Rishikesh is a small town in the Northern State of Uttarakhand in India. Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram (now closed) and the town is still known as the World Capital of Yoga. Rishikesh is also the Gateway to the Himalayas. The Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh.
Sightseeing
Lakshman Jhula: This suspended iron bridge was built in 1939 and has been a major attraction among the tourists. Ram Jhula - The other suspended Iron bridge was recently constructed between Shivanand Ashram and Swarga Ashram.
Swarga Ashram: One can find numerous temples here. This place has the eating joints and shops where one can do shopping. The beautiful statues in the area mesmerise the visitoRs.
Triveni Ghat: This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It is very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.
Nilkanth Mahadeo: Mythology says that in the ancient times when the ocean was being churned for 'amrit' (Potion for immortality), first venom oozed out. Lord Shiva drank the venom at a place which is now called Nilkanth Mahadeo. It is 12 kms from Rishikesh and is surrounded by peaceful forests.
Gita Bhavan: This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. It is situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.
Neelkanth Mahadev Mela: Situated at a height of 1575 mtrs on a hill above Swarga Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev is one of the most revered temples of Rishikesh.
Activities
White Water Rafting: The Camp provides the facilities of White Water Rafting starting right from the camp covering 30 Kms from The Camp till Rishikesh, total time taken is 05hRs.It is covering the rapids like Sweet Sixteen (grade-1), Marine Drive (grade-2), Three Blind Mice (grade-3), Cross Fire (Grade-3), roller Coaster (grade-4) and Golf Course (grade-4).
Trekking to Nearby Garhwal Village: This is an interesting trek of the duration of 02hrs to a very small Garhwal village, which will make you aware of the life style of Garhwal, the flaura and fauna of that region. But moreover this trek will be a Bird watching activity.
Rock Climbing & Rappelling: In this basic class we will cover the fundamentals of technical rock climbing / rappelling; knots, top ropes, belaying and rappelling also basic friction face and crack climbing techniques. After practicing the basics, you'll follow your instructor on an easy but exhilarating multi-pitch climb as part of a rope team.
Visit to Stalactite and Stalagmites Caves: It is a small drive of around one hour to Stalactite & Stalagmite caves which is near Guller. On your way back you can visit Vashishth Caves for which the vehicle would drop you at Guller and you have to walk around 250 mts to visit the place.
Meditation and Yoga Centres : Rishikesh is called the yoga capital of the world and there are many ashrams in Rishikesh offering courses on meditation, yoga and Hindu philosophy. The hatha yoga and pranayama meditation classes at Sri Ved Niketan Ashram are well known. The Shivananda Ashram is located opposite the Shivananda Jhula and is flocked by tourists. It is also possible to stay in the ashram by intimating the authorities a month earlier. Other ashrams include the Yoga Niketan Ashram, Omkarananda Ashram, Vanmali Gita Yogashram, Dayananda Vedanta Ashram, Brahma Niwas and the Yoga Study Center. The International Yoga Festival is organized every year from February 2nd to 7th by UP Tourism. |
