TRAVEL INFO
You can visit Rishikesh throughout the year. Rishikesh is considered as the place for sages, saints and scholars. It is known for its yogic culture. Along with the holy essence of the place Rishikesh is known for its adventure sports activities. It's a paradise for people who love river rafting as they can conquer the white water of the Ganges and it also serves as the ideal base camp for trekking in the nearby Himalayan range.
Places in and around Rishikesh to visit:
Triveni Ghat: A bathing ghat, the Triveni Ghat is one of the most popular places in Rishikesh. Local people and the pilgrims take a holy dip at this ghat before visiting the temples around Rishikesh town. Every day, in the early morning and evening, thousands of people take bath here and see the Maha Aarti performed on the Ghat. You can spend your evening at Triveni Ghat and observe the beautiful sight created by lighted lamps floating on the river.
Lakshman Jhula: Built in 1939, this suspended iron bridge (450 ft) is a major attraction for the tourists visiting Rishikesh. Legend goes that Ganges has descended to the earth at this place. It is believed that Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama crossed the river Ganges using a hanging bridge made of jute. At Lakshman Jhula, you will see the Radha-Krishna Temple and at the entrance of the bridge, Lakshman Temple, the only one in India. On the opposite side of this temple, you can see a 11.3 metre high monolithic Shiva statue.
Ram Jhula: A new hanging bridge, Ram Jhula is constructed between Shivananda Ashram and Sawargashram. Ram Jhula has been constructed to avail cross the Ganga at Shivananda for returning to Rishikesh.
Bhootnath Mandir: Another important excursion situated 3 kms. from the Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh, is the Bhoothnath cave. It is an attractive place for the pilgrims, the tourists as well as the adventure seekers.
GarurChatti: GarurChatti is located about 8kms. from Laxman Jhula, in Rishikesh. There is a temple located here which is dedicated to Lord GarurMaharaj.
Gita Bhawan: Located close to the LakshmanJhula, Gita Bhawan is a newly constructed building. Gita Bhawan displays mythological stories through fantastic paintings and magnificent statues.
Swargashram: Situated 2 kms south of LakshmanJhula, Swargashram is an abode of hermits and saints. You can see a number of Hindu temples here. Apart from temples, Swargashram has several good eating joints and shops, where you can shop and satisfy your palates.
Nilkanth Mahadev: One of the most important temples of Rishikesh, Nilkanth Mahadev is situated above Swaragashram, atop a 1,675 m high hill. You have to take a trek of around 12 kms through the tranquil forest to reach Nilkanth Mahadev. Reach the temple and get a commanding panoramic views of the surroundings. Legends has it that in the ancient times when the ocean was being churned for 'Amrit' (Drink for immortality), first venom oozed out. Lord Shiva drank that venom at this particular place, which is now known as Nilkanth Mahadev.
Adventure Sports: You can enjoy variety of Adventure Sports in Rishikesh. Popular adventure sports you can undertake here are Rock Climbing, White Water Rafting and Trekking. Shivpuri is an ideal point from where you can raft down on the Ganges river.
Narendra Nagar (15 kms): Situated at a distance of 15 kms from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh-Chamba road, Narendra Nagar is a historical town. Apart from historical importance, this town also has archaeological importance. Among the various attractions, the Royal Palace and massive Nandi Bull will certainly catch your attention at once.
Kunjapuri: Located close to Narendra Nagar at an altitude of 7,000 ft, Kunjapuri is covered with dense forests. Reach this place and get a wonderful view of the lofty peaks and verdant valleys.
Valley of Flowers: The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park to the east. Together they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya. The park stretches over an expanse of 87.50 km². Both parks are encompassed in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (223,674 ha) which is further surrounded by a buffer zone (5,148.57 km²).This Reserve is in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2004.The Valley of Flowers is an outstandingly beautiful high-altitude Himalayan valley that has been acknowledged as such by renowned mountaineers and botanists in literature for over a century and in Hindu religion for much longer. Its ‘gentle’ landscape, beautiful meadows of alpine flowers and ease of access complement the rugged, mountain wilderness for which the inner basin of Nanda Devi National Park is renowned.
Chila (20 kms): Just 20 kms from Rishikesh, Chila is a wonderful place to visit. Declared as a sanctuary by the government, Chila is covered with lush dense forest and offers a soothing tranquil environment. Visit the popular reservoir, where you can spot a variety of animals drinking water. You can stay at the tourist bungalow, which provides a pleasant stay.
Haridwar (25 kms): Set on the foothills of Shivalik range, Haridwar is the gateway to Chardham (four pilgrimages - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath) in the Uttarakhand region. Popular as being the place that has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, Haridwar is one of the holiest places of India. Its major attractions are Har Ki Pauri (very famous stairs leading to the river Gangâ for a unique purificatory bath), Mansa Devi Temple (Shaktipeeth, one of the major places of worship of the Mother Goddess), Chanda Devi Temple, Sapt Rishi and DakshMahadev Temple, and Haridwar is a place where every 12 yrs a KumbhMela (among the world’s largest spiritual gatherings) takes place.
Dehradun (42 kms): 42 kms away from Rishikesh, Dehradun is a worth visiting place. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun has always been an important centre for Garhwal region. Dehradun is home to a number of tourist attractions like Tapkeshwar Temple, Sahastradhara, Dakpathar, LaxmanSidh, Asan Barrage etc. If you visit Rishikesh by airways, you have to land in Dehradun because Rishikesh does has its own airport.
Mussoorie (77 kms): Fondly referred to as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Mussoorie is a must visit destination from Rishikesh. A fascinating hill resort, Mussoorie provides a spectacular view of the snow covered Himalayan ranges to the north-east and the picturesque Doon Valley. Visit Mussoorie and see the main attractions like Camel's Back Road, Gun Hill, Mussoorie Lake, Kempty Fall, Nag Tibba, Dhanolti, Bhadraj Temple, Yamuna Bridge and Municipal Garden.
Auli: If you wish to indulge yourself in some adventure, then visit the town of Auli. Known as the well-established sports circuit of Uttaranchal, Auli offers excellent opportunities for adventure sports like Skiing, Snow-Boarding etc.
Devprayag: A tranquil holy place, Devprayag is the spot where the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, leave the mountains and merge. Devprayag has the ancient Ragunathji Temple, which deserves a visit.
Of course, Rishikesh is a mainly a pilgrimage centre, but it offers plenty of opportunities for shopping as well. You can buy handicraft items made of shells, pearls and beads. In addition, you can buy sarees, kurtas, sheets, rugs and several other items. All these items are available in the Government Approved Handloom Shop, Khadi Bhandar and Garhwal Wool and Craft Shop.
By Air: Rishikesh does not have its own airport, Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun (22 kms) is the nearest airport from Rishikesh. Flights are available from Delhi to Dehradun. From the airport, you have to take the road route to reach Rishikesh. We provide pick up and drop services for our guests on request.
By Train: Haridwar Railway Station (25 kms) is the nearest railhead from Rishikesh. Haridwar is served by a number of trains from all parts of the country. Frequent buses, cabs, etc are available from Haridwar to Rishikesh. We provide pick up and drop services for our guests on request.
By Bus: DTC, UPSRTC, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana roadways and several private bus services are available for Rishikesh. The distances of some of the important places from Rishikesh are Haridwar (25 kms), Dehradun (42 kms), Mussoorie (77 kms), Uttarakashi (154 kms), Kedarnath (228 kms) and Delhi (245kms).
