The holy town of Rishikesh has
the eminence of being the International capital of Yoga and meditation. Located
in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the River Ganges, Rishikesh is
dotted with a number of ancient temples, ashrams and world renowned yoga and
meditation centres. Not only devotees, but travellers from all parts of the
world flock to the sacred town for a deeper understanding of meditation. At the
ashrams in Rishikesh, visitors can attend lectures and courses offered by
celebrated yoga and meditation experts. Apart from Hindu shrines, the town of
Rishikesh also invites adventure lovers from all around. It is also the ideal
gateway for a pilgrim's chardham yatra, that includes travelling to Yamunotri,
Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath.
River Rafting
If you are travelling to Rishikesh between the months of September and November
or between March and May, river rafting is a great option to quench your thirst
for adventure. River Ganga offers excellent stretches and white water rapids in
Rishikesh. Kaudiyala-Rishikesh is a popular rafting route. Whether you are
beginner in the sport of river rafting or are an adrenaline junkie, river
rafting in Rishikesh suits all abilities.POPULAR PLACE
Lakshaman Jhula |
|
one of the most visited, the Lakshmana Jhula is a suspended bridge, extending
from one bank of the Ganges to the other. The bridge is mythologically
significant because it is where Lakshman crossed the Ganga through on
jute-rope-made bridge. Visitors can enjoy some impressive views of the Himalayan
ranges from upon the bridge. Today, the Lakshmana Jhula connects two popular
ashrams - Shivanand Ashram and Swarg Ashram.
|
|
Ashrams in Rishikesh |
|
Ashrams are a major crowd-puller in Rishikesh. These ashrams offer regular
courses and classes on spiritual disciplines like yoga and meditation as well as
Ayurveda. Accommodation facilities are also available for tourists and pilgrims
arriving at the ashrams. Popular ashrams in Rishikesh include Gita Ashram (set
up in the 1950s), Swarg Ashram (one of the oldest in the town) and Shivananda
Ashram (which houses the Divine Life Society, founded by Swami Shivanand i
1936).
|
|
Bharat Mandir |
|
Established back in the 12th century, the Bharat Temple happens to be the oldest
in Rishikesh. The temple stands in dedication to Bharat, the younger brother of
Rama (hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana). Though the original temple structure was
destroyed in an invasion by Temur in 1398, the temple still preserves a number
of Hindu relics. The inner sanctum of the Bharat Mandir enshrines the idol of
Lord Vishnu. The temple stands close to the Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh.
|
|
Triveni Ghat |
|
The most popular bathing ghat in Rishikesh, the Triveni Ghat is the point where
River Ganges takes a complete right angle turn. Hindus also believe that it is
here that the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati converge. Every
morning, scores of pilgrims and devotees can be seen here taking a holy dip in
the divine waters of the Ganga. In the evening, the sight at the ghat is simply
heart stirring. Vedic chants, to the accompaniment of drums and bells, can be
heard all around and a spiritual aura surrounds the whole place. Tiny oil lamps
on bedecked leaf boats floating on the Ganges add much charm to the whole
atmosphere.
|
|
Ram Jhula |
|
The place (or the bridge) is equally popular with devotees and tourists. It
remains suspended 3 km north of Rishikesh town. It attracts most visitors due to
the fact that it lies just close to the popular ashrams - Geeta Bhawan and Swarg
Ashram. Visitors cannot afford to miss the enchanting evening prayer (which
lasts for 30 minutes) at the Geeta Bhawan's ghat. Food lovers can head straight
to the 50-year-old and the very famous Chotiwala Restaurant, located in Ram
Jhula
|
|
SPIRITUAL PLACES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HARIDWAR |
|
|
|
DETAILS
: The sacred Himalayan town of Haridwar represents a
living lesson on Hinduism.
PLACES TO VISIT : Har ki Pauri
- Mansa Devi |
|
|
|
|
RISHIKESH |
|
|
|
DETAILS : The holy town of Rishikesh has the
eminence of being the International capital of Yoga and
meditation.
PLACES TO VISIT : Laxman Jhula
- Bharat Mandir |
|
|
|
|
BADRINATH |
|
|
|
DETAILS : It is one of the four destinations that
constitute the chardham, a sacred pilgrimage for every
devout Hindu.
PLACES TO VISIT : Panch Badri- Vishal Badri |
|
|
|
|
KEDARNATH |
|
|
|
DETAILS : Kedarnath has the remotest location, a 2-day journey from
Gangotri in Uttarakhand.
PLACES TO VISIT : Tungnath -
Rudranath |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GANGOTRI |
|
|
|
DETAILS : sIt is the place from where originates
the Ganges, one of the most sacred rivers of the Hindus.
PLACES TO VISIT : Gaumukh - Gaurikund |
|
|
|
|
YAMUNOTRI |
|
|
|
DETAILS : Yamunotri is an highly significant
Hindu pilgrim's destination
among the four Hindu shrines
PLACES TO VISIT : Surya Kund - Divya Shila |
|
|
|
|
TUNGNATH |
|
|
|
DETAILS : Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in
the world and is one of the five and the highest Panch Kedar
temples.
PLACES TO VISIT : Himalaya View |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|