Rishikesh - The Yoga Capital of the World

Rishikesh (Hrishikesh, Rushikesh, or Hrushikesh), is a city located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is known as The Gateway to the Himalayas and located around 45 km north of another holy city, Haridwar.

Rishikesh is famous for its temples, yoga and meditation, rafting and other adventure activities among tourists. It is also known as the Yoga capital of the world. Rishikesh is the pilgrimage place which is one of the holiest places in the Uttarakhand state of India. Rishikesh has hosted the International Yoga Festivals every year on the first weak of March since 1989. Rishikesh is the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. And also the seventh most populated city in the Uttarakhand state of India.

Rishikesh is a popular destination for camping and white water rafting. These adventurous activities are very famous in Rishikesh which attracts many tourists every year. Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads so anyone can easily reach there without facing any problems. Its location in the foothills of the Himalayas gives it a pleasant weather throughout the year. You can visit Rishikesh at any time of the year.

Mythology / Importance of Rishikesh

According to Hindu Mytholoy, legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where the present ‘Lakshman Jhula’ bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge.

Places to Visit in Rishikesh

There are many beautiful places to visit in Rishikesh as well as the religious Temples and Ashrams. The popular places to visit in Rishikesh are:-

  • Triveni Ghat: This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed.
  • Bharat Mandir:-  It is the temple which said to be the oldest temple of the city which is established by Ad Shankaracharya. Local people said that the original temple have been destroyed in 1398 AD.
  • Rishikund:- This Kund is situated 2 Km from Swarg Ashram. People believe thaty Saint Kubz have been blessed here by the Goddess Yamuna, who filled the pond with her holy water.
  • Lakshman Jhula:- Lakshman Jhula is an iron suspension bridge over the holy water of the sacred river Ganga at Rishikesh. It is a famous landmark in Rishikesh, It is 450 ft. length which connects Pauri district with Tehri district. It offers a panoramic view of river Ganga.
  • Ram Jhula:- Ram jhula is the famous places and a famous landmark in Rishikesh. It is a bridge which has the length of 450 ft. It connects Shivananda Ashras with Swargaashram.
  • Gita Bhavan: Place of Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, (the great thinker of his time) Popular among the Hindu Brahmin Community.
  • Swarg Ashram: Shri 108 Baba Sali Kamli Wale Swami Atam Prakash Ji. Swargashram ( Heavenly Adobe) as the name connotes is a beautiful place situated in picturesque surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxmanjhula.
  • Parmarth Niketan: One of the few Ashrams left in India where Kids get the Vedas Education.
  • Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred and famous temple which is located at 32 km from Rishikesh. It is one of the most popular temple of Lord Shiva.
  • Trayambakeshwar Temple: It is 13 stories high, with different deities throughout.
  • Vashistha Cave:- Vashistha Gufa is an ancient cave where the great sage Vashistha Meditated. It is a ideal destination for the one who comes for deep meditation in Rishikesh.
  • Sivananda Ashram:- It is located 3 km from the Rishikesh, on the route of Badrinath near Ram Jhula. It is founded by Swani Sivananda in 1936.
  • Omkarananda Ashram:- It is situated at Muni ki Reti at the banks of the River Ganges. It is established in 1967 by Paramhansa Omkarananda Saraswati.
  • Virbhadra Temple:- It is located at Virbhadra town in Uttarakhand and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is 1300 years old Temple.
  • Raghunath Temple:- This temple is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Rama and his Wife Mata Sita. It is the most religious temple in Rishikesh.

Char Dham Distance Chart From Rishikesh

The Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh. Thousands of pilgrims during their yatra visit and take night halt in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh – Yamunotri

Distance:- 216 kms
Time:- 8/9 hrs
Route:- Rishikesh – Narendranagar – Chamba – Chinyalisaur – Dharasu Band – Barkot – Jankichatti

Rishikesh – Gangotri

Distance:- 266 kms Approx
Time:- 9-10 hrs
Route:- Rishikesh – Narendranagar – Chamba – Uttarkashi – Gangotri

Rishikesh – Kedarnath

Distance:- 216 kms
Time:- 8-9 hrs
Route:- Rishikesh – Srinagar –Rudraprayag – Augustmuni – Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath

Rishikesh– Badrinath

Distance:- 297 kms
Time:- 10-11 hrs
Route:- Rishikesh – Srinagar -Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Joshimath – Badrinath

Top 5 Places to Stay in Rishikesh

There are many options for accommodation in Rishikesh during Char Dham Yatra. Following is the list of top 5 hotels, resorts, guest houses in Rishikesh.

1) Hotel Ishan- A Riverside Retreat by Salvus

This Beautiful Hotel is situated near the famous landmark of Rishikesh which is Lakshman Jhula close to the sacred river Ganga. It provides the Beautiful view of the holy river Ganga and Lakshman Jhula Bridge.
Adddress:- Laxman Jhula Road Laxman Chowk, Rishikesh 249192 India

2) Garud Chatti River Resort

This hotel is the ideal place for true nature lovers. It has great landscapes with Lush green valley, misty woods enchanted peaks, and racing river. This hotel offer a deeper connection with the Divine Deluxe cottages Hot & Cold Water Washroom with Toilet.
Address:- Ratta Pani, Neelkanth Road, Rishikesh 249201 India

3) GANGA KINARE- A Riverside Boutique Hotel

This Hotel is situated snugly on the banks of sacred river Ganga. It is the only hotel in Rishikesh which is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga. It has 38 contemporary river-facing rooms.
Address:- 237 Virbhadra Road, Rishikesh 249201 India

4) Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat

This Resort is situated at a distance of 10 km from Rishikesh town. It is surrounded by natural beauty and close to an ancient temple of Lord Shiva & National Park.
Address:- Neelkanth Road Near Phool Chatti, Rishikesh 249201 India.

5) Divine Resort & Spa

It is one of the most popular economic resort in Rishikesh town of Uttarakhand state in India. It offers the beautiful view of sacred river Ganga and an awesome view of the sunset and enchanting sound of the flowing river Ganga.
Address:- Laxman Jhula Road Near Church, Tapovan, Rishikesh 249137 India

How to Reach Rishikesh

Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads and railway stations but the place does not have any airports. Many pilgrims visit Rishikesh daily for religious purposes as well as for adventure purposes by taking the experience of White Water Rafting and Camping. You can easily travel here by using public transport as well as by driving your own vehicle.

By Road:- Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads from Delhi. There are many regular buses available for traveling to Rishikesh from Delhi and Haridwar. You can also drive your car to travel Rishikesh.

By Train:- Rishikesh is well connected by railway station. Rishikesh railways station is the only railway station in Rishikesh. You can easily travel Rishikesh from Delhi by using Indian railways.

By Air:- Rishikesh is not connected by any airports. The nearest airport from Rishikesh is Jolly Grant airport which is situated in Dehradun which is 39 kms from Rishikesh.

Post Comments/Questions on “Rishikesh”