Rishikesh

Rishikesh: The Yogic Hub 

Imagine the wind caressing your face as you sit on the banks of the Ganga river. You may be praying to God or simply having a conversation with yourself, Rishikesh brings you back to life. It makes you feel alive by isolating yourself from the rest of the world and reconnecting with yourself. Rishikesh tourism is a treat to one’s soul.

Highlights of Rishikesh: City dweller’s refuge 

Temples and ashrams

If you wish to worship and relax with some yoga at the same time, head to the Shatrughna temple. This is one of the most famous places to visit in Rishikesh. This temple was built in  dedication to Lord Ram’s younger brother. You can start your spiritual journey from here since it is located just 4 kms away from the railway station. Visit the Shri Bharat Mandir which is one of Rishikesh’s many visited temples. This temple too, like most of the temples in the hamlet, was founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 12th century. The idol in this temple is carved out of a single stone known as Saligram. Looking for some peace of mind? Tourists and yoga enthusiasts from all over the world travel to Rishikesh for yoga and meditation. Head to Parmarth Niketan along the banks of the Ganga river in Rishikesh for the perfect yoga retreat to calm your senses. Sivananda Ashram is another place which teaches you postures, meditation, breathing, relaxation and diet. 

Cuisine 

Not just the yogi’s paradise, Rishikesh also satiates your craving for chatpata treats. The samosas will remind you of your childhood, when you waited for the guests to leave before you could pounce on the crispy snack. Head to the Rajasthani restaurant near the Triveni Ghat to relish this deep-fried dish which tastes best with a cup of chai. While in Rishikesh, do not forget to indulge in their sweets. Prepared from fresh ghee and a wholesome amount of sugar, you must try the besan ladoo and besan barfi. Head to Geeta Bhavan in Swargashram which is one of the most famous places to visit in Rishikesh for sweets. If you are visiting during the summer season and want to beat the heat, do try the unusual varieties of ice cream that this town offers. You will find flavours such as caramelised banana chip cookies and spiced walnut, which will enrich and titillate your taste buds. 

Shop and explore 

The essence of Rishikesh lies in the Lakshman Jhulla market located in Tapovan. Here you can take back religious and historical antiques at reasonable prices. You will also find funky and trendy accessories and jewellery. Being a major centre for yoga, this hamlet also has yoga gear at unbelievable prices if you are a pro at bargaining! You will also get ayurvedic medicines, perhaps the only thing that could beat your nani ka nuskha. Nostalgia might just hit you hard as you enter the music shop and look at a collection of CDs and cassettes stacked together. You can head to the Rishikesh main market, located near Triveni Ghat, if you are looking to fulfil your daily needs and clothes. 

Interesting facts about Rishikesh: Magnet for spiritual seekers

• This spiritual hamlet is also known as the yoga capital of the country for its various centres and ashrams. 
• This Yoga nagari does not serve alcohol or non-vegetarian food since it is a sacred place.
• During the month of March, this town organises a weeklong International Yoga festival attended by tourists from all over the world
• Rishikesh has also attracted personalities such as Kate Winslet and Kanye West because of its beauty and spiritual significance. 

Location: World Capital of Yoga

This spiritual hamlet is located on the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the Ganga river.  It is in the Dehradun district, in the state of Uttarakhand. 

Click here to view Rishikesh on Google Map

Timings: Best time to visit

This scenic destination can be visited throughout the year, however, the best time to visit would be during the months of February to mid-May. If you are looking to engage in some adrenaline pumping activities or simply explore Rishikesh in the sun, the months of March to May are ideal. If you want to enjoy the rivers gushing in abundance as sheets of rain pour down, the monsoon is your season. With tourism at an all-time low during the rains, this season will give you the gift of solitude. Winter is the time for you if you want to witness the beauty of Rishikesh at its peak. Head to the town before the month of December if you wish to engage in its famed rafting. 

How to get to Rishikesh: Gateway to the Himalayas 

By road - Since it is an important tourist destination, this hamlet has several buses connecting the town to major places such as Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi. State and private buses are easily available from and to Rishikesh.

By rail - The closest railway station to the city centre is in Haridwar, approximately 25 kms away from Rishikesh. It connects you to major places like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Varanasi.

By air - The closest airport to Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, around 35 kms away from the city centre. It connects you to major cities such as Delhi and Lucknow. 

History of Rishikesh: Land of ashrams

If you want to hear a tale or two, come away to the ‘Abode of Gods’ known as Rishikesh. This town holds numerous legends and mythical stories that its people will happily narrate. It is said that Raibhya Rishi, a great Hindu saint, carried out prolonged atonement along the banks of the Ganga.  To reward the saint’s dedication and devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of him as Lord Hrishikesh, which gave the holy town its name. Even though this hamlet has been visited by many travellers and devotees since time immemorial, it started gaining prominence only in the initial medieval period. Rishikesh owes its yoga centric popularity to Adi Shankaracharya who built many temples and ashrams in the area.

Take a holy dip in the Ganges or simply breathe in and out as you sit along the banks of the Ganga river. Whatever may be your refuge from the daily hustle bustle of life, Rishikesh tourism has it all.