Rishikesh Pilgrimage and Adventure

Rishikesh is located at 25 kilometers from Haridwar at an elevation of 356 m above sea level. Rishikesh is popularly known the Yoga Capital of the world. Rishikesh is situated has a world wide reputation for its yoga and adventure ridden places. Rishikesh is one of the popular pilgrimage destinations in India. It is the gateway to the cities that form the Char Dham –Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Rishikesh was centre for religious and spiritual activities from ancient times. Rishikesh consists of three proper areas known as Rishikesh, Swargashram and Muni-ki-Reti. Rishikesh has many ashrams which offer yoga and meditation courses. The pious and peaceful atmosphere has inspired many souls to take a break and spend a few days among the nature by meditating with the sages. The location also has its reputation for adventure sport facilities, especially for sports like white water rafting. The climate of Rishikesh remains pleasant around the year.

History

The history of Rishikesh is filled with mythological inheritance. It is believed that a saint named Raibhya Rishi sat and performed severe penance on the banks of the river Ganga. Satisfied with his genuine penance God Vishnu appeared in front of him in the form of Hrishikesh and that way the place inherited the name Rishikesh. Even Lord Rama’s younger brother Bharat also chose this place to perform his penance, and as a result the Bharat temple is still stands here. The visit of Adi Sankaracharya during the 9th century AD made this place more known among people. Since ancient times saints and sages come and rest here before taking on their journey to other pilgrimage destinations of the Himalayas.

Places of Pilgrimage Importance in Rishikesh

Laxman Jhula

The bridge is situated at 3 km distance from Rishikesh. Laxman Jhula is a very popular attraction of Rishikesh. It is believed to be one of the major attractions among visitors. It was a jute rope bridge hanging till 1889, and Laxman of Ramamyana was known to have crossed Ganga by this bridge. In the year 1939, the bridge was reconstructed with steel ropes. The bridge is 150 m above sea level.

Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is a very religious destination as the three streams of river Ganga, Saraswati and Yamuna merges at this spot. Thousands of pilgrims plunge in this Ghat and take part in Maha Aarti. There many temples situated adjacently to the river. This spot is also known for the Pind Shraddha performed here.

Trayambakeshwar Temple

It is a very revered and interesting temple. It has different deities residing in its thirteen different stories.

Swarga Ashram

This place is situated on the left bank of river Ganga , positioned 1.5 km away from the thirteen storey temple. This place is full of Asrhams. This place is easily accessible and many restaurants are found here.

Gita Bhavan

The temple and the cluster of buildings have mythological epics Gita and the Ramayana installed on the wall. This place is situated near the Swarga Ashram, on the bank of the river Ganga.

Rishikund and Raghunath Temple

It is strongly believed that Lord Ram plunged an took bath in the tank, and hence that became a major bathing spot and pilgrim destination.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

This temple is situated 30km far from Rishikesh. It is based at an altitude of 1,550 m above sea level. The calm and peaceful environment around here is soothing and satisfying.

Kunjpuri

This pilgrim centre is situated a 7,000 feet above sea level close to Narendra Nagar. This area is encircled by the jungles of Banj Burans.

Dev Prayag

This is the spot where the rivers Alakananda and Bhagirathi merge together and flow out in the form of Ganga. This region lies on the Rishikesh- Badrinath road.

Adventure Importance

River Rafting

River Rafting is an adventure sport that can be enjoyed together with your family. The geography of Rishikesh makes it an amazing adventure destination. River rafting in Rishikesh offers adventure seekers a lifetime experience. The stretch across the river Ganga here provides you an assortment of rapids like the wall, Daniel’s Dip, T-off, Black money etc. You can choose your grade from grade I to grade IV according to the physical strength and individual preference. Anyhow the memories of adventure activity white river rafting are going to stay with you for a long time. Some of the essentials to carry while rafting are goggles, antiseptic cream, tennis shoes, nylon shorts, swimsuits, sandals, lifejacket etc. The best season for rafting here is September to December and from Mid of February to July.

Rappelling/Rock Climbing

Travelers can enjoy adventure activities like rock climbing and rappelling in Rishikesh along with other adventure activities. Rock climbing and rappelling can be translated as ascent and descent respectively, which is climbing up a cliff and climbing down. The Shivalik Himalayas in Rishikesh house some of the most exciting and thrilling cliffs. But an introductory lesson from instructors is suggested for newly beginners.

Cliff Jumping

One of the most sensational adventure sports to participate in Rishikesh is cliff diving or cliff Jumping. In this adventure sport the jumper climb up a cliff to reach the jumping spot and take a plunge into water. Usually the plunge is taken from a height of 30-40 ft above the water surface. This activity can fully satisfying with the mixture of fear and excitement. The help of experts and professionals is highly recommended.

Trekking

The joy of trekking through the beautiful Himalaya is incomparable. Trekking through the foothills bring you opportunities to meet the locals and learn about the nature in a close perspective. While trekking through Rishikesh you will get the chance to get acquainted with the region’s natural bounty, dense forest, rich culture, pilgrimage spots, temples, and villages. You can trek from Thalisain through Pauri to Kondolia in Rishikesh.

Bungee Jumping

Bungee Jumping also possible in Rishikesh. Jumping Heights offer first fixed platform BUNGY (Bungee) Rishikesh India. The Bungee (83 Meters height) has been designed by David Allardice of New Zealand. Jump Masters flown in from New Zealand to operate the Bungee.

How to Reach

By Air The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, which is 18 km away. and Shimla airport is 173 km away

By Train The Rishikesh railway station is connected to all cities in India. There are regular trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Dehradun etc.

By Road Rishikesh is well linked to many cities in the region by road. The Government runs regular bus services from Delhi, Agra, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Shimla etc. Rishikesh can be reached easily by car, taxi or bus.