HISTORY OF RISHIKESH

he whole area (Garhwal) was famous as Kedarkhand in the past as mentioned in the Skanda

Purana. As per the Skanda Purana the area is named as Kubjamrak because here lord Vishnu

appeared to Raibhya Rishi under a mango tree. Raibhya Rishi selected the place for his long

penance (Tapasya or austerity) Lord Vishnu was pleased by his act and appeared to the sage as a

"Hrishikesh." The word is combination of two word Hrishik and esh. Hrishik means senses and

esh means god or master. It means god of senses. The Sthala Purana states as follows: "Raibhya

Rishi preferred the sacredness and beauty of the place where Lord Vishnu appeared, so he

remained there in the form of intense plants, which look like his matted locks. In consideration of

this and the divine qualities of Raibhya Rishi, the area recognized as Rishi Kesha or Rishikesh,

or the hair of the Rishi (Sage). Skanda Purana mention that the Lord Vishnu blessed Raibhya

Rishi and gave him this divine message: "while you have performed supreme tapasya

(austerities) by controlling your senses, let the place be recognized as Hrishikesha (Lord

Hrishikesha, master of all senses).

The place is also mentioned as place where God Vishnu defeated the mighty demon Madhu. As

per the Ramayana Lord Ram made hard penance for killing mighty demon Ravana. Lakshmana

(Brother of Lord Rama) crossed the river by Jute Bridge which is known as Lakshman Jhula.

The Jute Bridge was replaced by Iron suspension bridge in 1889. The bridge damaged in 1924

flood, than bridge was replaced by new bridge. 

Legends also mention that the Lord Agni (God of fire) made penance for Lord Shiva. According

to the legends Lord Shiva consumed poison (Halahal) which was obtained during sea churning

(Samudra Manthan) along with the Nectar (Amrit). The place is now known as Nilkanth

Mahadev Temple. Kunind was the first one to rule the area. Later Shak kings and Naga Kings

ruled here. In 1398 Vatsraj was the king of the area. Ajaypal was the king during 1493 1500.

During the 1804 to 1815 Gorkha Kings rule the whole area. After 1815 East India Company

came here. After freedom the area is merged in Uttarpradesh. In November 2000 Uttaranchal

became independent from Uttarpradesh. From January 2007 Uttranchal was named as a

Uttarakhand.

In 1880 Swami Danaraj Giri established Kailash Ashram. Swami Sivananda (1887-1963)

founder "The Devine Life Society" lived here in Muni Ki Reti for 03 decades. Parmarth Niketan

is estab/>lished by Swami Shukdevanandji. The Beatles came to Rishikesh in the 1960s to study

yoga, and since then the city has styled itself as the "yoga capital of the world.

ishikesh is town in the Dehradun District of Uttarakhand state in India. Total population of

Rishikesh is 75,020 (53% male and 47 % female) as of 2001. Rishikesh is situated at 409 meters

above sea level in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayan Range and surrounded by the Shivalik

range. Rishikesh is 35 kms far from Haridwar, 90 Kms from Mussoorie, 25 Kms far from

Jollygrant airport Dehradun, and 240 kms far from New Delhi. 

Rishikesh has spectacular view of jungle-clad hills. Rishikesh has also confluence of River

Ganges and Chandrabhaga. The glorious attraction of Rishikesh is none other than the great river

Ganges herself, running rapidly throughout the city. In the ancient time and still so many yogis,

rishis, sages and sannyasis attracted to Rishikesh to practice yoga in this peaceful location. Since

then, Rishikesh has known as an abode of sages. Rishikesh is a holy town with so many

Ashrams and it is famous for the yoga world wide. Rishikesh is now world famous as a Yoga

Capital of the world. Every year during the March month one week long International yoga

festival is hosted by Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is also known as gateway to the Char Dham. Char Dham is four popular holy temples

on the hills (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri) Thousands of people attracted

every year to Rishikesh for spiritual relief, peace, learn yoga, adventure and to take a dip for

salvation. The famous among them were Beatles, Kate Winslet and many more others celebrities.

It is believed that by meditation in Rishikesh one can get "Moksha" (liberation from the cycle of

death and rebirth) as well as holy dip in the river Ganges.

