It has recently developed into a base for adventure sports enthusiasts. The exhilarating Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, near Rishikesh have become a popular stretch for white water rafting. Rishikesh is also the gateway and the starting point for journeys to the four dhams - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri.
What to see:
Laxman Jhoola
5 kms north of Rishikesh, is the spot where Sri Laxman is said to have performed tapasya. The Laxman temple was built in his memory. Till 1889, there was a hanging jute ropeway without pillars. The same structure has been made more sturdy 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 wide-angle view of the Himalayan peaks, Babhar forests and the plain below. This is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison churned out of the cosmic ocean. lt turned his throat blue which is why he is also called Nilakanth. The temple is located atop a hill accessed by a 10 km walk or a 32 km drive.
Bharat Mandir
This is the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The black statue of Vishnu here is supposed to have been consecrated by Sri Sankaracharya in the 9th century. This event is commemorated every year during Vasant Panchami to mark the onset of spring. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu, it holds a number of images normally associated with the worship of Lord Shiva.
Raghunath Mandir & Triveni Ghat
Generally regarded as the most important places for religious ceremonies in Hrishikesh, it is believed that the Ganga is joined here by the Yamuna and the Saraswati Rivers. Geographically, however, the Yamuna joins the Ganga in Allahabad and the legendary Saraswati has not been located. The aarti performed at sunset at the Triveni Ghat is a touching and visually beautiful sight. As the sun begins to set, temple bells ring and chants rent the air. A row of religious celebrants hold plates of flaming ghee, moving them in a circular salutation to the River Goddess. Devotees also release flower-filled leaf boats carrying tiny oil lamps and let them float downstream towards Haridwar. It is a ceremony of worship, rememberance and hope.
Chandreshwar Temples
This temple stands where the Chandrabhaga merges with the Ganga.
Someshwar Temple
Situated on Haridwar Road, this temple has been mentioned in ancient scriptures.
When to Visit
The best season to visit, is between May and October/November.
Getting There
Road: Rishikesh is 238 km from Delhi by road and 23 kms from Haridwar.
Rail: Haridwar is well connected by rail to Howrah (1438 kms), Bombay (1574 kms), Delhi (199 kms), Lucknow (475 kms), Agra (365 kms).
Air: Jolly Grant airfield, 35 km from Haridwar, is the nearest Airport.
Tourist Information
UP Tourist Office, Nehru Park, Railway Road (Tel: 30209)
Information compiled by Romola Butalia
Legends abound here of renunciation, meditation, penance and salvation. It has developed into one of the better known centres for schools of yoga and meditation. It is also well known for several Himalayan Ashrams or religious retreats and for the availability of treatment for a variety of stress-induced ailments using meditation practices and ancient herbal techniques.
