Rishikesh is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus in the state of Uttaranchal in North India. Renowned for its Yoga, meditation and other spiritual centres Rishikesh is also known as the ‘Yoga capital of the world’. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a holy city with numerous temples, yoga centers and ashrams. Rishikesh is not only about Yoga and spirituality but is gradually gaining popularity as a base for adventurous activities like white water rafting, kayaking and trekking in the Himalayas.
Rishikesh is visited by tourists all year round as it has a moderate climate for most part of the year. Though summer temperature occasionally rises beyond 40°C, winter is pleasant. Night temperature is significantly low especially in winter and it is best to be equipped with suitable warm clothes for winter. The months March to April and September to November are popular for white water rafting. Trekking enthusiasts visit Rishikesh during the months March toJune whereas people visiting Rishikesh for its temples and yoga centers visit all year round.
One can find a few travel agencies in the Swarg Ashram and Lakshman Jhula area to change foreign currency and travelers’ cheques. ATMs of major banks are also located at various places in the city. Most of the bigger hotels and business houses accept credit cards but it is advisable to carry some cash for payment at smaller outlets.
No permit is required to travel to Rishikesh other than a visa for India. The consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food is prohibited in Rishikesh.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jollygrant airport in Dehradun (about 40 kms). Domestic airlines operate flights between Delhi and Dehradun. The nearest International airport is Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi. (About 220 kms)
By Rail: Most trains connecting rest of the country with this region stop at Haridwar and there are only a handful of trains running between Haridwar and Rishikesh. However Haridwar is very well connected to other important cities by rail. The Mussoorie Express and Shatabdi Express run between Delhi and Haridwar. Doon Express connects Kolkata, Varanasi and Lucknow with Haridwar. Jan Shatabdi and Amristar passenger trains connect Haridwar and cities in Punjab. Dehradun Express connects Haridwar to Mumbai, Surat, Delhi etc. So it is easier to travel upto Haridwar by train and take a bus or rent a taxi from Haridwar to get to Rishikesh.
By Road: There are regular buses (Government as well as private operators) from Rishikesh to Dehradun, Haridwar, Delhi, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Nainital etc
Local travel: Auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and taxis are available for commuting within the city.
Bharat Mandir: This is a temple near Triveni Ghat, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is said to be the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The temple was built by Adi Sankaracharya in the 12th century.
Swarg Ashram: There are a number of temples, ashrams, ghats and shops in the Swarg Ashram area. Parmarth Niketan is a popular temple here. The Ganga Aarti ceremony is held here every evening. Geeta Bhavan is an old temple in this area, where the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana are described on the walls. The Ram Jhula (a suspension bridge) is also located in this area.
Lakshman Jhula: The Lakshman Jhula area also has a number temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. The Tryambakeshwar temple is 13 stories high has deities of Hindu gods on each level.
Neelkanth Mahadeva Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated about 7 kms away from Swarg Ashram.
Triveni Ghat: It is one of the most prominent bathing ghats of town. Thousands of people come here to take a holy dip in the Ganges. Rishikund is situated close to Triveni Ghat.
Kunjapuri Temple and Vasishta Goofa are other places of interest close to Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is also famous for its ashrams for learning various styles of Yoga and Meditation. Few of the well-known ashrams are Parmath Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Guru Brahmashram and Sri Sant Seva Ashram.
Rishikesh is also popular for adventurous sports like rafting, trekking and kayaking. There are number of adventure tour operators based in Rishikesh.
Where To Eat:
Rishikesh is a strictly vegetarian town and consumption of alcohol is prohibited here. There are plenty of options for good vegetarian food especially the smaller eateries which serve delicious food at reasonable rates. A variety of cuisines are available here including North Indian, South Indian, Israeli, Chinese and Continental.
Devraj Coffee Corner, Tulsi Restaurant, Chotiwala’s, Madras Café are some of the places serving good food.
Where To Stay: Rishikesh has a variety of accommodation options ranging from ashrams and government guesthouses to hotels offering basic facilities as well as mid range and a few top end hotels. Most of the places are located around the Lakshman Jhula, Swarg Ashram and High Bank areas. Shanti Kunj Ashram and Mohyal Ashram are located on the Rishikesh Road. Bhandari Swiss Cottage, High Bank Peasants Cottage, Agarwal House etc are some of the budget options. Tapovan Resort, Vasundhara Palace, Green View etc are the high-end hotels. GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) also has a tourist complex with cottages.
The best places to shop are located at Rishikesh Road, Ghat Road and Dehradun Road. Tourists can pick up Ayurvedic and herbal products, Rudraksh beads, spiritual books, handicrafts, trinkets etc at the various stalls in these bazaars as well as the roadside stalls located by the riverbanks. Khadi Bhandar, UP Handlooms and Garhwal Wool and Craft store are worth a visit for handlooms and handicrafts.
Ananda Spa: Well known for its Spa facilities, Ananda Spa is a luxury spa resort located on the Badrinath Road.
Hardiwar: Located about an hours drive away from Rishikesh, Haridwar is an important pilgrimage place for Hindus.
Rishikesh is a base for a trip to the Char Dham sites namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Nailital & Dehradun are hill stations located close to Rishikesh.