Apart from spirituality now Rishikesh is also hub for the adventure activities such as rafting,

camping, trekking and bungee jumping. Rishikesh is full of tourist every time. There are also big

ashrams, centers for Yoga, Meditation, Ayurvedic Massage and astrology are here. Rishikesh is

also known as the white water rafting capital of India.

Two big suspension bridges play a major role (such as nerve system in body) in day- to- day life

of Rishikesh. These two bridges (jhulas) are know as Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula(Named

after lord Ram and his brother Lakshman, the heroes of the Ramayana, who supposedly crossed

the river Ganges at Rishikesh on their way up to the hills.). Rishikesh is divided loosely in many

parts such as Rishikesh, Ram Jhula (Shivanand Nagar), Muni Ki Reti, Lakshman Jhula or

Tapovan and Swarg Ashram, Pashulok Barrage, Dhalwala, 14 Bigha and Shisham Jhari.

From Ram Jhula one can take a boat on sharing basis or walk on the bridge to cross the river.

Both sides of the bridge is always crowded with shops of cloths, holy beads, shawls, precious

and semi precious stones, replicas of deities, astrological gems, Ayurvedic medicines and Vedic

treatises as well as signs of marketing yoga, meditation classes and Ayurvedic massage. Other

side of the bridge is known as Swarg Ashram area. So many big ashrams are here such as Swarg

Ashram, Gita bhawan and Parmarth Niketan. When you cross the river temples welcomes you

with their engraved deities and music shops greets you divine sacred ragas.

In evening beautiful Ganges Ceremony(Ganga Aarti) is organized at Parmarth Niketan and

Triveni Ghat. The Brahmin Pundits (priests) performs Ganges Puja (ritual worship) with Vedic

hymns, sound of hands clapping and the drums (tabla). Hundreds of people come to witness this

Pooja and offer leaf bowls which are filled with flowers and small oil lamps to the goddess. The

small sparkling lights floating lamps, river Ganges and auspicious atmosphere creates such a

magnificent view and feeling that can attract anyone to join the prayer even the visitors from

outside India who can't understand the vedic songs.

Triveni Ghat:

Triveni Ghat is biggest bathing ghat in Rishikesh. Situated near the main market this ghat has mesmerizing view of mountain and river. The reason for the name is it is believed that this is conference of 03 rivers Ganges, Yamuna and legendary Saraswati. Due to the conference this ghat is great place to take a bath. Ghat is structure of steps where people can acess river for holy bath. Everyday Ganges ceremony (Ganga Aarti) is organized at ghat in evening. (5 PM in winter and 6 PM in Summer) This is beautiful place to sit right on the bank of the river and view the mountain and river with the company of cool river breeze. Triveni Ghat is situated just 100 meter far from the main market. Small Shani Mandir is also located near Triveni Ghat.

Lakshman Jhula:

Big iron suspension bridge on the river Ganges which is 4.5 kms far from Rishikesh. It is believed that Lakshman (Brother of lord Ram) crossed the river here by jute rope. Current bridge is built in 1929 in when the old bridge (1989 built) was damaged in flood. Laskman Jhula is popular in tourist for shopping and other activites such as rafting. Both side of the bridge has so many different shops with interesting things to buy. Lakshman temple and Tera Manzil Temple is also situated here. From the bridge you can have spectacular view of river and the city. Lakshman Jhula is pedestrian bridge but it is also used for bikes.

Ram Jhula:

Suspension bridge similar to the Lakshman Jhula between Sivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram is known as Ram Jhula or Sivananda Jhula. Boat is also available here on sharing basis to cross the river. So many shops are available on the both side of bridge for shopping. Sivananda Ashram, Yog Niketan Ashram and Omkarnanda Ashram is located at one end of the brindge and the other end has Swarg Ashram, Gita Bhawan and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Ram Jhula is pedestrian bridge but it is also used for bikes.

