman Jhula
The suspension iron bridge Lakshman Jhula was build in 1929 and has been a major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. This is where Rama's brother Lakshaman is said to have crossed the river on a jute ropes . One can enjoy the pictursque surroundings and the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge.
Ram Jhula
Another suspended bridge close to Lakshman Juhla is the Ram Jhula- This suspended bridge was recently build between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. Ram Juhla is also known as Shivanand Jhula.
Raghunath Mandir and Triveni Ghat
It is the most important places for religious ceremonies in Rishikesh. It is believed that the Ganga is joined here by the Yamuna and the Saraswati Rivers. Geographically, however, the Yamuna joins the Ganga in Allahabad. The dusk Aarti on the Triveni Ghat is most impressive. Barefoot, sorried ranks of devotees sit in rows on the steps of the Ghat. As the sun begins to set, plating the river with gold, bells and gongs ring and chants fill the air. A row of religious celebrants hold plates of flaming ghee, moving them in a circular salutation to the Goddess of the River. Devotees also release flower-filled leaf boats carrying tiny oil lamps and left them float out on the river. It is a ceremony of worship, remembrance and hope.
Gita Bhavan
This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.
Bharat Mandir
It is the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The image installed here has a distinctly Himalayan cast of features. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu, it holds a number of image normalley associated with the worship of Lord Shiva.
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.
Places of Interest in Uttaranchal
