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Tourist Places
Rishikesh abounds in temples. Most of the pilgrims who pass through Rishikesh on their way to the Himalayan shrines of the Char Dham pause for a holy dip and puja at Triveni Ghat, in the central part of the town. The river here looks especially spectacular during aarti (evening worship) when diyas or oil lamps float on the water. Nearby is the Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh's oldest temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Ashrams
There are a number of ashrams in and around Rishikesh. Some are very well known and is regarded as tourist spots. There are some which are still been regarded as proper ashrams where rishis (saints) stay. Some of the ashrams are situated on the eastern bank of the river Ganges and the entire cluster is known as Swargashram. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram is famous the world over for which the credit goes to the rock band Beatles. Several ashrams offer yoga courses and many pilgrims from in and around the country come here to learn yoga. Along with the ashrams, there are a few temples having some mythological importance.
 Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is a hanging bridge on the river Ganges that flows here. According to legends, Lakshman the brother of Lord Ram crossed this river with the help of a hanging bridge made of jute. The present suspended bridge was built in the year AD 1939. The place of the present bridge is supposedly on the same spot where the original jute suspended bridge used to be. The view from the bridge, especially the view of the high current of the river is incomparable. During monsoon season, the water level of the river increases considerably along with the speed of the current. Near the Lakshman Jhula is the Ram Jhula also known as Shivanand Jhula.
Gita Bhavan
Situated by the side of the Lakshman Jhula, this is the Gita Bhavan. The Gita Bhavan is a beautifully constructed building housing some attractive statues of characters Hindu mythology.
 Triveni Ghat
Around 1½ km from the Rishikesh is a bathing spot known as Triveni. It is believed that three mountain streams flow together on this spot making the ghat (bank) more sacred. Pilgrims from various places come here to take a dip in the holy water, which is supposed to wash off all their sins.
Neelkanth Mahadev
It is a place of interest especially for the religious minded tourists. It is said to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the venom that had come out during the cosmic churning of the ocean by the gods and demons. The spot is at a distance of 12 km from the centre of Rishikesh town and is surrounded by lush, sylvan forests.
Temples
Rishikesh is full of innumerable small and big temples. A walk along the road towards the Muni-ki-Reti takes one to a place along the Chandrabhaga River that has a cluster of temples. The famous Char Dham pilgrimage starts from this place. The Rishikund tank and Raghunath temple near the tank are two other temple that deserve a visit. The tank is supposed to have been used by Lord Ram for bathing while he was in exile. There is also the Bharat temple, named after one of the brothers of Lord Ram. Situated in the heart of the town, this temple is surrounded by massive walls and is very old.
Weekend Trips/Excursions
There are a lot of pilgrimage sites around Rishikesh. The Mansa Devi temple (10 km) is famous for its Navratri festival, Uttar Kashi (154 km) and many other such temples are within convenient distances. For more information and travel services you may contact touristplacesinindia.
Chilla
Chilla, situated just 16 km away from the main Rishikesh town, is famous for the Rajaji National Park. The park (820 sq km) has wildlife in abundance and is especially known for its wild elephants. The Sariska sanctuary is 37 km from Rishikesh. It was established in AD 1955 and is located in the valley of the Aravalli range.
Narendra Nagar
Just 15 kilometres on the Rishikesh-Chamba road is the historical town of Narendra Nagar. This is a town of archaeological importance, built by the King of Tehri, Narendra Singh. The royal palace here is worth seeing as is the magnificent statue of Lord Shiva's attendant, the Nandi bull that stands here.
Kunjapuri
Kunjapuri is a wonderful picturesque place ideal for a one day visit. The view of the snow-capped mountains and the mighty Himalayas along the valley below is marvellous. The small white Shakti temple of Kunjapuri is 10 km higher at the sharp point of an almost perfectly conical hill with breathtaking views of the Himalayas to the north. This place is accessible by bus and taxis from Rishikesh.
Events and Festivals
Besides celebrating all the general Hindu festivals, there is a special festival celebrated in this area. The International Yoga Week usually celebrated from February 2-7 every year. This festival is the ideal place and time to learn some real yoga postures to keep oneself fit and fine. |
