Rishikesh
It is both the ‘International Capital of Yoga and Meditation’ and the ‘River Rafting Capital of India’. So besides making a pilgrimage tour to the holy town of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, you can also choose to indulge in a host of adventure sports including river rafting, rock climbing, trekking, mountaineering and camping among others. Rishikesh occupies a location at the point where sacred Ganges descends from the Himalayas. The town features numerous world-renowned yoga and meditation centres where classes and courses are offered on a regular basis. Another reason behind Rishikesh’s utmost popularity is the fact that it serves as the gateway to the four shrines (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnathji and Badrinathji) of the Chardham Yatra.
Best Time to Visit
March-April is the river-rafting season in Rishikesh. For camping and yoga and meditation, the months of October-November would be ideal. If you wish to make a trip to the Jim Corbett National Park, plan your travel between November and February.
Mythological Background
Referred to as the ‘Tapo Bhumi’, Rishikesh is the blessed destination for meditation of gods. There are numerous myths and legends associated with the place. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu trounced the demon Madhu in Rishikesh. Religious history states that Rishikesh has also been the destination where a number of Rishis and yogis observed penance. Another legend has it that sage Raibhya Rishi observed self-mortification at Rishikesh and was blessed by god Hrishikesh.
Places to See
Rishikesh offers to see a number of temples, ashrams and yoga and meditation centres. Do not miss to visit the following.
Ram Jhula & Lakshman Jhula
These suspended bridges attract a large number of crowd in Rishikesh. Their association with the Hindu mythology and the impressive views that they offer have made them all the more popular with tourists from all over.
Triveni Ghat
Devotees and pilgrims can be frequently noticed taking a holy dip at the Trivei Ghat. The ‘aart’ in the evening is a must attend for all. During the pooja ceremony, the whole atmosphere echoes with Vedic chants and reverberates with temple bells.
Swarga Ashram
Tucked away in the lap of the Himalayas, the Swarga Ashram is a place of beauty and tranquility. Most of the ashrams and temples in Rishikesh are concentrated in the same area. The place has also been mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures.
Bharat Temple
The temple is centrally located in the holy town of Rishikesh. Erected during 12th century by Adi guru Shankaracharya, the Bharat Temple enshrines the idol of Lord Vishnu in its sanctum sanctorum. Installed by Adi guru Shankaracharya is also a Sree Yantra in the inner sanctum.
Reaching the Pilgrimage Site
The closest domestic airport from Rishikesh is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, 15 km away. If you are coming from Delhi by train, you can first reach Haridwar and then undertake a road journey up to Rishikesh. A bus journey from Delhi to Rishikesh takes around 5-7 hours.
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