Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas of the Northern India is considered as one of the holiest places of Hindus. Also known as Yoga Capital of the world and Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas.In Sanskrit, Hrishikesa means “Lord of the Senses.”
Since ancient times this holy place has been an abode to Hindu saints and sages to practice meditation in search of higher knowledge.The city is known to be the first in India for being awarded as a “National Heritage City” by Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma in 2015.
Legendary information about the place states that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the Asura king of Lanka. Also, a point where Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana crossed the river Ganges, is named as Lakshman Jhula.
Several temples both ancient and new can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Rishikesh is considered by Hindus to be a holy city and is vegetarian by law.
Pilgrimage places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri popularly known as Chota Char Dham originate from the starting point Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is also famous for Ayurvedic treatments. Many Ayurveda centers are run, where classes are given by Ayurvedic doctors. Not only Ayurvedic centers it is also well known for its numerous Yoga centers which attract tourists from all over the world.From the US, Europe, China and Australia, serious yoga students come here to learn asanas and kriyas that will help them lead a healthy life.
The Ganga aarti performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat is very popular with visitors. Neel Kant Mahadev Temple amidst forest 28 km from Rishikesh, is a popular local pilgrimage, along with Vashishtha Guha (Cave of Sage Vashishtha).
Rishikesh is a city in Dehradun district of the Indian state Uttarakhand. It is the seventh most populated city and the largest municipal council in the state of Uttarakhand.Rishikesh is home to the 133-year-old Kailash Ashram Brahmavidyapitham, an institution dedicated to preserve and promote traditional Vedantic Studies. Prominent personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami Sivananda have studied in this institution.
Some of the adventurous activities happening in Rishikesh are River rafting, Cliff jumping, Camping, Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox, Waterfall trekking etc. Hence in varied ways, Rishikesh is attracting tourists from all over the world.
– Rekhaa N
