About 245 Kms from Delhi and 43 Kms from Dehradun, Rishikesh with a area of just over 11 Sq Km, lies at an altitude of 365 m above the sea level. Rishikesh, literally meaning the place of sages' is a celebrated place on the bank of Ganga. The Shivalik range of the Himalayas surrounds the place from three sides. Giving this sacred place a tremendous scenic beauty. For the pilgrims, Rishikesh is the starting point for the Char Dham Pilgrimage (Comprising of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath)
Its is an ideal location not only for those who want to delve deeper into meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. The International yoga week (2nd Feb to 7th Feb every year) attracts visitors from all across the world. For the adventurous tourists, Rishikesh is again the starting point for trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayas. 10 Km upstream from here, is Shivpuri, the site for river running & rafting on the roaring Ganga. Be it Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhoola ( A suspension bridge across Ganga) or the Shivanand Ashram ( The divine life society). Rishikesh is purely Travelmasti.
Sports and Recreation
Kaudiyala Rafters Camp. Situated amongst dense forests at an altitude of 480 mtrs on the Rishikesh - Badrinath road. Here, the waters of the Ganga are ideal for river rafting GMVN conducts river rafting courses and provides all equipment. Rock climbing is also possible at Kaudiyala.
Acessibilty
Air Nearest airport is Delhi
Rail Rishikesh is among the last railheads for Garhwal. Most trains terminate at Haridwar, from where Rishikesh is easily accessible by bus or tourist taxis.
Road Rishikesh is well - connected by road. Delhi - 238 Km, Haridwar - 24 Km, Dehradun - 42 Km, Mussoorie - 77 Km, Mussoorie - 77 Km, Yamunotri 288 Km, Gangotri - 258 km, Uttarkashi - 154 km, Kedamath - 228 Km, Badrinath - 301 Km, Chandigarh - 252 Km.
Bus Roadways Bus Stand, Haridwar Road. Yatra Bus Stand, Chandrabhaga.
General Info
Area: 11.20 sq. km. Population: 44500 (1991 census) Altitude: 356 mtrs. Above sea level. Season: Throughout the year. Clothing: Summer-Cottons; Winter - Woolens Language: Hindi, Garhwali and English Festivals: Kumbh Mela, (Every 6 years), Ardh Kumbh Mela (Every 6 Years), Makar Sankranti (Jan), Baishakhi (Apr) Local Transport: Auto-rikshaw/Taxi/Tonga/Tempo/Cycle-rikshaw/Bus/Ferry STD Code: 0135 Boat rides on the Ganga are possible from Swarg Ashram Ghat. GMVN Ltd organizes trekking and mountaineering from Rishikesh. Other allied sports like skating, horse riding. Paddle - boating and ropeway - rides are also possible in Rishikesh. Details at GMVN information counter, Muni -ki-Reti. Places to visit
Triveni Ghat A bathing ghat were every evening an ‘Aarti’ to river Ganga is performed.
Shivanand Jhoola A suspension bridge across the Ganga along the old route to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Temples Other temples include Raghunath Temple, Pushkar Temple, Venkateshwar Temple, Chandra Mauleshwaran Temple, Shatrughan Temple, Bharat Mandir and Lakshman Temple.
Ram Jhoola A suspension bridge across the Ganga along the old route to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Ashrams & Yoga Centres The main Ashrams at Rishikesh are Shivanand Ashram, Muni ki Reti ; Mahesh yogi Ashram, Shankaracharya Ashram ; Swarg Ashram ; Gita Bhawan ; Parmarth Niketan ; Ved Niketan, Yoga Study Center, Shanti Kunj & Maa Anand Mai Ashram. Excursion
Neelkanth Mahadev 12 km. The Neelkanth Temple is situated on top of a hill across the Ganga. According to methodology, after the Sagar Manthan Lord Shiva drank all the effluent venom here, which turned his throat blue, hence the name Neelkanth.
Rajaji National Park Dehradun
Mussoorie Some other excursions are : Kunja Puri Temple ( 25 Km), Vashishatha Gufa Ashram (25 Km) on way to Badrinath, Bharat Mata Temple, Bhoot Nath Temple and Pushkar Temple.
Accommodation :- Ganga Banks Riverside Resorts |