Parmarth Niketan:

Parmarth Niketan Ashram is located in the Swarg Ashram area. The Ashram has so many rooms for devotees as well as tourist. Ashram has many religious statues inside. Parmarth Niketan is also host for the Internationa Yoga Festival every year. Ashram is popular among the tourist for Yoga. Every day Ganga Aarti ceremony is organized at the Ghat of the Ashram in Evening.(5 PM in winter and 6 PM in Summer. The aarti is widely visited by the tourists.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:

This temple is situated at 1325 meters height and 31 kms far from Rishikesh. Neelkant Mahadev is Temple of Lord Shiva. According to legends Lord Shiva came here for meditation when he consumed poison during the sea churning. Lord Shiva's throat became blue colored due to the poison so he is known as a NeelKanth (Blue throated) here. Thousand of tourist visit this temple

during Shivratri and Kanwar Mela. Temple is also accessible by trekking route and by road from Swarg Ashram. Temple Timings: 05 AM to 01 PM and 04 PM to 09 PM.

ivananda Ashram

Sivananda Ashram is also known as Divine Life Society. It is located near Ram Jhula. Sivanada Ashram was established by Swami Sivananda. Swami Sivanada lived here for more than 30 years. There are several activities performed by the Ashram such as Yoga Meditation and hospital. Sivananda Ashram has rooms for the guest. Ashram has Meditation hall, Yoga Hall & Music Hall. Sivananda Ashram is one of the most popular ashrams in Rishikesh.

Bharat Mandir

Bharat Mandir Temple situated at the center in Rishikesh and near the main market. This is one of the oldest temples in Rishikesh. The deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu. Raibhya Rishi made penance here and lord Vishnu appeared in front of the sage to give him blessing. Temple has small musium also. Bharat Mandir Temple is inside the Rishikesh Market area and can be reached easily from Chandrabhaga Bridge(Temple Timings: 05 AM to 11 AM and 3 PM to 09 PM).

Gita Bhawan:

Gita Bhavan (Geeta Bhawan) is Ashram located in Swarg Ashram area. The ashram has large complex with discourse hall and more than 300 rooms which they are offering to tourist at very low cost. There is temple of also inside the ashram. Lessons from Bhagvad Gita is written on the walls of Ashram. Inside the temple you can see life of Lord Krishna in pictures. Cloth store, Book store, Ayurvedic medicine shop and restaurant are part of this.

Swarg Ashram:

Swarg Ashram is area between Lakshman Jhula and Rishikesh. This place is well known for various famous ashrams, beautiful surroundings, healthy and divine living. So many shops are also here for shopping. Place is accessible via Ram Jhula bridge by walk or by road via Beraj. Parmarth Niketan, Gita Bhawan, Bhootnath Temple and many other intresting places are part of the Swarga Ashram area.

Tera Manzil Temple:

Tera Manzil Temple has 13 floors. Each floor has many small temples with different deities throughout the This temple is located near the Lakshman Jhula. The view from the top of the temple is amazing. Temple is also known as Trayambakeshwar Temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple or Kailashanand Mission Trust.

Beatles Ashram

Beatles Ashram is located in the Swarg Ashram this ashram is closed in 1997 and consumed by forest department. Still there are some building such as meditation cells and lecture halls are there as a witness of the glory of ashram. In February 1968 Beatle stayed here to learn yoga and meditation. After the Beatle's visit Rishikesh came in limelight throughout the world for yoga.

Jungle Vibes:

Here you can learn to make some music instruments from Indian old men Mukesh Dhiman. Australian Didgeridoo and African Djembe are specialty of Mukesh.

Other places to visit in Rishikesh:

Bhootnath Temple, Iscon Temple, Astha Path, Raghunath Temple, Rishikund, Swarga Niwas Temple, Marine Drive, Rishikesh Main Market, Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple and Goa Beach.

Things to do in Rishikesh:

Rishikesh is unique city in terms of variety of things which it can offer to tourist. There is something for everyone who comes here. Rishikesh can't disappoint anyone. All you need is good guidance. Take a look at some of the activities in Rishikesh.

Ganga aarti (Ganges Ceremony):

Highly recommended for everyone. Take a holy dip in the Ganges and enjoy Ceremony in evening at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat. Sit near the river Ganges, feel the music, the breeze and the auspicious atmosphere around you. Ganga Aarti is ceremony for the River Ganges. Every evening many people visit Triveni Ghator Parmarth Niketan for the ceremony.

Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh:

Rishikesh is world famous for yoga. You can experience yoga is small sessions or you can stay here and spend a week or month to learn yoga. So many yoga experts are here who can teach you yoga in unique way which you cant learn anywhere. Rishikesh is also one of the best places in whole world for meditation. Natural atmosphere, auspicious surroundings, river and mountains what else one can expect to make a strong bond with nature and himself/herself. That's reason that thousands of famous spiritual personalities selected this place for their meditation.

Adventures in Rishikesh:

Rishikesh is became an adventure hub since last 10 years. Adventure means challenge for your stamina and strength. Rishikesh has many activities for amazing fun that you will remember it for life time. Challenging rapids, Muntains and dense forest is here to test your skills physical and mental strenght. Rishikesh has Rafting,camping, trekking, Rock climbing, Rappelling and bungee jumping are famous adventure activities which you can enjoy here. Weekend Adventure tour in Rishikesh can refresh your mind from day to day life.

Ashram life in Rishikesh:

Rishikesh is best option if you want to experience the ashram life. Stay in ashram, eat satwik (organic) food, take part in ashram activities, listen the lecture on Hinduism and how to live peaceful life, help the needful, help in ashram work and spend time with children and locals these are the key activities you can do at ashram.

Ayurveda in Rishikesh:

Ayurveda is a traditional way or system of medicines native to Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda is type of alternate medicine. Ayurveda is widely used in Rishikesh. Some ashram and centers provide facility of Ayurvedic treatment. Panchkarma is very popular therapy. Panchkarma is used to get rid of toxic materials from our body. Ayurveda uses generally plant based medicines which found in Indian subcontinent.

Shopping in Rishikesh:

Every tourist wants some special souvenirs of the trip for their family, friends or relatives. Rishikesh has so many varieties for Shopping. Here in markets you can get gems, jewelry, precious and semi precious stones, cloths, idols, rudraksh, spiritual books and other spiritual items. Laksman Jhula (Tapovan), Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram and main market are major shopping areas.

Lecture or Discussion with Guru:

This is new trend in Rishikesh. So many visitors from foreign countries are eager to learn and know about Hinduism when they come in this holy area. Some Guru's (Spiritual Leaders) are here from them one can have small discussion or lecture on Hinduism. Prior appointment is required for this.

Music Classes:

During free time during the long stay one can learn Indian musical instruments. Some people also try singing lessons. Rishikesh has some beautiful music schools. Some people stay in

Rishikesh for long period to learn yoga & meditation. During the free time some people also joins music classes to learn Indian classical music. One can have lifetime experience of learning vocals as well as musical instruments such as Sitar (Plucked string instrument), Harmonium, Shehnai (Flute), Dholak, Tabla (Drums) and many others.

Astrology in Rishikesh:

Astrology or Palmistry services are also available in Rishikesh. Personal horoscope and palm reading can be done at many places but you should choose the best among them. Birth date, time and city are general requirements for the session. Most of the people like to have answers about their future. Normal astrology needs 02 hours.

Cooking Classes:

In Rishikesh you can get cooking classes where you can learn some Indian dishes. Good cook is not easy to get but not impossible. Knowledge of cooking in traditional Indian way is something different thing that you can take away to your country.

Yoga in Rishikesh:

Rishikesh has very beautiful atmosphere which has attracted so many spiritual persons as well as people who are looking for peace since ancient time. Legends says that Raibhya Rishi who made intense tapasya (austerity) here to please lord Vishnu. Later he stayed here and practiced Yoga. After Raibhya Rishi so many sages, monks and famous spiritual personalities used this place for yoga and meditation. The Beatles came to Rishikesh in the 1960s to learn and practice yoga. The incident promoted Rishikesh in world map as ultimate destination for yoga. Now Rishikesh is also known as Yoga capital of the world. Thousands of tourists are attracted to Rishikesh every year to learn yoga. Rishikesh is full of places where one can learn yoga.

