Rishikesh
Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh
Rishikesh, India
Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat
Lakshman Jhulla and Ram Jhulla
Bharat Mandir
Bharat Mandir, one of Rishikesh’s oldest shrines, is located near the Triveni Ghat and is said to have been established by sage Adi Shankaracharya. This historic temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, whose idol is made of a single black stone known as Saligram. The festival of Basant Panchmi is celebrated with great zeal around here and you can witness the local culture come alive in the most beautiful way.
Parmarth Niketan
One of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan, is known for its annual yoga festival.
The ashram was founded by Swami Sukhdevanand Ji Maharaj and is known for its yoga and meditation. Set on the banks of the river Ganga it is truly a peaceful setting to delve into the techniques of meditation
Activities Not to Be Missed in Rishikesh
Excursions from Rishikesh
Dehradun
Roughly an hour’s journey further towards the mountains brings you to this enchanting hill station of Dehradun. Surrounded by steep mountains and rich sal woods, this small town offers some interesting spots where you can enjoy the views along with good food. As the weather is pleasant throughout the year, many local travellers jump at the opportunity of visiting this small hill station. You can plan a day trip to explore Dehradun and Mussoorie, two more mystical wonders of the mountain region.
Mussoorie
The quaint hill station has been featured in many of famous writer Ruskin Bond’s novels and is the perfect place to enjoy nature’s numerous blessings. The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, has been titled the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’. Just 40 kms away from Dehradun, the East India Company established this beautiful town in the 19th century. The city also served as the summer capital during the British era, which can be witnessed through the archaic architecture of various monuments, churches and hotels. The Mall Road is the best place to experience local food and culture, and also indulge in some souvenir shopping. The Mall also has a colonial feel to it, with small residences and even lamp posts dotting the entire street. Exploring further will take you to Gun Hill, Mussoorie’s second-highest point, which you can reach by cable car ropeway. It offers a breathtaking view of the city with the Himalayas as the backdrop.
Rajaji National Park
To seek some adventure amidst the rich flora and fauna of the Shivalik mountain range, head to the Rajaji National Park. The park is known for its wildlife, especially for its rich population of tigers and elephants. Spanning across three districts in Uttarakhand, the area is also rich in excellent fossils, some of which even date back to 10 million years. A jeep safari will take you through the dense forest, revealing the wildlife, including Asian Elephants, tigers, king cobras, panthers, bears, sambars, wild boars, kakars, pythons, monitor lizards, and wild cats. Many birds, including many migratory bird species, can be seen, especially following monsoons.
Rudraprayag
Beautiful emerald lakes, glaciers, shining rivers, and silver streams define this small town of Rudraprayag. A four-hour journey from Rishikesh, this picturesque village is centred on the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers (Garhwal). Situated at an altitude of 2936 feet above the sea level, it has been named after Hindu Lord Shiva’s Rudra avatar. Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, the town is a perfect showcase of why we call it the mighty Himalayan range through its majestic views.
Karnprayag
As you continue to explore the region, you cannot miss out on Karnprayag, roughly 5 hours from Rishikesh. One of the Alaknanda River’s five confluences, this small town is naturally blessed with lush landscapes and snow-capped mountains. It connects the Garhwal region with the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Given that it is said to be the location where Mahabharata’s Karna worshipped the Sun God, this venue has a lot of mythological significance, which also gives it the name, ‘The City of Karna of Mahabharata’. This small village is a perfect blend of nature’s abundance and mythological stories.
Tehri Dam
One of the world’s highest dams, Tehri Dam, is also the world’s largest hydroelectric plant supplying water to nearby regions. Over the years, it has also become a popular tourist site in Garhwal as people visit to see the grand dam set in the hilly region. There are also some activities like skiing, water zorbing, and rafting organized here by the local authorities. A prime example of thoughtful engineering and construction, the dam is easily accessible by road and a must-visit for its terrific location and majestic views.
Mouthwatering Meals of Rishikesh
Shopping at Rishikesh
The markets around Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula provide a good opportunity to see the local handcrafted products and local woolen materials. Even the city’s main market is an ideal place to buy local handicrafts that interest you and to seek souvenirs to take back home.
When to visit Rishikesh
The best time to visit Rishikesh for white water rafting is September to June and November. Another good time to visit Rishikesh is from February to early May. The International Yoga Festival is organised in Rishikesh in the first week of March. It is not favourable to visit Rishikesh in summer (May-June) as the temperature during these months gets extremely high, making it unbearable for sightseeing.
How to reach Rishikesh
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 35 kilometres from Rishikesh. Between these two locations, taxis and cabs operate. You can also catch the train to Rishikesh Railway Station. Rishikesh is also accessible by bus from Delhi and other Uttarakhand cities and towns.
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