Time to Visit : Any Time of the year. Rishikesh hosts an International Yoga Festival, which is held every year in the first week of February.
Weather : Temperate.
Known For : The Pilgrimage Centers and Yoga & Meditation Centre.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh
is the Gateway to the Himalayas in the
Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttranchal India. Rishikesh blossoms in natural
splendour. The charm of the Ganga gushing through the Himalayan foothills is
a spectacular sight. Several temples stands on the banks of the river Ganga
at Rishikesh. This place is considered as the entry point to the three other
pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four
great places which combine to make Chardham . Located at a height of about 1360 ft from sea level, Rishikesh has been an abode of several yogis and sages since time immemorial, who lived and practised penance here. Rishikesh represents the place where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. Rishikesh is also world famous for ashrams teaching Yoga & Meditation. Rishikesh is not only attracts pilgrims but also the foreign nationals, who want to know about Hinduism, who want to spend some time close to the Lord, people who love rafting come here to conquer the rapids of Ganga. Rishikesh is also an ideal base camp for trekking in the nearby Himalayas.
Yoga & Meditation in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is home to many ashrams, and most major Indian ashram, including Vivekenanda, Sivananda, Osho, Bihar school of yoga, have an office there. If you want to experience the classical Indian Yoga & Meditation, then this is the place for you. The slow and spiritual atmosphere of Rishikesh makes its an idealistic place to begin discovering what India has to offer. Rishikesh is slow and less intense as compared to other parts of India, probably because people have religion in their minds.
The pilgrims gather in Rishikesh to bathe in the sanctified waters of the Ganges, as Hindus believe this can remove layers of sin. This peaceful ashram centre here is certainly one of the most atmospheric places in India. Right from the dawn to the dusk, the entire ambience of Rishikesh is filled with a divine aura. The air of Rishikesh allows the chimes of the temple bells and religious chants float through out the city, creating a celestial synergy, where God and Man seems to unify, without any caste or creed discrimination. The day starts at 4 am in Rishikesh, from then onwards various religious activities are performed till the night arrives.
Rishikesh is completely vegetarian, you won't even find an egg there.
Whitewater Rafting in Rishikesh
Reaching Rishikesh
Air : Nearest airport is at New Delhi. Take a bus or taxi from here to reach Rishikesh.
Rail : Nearest railhead is at Haridwar in Uttranchal. From here you can take a bus or taxi to reach Rishikesh.
Road : Rishikesh is about 250 km from Delhi. Buses depart regularly throughout the day from near the ISBT. You can also take a bus from Haridwar.
