Rishikesh - Fact File
Location : Uttaranchal, India.
Main Languages : Garhwali and Hindi.
Major Attractions : Bharat Temple, Lakshmana Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Gita Bhawan, Triveni Ghat, Nilkantha Mahadev.
Climate : Extreme climate, Summer temp : 41°C and 30°C, Winter temp : 25°C and the minimum is 0°C.
Ideal Time to Visit : Throughout the Year

Rishikesh - The Land of Gods
Rishikesh, one of holy cities of India is a major gateway to the Himalayas. The town is situated in Tehri Garhwal region of Uttaranchal, at a height of about of 356 m above sea level. Situated in the laps of lower Himalayas, Rishikesh is surrounded by hills on its three sides with Holy Ganges flowing through it. Rishikesh abounds in natural splendour and it houses several temples that dot the banks of the river Ganga. It is believed that many hermits and saints had lived and practiced penance in this place. Rishikesh is considered to be sacred and it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. The town is not only an important pilgrimage centre but also a home for Internationally renowned Yoga Centres. Often referred to as the 'Yoga Capital of World', Rishikesh is home to a number of ashrams and Yoga institutes. Rishikesh is also the start-off point for Chardham pilgrimage circuit including the religious places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.


Yoga and Meditation Centres
Rishikesh is an excellent place to mediate and study Yoga. There are a number of ashrams in Rishikesh which offer a variety of courses in meditation, yoga and philosophical studies. Some of the popular centres are Swami Sivananda's Divine Society Ashram, Ved Niketan, Academy of Meditation (Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Ashram), Yoga Niketan Shivananda Nagar, Muni Ki Reti, Shankaracharya Nagar, Yoga & Meditation Centre (Yoga Sadhana Ashram). The State Govt. organizes an International Yoga Week every year between 2nd and 7th February.

Attractions of Rishikesh
Bharat Temple : One of the most popular attractions of Rishikesh, this temple was built in the 12th century by Adiguru Shankracharya. Bharat temple is situated in the heart of the town on the banks of river Ganges. The temple is devoted to Bharata, brother of Lord Rama and it is believed that he had mediated in Rishikesh. Bharat Temple houses an image of Lord Vishnu in its inner sanctum and the inner canopy has Shree yantra.

Lakshmana Jhula
Built in the year 1939, the 450 feet long suspension bridge is a major attraction in Rishikesh. It is believed that the Lakshmana Jhula is built between the place where Lakshmana crossed the river Ganga. At Lakshmana Jhula there is a Radhakrishan Temple and at the start of the bridge there is a temple of Lord Lakshmana.

Swarg Ashram
Swarg Ashram is located 2 kms south of the Lakshmana Jhula. The ashram is the abode of hermits and saints and houses many temples, eating joints and shops.

Gita Bhawan
Gita Bhawan is just across the Lakshmana Jhula. The newly constructed building displays mythological tales in paintings and Paramarthaniketan in statues.

Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula or Shivanand Jhula is a newly constructed hanging bridge connecting Gita Bhawan with Swarg Ashram.

Triveni Ghat : The Triveni Ghat is a bathing ghat located at the end of the market. The colour of the water is transparent blue here and the surrounding scenery is very charming. In the evening the lamps are offered to the Ganga and lighted lamps afloat the river is a picturesque sight.

Nilkantha Mahadev
Nilkantha Mahadev is above Swarg Ashram on the top of 1675 metre high hill. It requires a 12 kms trek through the dense forests to reach Nilkantha Mahadev. It is believed that at Nilkantha Mahadev, Lord Shiva became Nilkantha by swallowing poison at the time of churning the ocean.

Accommodation
Rishikesh is a city of Dharamshalas, but there are a number of hotels too for tourists. Situated amidst the tranquil surroundings the hotels at Rishikesh offer a comfortable stay. Most popular hotels of the town are Hotel Inderlok, Ananda in Himalayas, Hotel Mandakini International, Hotel Ganga Kinare, The Basera Hotel, Hotel Natraja, Hotel Shikhar etc.

How To Reach Rishikesh
By Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun, which is 25 kms from Rishikesh.

By Rail : Rishikesh railway station is connected to important places of India via Haridwar. After arriving Haridwar one has to change trains to reach Rishikesh.

By Road : Good network of roads connects Rishikesh with town of Uttaranchal and rest of the country. There are regular buses of DTC, UPSRTC, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal, Haryana roadways and private operators to Rishikesh.