Location: Risihikesh, Uttranchal, India (356 m)
Theme: Faith, Meditation, Healing, Adventure
Distance: 230 kms N of Delhi (06 hrs 30 mins)
Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level situated in the banks of the holy river, Ganges.Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres for Hindus and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place no wonder it nicknamed as the Yoga capital of the world.The charm of the place is so high that even in the 60's the Beatles could not resist it and they came to Rishikesh to meet their spiritual master Maharshi Mahesh Yogi. Rishikesh does not only attract the spiritual minds but also people craving for adventure. Rihikesh and Shivpuri (a short distance away from Rishikesh) is very popular amongst adventure lovers for rafting and camping - something which the Beatles missed during their visit.
PLACES OF INTEREST -
The Lakshman Jhula, a 450 feet long suspension bridge was built in 1939. According to legend Laxman (brother of Hindu God Ram), crossed this river with the help of hanging bridge made of jute. The place of the present bridge is supposedly on the same spot where the original jute bridge used to be. Another suspended close to Laxman Jhula is the Ram Jhula also known as Shivanand Jhula since it connects Shivaanand Ashram to Sawarang Ashram.
Triveni Ghat - The main ghat in the town area where most of the pilgrims take holy dip. Every evening hundreds of pilgrims attend the Ganga Arti at the Ghat.
Rishikund - Close to Triveni Ghat is the most ancient place, the rishikund. Ancient records relate this to Kubz Saint , who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water. The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath , dedicated to lord Rama and his wife.
Geeta Bhawan - One of the oldest temple complex in the area. The famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharata are described here on the walls.
Yoga and Meditation centers - Described by the ancient Indian scriptures as the communion of the individual soul (Jivatma) the Universal soul or God (Parmatma) Yoga the ancient Indian discipline is highly relevant to the modern day context. Today, as we enter the 21st Century, the outside world is becoming more restless and life is full of strive and tensions. Yoga provides the perfect panacea
Bharat Mandir: Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya arround 12th centuray, Bharat mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the Banks of the Ganges. Detailed account of this oldest temple of Rishikesh are available in anciant record of Kearkhand. The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of lord Vishnu, carved out of a single Saligram. In the inner canopy above the idol is shree yantra installed by Adi Sankraya Charya. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D. Lot of old statues , coins, pots and other things of historical importance were found in recent excavatiions in the premises of the temple.
Tera Manzil Temple: A multistory temple complex of idols of hindu Gods, and Goddesses. Very popular among the domestic pilgrims. One can have an excellent view of the entire area from the top floor of the temple complex. Sunset view from this place in winters is a excellent option.
Also visit: Paramath Niketan / Maharishi TM Centre
Access:
Road - The best option to reach Rishikesh would be by road. You can drive till Rishikeshif you have your own vehicle or catch a bus that leaves from ISBT to Haridwar, from Haridwar you can rent a car or an auto or even take one of the local buses to reach Rishikesh which is around 26 kms ahead of Haridwar. Bus travelers - make sure that you dont reach too early at Haridwar, calculate your arrival time and board a bus accordingly from Delhi else you might reach Haridwar too early to get transportation to Rishikesh.
Rail -
Dehradun Shatabdi (every day) New Delhi - Haridwar / Dep - 06:50 am & Arrv - 11:25 am
Mussoorie Express (every day) / Delhi - Hariwar / Dep - 21: o5 hrs & Arrv - 05:45 hrs
Dehradun Jan Satabdi (except Sundays) New Delhi - Haridwar / Dep - 15:25 hrs - 19:25 hrs
Other trains - Ddn Special / Ujjaini Exp / Dehradun Exp / Haridwar Mail / Utkal Mail
Air -
The nearest airport is in Deharadun (48 kms away). Carriers - Air Deccan / Hire a car and drive down till Rishikesh.
Hotels in Rishikesh : http://sammyken.blogspot.com/2007/12/rishikesh.html
Around Rishikesh -
RAJAJI NATIONAL WILDLIFE PARK, CHILLA
Rajaji National Park is 18 kms from Rishikesh (24 kms from Haridwar). This park gets its name from Sri R Rajgopalachariya - he was the first & last Gov General of independent India. The park is spread over an area of 820.42 sk km. The majestic Ganges flows through the Park for a distance of 24 kms, besides the innumerable streams and brooks making it rich and diverse. It offers ample opportunities to nature lovers to enjoy the captivating landscape and wildlife.
Animals you can sight: Tigers, Leopards, Leopard cats, Indian porcupine, Asian Elephant, Barking deer, Cheetal, Jungle Cat are few to name amongst its 23 species of mammals. The park also boasts of having an astounding figure of 315 bird species including The Great Pied Hornbill, Himalayan Pied Kingfisger, Crescent Serpent Eagle.
***IMPORTANT: Park remains open from 15 November to 30 June. It is closed during rainy season.
Accommodation: http://sammyken.blogspot.com/2007/12/gallery.html