Yoga Ashrams in Rishikesh:

Rishikesh has so many ashrams for yoga. Yoga classes are provided daily basis or pre decided schedules. Some ashrams provide classes only to the people who stay in their ashram. Ashrams are best option if you want to stay for long time for yoga. (More than week). Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Yog Niketan, Aurovally Ashram, Phool Chatti Ashram, Anand Prakash Ashram, Omkarnanda Ashram and Swami Ram Sadhak Gram Ashram are one of the leading ashrams in Rishikesh for Yoga and Meditation. More Information for Rishikesh Ashram Click Here

Adventure Tours in Rishikesh:

Rafting in Rishikesh:

Brahmpuri, Shivpuri and Kaudiyala are small villages from where people can start their rafting to Rishikesh. Small rafting can be done from Brahmpuri (11 kms). 18 kms rafting can be done from Shivpuri and 25 kms long rafting can be done from kaudiyala. During monsoon rafting is not possible due to heavy rain. October to June is general season for Rafting. More Information for Rishikesh rafting click here

Camping in Rishikesh:

Camping is a famous weekend activity. So many temporary camps are established near Rishikesh. Camping can be done in jungle and river bank. Some camps provide group activities. There is no age limit for camping. Enjoy the nature, river and small trek in the camp. Best time for stay in camp October to May. You have a few options of choice for camps like budget camps, Luxury camps or deluxe camps. More Information for Rishikesh rafting click here

Bungee Jumping:

Bungee Jumping or Bungy Jumping is newly added in Rishikesh. It can be done at Jumpin heights which is 15km far from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh - Neelkanth road) Bungee Jump is 83 mtrs above a natural river. Other activities such as Flying Fox and Giant Swing is also available here. Only few places in India have facilities for Bungee Jumping.

Jungle Safari in Rishikesh:

Rajaji National Park or Chilla park is Just 25 kms far from Rishikesh. If you are interested in wildlife this is nearest National park. Per day 02 times Jungle safari can be done here. Morning at 07:00HRS and afternoon 14:00HRS. Normal Jungle safari takes 03 to 04 hour by jeep ride for 36 kms safari range in Rajaji National Park. Elephant, deer, birds and tigers (only few) are key animals of the park.

Trekking in Rishikesh

There are so many treks available near the Rishikesh. Soft, moderate and hard trek are options. Small treks can be done to beautiful villages and waterfalls and other treks for more than 01 day can be done in jungle or near by mountains. Trekking alone is not advisable. Famous small trek are Neer garh (Neer Gaddu waterfall trek,Kunjapuri trek, Neelkanth Temple Trek, Jhilmil Gufa Trek and Trek near Rajaji National Park. Other famous long treks are Gomukh (Gaumukh) Trek, Valley of flower Trek, Tungnath Trek, Devoria tal Trek, Hemkund sahib trek, Kuari Pass Trek and Roop kund Trek.

Other Adventure activities in Rishikesh:

Kayaking, Biking, Cycling, Rock climbing, Rappelling, Body Surfing and Cliff Jumping are other famous adventures in Rishikesh.

Places to eat in Rishikesh:

Rishikesh is well known destination for Indian as well as foreign tourists, so Rishikesh has lots of varieties in food. In Rishikesh traditional Indian cuisine, Italian, Maxican, Chinese, Middle Eastern, American ajnd Israeli food is available. North Indian and South Indian food is widely used. Non vegetarian food is prohibited in Rishikesh area because it is a holy place. How ever there are lots of varieties of food in Rishikesh mainly in Lakshman Jhula area.

Food in Rishikesh:

Roti Indian bread (Naan, Tandoori Roti and Chapati are its options).Paratha: Paratha is India flat bread generally stuffed with potato and paneer.Paneer: Cottage cheese.(Generally mixed with vegetables)Dal: Lentils.Pulao Rice cooked with spices and vegetables. Kofta: Similar to meatball but vegetarian. Thali Combine platter of different dishes. Dosa: Similar to crepe or thin pancake made from Rice and black lentils)Vegetables: Aaloo (Potato), Mattar (Peas) and Palak (Spinach)Popular Snacks in RishikeshChat, Panipuri, Jalebi, Kachori, Samosa, Chow mein Popular Drinks in RishikeshLassi (A yogurt drink generally mixed with fruits and other stuff), Chai Tea (Masala Chai Tea with special spices) and Various Fruit Juices.

