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Rishikesh
About Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a city, municipal board and a tehsil in Dehradun district of the Indian state, Uttarakhand. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. Rishikesh is surrounded by three other districts namely Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal and Haridwar. It is located about 25 kms north of the city Haridwar and 43 km south west of the state capital Dehradun. According to Census of India, 2011 Rishikesh had a population of 102,138 making it the 7th largest city also being largest municipal board in the state of Uttrakhand. As per provisional data of 2011 census Rishikesh had a population of 102,138.Rishikesh is located at 30.103368°N 78.294754°E. It has an average elevation of 372 metres (1,745 feet).

 
Etymology

" Hrishikesha " is a name of Vishnu that means 'lord of the senses'. The root words Hrishika and Isha join together to make Hrishikesha. Hrishika means Senses and "Isha" means Master or Lord. Hence the word means Lord of Senses or Lord Vishnu. The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to 'Raibhya Rishi', as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord Hrishikesha. In Skanda Purana, this area is known as 'Kubjamraka' as Lord Vishnu appeared, under a mango tree. Another legend says that violent fire broke out here. Lord Shiva was angry with Lord Agni and cursed him. Then Lord Agni prayed here for the punishment of his sins. Hence it is also known as 'Agni Tirtha' - The holy place to penance of Lord Agni or Fire God.

The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an association of five distinct sections encompassing not only the town but also settlements and hamlets on both sides of the river Ganges. These include Rishikesh itself, the communication and commercial hub; the extensive village Muni ki-Reti or the "sands of the sages"; Shivananda Nagarthe home of Sivananda Ashram and the Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivananda, north of Rishikesh; the temple sections of Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, a little further north; and the separated Ashrams around Swarg ashram on the eastern bank. The Ganga Arti performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat is popular among visitors. Nilakanth Mahadev Temple is situated about 28 kms from Rishikesh amidst forest is also a popular local pilgrimage, along with 'Vashishtha Guha', (Cave of sage Vashishtha), 21 km up from the town by the Ganges.

 
History of Rishikesh

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 Indra kund 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 restored by the present stronger bridge. Another similar suspension bridge Ram Jhula was built in 1986 at nearby Shivanand Nagar.

The sacred river 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.

Yoga Center

Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "the world capital of Yoga", has numerous yoga centres that also attract tourists. It is considered that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. Rafting season starts from the month of March and ends in September.

Rishikesh is also home to the 133 year old Kailash Ashram Brahma vidyapeetham, an institution which is dedicated to preserve and promote the traditional Vedantic Studies. Important personalities such as Swami Rama Tirtha, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Shivananda have studied in this institution.

The Tehri Dam is just 80 km uphill on the way to Gangotri. Rishikesh is the starting point for travelling to the four Chota Char Dhampilgrimage places - Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Rishikesh is also famous for ayurvedic treatments. Many ayurveda centre are runned where ayurvedic classes are given by ayurvedic doctors.

Adventure Sports

Rishikesh is becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as the Ganges offers medium to rough rapids rated class 3 and class 4. It is also a center for hiking and backpacking. In previous years bungee jumping was also introduced in Rishikesh.

Tourist Attractions in Rishikesh

Swarg Ashram
Shri 108 Baba kali Kamli Wale Swami Atam Prakash Ji. Swargashram ( Heavenly Abode) as the name suggests is a beautiful place which is situated in scenic surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxman jhula. It is the religious “ground zero” of Rishikesh filled with a concentration of ashrams and temples. The areas is known for its healthy and satwik living environment. It is this spot where from ages of yore the famous Rishis and Yogis have been doing the Tapasya.

Triveni Ghat
This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands of devotees who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It is very relaxing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located at an altitude of 1675 m, on a hill over Swarg Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev is one of the most honored temples of Rishikesh. According to a legend, after the great 'sagar manthan', the churning of the sea by gods and demons took place, Lord Shiva drank all the sewage poison that twisted his throat blue and hence the name, Neelkanth (blue throat). An important fair takes place here in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad (July/August), when a visit to the temple is considered favorable.

Trayambakeshwar Temple
Trayambakeshwar Temple near Lakshman Jhula, also popularly known as the Tera Manzil Temple is a unique landmark in Rishikesh because of its grand size, with statues of various gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology adorning it. It is very popular among domestic pilgrims. ‘Trimbakeshwar’ means the “home of the three eyed one” or (Lord Shiva) who is the presiding deity of the temple.

Bharat Mandir
Bharat Mandir is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the most honored temples in Rishikesh. Legend has it that this temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya as a mark of his devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is an iron suspension bridge situated in Rishikesh in Indian state of Uttarakhand . It is made over river Ganges to cross the river and is a landmark of Rishikesh.

Gita Bhavan
Gita Bhavan is the place of Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, (the great thinker of his time). It is popular among the Hindu Brahmin Community. People gather at this ashram twice a year to read the Ramayana together.

