RishikeshA paradise for adventure sportsenthusiasts and devotees alike,Rishikesh is one of the mostfamous vacation spots in India. Theplace emerged as the World capitalof Yoga when the Beatles paid avisit to the ashram of MaharishiMahesh Yogi.

This Pdf and its contents are copyright ©2013,ixigo.com, all rights reserved. ixigo logo, thecharacter and all other marks displayed herein areregistered and/or common law trademarks ofixigo.com and/or third parties.

Famous For : Weekend GetawaysCity

Located in the foothills of the majesticHimalayas, Rishikesh is settled in thepicturesque state of Uttarakhand. Just 225kms from New Delhi, Rishikesh is perfect fora weekend trip where you can indulgeyourself in a variety of adventure sports likerafting, hiking, bungee jumping etc. Besides,Raja Ji National Park is just 16 kms awaywhich attracts the wildlife fans too. Thefamous Laxman Jhula and the giganticstatue of Shiva meditating in the Ganges,attract millions of devotees every year.

Rishikesh has become a favouritedestination for not only peace seekers butadventurous backpackers alike throughwhite water rafting with beach camping onthe silver clean beaches of the Ganges,bungee jump, zip line tour and more. Headto this beautiful city located in the foothillsof the Himalayas where a new world ofadventure and spirituality awaits. 

Rishikesh has been an abode of ascetics

Rishikesh Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/rishikesh page 1

since, well, time immemorial. It is alsoimportant as the gateway to the Garhwalmountains and holy spots in them like thesource of the Ganga, the Badrinath andKedarnath shrines and more. And now,Rishikesh is also the “yoga capital of theworld”, as Uttarakhand Tourism would haveit. 

Rishikesh stands on both banks of theGanga. There is free access to theunpolluted waters and the watertemperature is just perfect most of the year.The undercurrents of spirituality are assteady here as the flow of the mighty Ganga.But do take care, every year people drownin the river and in the fraudulent schemes ofpretend spiritualists. The best way to goaround is on foot as the town is hilly andconsists of narrow lanes.

To cross the river take a motor ferry fromthe narrow iron suspension bridge knownas Ram Jhula, which is near theSwargashram area, or walk across eitherRam Jhula or Lakshman Jhula, which is 2 kmupstream. Noisy tempos (locallycalled Vikrams) are affordablecontraptions. Autos and Vikrams areavailable on the main road, also on the roadto Badrinath. Autorickshaw drivers will takeyou temple sightseeing, covering the majortemples in 3-4 hrs.

Lakshman Jhula, the famous 450-foot longsuspension bridge, was built in 1939. It issaid that Lord Ram’s brother Lakshmancrossed the Ganga on a jute rope from here.The Lakshman and Raghunath temples arehere. This part of town is better known forits busy bazaars and cafés. The new 13-storey Trimbakeshwar Mandir near theLakshman Jhula has many shrines,chambers that house religious and Vedictexts and jewellery and gems shops. Nearbyis the Swarg Niwas Mandir, a 12-storeytemple with various idols of Hindu gods andgoddesses on its many floors. 

Just 2 km ahead downstream fromLakshman Jhula, at Muni-ki-Reti, is anothersuspension bridge, built later. This is RamJhula (also called Shivanand Jhula)surrounded by a cluster of ashrams on bothsides. It connects Sivananda Ashram on theeast bank and Swargashram on the west.Swargashram is a bustling spiritual hub withmany ashrams, temples, bazaars and ghats.

While it has been a centuries-old traditionto worship the river in the morning andevening in small private ceremonies, theParmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh hasconverted the evening aarti ritual to aspectacular show. It is alternatively calledtouristy and hypnotic but don’t miss it. Thediyas floating on the Ganga in the dark area sight to behold. If you are staying inan ashram, then it probably has its owntimings for the aarti.

Rishikesh Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/rishikesh page 2

It is believed that the confluence of Ganga,Yamuna and Saraswati took place here. Thisghat is large and clean, Many ashrams inRishikesh offer short and long-term courses in yoga. Some of the mostrespected names are the Sivananda Ashram,Omkarananda Patanjala Yoga Kendra,Parmarth Niketan and Yoga NiketanAshram. 

It is advisable to join a well-known ashramor a place recommended by someone, foryoga or meditation classes mushroom allover town. Reiki, Ayurvedic massage, crystalhealing and other attractions for Westerntourists are on offer everywhere. An annualInternational Yoga Festival (March 1-7;international yogafestival.com) is organisedjointly by Uttarakhand Tourism andParmarth Niketan Ashram.

