RISHIKESH THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IN RISHIKSH

It is said when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of "Hrishikesh" and this area was henceforth called by the name.

Rishikesh, situated on the right bank of Ganga and surrounded on three sides by Himalayan ranges, known from medieval time as celestial abode, is a great pilgrimage center of India, attracting a large number of pilgrims. This gateway to the Abode of Gods and pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri is clustered with Ashrams, finest Hotels, Tourist rest Houses and Dharamsalas.

The yoga centers of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place, home and foreign tourists from all over the world visit this place to have lessons in yoga and meditation.

Places of Tourist Interest and Pilgrimage

Rishikund and Raghunath temple :  Legendary tank where Lord Rama took bath, is a popular spot for pilgrimage.

Triveni Ghat : A bathing ghat, where three streams of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are said to flow together. This is a sacred place where 'Pind Shradha' is performed.

Bharat Temple : A very old temple built and surrounded by massive walls, this temple is situated in the heart of Rishikesh town.

Laxman Jhula : It is about 3 km north of Rishikesh.There was a hanging jute rope bridge (without pillar) till 1989 and was rebuilt with iron ropes in1939, on the Ganges with a span of 240 meters, is a beautiful sight. Raghunathji's temple and Thirteen Storey Temple are the main attractions around Laxman Jhoola.

Swarg Ashram : Around 1.5 km ahead of Thirteen Storey Temple/Laman Jhula lies Swarg Asharam. Regular taxis ply between Laxmanjhula and Swarg Ashram during day time only. It is quite place on the left bank of the Ganges opposite to Shri Sivananda Ashram. Swarg Ashram an also be reached by crossing the Ganga or through Sivananda Bridge, popular called as Ramjhula, a newly constructed ropeway bridge spanning between Sivananda Divine Life Society and Swarg Ashram.

Gita Bhawan : The temple and group of building have Gita and the Ramayana inscribed on its walls, lie snug in the forests at the hills on the left bank of the Ganges near Swarg Ashram. The Bhawan is controlled by a body of trustees, who are affiliated to the Gita Press Goarakhpur. The mission of the trust is to serve the society by moral and spiritual; means.

Parmarth Niketan : Next to Gita Bhawan is Parmarth Niketan which was established by the Majaraha of Shahjahanpur in U.P.