Parmarth Niketan
It is among one of the few Ashrams left in India where Kids get the Vedas Education. One must visit here in Evening for the Pooja/Aarti which is held at 5 pm in Winter and 6 pm in summer.

Things to do in Rishikesh

Rock climbing
Rock climbing is also included in some of the camps but not everyone can do it as it requires a lot of strength and skill. The group is taken to a cliff side and with proper safety gear everyone is given a chance to climb the cliff side.

Kayaking
Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Whitewater kayaking is the sport of paddling a kayak on a moving body of water, typically a whitewater river. Whitewater kayaking can range from simple, carefree gently moving water to demanding, dangerous whitewater.

White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting of  Rishikesh is very popular for its rafting on the River Ganga (Ganges). The months from September to December and March to June are considered as the best periods for the ultimate enjoyment of water rafting. The rafting will go on for several kilometres, and the path is scattered with rapids, ranging from Level 1 to Level 5, in order of difficulty. At the end of the trip, you have the option of jumping some 20 feet from a ledge into the water.

Trekking
There are lot of soft treks available around Rishikesh. Some of them take you to beautiful and hidden waterfalls. These beautiful natural wonders are 2-6 kms from Laxman Jhula and are hidden in the nearby forest. One also has the option to trek to Neelkanth Mandir which is about 11 Kms. It is advisable to go in a group than wandering in the wild alone and risking your life.

Rappelling
Climbing down with a rope is called rappelling. The group is taken to a spot where there is a cliff drop, experts with proper equipment who setup the gear first and then, one by one, everyone comes down. It's all about trusting your gear and following the instructions and then it's a lot of fun.

Cliff Jumping
You are supposed to jump into freezing water from a cliff! This is the only thing which everyone can brag about back home, of course you are wearing a life jacket and a helmet but still to jump from so high into the Ganga which is cloudy and the bottom can't be seen, it's not like jumping into a swimming pool where one can see the bottom the water is static.

Dip in Ganges
One will take a holy dip in the Ganges, with reputed curative powers.

Camping
Camping is a recreational activity that does not have any age limit. Any individual who likes to travel around new places and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of nature can embark on a camping voyage. Camping in Rishikesh on the Ganga beach offer an environment to wake up with the birds cher chew and can swim in the fresh water of the river Ganges. Camping in Rishikesh is a very popular activity.

Shopping in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Hindus in India; the city is located in the state of Uttrakhand. A gateway for the Himalayas, the best time to visit this holy city is from April to August. Other than sightseeing, shopping forms an integral part of the itinerary of Rishikesh. An array of variety of shops makes shopping in Rishikesh a memorable experience. No matter what the tourists are looking for from wall paintings to garments, accessories and many more, there is something for everyone in the markets of Rishikesh.

 
Popular Shopping Items in Rishikesh

Gems
Semi-precious gems and astrological gems are found in plenty in the shopping centers of Rishikesh. The Jaipur center for gems is one of the best shops for buying gems and stones.

Imitation Jewelry
Junk jewelry forms an important part of shopping in Rishikesh. The shops dotting Lakshman Jhula Bridge are not only famous for selling religious accessories but also famous for selling ornaments, jewelry at a very reasonable rate.

Ayurvedic Medicines
In addition, Ayurvedic medicines are sold in abundance in the Mahesh Yogi Ayurvedic Center of the Laksman Jhula Road.

Religious Items
For those looking to buy some religious items, the area of Swarg Ashram will be a perfect choice. This area involves in the trading of tapes, beads of Rudraksha, books and clothes of religious importance.

Wooden Furniture
Apart from the wall paintings, the wooden furniture is a popular item sold in the bazaars of Rishikesh. Tourists can select from a wide range of carved furniture made of wood that include cradles, stools, chairs, tables, chests from the shops of Rishikesh. Handicrafts of Rajasthan, Kashmir and Tibet are one of the most viable items of Rishikesh.

Clothes
Clothes are sold in abundance in Rishkesh markets. While khadis and Nehru shirts are sold like hot cakes in this region, other attires like Yoga outfits, t-shirts having images Buddha are also bought in abundance. For buying some really good as well as affordable Khadi items, the best place is the handloom emporium that is owned by the state Government. Some other Government approved shops like Garhwal Wool; Craft Shop remain crowded with buyers throughout the year. For buying quality woolen clothes at affordable prices, the best bet are the emporiums that have dotted Rishikesh.

Paintings
Wall paintings and other paintings, which once added glory to the 'havelis' form an integral part of shops of Rishikesh.

How to Reach Rishikesh

By Rail
The nearest railway station from Rishikesh is Haridwar. Haridwar is a major railway station in the region. Many tourist trains link Haridwar to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Allahabad and so on.

By Road
An extensive network of roads connects Rishikesh to the other cities in Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) and India, namely: Haridwar, Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi and Nainital.

By Air
The hilly town of Rishikesh is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal). There is no airport in the town. But the nearest airport at Jolly Grant in Dehradun the capital city of the state. The airport is only 35kms away from Rishikesh.

 
 


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