Restaurants in Rishikesh:

Ramanas Garden:

Ramanas Garden is located in Lakshman Jhula area. Organic food and bakery items are available here. Unique concept of business with charity.

60s (Caf Delmar)

60s Caf is located at Lakshman Jhula. It is also known as Beatles caf. This caf has lots of variety in food. It also has good view of River Ganga. Good option for foreigners.

Honey Hut:

Unique concept based caf. Honey Hut is located in Lakshman Jhula. The cafe uses honey instead of sugar in every item.

Little Buddha cafe:

Little buddha caf is located in Lakshman Jhula area. Caf has good variety in Nepali, European and Thai food. It also has good view of the river.

Devraj Coffee Corner:

Devraj coffee corner is also known as German Bakery. Devraj Coffee corner is located just near the Lakshman Jhula. Its spinach pie is very famous. Cafe has amazing view of river and the Laskman Jhula bridge.

Ganga View Restaurant:

Ganga View Restaurant is situated in Lakshman Jhula area. The hotel has good Nepali food and can provide many kind of world food.

Other Restaurants in Rishikesh:

Oasis Restaurant, Govind Jis Prasadam, Midway Restaurant and Bar, Maa Cozy, Ganga Beach Restaurant, Madras Caf, Green Italian Restaurant, Tulsi Restaurant, Flavors Restaurants, Lucky Restaurants, Paradise Restaurants, The Pyramid Caf, Caf Okaeri, Little Itali, Moon Dance Caf, Moksha, The Dosa Caf, The Office, New Bhandari Swiss Cottage, Tattva Restaurant, Mama Mia, Swiss Garden Restaurant, Mudra Caf and Restaurant, Freedom Caf, Holy Water- Dinning by the Ganges, Raj Resort Restaurant, Devine Resort, Himalayan Herbs, Health Caf, Serene Garden Restaurant, Ihasa and Laxmi.

Hotels in Rishikesh:

Rishikesh is full of various kind of hotels in Rishikesh for accommodation. Lakshman Jhula has so many hotels. Swarga Ashram has variety of Ashrams. Ram Jhulaand other parts have less accommodation places. There are some beautiful resorts are there on the hill areas. Camps are also one of the options to stay near by. All Camps are minimum 12 kms far from the Rishikesh.

During pick season such as May, June, October, November, December, January and in festival days its good to book hotel in advance.

Hotel Vashundhara Palace, Hotel Divine resorts, Hotel Himalayan Hideaway, Hotel Narayana Palace, Hotel Gayatri Resorts, Hotel Explore Himalayas Resort, Hotel Ganga Kinare, Hotel Ganga Beach Resort.

Weather in Rishikesh:

Rishikesh is located at an altitude of 360 meters above the sea level in hill area. Rishikesh can be visited through out the year how ever September, October & November are best time to visit Rishikesh. Spring season in Rishikesh is from Mid February to late May. Summer season is from mid May to July. Monsoon starts generally in late July till the September. Winter season is from Oct to mid feb. In winter temperature is around 8 C to 20 C & during summer temperature is around 30 to 42 C. Rishikesh weather has very pleasant during the whole year.

Music schools & classes in Rishikesh:

Vina Maharaj Music School: Vina Maharaj Music School is situated near Ram Jhula. In the Vina Maharaja Music School concert on music is arranged on every day at late evening before dinner. Different participants play various Indian classical instruments as well as one can have opportunity to listen singers. The Vina Maharaj School of Music is well known for its expertise in the instruments such as Sitar (Plucked string instrument), Harmonium, Shehnai or Bansuri (Flute) & Tabla (Drums) institution. Bhuwan Chandra Prasad is managing the Vina Maharaj school. Bhuwan Prasad is well known for his sitar playing in India & abroad.

