One among “Twin National Heritage city” a holy pilgrimage town for Hindus, Rishikesh. Situated against foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, accentuated by pristine Ganga flowing through the city. Rishikesh is a serene land for meditation and yoga in Uttrakhand. Pilgrims believe a dip in Ganga would purge your sins. Rishikesh once was a place for sages, it has now emerged as a worldwide attraction among tourists. Flowing Ganga provides nourishment and life to many earthly beings. It is a complete package for adventure, devotion, meditation and surreal beauty. Places to visit in Rishikesh are mentioned below.

It is said that Rishi Raibhya undertook penance and Lord Hrishikesh appeared in front of him. Hence it derived it’s name from Hrishikesh. As per Indian mythology it is believed that Lord Rama along with his brother Lord Laxman did penance, after killing Ravana (King of Lanka). They crossed sacred Ganges using two ropes of jute, today popularly known as Laxman Jhula and its one the best place to visit in Rishikesh. The jute rope bridge was replaced by an iron rope bridge in 1889. Again in 1927 it was transformed into a stronger bridge. It is also believed that while traveling to heaven Pandava stayed and worshiped Lord Hrishikesh. Skanda Purana has also mentioned the existence of Indrakund at this very point in “Kedarkhand”. In early days it was a resting place for pilgrims travelling to kedarnath or higher Himalayan range. 

MEDITATION AND YOGA  - Known as Yoga capital of the world  Rishikesh is considered to the birth place of yoga. A beneficiary to both mind and body, a widely accepted practice. In the month of March “ The annual International Yoga Festival” is organised. 
There are several and popular meditation centers located in city. It is believed Rishikesh has upsurge in energies as Ganga flows through city. 

GANGA GHAT AARTI (VENERATION)  -A major tourist attraction and devoted followers gather everyday around 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Ganga ghats for Aarti. It is performed by priests and students studying Vedas. It is surreal to see several diyas, echoing chants and drums playing in coordination, takes you closer to divinity. 

CULTURE - Being a sacred place for Hindus, residents are highly religious and conservative. Smoking, drinking and Non-veg is strictly prohibited in Rishikesh. Many people have migrated to this serene land.

FESTIVALS -There are several hindu festivals are celebrated such Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, shivratri and many others. Rishikesh has few grand celebrations as well. 

• INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL: Celebrated from 1st March to 7th March this festival provides knowledge about yoga. To make people understand health benefits one can attain by practicing yoga. Several yoga professionals join it. 
• INTERNATIONAL KAYAK FESTIVAL: To promote water activities in Ganga kayak competitions are organized. Down River Rave, Mass boater cross and Boater cross are three major competitions. Oh professionals participate in this risky sports. 
• BASANT PANCHAMI: It is a popular new crop harvest festival among Nation. A grandeur celebration take place in Bharat Mandir, where people gather from nearby places. 
• GANGA DUSSEHRA: On 10th day of the Jaishtha month pristine Ganga was born. On her birth anniversary it’s auspicious to take bath in Ganga. 

FOOD - Northern Indian food like rice, dal, vegetables, samosa, Paratha , paneer and other delicacies are popular. It doesn’t have any authentic food. Non-veg is strictly prohibited but few cafes offer veg international cuisine. 

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN RISHIKESH 

Indulge in adrenaline adventure ride in Rishikesh.

• River rafting in pearl white Ganga, water splashing across your face and adrenaline rush in body. Ig is a famous sport in town. 
• Bunjee jumping with just a rope tied at your back and jumping in Ganga from a mountain,  it’s a nerve testing adventure. 
• Trekking and Camping on the banks of sacred Ganga and discovering hidden gems is a dream come true.
• Hot air balloon tour is located just 18 kms away from the city. 
• Mountain biking is an adventurous sport and many tour and travel guides have packages for the same. 
• Kayaking or canoeing is a professional sport practiced in Rishikesh. 

PLACES TO VISIT IN RISHIKESH

• LAXMAN JHULA is believed to be built by Lord Laxman to cross Ganga. It was made of a jute rope as he was travelling along with Lord Ram to perform penance after killing Ravana.
• TERA MANZIL TEMPLE most renowned temple of Rishikesh also known as Trimbakeshwar temple. Alighted on the banks of river Ganga this 13 storey temple has enduring architecture. 
• RAM JHULA downstream from Laxman jhula it was built in 1980. Ganga gushing in full flow and Himalaya amidst clouds the view from here is panoramic. 
• SHRI BHARAT MANDIR is dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. It is one of the oldest and most revered temple in Rishikesh. 
• THE BEATLES ASHRAM also known as chaurasi kutia is a very famous tourist attraction. Opposite Muni ke reti this ashram gained international attention when English rock band “ The Beatles” studied transcendental meditation techniques. 
• TRIVENI GHAT is one of the most famous ghats in Rishikesh. It is the convergence of three major rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. 
• PARMARTH NIKETAN is a place for avid yoga followers. It has grown popular nationwide for meditation practices. 
• MUNI KI RETI a small town is popular among tourists to get always from hustle and bustle. Amble across Ganga ghats in less crowded place for peace. 
• RAGHUNATH TEMPLE is dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. It also has Ramkund near by where priests dive into it. It’s a revered temple across city. 
• VASHISHT CAVE is dedicated to saint Vashishtha. It is believed he stayed and meditated at end of his life here. 
• There are many innumerable places in Rishikesh to visit. This land is indelible and sacred. Visit it once in your lifetime to cherish it forever. 

HOW TO REACH IN RISHIKESH

• AIRPORT: Jolly grant airport located in Dehradun is the nearest around 35 kms away. H
• RAILWAYS: Nearest railway station to Rishikesh is Haridwar junction around 25 kms away. But Haridwar connects to almost every part of nation. 
• ROADS: You can travel by road in these hilly but safe area. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT IN RISHIKESH 

From September to March is ideal time to visit. 

• SUMMER: Temperature ranging from 14°c to 39°c ( Hot and extremely Humid) 
• MONSOON: Temperature ranging from 24°c to 35°c (Heavy rainfall and landslides) 
• WINTER: Temperature ranging from 14°c to 7°c (chilly and soothing winters)