Attractions

River Rafting

Rishikesh is unique city which has something to offer for everyone. Rishikesh is also known as River Rafting Capital of India. Rishikesh attracts thousands of adventure lovers every year. River Ganges from the Gangotri glacier to Ganga Sagar is one of the most holy rivers in India. Starting from Gangotri Glacier to Rishikesh it makes its way throughout the mountainous route. A number of white water rapids, creates wonderful opportunities for rafting which is rare in India. At Gangotri it is known as Bhagirathi but from Devprayag it is known as River Ganges when it merges with Alaknanda River. The River Ganges is like a part of Indian culture and civilization. On her way to Rishikesh, the Ganges River offers fun-filled river rapids. From grade 1 to grade 5 this area has all kind of rapids for perfect adventure. River rafting is a adventure for not only adults but it is also safe for children as well. To enjoy rafting you don't need to learn swimming. Rafting can be enjoyed by people of all age groups. High quality equipments and expert guide and instructors will ensure your complete safety. During the Rafting people can enjoy magnificent views of the Shiwalik hills and the Ganges. Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, Byasi, Kaudiyala, Kirti Nagar, Devprayag And Rudraprayag are the places where you can start your rafting to Rishikesh.

Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping - Bungy Jumping is an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord. The tall structure is usually a fixed object, such as a building, bridge or crane; but it is also possible to jump from a movable object, such as a hot-air-balloon or helicopter, that has the ability to hover above the ground. The thrill comes from the free-falling and the rebound. When the person jumps, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillate up and down until all the energy is dissipated.

Yoga and Meditation

Rishikesh, a small town in Uttaranchal, is better known as the Yoga capital of India. The land of Rishikesh is supposed to be perfect for performing Yoga and Meditation. According to legends, Brahma, the creator of universe, found the land and aura of Rishikesh perfect for performing Yagna. It is said that he prayed here for overall peace of whole universe. Later lord Vishnu and Shiva also performed penances here. Gods found this place perfect for prayers and meditation.

Ramjhula

is situated 3Km north of Rishikesh. It's a very popular place amongst people coming for religious purposes because it has very known Ashrams. Most known is Geeta Bhavan & Swarg Ashram and these temples are very important in Hindu society and you will see much more commotion here then in Lakshmanjhula. To be found at a distance of 12 km from Rishikesh, this temple stands at a height of 926m on top of a hill across the river Ganga. It derives its name from Lord Shiva.

Triveni Ghat

To be found in the heart of town, is the most famous bathing ghat, where most pilgrims take a holy dip earlier than they visit the various temples. This is done generally in the early mornings, with the pilgrims offering prayers and milk at the Ghat and feeding the fish in the water. An amazing sight here is the evening arati, a ceremony accompanied by lights, drums and chanting, with the entire ghat lit with lamps glowing from a distance.

Bharat Mandir

Near the Ghat, is the temple known as Bharat Mandir said to be the oldest temple here built by the Adi Shankaracharya. This 9th century temple has the deity of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single black stone popular as Saligram, and is placed in the inner chambers of the temple. The original temple was said to have been destroyed in 1398 AD. If you are lucky, catch the spring festival also called Basant Panchami celebrated here.

Rishikund

Close to the Triveni Ghat is the very old place of Rishikund where the Saint Kubz is said to have been blessed by the Goddess Yamuna, who filled the pond with her water. The temple of Raghunath dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita is sited here.
2 kilometers from Swarg Ashram, is the well-known Lakshman Jhula a suspension bridge 450 feet long and built in 1939. Named after Lord Ram's younger brother Lakshman, it has temples dotting its either side, including the famed Lakshman Temple at Tapovan. One more noteworthy ashram is the 13 storeyed Kailashananda Ashram, with each storey being dedicated to a different deity.

Swargashram

There is a cluster of ashrams on the eastern bank of the Ganges, and the place is popularly known as 'Swarga Ashram'. Most of these ashrams provide courses on yoga and spiritual studies, and are well-known among the tourists. Some ancient temples with beautifully carved statues are also located in the place. There are a few vegetarian food joints that serve various Ayurvedic food and refreshments. A few shops are also found, that sell various trinkets and souvenirs in the form of religious tapes, books, beads, beaded garlands, shells and clothes.

Gita Bhavan

Near the Lakshaman Jhula, is the newly constructed building of Gita Bhavan. It runs a free Ayurvedic dispensary and also has a branch of the Gita Press, Gorakhpur. There are more than a hundred rooms for visitors and this edifice houses various striking paintings and statues of ancient mythological characters. The stories of the ancient epics- the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are beautifully illustrated on its walls. The place is also popular among the tourists.

How To Reach

By Air

AirPort Near By Rishikesh is in close proximity of Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (about 15 km) - a small, quiet and recently renovated airport handling many flights from Delhi. The runway is being extended and will possibly then handle flights from other metros as of now there are flights only from Delhi (The capital of India)

By Rail

Rishikesh railway station A quiet branch line connects Rishikesh to Haridwar, but there are only about three slow trains daily. It's best to take the train to Haridwar as Haridwar is serviced by many trains from to Delhi, Varanasi, Rajasthan, Amritsar, etc. and continue by bus (45 min), by taxi (30 mins or by shared auto-rickshaw (40 min). Travelling by train comes recommended because they often run empty and the fares are low & run right-time especially in peak seasons or "Melas" (Fares) when bus routes are diverted in Haridwar & share rickshaws try to make a killing. You can take "Vikrams" towards Lakshman Jhula from Rishikesh station.

By Road

Delhi airport to Rishikesh by car is a good option for a hassle free traveling specially for foreign tourists who are traveling to India for the first time. It's a 6 to 7 hours journey. Note: Try and leave Delhi between 4-5 a.m as driving time increases beyond 6 hours due to morning congestion in towns like Modinagar and Roorkee.