Also known as the Yoga Capital of the World or the Gateway to the Garwal Himalayas, Rishikesh (also known as Hrishikesh) is located on the bank of the sacred and pristine river Ganges. Well known for its unique blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty, Rishikesh beckons people from India and worldwide.
There is something for everyone, from ancient temples to ashrams to even adrenaline-pumping activities. Home to many ashrams, one of the most famous ashrams is known as the Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram), which was once inhabited by the popular band The Beatles, who studied meditation and composed some of their best songs. Although it is currently deserted, it is said to have housed 8000 spiritual seekers and even had a bank, post office, school, etc.
In addition, some other popular ashrams include Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Yoga Niketan Ashram, Dayananda Ashram, Madhuban Ashram, Sivananda Ashram and Omkarananda Ashram. In fact, some of these ashrams are internationally recognised as centres of philosophical studies, yoga and other ancient Indian traditions of wellness
Studying yoga teacher training courses and attending yoga retreats are extremely popular in Rishikesh. This city is well known for being one that can breathe fresh air and one of the most peaceful in the country, where cool air from the Himalayas and the misty mountains call out to you to embrace them.
Some of the adventure activities that are well-known over here include white river rafting, bungee jumping, zipline tours, bungee jumping, giant swings, trekking and rock climbing.
It is a town of quaint cafes, offering both local and international cuisine and are most often packed with tourists. Interestingly one of the most popular and irresistible meals is Maggie noodles! Many of these restaurants offer vegan options and carry soulful live music.
Throughout the city, you will find structures and idols of Lord Shiva as it is the main deity that is worshipped here in Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is well known for some of its popular places to visit such as Laxman Jhula Bridge, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Kanjapuri camps, Neer Garh Waterfall and Swarg Ashram.
In fact, the Ram Jhula is a suspension bridge that crosses the Ganga River between the Sivananda and Swarg Ashram areas of Rishikesh.
Bordering this quaint town are some well-known cities such as Haridwar, Dehradun and Chamba. There is also the popular Rajaji National Parl. In fact, Rishikesh and Haridwar are also known as twin national heritage cities.
It is also the starting point for travelling to our Chota Char Dham pilgrimage places: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
It is also a starting point for Himalayan tourist destinations such as Auli, Harsil, Chopta, as well as summer and winter trekking destinations like Kedarkantha, Dodital, Dayara Bugyal, and Har Ki Dun.
Throughout the city, you can find sages and saints and even sadhus roaming around the city, meditating and in the presence of temples.
Ganga Aarti is a routine activity that occurs here in Rishikesh with Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan as the most important places where it takes place. These two areas are known to be the biggest and holiest ghats of Rishikesh.
