RISHIKESH TOUR HIGHLIGHTS :

Rishikesh is a city near Dehradun in the state of Uttarakhand.  It is situated right at the banks of River Ganga which flows down the Himalayas and flows through the plains at Rishikesh. It is believed that God by the name of “Hrishikesh” had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name. 

It is known as the Yoga Capital of India. The famous rock band The Beatles visited in 1960s and since then it became famous as a yoga, meditation and healing town. Rishikesh is a vegetarian-only and alcohol-free city.

Rishikesh is known as a pilgrimage town and is the starting point of the four chota char dham yatra for Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. It is believed that Lord Rama did his penance of killing Ravan king of then Lanka at Rishikesh. Ram’s brother Lakshman used two jute ropes to cross the river Ganga which was later named Lakshman Jhulla. However, due to the floods this Lakshamn Jhulla collapsed and in its place a new suspension bridge has been made.

BEST TIME TO VISIT RISHIKESH

The best time to visit Rishikesh is from February to April where the temperatures are very comfortable. The peak season where a lot of tourists appear are March to May due to holidays in India.

The months of November to January are colder with temperatures ranging from 8 – 30-degree C. In these months the breathtaking views of the Himalayas make it an ideal time for adventure seekers to indulge in river rafting, trekking etc.

The months of June to September are months of monsoon season which is not a typical time to travel but the lush greenery all around will make it a wonderful travel experience. It is to be noted that extremely heavy rainfall can cause flood like situations.

The months of February to April are ideal with temperatures ranging from 12-30 degree C with days being pleasant and nights cooler thus travelling, exploring places becomes pleasurable.

PLACES TO VISIT IN RISHIKESH

TRIVENI GHAT – it’s the meeting point of three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarswati. The Ganga Aarti also known as Maha Aarti is performed at dusk at Triveni Ghat and is a must do when in Rishikesh.

LAKSHMAN JHULLA - Lord Ram’s brother Lakshman used two jute ropes to cross the river Ganga which was later named Lakshman Jhulla. However, due to the floods this Lakshman Jhulla collapsed and, in its place, a new suspension bridge has been made which is a popular tourist attraction.

TERA MANZIL TEMPLE – as the name suggests these 13 floored temple dedicated to various Hindu God and Goddess is right near Lakshman Jhulla. It is also known as Trimbakeshwar temple and offers breathtaking views at sunset.

RAM JHULA - Ram Jhula is a suspension bridge over river Ganga connecting Shivananda Ashram with Swargashram. 

PARMARTH NIKETAN – largest ashram in Rishikesh. It’s known for its havan and aartis which happen at its ghat in morning and evening.

THE BEATLES ASHRAM – it was here the famous rock band Beatles came to practice yoga and meditation and then subsequently wrote many famous songs featured in their later albums. People from all over the world come to practice and learn yoga here.

NEELKANTH MAHADEV TEMPLE – a Hindu temple located 28 kms from Rishikesh dedicated to lord shiva. It is believed that shiva drank the poison which came from Samudra Manthan.

VASHISHTHA GUHA TEMPLE – a spot for meditation, was actually a cave used by Sage Vasishta author of Rigveda to perform meditation. It is nearly an hour away from Rishikesh.

NEERGARH WATERFALL – a hidden gem which is a collection of 3 cascading waterfalls located just 5kms from Lakshman Jhulla. A perfect spot for nature lovers.

KAUDIYALA – located 40 kms from Rishikesh on the banks of river Ganga is the go-to place for adventure lovers with options of doing various activities such as river rafting, kayaking, hiking, rappelling, cliff jumping etc.

HOW TO REACH RISHIKESH

As Rishikesh is a major tourist destination it is very well connected by major cities like Dehradun which is only 45kms away.

BY AIR - The nearest Airport to Rishikesh is Dehradun Airport which is just 15 kms away and the nearest International Airport is New Delhi International Airport which is 240kms away.

BY RAIL - Rishikesh railway station is well connected with frequent trains from major destinations of India.

BY ROAD – Rishikesh is well connected by roads to various Indian cities like Dehradun, Delhi, Chandigarh etc with frequent private and shared taxi services.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CARRY –

CLOTHING – Travelling during winters one will require to be dressed in warm yet comfortable clothing. Layering your clothes hence becomes important and practical.

Wearing thermal tops and bottoms is a must esp. when travelling during winter months along with some woolen or thermal socks. Over the thermals one can wear layers of other clothing items to keep warm.

A woolen cap or a beanie will keep one warm especially when winds are strong.

A waterproof jacket, gloves and shoes are very important while undertaking outdoor activities like skiing, trekking etc.

If travelling in summer season than a simple yet comfortable jacket will be sufficient.

Important thing to note is that shorts, miniskirts, night suits and torn jeans aren’t allowed inside some temple hence it would be better if they are avoided.

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS – a government id proof such as Aadhar card, passport or driving license is required at all hotels or guest houses while you check in. additionally some permits might be required while visiting some national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

MEDICINES – if you are on any lifelong medicines definitely carry those. Along with it one can carry a few basic medicines for fever and pain relief and some basic first aid stuff like band aids, antiseptics and ointments.

MISCELLANEOUS – other items like umbrella, raincoats, sturdy backpack to keep some raincoats etc and sunscreen can be carried too.

FAQs ABOUT RISHIKESH

Q – HOW MANY DAYS ARE IDEALLY REQUIRED TO VISIT RISHIKESH?

A – A 2–3-day trip is enough which will provide ample time to do sightseeing and even indulge in some adventure sports. Alternatively, one can combine a hill station like Mussoorie or Auli with it too for a more wholesome travel experience.

Q – WHAT IS RISHIKESH FAMOUS FOR?

A – Rishikesh is a pilgrimage town and yoga capital, hence its temples, ashrams and yoga centres are world renowned. It is also a heaven for all adventure seekers esp. river rafting which happens on river Ganga.

Q – ARE THERE ANY FESTIVALS OR IMPORTANT EVNETS WHICH HAPPEN AT RISHIKESH?

A – International Yoga Festival happens in March which is a must for all yoga enthusiasts with people coming from all over the world. Other important festivals are Kanwar Mela, Ganga Dusshera and Ganges Kayak Festival.

Q- Which is best trek near to rishikesh uttarakhand?

 A-  Nag Tibba Trek, Kunjapuri Trek

TESTIMONIALS –

Says Viraj – it’s a perfect place for an adrenaline junkie like me and not only that visiting Triveni Ghat offered the much-needed peace afterwards.

Says Mr. Mehta – it was a perfect weekend destination for our family.

BOOKINGS –TOURS AND PACKAGES CAN BE CUSTOMIZED ACCORDING YOUR NEED AND SPECIFICATIONS.