Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Rishikesh, a pilgrimage city in Uttarakhand, has several number of ancient and new generation temples.The most holy supposed four Dham Yatra starts from here. Rishikesh is also known as “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas”.Moutains start from here after Haridwar that means that it is Rishikesh which is the last mountainous region covered by the holy Ganga River and then the Ganga starts its journey in plains from Haridwar.It has the famous Lakshman Jhoola and Ram Jhoola  Several temples dot the banks of the Ganges at Rishikesh. The famous Geeta Bhawan is also here whose religious books are sold all over India. There are numerous things to see and explore in Rishikesh like the beautiful temples, the holy Ganges and its clear water (before entering the plains and being polluted), enjoying rafting etc.

TRAYAMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE IN RISHIKESH

The famous Trayambakeshwar Temple was founded by Guru Shankaracharya in the 12^thcentury. This temple is located in the heart of the city, at the foothills of the Himalayas in Rishikesh. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges near the famous bridge, Lakshaman Jhula.Trayambakeshwar Temple, popularly known as “Tera Manjila Mandir”(13 storey temple), is a unique landmark in Rishikesh because of its gigantic size, with numerous idols of various gods and goddesses from Hindu Mythology adorning it. This temple is highly revered amongst local pilgrims because it is believed that all the prayers offered in this temple are fulfilled.

                The Sanskrit term “Trayambakeshwar” translated into English implies the abode of the three eyed one or Lord Shiva, who is the presiding deity installed here in form of a magnificent Lingam. This temple is set up against the backdrop of the majesticHimalayas .This is one of the most venerated religious destinations in Rishikesh. Its size is grand while the surroundings (Himalayas, Ganges, and Market) are gorgeous. It is a wonderful piece of architect that just stuns the visitor and only say “Wow!”

                    This temple is thronged by many devotees during Shiv Ratri which is celebrated here with much enthusiasm and vigour.This temple is open to all on all days and at all times. Because of its grand size and beautiful architecture, it looks more like a hotel than a temple. But still, no one can stop himself or herself from self-surrender in front of the lord of the lords Shiva and that too in this majestic temple where all the wishes of the devotee are fulfilled by saying “OM NAMAH SHIVAY”.

LAKSHMAN JHULA RISHIKESH

 Lakshman Jhula, as the name suggests, is a hanging walkway bridge. It is made of iron, in the eastern part of the town of Rishikesh, (in Uttarakhand, India), where most of the religious ashrams of the city are located. Rishikesh is a city in Dehradun district. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the northern part of India. It is also called the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, as it is surrounded by three other districts namely, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal and the famous pilgrimage city Haridwar. Hrishikesh (Rishikesh) is a name of lord Vishnu that means lord of the senses. The root words Hrishik (means senses) and Ish (God) join together to make Rishikesh. Lakshman Jhula is a major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. It is 450ft. long.

                        According to Hindu mythology, Lakshman (younger brother of lord Ram) crossed river Ganges on jute ropes between the places where this bridge has been built. It was constructed in 1939.

Tourists love crossing the bridge on foot so that they can feel the sway of it and also enjoy the spectacular view of Rishikesh-Himalayan hills, Ganges and the religious temples. This bridge is a wonder by construction because it sways over the fast gushing Ganga underneath it and it has no pillars in between. This gives the feeling of swing.

                        This is also a holy bridge because it was built by Lakshman, who was a part of lord Vishnu’s avatar Ram. It’s very exciting to go in the middle of the jhula and feel the vibrations in it, which gives a thrilling experience. Moving on the bridge provides a very panoramic view of the holy river Ganga and the ghats across both the sides of the hills. One can enjoy the picturesque surroundings and the cool breeze from the river while standing on the bridge. A number of fish are seen in the river from this spot. Food for the fish is sold there at many places. If we feel like feeding the fish (as many people do), we can take and enjoy the ride of the boat and cross the river while dropping the balls (food of fish) in the river. The boat ride makes the bridge appear more gorgeous and marvelous

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                        This bridge is meant only for pedestrians, but one can see two-wheelers, pushcarts, cows, dogs and quite a few monkeys as well on it. And amazingly, it is still intact. Even the animals enjoy the bouncy feeling which remains even after getting off the bridge. Close to Lakshman Jhula, another bridge has been built between Shivanand Ashram and Swarg Ashram. This is named Ram Jhula or Shivanand Jhula.

CAMPING IN RISHIKESH

  Camping is fast becoming a favorable sport nowadays as more and more people like adventure and they are putting civilization behind them to put their life to the best that nature has offered them. Rishikesh which is only 35km. from Haridwar in Uttarakhand, has established itself as one of the most popular places in India for white rafting. There are various things to see and experience in Rishikesh, travelers can enjoy seeing and exploring their destinations.

                        There are many camps at Shivpuri or one can do by himself without staying in those tents, one can arrange his own. All the camps have thick vegetation around them and minimum of human disturbances there. These sites are at isolated and hidden natural places, far from the hills. The pleasant sound of the rapids of the river flowing by echoes in the valley and rafting on such an amazing natural surroundings is a lifetime experience in itself. Rajaji National Park is also nearby, so the rare Himalayan birds are quite often seen there. Evening and morning scenes and campsites are exciting. The campfires are fun-filled. The starlit skies, silhouette of the mountains, rippling sound of the river are amusing and a great way to explore the outdoors. The camps too provide proper housing facilities like campfire, buffet meals, bedding, electricity, conference halls etc.

                         There are camping facilities for rock-climbing, rappling, valley crossing, volleyball playing, badminton, trek to waterfall, body surfing and cliff jumping etc.It may sound crazy, but in fact, there can be no more thrilling sport than white water rafting in the great river Ganges. Try this enjoyment once and remember me who gave the advice!  

How to reach Rishikesh

Rishikesh has good connectivity with other cities of the state of Uttarakhand and outside. 

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is nearest airport to Rishikesh.Taxis are easily available from Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh.
Nearest international airport is located in Delhi “Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI)”, which is 224 km away from Rishikesh . Delhi, the capital city of India, is  well connected to all cites in the country. 

By Train

Rishikesh  is connected to all important cities of India by train.

By Road 

Rishikesh is connected by tourist bus services and state owned bus services.Luxury  and normal  bus are available from Delhi ISBT(kashmiri Gate)

Hotels In Rishikesh 

Rishikesh has many good hotels.
Few of them are :

RISHABH GRAND CASTLE RESORT, Hotel Nirvana Palace, Laxman Jhula Divine Resorts, Pure Inn.

Eating points in Rishikesh 

Rishikesh has many restaurants and eating places. There is a good variety of food available at the restaurants here.Few  of them are : 
Chotiwala,Oasis Restaurant,Midway Restaurant,Maa Cozy,Ganga Beach Restaurant,Madras cafe,Tulsi  Restaurant,Lucky Restaurant, Flavors Restaurant.