Rishikesh Uttarakhand, Yoga Capital of the World
Rishikesh in Sanskrit is the name of Vishnu which means ‘lord of the senses’. The place is named after Lord Vishnu, who as a result of his penance appeared before ‘Ribhya Rishi’, in the form of Lord Hrishikesh. In the Skanda Purana, the Rishikesh region is known as ‘Kubjamaraka’ because Lord Vishnu appeared under a mango tree. The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to a union of five distinct sections, comprising not only the city but also the hamlets and settlements on both sides of the river Ganges.
These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and communication center; the vast suburb Muni-ki-Reti or “Sands of the Sages”; Sivananda Nagar, home of the Sivananda Ashram and Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivananda, north of Rishikesh; The temple section of Lakshman Jhula, a little further north; and mixed ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the east bank. From here one can reach the famous Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Holy Maa Ganga Aarti performed in the evening at Triveni Ghat is very popular among the visitors
History of Rishikesh
According to one legend, the city got its present name from Rishikesh – one of the names of the Hindu god Vishnu, the Lord of the senses. It is believed that the great Hindu sage Raibhya Rishi did long penance at this place on the banks of the holy river Ganga. In the Satya Yuga (the first of the four Yugas) of Lord Vishnu, Hayagriva incarnated and killed the demons Madhu and Kaitabh (the war lasted for 5000 years).
After killing them, the Lord went to the forest to do penance, when he saw Rabhya Rishi meditating. The Skanda Purana mentions that as a reward for the saint’s sadhana, Vishnu appeared to him in the incarnation of Lord Hrishikesh and blessed Rabhya Rishi and gave him this divine message: “As long as you have performed the highest penance (tapasya) in your Controlling the senses, identify this place with Hrishikesh.
Another legend says that a fierce fire broke out here in this place. Lord Shankar got angry with Lord Agni and cursed him. Lord Agni then prayed for salvation here, and the area came to be known as Agni Tirtha – the holy place of penance of Lord Agni or the fire god.
Others say that the city’s name comes from the words rishi (sage, prophet, holy sage) and kesh (dreadlocks). All the saints had passed through this place on the way to Char Dham. He usually had long hair and used to wash his hair in the water of the holy Ganges.
Rishikesh The World Capital of Yoga
Rishikesh, sometimes called the world capital of yoga, has several yoga centers that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditating in this place brings one closer to attaining salvation, just like taking a dip in the holy river Ganges that flows here.
In September 2015, Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma announced that Rishikesh and Haridwar would be the first cities in India to receive the title of “Twin National Heritage Cities”. Due to the religious importance of this place, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited in this place.
The city of Rishikesh hosts the annual International Yoga Festival. International Yoga Week, which attracts participation from all over the world, is held here every year in February on the banks of the holy Ganges. this place is world-famous for rafting and adventure.
The rafting season starts in the month of March and ends in July. this place is also home to the 120-year-old Kailasa Ashram Brahmavidyapeetham, an institution dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Vedanta studies. Prominent personalities like Swami Vivekananda, Swami Rama Tirtha, and Swami Sivananda have studied at this institute.
The Beatles visited Rishikesh In February 1968
In February 1968, the Beatles visited the now-closed ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in this place. John Lennon recorded a song titled ‘The Happy Rishikesh Song’. The Beatles composed approximately 48 songs during their time at the Maharishi’s ashram, several of which appear on the White Album.
Many other artists including the Beach Boys’ Mike Love, Paul Horn, Donovan, and Gyp Mills have visited the site to contemplate and meditate. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Rishikesh in 2013 and participated in the Ganga Aarti.
He also performed a special Havan for world peace at Parmarth Niketan. Prince Charles said: “I am in awe of the experience of sitting on the banks of one of the world’s ancient rivers. This is the right time for us to rediscover our connection with nature.”
Places to see in Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat
The confluence of the three holy important rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, is the holiest bathing place in this place and is situated on the banks of river Ganga. It is believed that those who take a dip in the waters at this ghat wash away all sins and purify the soul and attain moksha, freedom from all sins; The water here has the power to purify them. Thousands of people take bath here every morning and evening and enjoy the Mahaarti being performed. It is very pleasant to sit by the river and enjoy the cool breeze of the river.
Trayambakeshwar Temple
On the eastern bank of the Ganges Lakshman Jhula bridge, 13 stories high, houses various deities.
Swarg Ashram
Swargashram (Heavenly Adobe) as the name suggests is a beautiful place situated in picturesque surroundings at the foot of the Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Lakshmanjhula. It is the spiritual “ground zero” of this place, densely packed with ashrams and temples. The area is known for its healthy and sattvic living environment. This is the place where famous yogis and sages have been doing penance for ages. Numerous mentions of this place are found in the holy scriptures.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, situated on the outskirts of Rishikesh, about 12 km away, is a revered temple, popularly known as ‘Neelkanth Mahadev’. Situated on top of a hill at an altitude of about 1675 meters, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legends say that the poison that came out during ‘Samudra Manthan’ was consumed by Lord Shiva at the place which is now known as Neelkanth Mahadev.
Bharat Mandir
Bharat Mandir Built by Adiguru Shankaracharya around the 12th century, Bharat Mandir is located in the center of the old city on the banks of the Ganges. The inner sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single Shaligram. Sriyantra Adi Shankaracharya is installed in the inner canopy above the idol.
Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge located 3 km north of Rishikesh. It is built over the river Ganga to cross the river and is a landmark of this place. Ram Jhula has been recently built between Sivananda Ashram and Savargashram. The natural beauty of the area can be seen from the bridge, the sound of fresh air, and flowing water.
Laxman Jhoola
Laxman Jhula is a 450 feet long iron suspension bridge located in Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Laxman Jhula is one of the most prominent places in this place. It is built over the river Ganga to cross the river and is a landmark of this place. It is said that at the place where this bridge is built, Laxman crossed the Ganges on jute ropes. Laxman Jhula was built in 1939. There are spectacular views from the bridge.
Gita Bhavan
Geeta Bhavan Place of Guru Shri Ram Sukh Das Ji, (a great thinker of his time) is popular among the Hindu Brahmin community. Twice a year people gather in this ashram to read Ramayana together.
Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan is one of the few ashrams left in India where children get Vedic education. Must visit in the evening for Puja/Aarti. 5 PM in winter and 6 PM in summer.
Vashista Goofa
An hour’s drive from this place up river lies Vashishtha Gufa, where the famous sage Vashishtha meditated on the banks of the Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is an ideal place for meditation.
Things To Do In Rishikesh
River Rafting
Rafting in Rishikesh is very popular on the Ganges River (Ganges). The rafting will last several kilometers, and the path is riddled with rapids, ranging from level 1 to level 5 in order of difficulty. At the end of the trip, you have the option of jumping off a ledge about 20 feet into the water. There are many local travel agencies that offer these rafting trips. The package usually includes an overnight camp by the river, with an exhilarating and dangerous trek through the hills in the morning.
Season: September-November and March-April-May are ideal for rafting.
Camping in Rishikesh
Camping in Rishikesh is a fun activity that knows no age limit. Anyone who loves to explore new places and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature can go on a camping trip. Camping in this place on the banks of the Ganges provides an environment to wake up to chirping birds and take a swim in the sweet waters of the Ganges River. Camping is a very popular activity in Rishikesh.
Trekking in Rishikesh
There are a lot of soft treks in this area, this is an optional thing as some people like to walk in nature and some like bird watching and some like to camp and relax and they are already tired from the activities Have done.
Bungee Jump in Rishikesh
You can try bungee jumping. It is a unique experience in India, a jump from 83 meters just above a natural river. (15 km ahead of this place on Rishikesh-Neelkanth road)
Cliff Jumping in Rishikesh
You’re about to jump off a cliff into cold water! Yes, it sounds weird but it is something that everyone back home can brag about, of course, you are wearing a life jacket and helmet but still jumping from such a height into the Ganges. it’s not like jumping into a swimming pool.
Kayaking in Rishikesh
Kayaking in Rishikesh is the use of a kayak to move on the water. Kayaking is distinguished from canoeing by the fact that a kayak has a closed cockpit and a canoe has an open cockpit. They also use two-bladed paddles. Another major difference is the way the paddler sits in the boat. Kayakers sit on a seat at the bottom of the boat with their legs spread out in front of them.
Canoeists will either sit on a high bench seat or kneel directly on the floor of the boat. Whitewater kayaking is the sport of paddling a kayak on a moving body of water, usually a whitewater river. Whitewater kayaking can range from simple, carefree slow-moving water to demanding, dangerous whitewater.
Rappelling in Rishikesh
Getting down with the help of a rappelling rope is called rappelling. The group is led to a place where rock falls, experts with proper equipment set up the first gear, and then one by one everyone descends. It’s all about trusting your gear and following instructions and then it’s great fun.
Rock climbing in Rishikesh
It is something that everyone is familiar with, it is also included in some camps but not everyone can do it as it requires a lot of strength and skill. The group is led to the cliff face and everyone with proper safety gear is given a chance to climb the rock.
Rishikesh Weather
Summer Season in Rishikesh
During summers(March to June) you can expect the maximum temperature which is around 20°C to 35°C in summers.
Monsoon Season in Rishikesh
The monsoon season is from July to October and during this time most activities are suspended due to heavy rains. The month of August receives the maximum rainfall. The conditions are pleasant and temperate during the months of October.
Winter Season in Rishikesh
Winters can be chilly in the town and the temperature can be expected to hover around 8°C. During the winter months, the barometer rises to a maximum of 20 °C. During this time woolen clothes are required.
Best Time To Visit Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a picturesque destination with breathtaking views throughout the year. The climate here is of continental type but its location in the foothills gives it pleasant weather throughout the year. This place can be visited at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Rishikesh would be February, March, August-October. May-June in this place is quite hot, the temperature reaches + 35 ° C.
There is a festival called Sawan in Rishikesh in July and thousands of people come to this place. Major roads are blocked and hotels are overcrowded. It would be better to avoid traveling to this place during that time.
How To Reach
By Air: The nearest airport to reach Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is approximately 35 km from the city. All major airlines regulate services to major cities and connect them with Dehradun. Taxi services, cabs, and buses are available outside the airport to reach this place from Dehradun.
By Road: Although Rishikesh has a station, not many trains operate from there, so it is advisable to take a train to Haridwar and then travel to this place. Haridwar is well connected to major cities and is easily accessible from Rishikesh as well. Buses, cabs, and private taxis are available outside the station which can be used to reach this place from Haridwar.
By Road: Rishikesh is well connected to all the major roads and national highways and can be easily reached from all parts of the country.
NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding Rishikesh like the best time to visit and Activities you can do in this place, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the gov official website of Uttarakhand Tourism. And If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.