Mukeshji's Jungle Vibes: Mukesh Dhiman is artist who makes musical instruments. His workshop is known as Jungle Vibes or simply Mukesh’s Jungle Vibes. Mukeshji’s Jungle Vibes means Jungle vibes of Mukesh. Mukesh is well known for making Australian Didgeridoo (One of the oldest musical instrument in the world) & African Djembe. The Didgeridoo is a wind instrument which was made by the aboriginals of Australia. The sound of Didgeridoo is known as traditional sound of Australia. Some people says Jungle Vibes “Mini Australia in Rishikesh.” Mukesh also trains people for this. Some people know this hand made musical instrument is “Himalayan Didgeridoo.” The Djembe is the type of drum of the Mandinka tribe of Africa, and its origins date back to the Mali Empire in the 12th century. The place is located at Shisham Jhari.

Festivals in Rishikesh:

International Yoga Festival: International Yoga Festival is organized in Rishikesh every year during February or March since 1999. International yoga festival is generally week long festival. In 2013 International Yoga Festival was organized during 1st March to 07th March 2013 at Parmarth Niketan. International Yoga Festival provides opportunity to learn 60 hours of yoga

classes from world famous yoga teachers. Registration is required for the festival. International Yoga Festival also provides opportunity for discussion with the teachers on multiple type of yoga.

Holi: Holi is famous festival in all over India especially in North India. Holi is festival of color. Holi festival celebrated in Fagun month as per Hindu calendar & generally it comes in Feb - March. Holi is celebrated with colors. People put colors on each other. Holi is amazing festival with lots of fun.

Diwali: Diwali is major festival in Rsihikesh similar to all over India especially in Hindu people of north region. During Diwali festival Rishikesh is totally decorated with various lights, earthen lamps, Rangoli & other things. People greet each other & share sweets with each other.

Other Festivals in Rishikesh: Vasant Panchami & International Yoga & Music Festival.

Ghats in Rishikesh:

Ghat is structure of steps where people generally take a holy bath or sit near the river. Rishikesh has so many ghats. Triveni Ghat is one of the most popular ghat inRishikesh.

National Parks near Rishikesh:

Rajaji National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers, Nandadevi National Park, Gangotri National Park & Govind National Park.

Wildlife Centauries near Rishikesh:

Kedarnath wildlife centaury (Kedarnath), Vinog mountain quail sanctuary (Dehradun), Govind wildlife centaury (Uttarkashi), Malan wildlife centaury (Pauri Garhwal), Sonanadi wildlife centaury (Garhwal), Ascot wildlife centaury (Pithoragarh) & Binsar wildlife centaury (Binsar).

Research Institutes near Rishikesh:

(A) Forest Reserch Institute Dehradun (B) Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd, Rishikesh (C) Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi (D) Higher Altitude Plant physiology Research Center, Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal (E) Central Building Research Institute, Roorki (F) Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun (G) Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun (H) Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, (ARIES) Nainital. (I) G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Almora (J) Bedupako Institute of Himalayan Arts and Folk Music, Manan, Almora (K) Herbal Research & Development Institute & Gopeshwar.

Mountains near Rishikesh:

Gauri Parvat (25443 feet), Nar Narayan (20380 feet), Chaukhamba (20000 feet), Nanda Devi (25660 feet), Nandakot (23144 feet), Doonagiri (23144 feet), Trishuli (23406 feet), Tungnath (12071 feet), Bandarpoonchh (20731 feet), Yamunotri (20938 feet), Srikanth (20140 feet),

Satopanth (23660 feet), Swargarohini (20295 feet), Gandhmadan (22840 feet), Badrinath (20380 feet), Kedarnath (11759 feet) & Gomukh (13200 feet).

Lakes near Rishikesh:

Deoria Tal (Ukhimath), Vasukital (Kedarnath), Satopanth (Badrinath), Roopkund (Bedni Bugyal), Vishnutal (Badrinath), Benital (Adi Badri), Sukhtal (Ghat), Jhaltal (Ghat), Chaurabadi Tal (Kedarnath), Birahi Tal (Birahi Ganges), Bhenkal Tal (Badhan), Masartal (Tehri), Sahastratal (Tehri), Aachharital (Valley of flowers), Lingtal (Valley of flowers), Yamtal (Tehri), Dodital (Gangotri), Nachiketatal (Dhanari), Kanatal (Gangotri), Dugdhtal (Dudhatoli), Rispanatal (Rispana), Kansarotal (Raiwala), Chandbadital (Dehradun), Manibhadra (Birahi), Bindulake (Bindumati River), Divya Sarover (Bilva Mountain), Nainital (Nainital), Bhimtal (Nainital), Naukuchiatal (Nainital), Sattal (Nainital), Khurpatal (Nainital), Shymalatal (Champavat), Sartal (Uttarkashi), Kedartal (Uttarkashi) & Hemkund (Chamoli).

