The sacred Ganga (Ganges river) flows through Rishikesh, and ads to its spiritual appeal and environmental beauty. At this point Ganga leaves the higher Himalaya, and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient, as well as new, can be found along the banks of the river in Rishikesh. The city attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. The city has several yoga centres that also attract many tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attain moksha, as does a dip in the river Ganga that flows through it.
During the mid-sixties, The Beatles and several other artists, including The Beach Boys and Donovan, visited the site to contemplate and meditate.
The Beatles in India 1968 (part 1)
The Beatles in India 1968 (part 2)
Ayurveda
Ayurveda has been practiced in Rishikesh for a long time. There are many traditional
schools and dispenseries practicing Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
Rishikesh has also become very popular in the last few years as a centre for Ayurvedic treatments.
to mention a few:
Parmarth Niketan Ashram operates a Naturopathy treatment centre for many health problems. The Institute also runs courese for Indian students.
Arora Clinic in the Tapovan area the offers herbal treatments as well as Ayurveda treatments e.g Panchkarma, SiroDhara, and massages.
Tapovan
On the other bank of the Ganga is a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that Lakshmana carried out penance here. It is also believed that his brother Bharata meditated here, and there is a temple dedicated to Bharata here.
Also seen here are the Swargashram and the Geeta Bhavan temples.
The Lakshman Jhula, a 450 feet long suspension bridge was built in 1939. A newer bridge the Ram Jhula has been added recently. The Ganga abounds in fish. Offerings of puffed rice are made to them. The freshness of the air, and sound of flowing water, the scenic beauty of the region and the distant sound of bell chimes create an unforgettable experience for those that visit this ancient pilgrimage town.
12 kms away from Rishikesh is located the Nilkanth Mahadeo temple at a height of about 5000 feet, commanding spectacular views of the region.
Bharat Mandir
The Bharat mandir is in the heart of the old town on the banks of Ganga. It was built by Adi Shankara around the 12th century, The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of lord Vishnu, carved out of a single Saligram. In the inner canopy above the idol is shree yantra installed by Adi Shankar. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D. Lot of old statues, coins, pots and other things of historical importance were found in recent excavatiions in the premises of the temple.
Rishikund
Close to Trivenighat is the most anciant place, the Rishikund anciant records relate this to Kubz Saint, who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water.The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath, dedicated to lord rama and his wife.
Triveni Ghat
The main ghat in the town area where most of the pilgrims take holy dip. Every evening hundreds of pilgrims attend the Ganga Arti at the Ghat.
Ram Jhula Area
Geeta Bhawan
One of the oldest temple complex in the area. The famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabarata are described here on the walls. Parmarth Niketan:One of the most renowned temple complex and ashram in the area . Known for its substaintial work on hinduism, three is a school run on tradtional Indian Patterns. The ashram organises ecellent Ganga Arti and Hawan on the Parmarth Ghat every evening. "When global orange sun suspended, waits low amid the red/yellow streaked horizon, then all these combine to give this town a very special evening. The temple bells roar, priests enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stand the pilgrims . Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals and a small candle flame, flickering ride the current of water of wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens , spreading a blanket of stillness. Everything stops, except the sound of current , which has just sunk the tiny flames of cupped leaves, few minutes back".
Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Situated on the extreme end of Geeta Bhawan area , Marishi's TM centre is situated in the pecaeful forest area.
Laxman Jhula Area
Tera Manzil Temple
A multistory temple complex of idols of hindu Gods, and Goddesses. Very popular among the domestic pilgrims. One can have an excellent view of the entire area from the top floor of the temple complex. Sunset view from this place in winters is a excellent option.
around Rishikesh
Kunjapuri temple
The temple of Kunjapuri is clearly visible from Rishikesh. Situated at an elevation of 1,645 m it is about 30 km by a motorable road en route Yamunotri - Gangotri. It is one of the thitrteen most important Goddesses of the Shivalik range, the lower Himalayas. One can witness excellent sunrise or sun set on the Greater Hiamalayan Peaks and the vast Indo Gangetic plains. One can see the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here like Banderpunch (6316 m), Swarga Rohini (6252 m), Gangotri ( 6672 m), Chaukhamba (7138 m) etc.
A week long fair is held here during Durga Ashtami every year.
Vasishta Goofa
One hour drive from Rishikesh up river is situated Vasishtha Goofa, where famous saint Vasishtha meditated on the banks of Ganga. The cave is very peaceful and is a perfect place for meditation.
Ashrams
Many people come to stay in ashrams for an intensive yoga study and to learn about various philosophy and meditation.
