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Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Haridwar

The Ganga cuts its passage through the last foothills and enters a complex of three localities. First is the area where the famous Laxman Jhoola bridge spans the river and lends its name to the locality, then comes Muni-ki-Reti (sands of the sages) where the wise ones spent time in devotion, meditation and yoga, and then comes the expending township on the bank of the river. The whole complex is called Rishikesh. Pilgrims flock to this gorge-centred town, 40 km from Dehra Dun.

Ashrams, or religious retreat centres, offer lessons in meditation, and treatment for a variety of stress-induced ailments using the ancient medical techniques. Rishikesh is also the gateway and the start - off point for journeys to important religious places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri. Rishikesh is also acquiring greater significance as a centre for white water rafting. Other riverine sports, a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas and trips to the Sikh Gurdwara at Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers. One also starts from Rishikesh for skiing at Auli and expeditions to the Nanda Devi massif.

Rishikesh can be visited all round the year. The winters are short and not so severe. Cottons in summer and light-to-medium woollens in winter are required.

Getting There & Away

Air : Indian Airlines / Allaince Air operates a thrice-weekly flight to Jolly Grant Airport from Delhi.

Rail : While there is a rather slow shuttle train between Haridwar and Rishikesh, it is better to get to Haridwar on a mainline train and then do the 22 km by road.

Road: Rishikesh is served by good roads and is connected by buses to other towns in Garhwal, U.P. and Delhi.