The one thing most people carry back withthem from Rishikesh is the holy water of theGanga. Plastic bottles for carrying Gangajalare sold on all the major ghats. The narrowlanes of the town are lined with shopsselling gems, precious and semi-preciousstones, puja items, and religious music CDs.

When To

VISIThttp://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-rishikesh-lp-1138022

JanCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:20.200000762939453°C

Min:6.800000190734863°C

Rain:43.599998474121094mm

FebCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen,umbrella.Max:22.799999237060547°C

Min:9.399999618530273°C

Rain:56.29999923706055mm

MarCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:27.399999618530273°C

Min:13.100000381469727°C

Rain:44.400001525878906mm

AprPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:32.79999923706055°C

Min:17.600000381469727°C

Rain:33.20000076293945mm

MayPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 35.5°C Min:

21.299999237060547°C

Rain:59.70000076293945mm

JunPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:34.29999923706055°C

Min:23.200000762939453°C

Rain:209.89999389648438mm

Jul

Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:31.100000381469727°C

Min:23.600000381469727°C

Rain: 617.5mm

AugPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:30.399999618530273°C

Min:23.100000381469727°C

Rain:613.7000122070312mm

SepPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:30.299999237060547°C

Min:21.299999237060547°C

Rain:242.3000030517578mm

OctPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:29.100000381469727°C

Min:16.600000381469727°C

Rain:41.400001525878906mm

NovCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:25.799999237060547°C

Min:11.699999809265137°C

Rain:6.300000190734863mm

DecCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:22.299999237060547°C

Min:7.900000095367432°C

Rain:7.599999904632568mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-rishikesh-lp-1138022

1 Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Mayakund, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand249201, India

After sunset, the famousGanga Aarti takes place at the Triveni Ghat ,which sees the whole stretch of Triveni Ghatcome alive.  Hundreds of leafedlamps float down the stream as divinitybecomes the very air. You can buy thesedias from the nearby stalls and be a part ofthe beautiful custom. It is believed that theaarti transports the devotee to a differentworld altogether. The oil lamps floating onthe Ganga in the dark are a sight to behold.

2 Laxman Jhula Market

Laxman Jhoola, Rishikesh,

Rishikesh Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/rishikesh page 3

Uttarakhand 249302, India

Lakshman Jhula Market is one of the mostpopular markets in Rishikesh. The smallshops and stalls attract every kind oftraveller’s attention with their items such asrudrakshas, idols of Gods, local jewelleryand wooden items. Those who are inclinedto rejuvenate themselves by following thehealthy way of living can find all kinds ofayurvedic medicines and oils at this market.For those who love trinkets and other silverand brass accessories to go with theirtrendy clothes, this market is the place tobe!

3 Lakshman Jhula

Laxman Jhula Road, Rishikesh,Uttarakhand 249201, India

The most famous attraction at Rishikesh,Lakshman Jhula is a landmark suspensionbridge. Built in 1939, it has becomesynonymous with the town itself. Joining thebanks of the majestic river Ganga, it swayswith strong winds, and often vibrates withthe passage of vehicles across it. Legendshave it that the bridge stands at the place

from where Laxmana crossed the river onropes in the days of Hindu epic Ramayana.Perched atop it, you will be nothing lessthan amazed by the scenic view of the areaall around. And yes, you might swoon overin delight or a trance as you look down thebridge, into the swirling greens of the Gangabelow.

4 Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

12 KM From Rishikesh, PauriGarhwal, Kotdwara, Uttarakhand249304, India

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple inRishikesh is ancient and situated at analtitude of 1675 m on a hill above the SwargAshram, which overlooks the Nar Narayanmountain ranges. The drive to the temple is

one of the most thrilling as well as scenicrides in the region. The temple is said to bebuilt after a great mythological episodewhen Lord Shiva drank the venom thatcame from the ocean during ‘SamudraManthan’.

This caused Lord Shiva’s throat to turn blueand thus, the name Neelkanth. This holyshrine of the Neelkanth Mahadev is nowvisited by tourists throughout the year,particularly during the festival of MahaShivratri. Situated at 5,500 ft, thistemple attracts many Shiva devotees. Thelegend goes that when the demons andgods churned the ocean in their quest forthe nectar of immortality, it was here thatShiva drank the poison that surfaced andheld it in his throat, which turned blue.