Rishikesh yog-peeth the complete yoga study and retreat and they also conducting yoga teacher training courses.
Sivananda Ashram, Ram Jhula, (on the north side of the Shivanand Jhula bridge). Shiva Nanda Ashram (Divine Life Society).
One of the oldest and most active ashrams in the area. Spiritual as well as activities related with himduism are practised here every day. The ashram runs the best and biggest charitable hospital from which hundreds of local people get free medical services every day. Ashram also runs yoga and meditation courses very often.
Patanjala Yoga Center, Ram Jhula Taxi Stand, (the best place to study Iyengar Yoga with all modern equipments and a modern yoga studio) Rooms Rs. 100-above.
Sri Ved Niketan Ashram, Swarg Ashram. A large place offering hatha yoga, meditation, etc. Rooms Rs 50-150.
Yoga Niketan: Yoga Niketan has two guest houses in the area and runs yoga classes regularly.Parmarth Niketan: One of the most active ashrams in the area. Ashram runs traditionl Indian School, Guest house and Ganga Arti every evening.
Ved Niketan: Ashram runs yoga and Mediatation classes regularly. Govt is planning to have its First Yoga Acedemy in India, in the ashram.
Transcendental Meditation Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Once the most active ashram has very few activities rarely. The ashram is located in the forests on the banks of the Ganga and is ideal for meditation.
Sacha Vedic Sansthan: One of the most active ashram in the Tapovan area. The ashram has its own guest house on the river and organises spiritual and hindu religious activities very often.
Places to Eat
Ram Jhula
Mukti's Health Food, (a few hundred metres west of Shivanand Jhula bridge, overlooking the taxi stand/parking lot). A tiny place in a strange location, but very popular and excellent food. Famous green pasta, Indonesian gado-gado, and homemade frozen yogurt, apple pie or chocolate cake for dessert.
The Welcome Center (about a 10-15 minute walk towards Haridwar from the Shivanand Jhula bridge), (0) 135 244 2337, thewelcomecentre@yahoo.com. Hidden down off the road (but signposted), this is a little oasis of calm from the busy street. Great Ayurvedic food and teas. They also offer cooking classes, several types of yoga, etc. and sell natural incense, netty pots, yoga mats and the like. If you like the atmosphere, enquire about staying here as well.
Swarg Ashram
Shiva-resort, a nice place away from the bustling market of Ram Jhula towards Neelkanth road is a good place to have organic food.
Chotiwala in Swarg Ashram claims to be the original, and serves great Indian food including 5 different thalis. Meals Rs 40-80.
Ganga Ayurvedic Food Place, (out beyond most of the ashrams, just past VED Niketan ashram). Delicious food, lovingly prepared. Clean. Also great for breakfast.
Places to stay
Budget
Shiva resort Swarg Ashram, nice and open rooms with balconies. from Rs 150
Hotel Ishan, Lakshman Jhula. Decent rooms with Ganga views and balconies. From Rs 200.
Green Hotel, Swarg Ashram, 243 1242. A popular place. Rs 100-1000.
Hotel Ganga View
Omkarananda Ganga Sadan,
Situated near the Muni Ki Reti Parking, the guest house offers Ganga view and has its own ghat.
Tourist guest houses and hotels out of town in the Tapovan area. This is the extreme end of the Rishikesh town up north, with peacefully located guest houses with Ganga view from most of them, with walking distance to Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula and the ashrams.
High Bank Peasants Cottage.
Peacefully located with reserve forest around and Ganga view. Beautiful garden, Home grown dairy products and bio vegetables .The guest house offers trekking, rafting and special interest tours for families, individuals or small groups. This is where Kate Winslet stayed during the recordings of the movie Holy Smoke!
New Bhandari Swiss Cottage
Peacefully located, with own restaurent and bakery.
Mid-range
Tapovan Resort, Lakshman Jhula, A newer hotel with good rooms and a garden. Also has a decent restaurant. Rs 1650-1850.
Hotels in Rishikesh Town
Hotel Natraj. Central aircon, 34 rooms, coffee shop, restaurant, swiming pool.
located little out side the town on Rishikesh - Dehradun Road.
Hotel Ganga Kinare. Central aircon with Ganga view from all the r0oms, 33 rooms, restaurant,
located little out side the town on the banks of the Ganges.
Ganga View.
GMVN Tourist Rest House, Muni ki Reti. Rooms from 600 Rupees. Aircno or not. The well kept garden is an exellent place to sip your drinks en enjoy the calmth.
