Located near the foot of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttrakhand, Rishikesh is the 7th largest city in India. It is also called as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas”. The town is a famous tourist spot and also a major pilgrimage spot for the Hindus. The River Ganges flows through the town of Rishikesh and it is famous for its various shrines and yoga ashrams. Rishikesh also is among the few places in India that offer a multitude of adventure sports to its visitors. With the city of Haridwar only a few miles south from rishikesh, the place is also considered as a ‘holy city’ and is vegetarian.
Places to visit in Rishikesh:
Laxman Jhula
Built in 1939, Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge in Rishikesh With a length of 450 feet and at a height of around 70 feet from the river. According to Hinduism, this bridge is built in the same place, where Lakshmana once crossed the river Ganges on a jute rope, thus making this another important pilgrim attraction.
The Beatles Ashram
In February 1968 the Beatles traveled to the Indian town of Rishikesh to attend a session of Transcendental Meditation at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It was this visit that changed the world’s outlook of Indian spirituality. This was considered to be the Beatles’ most productive time, they wrote various songs during this visit most of which gained huge media attention and commercial success. This ashram is now a part of Rajaji National Park and has to be entered through the same.
Swarg Ashram
On the left bank of the river Ganges, is located one of the oldest Yoga ashrams in India. The Swarg ashram covers the whole area between the ram and the Laxman Jhula and was built in the memory of Saint Swami Vishudhanand. It’s a perfect place for people who seek solitude in this holy city. You can sit and meditate for hours near the private river banks which are totally devoid of any rituals found at the rest of the banks or just sit watching the sun rise from the Shivaliks, setting fire to the cold, glistening waters of Ganga.
Kaudiyala
Kaudiyala is considered to be one of the most visited viewpoints in Rishikesh. Located at around 36 kilometers from Rishikesh towards Devprayag and 380 meters above sea level, Kaudiyala is famous for offering its visitors the adventure sport of whitewater rafting and is one of the premier locations in the country for this sport. Dense hill forests surround the region and the place is also a habitat for many wild species of flora and fauna.
Shivpuri
Located at a distance of 19 kilometers from Rishikesh, The town of Shivpuri is situated on the banks of the river Ganges and is named after a temple here dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the recent years, this place has become famous for water adventure sports-especially white water rafting. A visit here is recommended to experience the mighty river Ganga in its most beautiful form.
Jumpin heights
Rishikesh is one place which does not only provide the visitors with a dose of spirituality but also a taste of the thrill of adventure sports. The best example of such an offering is the Jumpin heights center, which is a must visit for adventure enthusiasts. It is one of the most recommended places to visit for adventure sports in Rishikesh because of their safety precautions, experienced instructors and location.
