Rishikesh

In the northern part of UttarPradesh, where the sacred Ganges flows out of the mighty Himalayas and touches the plains lies the beautiful holy town of ‘Rishikesh’. Surrounded by hills on all sides, this spiritual town is a sheer amalgam of temples, ashrams, and meditation centers. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites for the Hindus and every year it lures hoards of pilgrims from all over the glove.

For devout Hindus, Rishikesh is the very place where the sage Raibhya did serve penance and as a reward, God appeared to him in the form of Harishikesh after which the name Rishikesh was coined to the place. According to some, Rishikesh also represents the site where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. The place is also referred as ‘Tapo Bhumi’ or the place for meditation, and Tapovan, on the other bank of the Ganges has a temple, where Lakshmana (brother of the Lord Rama) believed to have been carried out penance.

There are lots of attractions for tourist in this soul stirring land of Gods. A holy dip at the ‘Triveni Ghat’ in the central part of the town is a touching experience for any living soul in this planet. Close by is the ‘Bharat Mandir’ dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The Chandreshwar Temple at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and the Ganges invites a major attraction. Another most attractive part of Rishikesh is the ‘Swarg Ashram’, a veritable complex of shops, cafes and ashrams. The wooded hills nearby houses many caves some of which are still inhabited by hermits. Other important attractions include the Lakshman Jula (suspended iron bridge), Gita Bhawan with exquisite paintings and statues that depict scenes from Hindu mythology, and the Neelkanth Mahadeo (one of the most venerated temples of Rishikesh).

Rishikesh also serves as a perfect getaway for the seekers of passion and adventure. The place offers some of the most enchanting trekking opportunities amidst rich forests of deodar, pine and oak, breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayan snowy peaks and beautiful sunset. It is also one of the hottest destinations for river rafting.