Rishikesh is a small town and a municipal board in Dehradun district in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. Scenically located where the Holy Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas.
Rishikesh also spelled Hrishikesh, Rishikesh or Hrushikesh.
Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram. Rishikesh is associated with Lord Rama and Laxman.
The town of Rishikesh lies in the foothills of the Himalaya of the Garhwal region. It is the gateway to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath) and an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for the people who are interested in adventure, meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism.
Rishikesh, also known as the “Place of Sagas” is a spiritual town situated 24 kms upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga and surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides. The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to the attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. The Riverside is dotted by the ashrams of Sadhus and Sages. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.
Rishikesh as appearing the Adventure Capital of India for the adventure seekers as Rishikesh is the suggested place for starting their trekking expeditions to the Himalayan Peaks and for the White River Rafting. Also, International Yoga week which attracts participation from across the world is held here, every year, in February on the banks of the holy Ganga.
Related Post: Know About Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city. Rishikesh has also banned the use of plastics bags by shopkeepers and vendors.
Rishikesh -History
Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary ‘Kedarkhand’ (the present day Garhwal). 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.
The ‘Kedar Khand’ of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by a stronger present bridge.
The sacred river the Ganges flows through Rishikesh. It is here that the river leaves the Shivalik mountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh.
Rishikesh – The adventure capital of India
Experience the Ultimate …….….While in Rishikesh
Only a few rivers in the world have the mystique of the Ganges, the living mother Goddess of India. Rafting on its water of wisdom is certainly an unusual experience. Enjoy and explore the lifetime experience on a date with mother Ganges. Your first encounter will be the beginning of the addiction.
Rishikesh is becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of river Ganges, with rapids rated class 3 and class 4.
As Rishikesh is the Adventure Capital of India – Adventure Sports in India it is also a center for Camping, Hiking, Bungee Jumping, Asia’s longest 1 km long Flying Fox, Gaint Swing, Cliff Jumping, Trekking, Rock climbing, and Backpacking.
Source: rishikeshtourism