5 Triveni Ghat

Laxman Jhula, Mayakund, Rishikesh,Uttarakhand, 249201, India

Triveni Ghat is believed that the confluence

of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati took placehere. It is also a spot for the pilgrims whovisit Rishikesh to take a holy dip in its water.This ghat is large and clean, and hasseparate changing rooms for women.

After sunset, the famous Ganga Maha Aartitakes place at around 6 PM, which sees thewhole ghat come alive with divinity andreligious fervour. Hundreds of leafed lampsfloat down the stream as divinity becomesthe very air. You can buy these diyas fromthe nearby stalls and be a part of thebeautiful custom. It is believed that a dip atTriveni Ghat can relieve one from the sinsand help them attain salvation. A giganticidol of Lord Shiva stands tall here, and is asight to watch for in the monsoons when itis almost half-submerged in the water.

It is believed that the confluence of Ganga,Yamuna and Saraswati took place here. Thisghat is large and clean, and has separatechanging rooms for women. Nearby is theRishikund or sages’ pond. This is said tohave been a havan kund where the holymen performed fire rituals in ancient times.There is also a Shani Mandir here.

Where To

Eat

Rishikesh Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/rishikesh page 4

5 Placeshttp://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-rishikesh-lp-1138022

1 Freedom Ganga Cafe

Near Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh,Uttarakhand 249302, India

Want to enjoy a cup of nice coffee alongwith the best pasta in town? If yes, thenFreedom Ganga Cafe is just the place to beat. Walk in here to hang out with friendsafter a long day of sightseeing and enjoy thepossibly best continental dishes in Haridwar.And for the ones in love with the traditionalnorth Indian fare, there's the crispiest of'paranthas' that comes with a variety ofstuffing options, including cheese and more.

2 Mukti's Health Food

Ganga Vatika, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand249137, India

+91-9634126644

Located a few hundred metres west of theShivanand Jhula Bridge,Mukti's Health Food is a much loved foodjoint, especially for its delectable and freshorganic, health food. The specialities includehome made green pasta and IndonesianGado-Gado. You just can't miss out on thehomemade frozen yoghurt, apple pie orchocolate cake for dessert.

3 Tulsi Restaurant

Near Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh,Uttarakhand, 249304, India

A cosy, pub-like ambience makes TulsiRestaurant one of the best places tohangout and treat yourself. Dimly lit, it hasinteriors with an old world feel, more so,with the bamboo lined interiors that it has.Gorging on multi cuisine specialities here,you can see a lot of westerners coming in. A

comprehensive menu that's mostlyvegetarian, it's one of the best places for aquick bite.

4 Ganga Beach Restaurant

Shesdhara, Tapovan, Laxman JhulaRoad, Rishikesh, Uttrakhand, 249201,India

+91-135-2442018

Ganga Beach Restaurant (part of the GangaBeach Resort) is one of the best places toget amazing food at unbelievably low prices.To add to the charm, the spacious terraceand cushioned chill-out area at thisrestaurant make it a hit with the tourists.People come here asking for wood-firedpizzas, burritos, crepes and the ice-coldlassi. Plus, there's the uninterrupted view ofthe swiftly flowing Ganga from therestaurant. Apart from the snacks, there'sthe usually North Indian cuisine as well.

5 The Welcome Center

Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand,249192, India

+91-135-2442337

This eating joint is a hub for amazingAyurvedic food and teas. And yes, that’s notthe end of it. You can also go in for cookingand yoga classes. Most of the dishes hereare made with organic and home growngrains and vegetables. It also sells naturalincense sticks, neti pots along with yogamats and other similar items. If you like theway they treat you, you can also enquireabout staying at this beautiful getaway fromthe city’s hustle bustle.

Rishikesh Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/rishikesh page 5

Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-rishikesh-lp-1138022

SeeA: Ganga Aarti at Triveni GhatB: Laxman Jhula MarketC: Lakshman JhulaD: Neelkanth Mahadev TempleE: Triveni Ghat

AccommodationF: The Camp 5 ElementsG: Splendid Aloha on GangaH: The Holiday HomeI: The Camp 5 ElementsJ: Splendid Aloha on GangaK: The Holiday HomeL: The Camp 5 ElementsM: Splendid Aloha on GangaN: The Holiday Home

FoodO: Freedom Ganga CafeP: Mukti's Health FoodQ: Tulsi RestaurantR: Ganga Beach RestaurantS: The Welcome Center