Rishikesh

About 24 Kms 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. The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. 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. There are a great many ashrams and Yoga institutes here. Rishikesh is also the gateway and the start-off point for journeys to important religious places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Rishikesh is also acquiring greater significance as a centre for white water rafting, other revering sports, a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas.

Rishikesh is an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for those who want to delve deeper into meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the adventurous, Rishikesh is the place for starting their trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks. 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.

Excursion
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.

Lakshman Jhoola
A suspension bridge across Ganga situated 5kms.from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath. Originally, there 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.

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.

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Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant which is 18km. from Rishikesh on way to Dehradun. At present chartered planes operate.

By Rail
Rishikesh is connected by rail with Haridwar, Delhi, Bombay, Howrah, Lucknow and Agra.

By Road
Rishikesh is connected by road with most places of North India.

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Weather
Summer :- Max 41.0ºC, Min 36.6ºC.
Winter :- Max 32.2ºC, Min 18.3ºC.

General Information
Clothing
Summer :- Cottons.
Winter :- Woolens.

Best Time to visit
Through out the year.

Distances from Major Cities
Hardwar - 24km
Dehradun - 43km
Mussoorie - 77km
Kedarnath - 227km
Yamunotri - 234km
Delhi - 245km
Gangotri - 248km
Nainital - 260km
Simla - 262km
Govindghat - 275km
Badrinath - 300km
Agra - 398km
Lucknow - 555km

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