About the City

Rishikesh acquire a greate significant from ancient times this city has been the place of meditation and penance by saints and ascetics. 24 Kms away from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas , and is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it. Rishikesh is important not only as pilgrimage centre closely associated with the Ramayana, but also as home for many important centres of Hindu religious thought and spirituality, and as a very great Yoga Centre. The International Yoga week, which attracts participation from all across the world, is held here every year from 2nd to 7th Feb on the bank of Ganga river.

being linked with the sacred Ganga river, this place, on the one hand, became a famous centre of meditation for the Hindu believers, and on the other hand, in recent times , it is developing as a adventure tourist spot.

Rishikesh is the gateway and the start-off point for journeys to important religious places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Accessibility

• By Air
  The nearest airport is Jolly Grant (18 kms) from Rishikesh, and chartered planes are also avilable.
• By Rail
  Rishikesh is well connected to every parts of the Country.
• By Road
  Rishikesh is well connected to all major cities by road.

Places of Interest

• Triveni Ghat
  A sacred bathing spot on the bank of the river Ganga where devotees take holy dips and offer prayers. Triveni Ghat is believed to be the confluence of the Ganga , the Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati river. The Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat, on the south end of Rishikesh, takes place at the sundown. This presents a very enchanting scene for the tourists and devotees.
  
  
• Bharat Temple
  It is situated near Triveni Ghat, it is a grand temple of lord Vishnu.
  
  
• Lakshman Jhoola
  A hanging bridge is built to across Ganga situated 5kms.from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath. It was a hanging jute (rope) bridge till 1889. This was rebuilt with iron ropes. It is believed that Ram's brother Lakshman crossed the river here on a jute rope. On the west bank, there is a Lakshman temple also. This bridge connects the borders of the areas of Tehri and Pauri.

  On the side of this famous bridge is the well known Shri Raghunathji temple. ie. Shri Ram is said to have visited this beautiful place. This bridge is the main way for people going up the hills and down to the Gita Bahvan and Swarg Ashram.

• Ram Jhoola
  A suspension bridge between the Shivanand Ashram and the Swargashram. It provides an alternative to a boat ride from one bank of Ganga to another . Its construction is similar to that of the Lakshman Jhoola.
  
  
• Shivanand Ashram (The Divine Society)
  Founded by Swami Shivanand, This well known spiritual centre is renowned for its lectures on spiritual life. Meditation and Yoga classes can be attended in the morning and evenings. A person can stay here for short term study and for longer three - month courses, one must write at least a month in advance.
  
  

• Kunjapuri Temple
  This temple of Goddess Durga is situated on the hill, at a distance of 25 km. Panoramic views of Rishikesh valley and the snow-clad himalayan peaks can be seen.
  
  
• Vashisht Cave
  This ancient cave is situated at a distance of 25 km from Rishikesh on the road of Devprayag.This cave is the place of penance by Sage Vashisht.