Rishikesh Introduction
Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, this place is considered to be the access point of three other pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four great places which combine to make Chardham . Rishikesh 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. The River side is dotted by the ashrams of Sadhus and sages. Rishikesh is also famous for ashrams teaching Yoga.

In the 60's even the Beatles could not miss the charm of Rishikesh and they came here to meet their Guru. The Ganga, which is known for its strong currents and fierce behaviour up stream, suddenly becomes slow and gracious here. At Rishikesh, Ganga leaves the mountains and joins the plains for her long journey.

Rishikesh is not only an attraction for pilgrims but it also attracts foreigners who want to know about Hinduism, who want to spend some time close to the Lord, people who love rafting come here to conquer the rapids of Ganga. Rishikesh is also an ideal base camp for trekking in the nearby Himalayas.

Places of interest

Laxman Jhoola
5 kms north of Rishikesh, is the spot where Sri Laxman is said to have performed tapasya. The Laxman temple was built in his memory. Till 1889, there was a hanging jute ropeway without pillars. The same structure has been made more sturdy with iron ropes.

Neel Kanth Mahadev
The temple situated at a height of 5,500 ft. above sea level is about 2 kms from Laxman Jhoola. The trek up to the temple gives a wide-angle view of the Himalayan peaks, Babhar forests and the plain below. This is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison churned out of the cosmic ocean. lt turned his throat blue which is why he is also called Nilakanth. The temple is located atop a hill accessed by a 10 km walk or a 32 km drive.

Bharat Mandir
This is the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The black statue of Vishnu here is supposed to have been consecrated by Sri Sankaracharya in the 9th century. This event is commemorated every year during Vasant Panchami to mark the onset of spring. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu, it holds a number of images normally associated with the worship of Lord Shiva.

Raghunath Mandir & Triveni Ghat
Generally regarded as the most important places for religious ceremonies in Hrishikesh, it is believed that the Ganga is joined here by the Yamuna and the Saraswati Rivers. Geographically, however, the Yamuna joins the Ganga in Allahabad and the legendary Saraswati has not been located. The aarti performed at sunset at the Triveni Ghat is a touching and visually beautiful sight. As the sun begins to set, temple bells ring and chants rent the air. A row of religious celebrants hold plates of flaming ghee, moving them in a circular salutation to the River Goddess. Devotees also release flower-filled leaf boats carrying tiny oil lamps and let them float downstream towards Haridwar. It is a ceremony of worship, rememberance and hope.

Chandreshwar Temples
This temple stands where the Chandrabhaga merges with the Ganga.

Someshwar Temple
Situated on Haridwar Road, this temple has been mentioned in ancient scriptures.

Location: 24 Kms from Haridwar (Uttar Pradesh)
Main Attraction: Lakshman Jhula, Swarga Ashram
Best Season: Throughout the Year
Main Languages / Dialect: Garhwali and Hindi