Best Rishikesh tour package in Uttarakhand
The holy town of Rishikesh has the eminence of being the
International capital of Yoga and meditation. Located in the
foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the River Ganges,
Rishikesh is dotted with a number of ancient temples, ashrams
and world renowned yoga and meditation centres. Not only
devotees, but travellers from all parts of the world flock to
the sacred town for a deeper understanding of meditation. At the
ashrams in Rishikesh, visitors can attend lectures and courses
offered by celebrated yoga and meditation experts. Apa
rt from
Hindu shrines, the town of Rishikesh also invites adventure
lovers from all around. It is also the ideal gateway for a
pilgrim's chardham yatra, that includes travelling to Yamunotri,
Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath.
River Rafting
If you are travelling to Rishikesh between the months of
September and November or between March and May, river rafting
is a great option to quench your thirst for adventure. River
Ganga offers excellent stretches and white water rapids in
Rishikesh. Kaudiyala-Rishikesh is a popular rafting route.
Whether you are beginner in the sport of river rafting or are an
adrenaline junkie, river rafting in Rishikesh suits all
abilities.
POPULAR PLACE
Lakshaman Jhula
one of the most visited, the Lakshmana Jhula is a suspended
bridge, extending from one bank of the Ganges to the other. The
bridge is mythologically significant because it is where
Lakshman crossed the Ganga through on jute-rope-made bridge.
Visitors can enjoy some impressive views of the Himalayan ranges
from upon the bridge. Today, the Lakshmana Jhula connects two
popular ashrams - Shivanand Ashram and Swarg Ashram.
Ashrams in Rishikesh
Ashrams are a major crowd-puller in Rishikesh. These ashrams
offer regular courses and classes on spiritual disciplines like
yoga and meditation as well as Ayurveda. Accommodation
facilities are also available for tourists and pilgrims arriving
at the ashrams. Popular ashrams in Rishikesh include Gita Ashram
(set up in the 1950s), Swarg Ashram (one of the oldest in the
town) and Shivananda Ashram (which houses the Divine Life
Society, founded by Swami Shivanand i 1936).
Bharat Mandir
Established back in the 12th century, the Bharat Temple happens
to be the oldest in Rishikesh. The temple stands in dedication
to Bharat, the younger brother of Rama (hero of the Hindu epic
Ramayana). Though the original temple structure was destroyed in
an invasion by Temur in 1398, the temple still preserves a
number of Hindu relics. The inner sanctum of the Bharat Mandir
enshrines the idol of Lord Vishnu. The temple stands close to
the Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh.
Triveni Ghat
The most popular bathing ghat in Rishikesh, the Triveni Ghat is
the point where River Ganges takes a complete right angle turn.
Hindus also believe that it is here that the three holy rivers
Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati converge. Every morning, scores of
pilgrims and devotees can be seen here taking a holy dip in the
divine waters of the Ganga. In the evening, the sight at the
ghat is simply heart stirring. Vedic chants, to the
accompaniment of drums and bells, can be heard all around and a
spiritual aura surrounds the whole place. Tiny oil lamps on
bedecked leaf boats floating on the Ganges add much charm to the
whole atmosphere.
Ram Jhula
The place (or the bridge) is equally popular with devotees and
tourists. It remains suspended 3 km north of Rishikesh town. It
attracts most visitors due to the fact that it lies just close
to the popular ashrams - Geeta Bhawan and Swarg Ashram. Visitors
cannot afford to miss the enchanting evening prayer (which lasts
for 30 minutes) at the Geeta Bhawan's ghat. Food lovers can head
straight to the 50-year-old and the very famous Chotiwala
Restaurant, located in Ram Jhula