Bugyals (Alpine Meadows) near Rishikesh:

Bedni Bugyal (Roop Kund), Dayara Bugyal (Uttarkashi), Nandadevi National Park Bugyal, Valley of Flowers, Sarson Patal Bugyal, Lata Kharak bugyal, Belta Kharak Bugyal, Panwali & Kush-Kalyani, Munsiyari Bugyal, Chhati Bugyal, Rikhade Bugyal, Jiolingkong Bugyal, Chaudas Bugyal, Dayara Bugyal, Baun, Panwali Bugyals, Tali Bugyals, Ali Bugyal, Chhiplakot Bugyal, Byans Bugyal, Darma Bugyal & Har ki doon Bugyal.

Caves near Rishikesh:

Vasistha Cave (Shivpuri), Roberts Cave (Dehradun), Vyas Cave (Badrinath), Ganesh Cave (Badrinath), Skand Cave (Badrinath), Muchkund Cave (Badrinath), Ram Cave (Badrinath), Gorakhnath Cave (Srinagar), Smar Cave (Pithoragarh), Sumeru Cave (Pithoragarh), Bharat Cave (Girsa), Hanuman Cave (Girsa), Shankar Cave (Deoprayag), Bhim Cave (Kedarnath), Brahma Cave(Kedarnath), Swadham Cave(Pithoragarh), Pandukholi Cave (Almora) & Pandukeshwar Cave.

Waterfalls near Rishikesh:

Neergaddu waterfall (Rishikesh), Garudchatti waterfall (Rishikesh), Nilkanth waterfall (Rishikesh), Sahastradhara (Dehradun), Kemptyfall (Mussoorie), Tiger fall (Chakrata), Vasundhara fall (Chamoli) & Munsyari fall (Pithoragarh).

How to Reach Rishikesh:

Rishikesh By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun (Capital of Uttarakhand).

Rishikesh By Rail: Rishikesh is well-linked by railway network to the major cities of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and North India.

Rishikesh By Road: Rishikesh is conveniently connected by roads to the major cities of Uttarakhand and neighboring states. It is connected with cities like Haridwar, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Jodhimath, Delhi, etc.

Rishikesh Photos - Rishikesh Images - Rishikesh Photo Gallery - Rishikesh Pictures

Rishikesh Photo Gallery - A collection of rishikesh photos of temples, Ashrams, laxaman jhula, ram jhula and photos of haridwar featured images.

Culture in Rishikesh

Rishikesh Culture

Rishikesh has a very tourist friendly Culture, because the main source of income to the most of the people is tourism. Everyday thousands of tourist visit Rishikesh. Some areas are full of foreign tourist every time. So many people from outside India stay in Rishikesh for long period to learn yoga and meditation. People of Rishikesh are very friendly.

Rishikesh has Culture very similar to the other towns in india. Most of the people believe in arrange marriage. Major festivals in Rishikesh are Diwali and Holi. During may june this area is full of india people as the children has holidays in these months. Foreign tourist mostly come in October, November, December, January, February and March.

Hindi and Garhwali language is widely spoken here. Many world famous spiritual ashramsare here. If you are tired of fast life and you want to spend few days of life in peaceful atmosphere this is one of the best places in whole world. Rishikesh has something for every kind of person. Weather you are interested in spirituality, yoga, meditation, music even for adventure Rishikesh can serve you better.

Most of the people eat Indian food here. Non Vegetarian food is totally prohibited in whole city by government because this is a holy town. Other popular foods are Chinese and continental. However some places have wide range to serve most of the foreign tourist well.