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Rishikesh Tours |
Click Here for Rishikesh Tour Packages
Rishikesh
represents the Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal
region of Uttar Pradesh. It abounds in natural splendour.
The spectacle of the Ganga rushing through the Himalayan
foothills is an awesome sight. Several temples dot
the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh.
It is one destination in India
that draws a maximum crowd of hippie tourism in India. For most young Europeans visiting India the idea of Indian holiday begins and ends at Rishikesh
Rishikesh
is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea
level. It is believed that several yogis and sages
lived and practised penance here. Rishikesh represents
the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.
Surrounded by hills on three
sides, Rishikesh is located on the right bank of the
Ganga, at its confluence with the Chandrabhaga stream.
One of the holiest places on the upward pilgrimages
to the Himalayas, Rishikesh is, where Raibhya Rishi
did penance to please God, who appeared as Hrishikesh,
hence the name, Rishikesh. Millions of Hindus come
here every year, to absolve themselves of their sins
by bathing in the holy Ganges. Rishikesh abounds in
stories of renunciation, meditation, penance and salvation.
It has developed into one of the better known centres,
for schools of yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is also
significant as the trekking base, to the Himalayan
shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
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::PILGRIMAGE
ATTRACTIONS OF RISHIKESH::
Laxman
Jhoola
5 kms north of Rishikesh, is the spot where Sri Laxman,
is said to have performed Tapa. The Laxman temple was
built in his memory. Till 1889, there was just a hanging
jute ropeway without pillars. The same structure was,
later, rebuilt with iron ropes.
Neel
Kanth Mahadev
The temple, situated at a height of 5,500 ft. above
sea level, is about 2 kms from Laxman Jhoola. The
trek up to the temple, gives a fantastic wide - angled
view of the Himalayan peaks, Babhar forests and the
plain below.
Bharat
Mandir
The oldest temple in Rishikesh - the black statue
of Vishnu, here, is supposed to have been consecrated
by Sri Sankaracharya, in the 9th century. The event
is commemorated, during Vasant Panchami, to mark the
onset of spring.
Swarga
Ashram
One can find numerous temples here. This place has the
eating joints and shops where one can do shopping. The
beautiful statues in the area mesmerise the visitors.
Gita
Bhavan
This newly constructed building is famous for its
attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology.
Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.
Triveni
Ghat
This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening
there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the
Maha Aarti being performed. It very soothing to sit
on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze
from the river.
RISHIKESH-FAIRS
AND FESTIVALS
Along with the regular Hindu festivals Rishikesh is
known to play host to a unique festival. The International
Yoga Week is celebrated annually at Rishikesh. This
festival offers an ideal opportunity to learn yoga and
practice it to keep oneself fit and fine.
::EXCURSIONS::
Chilla
It is just 20 kms from Rishikesh. The whole place
is covered with forests and provides very pleasant
environment. Government has declared Chilla a sanctuary.
A canal from Ganga feeds the reservoir where one can
spot many animals. One can stay at the tourist lodge
and enjoy the peaceful scenic surroundings.
Narendra
nagar
15 kms on the Rishikesh Chamba road
is located the historical town of Narendra nagar.
This town is of archaeological importance. The town
was built by the King of Tehri Narendra Singh. Narendra
nagar has recorded many events which have left their
impact on the town. The Royal palace is worth seeing
and the huge magnificent Nandi bull cannot escape
your attention.
Kunjapuri
Close to Narendra nagar, situated at 7000 ft this
place is covered with dense forests. From here one
can get a glimpse of the peaks and valleys.
Devprayag
The rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirath leave the mountains
and merge at this place. From here they get the name
Ganga. A peaceful holy place. It has got the ancient
Raghunathji Temple.
Auli
One of the well established Sports Circuit of the
state of Uttar Pradesh. With their wide open spaces
above the snowfields of Garhwal and Kumaon, the place
offers an exciting possibility - ski touring amongst
the glaciers. The cross-country runs of 10-20 km with
added advantage of fresh powder snow from crisscrossing
streams, tearing down the snowlines of the European
Alps.
RISHIKESH
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Weather:-Summer
:- Max 41.0ºC, Min 36.6ºC.
Winter :- Max 32.2ºC, Min 18.3ºC.
Best season to visit:-Throughout
the Year
Clothing:-Heavy
woolens in winter and light woollens in summer.
Languages spoken:-
Kumaoni, Garwali, Hindi and English
Sporting activity:-
Horse riding, trekking
CLIMATE
The climate here is continental type but its
location in the foot hills gives it a pleasant
weather throughout the year. One can visit Rishikesh
any time of the year.
ACCOMMODATION
Rishikesh does not have any big hotels in the
five star category but there are other hotels
which give you comfortable stay. The ashrams
also give you accommodation facility. There
are also dharamsalas and guest houses which
offer good, inexpensive stay. The Garhwal Vikas
Mandal's guest has dormitory as well as single
and double rooms for the tourists.
SHOPPING
Being a pilgrimage place, the
glamour of big shop bargains are absent but
Rishikesh offers you handicraft items made
of Shells, beads and pearls. Sarees, Kurtas,
sheets and rugs can be purchased from here.
You can buy these items from the government
approved U.P handloom shop, Khadi Bhandar,
Garhwal wool and craft shop etc.
TOURIST
INFORMATION CENTRES:
Tourist Office - Tourist bureau, Station road,
Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh, India. Tel. - +(91)--01364--30209
Tourist Office - Yatra office, Garhwal mandal
vikas nigam, Muni ki reti, Uttar Pradesh,
India . Tel. - +(91)--01364--31793, 30372
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HOW
TO GET THERE
Air
The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), 25 kms. Vayudoot
services operate from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant).
Rail
Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar, which is on the
main route. Haridwar is connected directely with Mumbai, Lucknow,
Howrah, Kalka, Sri Ganganagar, Allahabad and Delhi.
Road
Almost all the important
places in the state are connected by all-weather metalled roads.
Many places in the higher altitudes may still remain off for
a period in the year due to landslides and snowfall. National
Highways such as 58, 73, 74, and 87 connect places in the state
to other parts of the country.Regular bus services connect Delhi
and other major centers in North India with Dehradun. The road
distances of some prominent destinations from Dehradun are as
follows: Mussoorie, 35 km; Delhi, 255 km; Mumbai, 1927 km; Chennai,
2488 km; Haridwar, 54 km; Rishikesh, 43 km; Shimla, 221 km;
Nainital, 485 km; Kedarnath, 270 km; Badrinath, 344 km; Gangotri,
301 km; Yamunotri, 265 km; Chakrata, 92 km; Corbett National
Park, 236 km; Har-Ki-dun, 187 km; Valley of Flowers and Hemkund,
342 km.Rishikesh is 238 km from Delhi by road.
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