Rishikesh, as the name implies is the refuge of the rishis (saints) 238 km northeast of Delhi and 24 km north of Haridwar, lies at the point where the wooded mountains of Garhwal rise abruptly from the low valley floor and the Ganges crashes onto the plains. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, and is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it. The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. The centre for all manner of New Age and Hindu activity, its many ashrams - some ascetic, some opulent - continue to draw devotees and followers from all over Indian and abroad.

Rishikesh is also the gateway and the start-off point for journeys to important religious places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Rishikesh is also acquiring greater significance as a centre for white water rafting, other riverine sports, a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas.

History
According to mythology, the sage Raibhya Rishi sat on the banks of the Ganga and performed severe penance. He was rewarded when the lord appeared in the form of Rishikesh, thus giving the place its present name. Over the ages, saints have meditated at this peaceful spot with the soaring mountains looking down and the sacred Ganga flowing beside. One of the most prominent religious leaders in modern times, Adi Shankaracharya, traversed this land in the 9th century AD. The Shankaracharya’s pilgrimage into the hills was later codified into the great pilgrim circuit, and gave a heightened sense of sacredness to this land of the gods. Ever since, Rishikesh has been the stepping stone and the first destination on a list of holy shrines and sites stretching across the lofty Himalayas.


What to see

The Triveni Ghat, in the centre of town is the most prominent bathing ghat in Rishikesh. With its modern images of Hindu deities and white sandy beach, the ghat is ideal for a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga.

In the morning, pilgrims come to the ghat for prayers and offer milk and feed the shoals of fish in the crystal clear waters. The evening, arati (worship) with lamps is worth watching for the atmosphere.

The Bharat Mandir near Triveni Ghat is reputed to be the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The temple's presiding deity is a black stone Vishnu, which is believed to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya when he visited Rishikesh in the 9th century. This occasion is commemorated with special celebrations on the day of Basant Panchami, the spring festival.

Swarg Ashram, with its numerous ashrams, food stalls and shops is a haunt for those looking for insights into religious themes. The newly constructed Ram Jhoola straddles the Ganga at this point. You can also make a river crossing on the ferries that run during the day. Important shrines and ashrams at Swarg Ashram include Kali Kumbliwale founded by Swami Vishudhananda, Parmarth Niketan with large statues of gods and goddesses and the Gita Bhavan with its Ayurvedic dispensary and shop selling religious books and cotton Khadi.

About 2 kms upstream is the old footbridge called Lakshmanjhula, named after the brother of Lord Rama. Temples line both sides of the river at Lakshmanjhula.

The Shiva and Jhoola is another suspension bridge spanning the river along the ancient route to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

To the northeast is the area of Muni-ki-reti. Along the banks of the Chandrabhaga river, this area with its secluded white sand beaches is ideal for swimming. Boat rides on the river near Swarg Ashram are a pleasant diversion, and you can feed the fish that cluster around pilgrims throwing balls of wheat flour into the waters. North of Rishikesh are some good spots for white-water rafting, including Shivpuri 18 kms upstream and Kaudiyala 38 kms up. Both the sites are served by professional organisers who provide equipment, tents and food. Besides the longer hauls on the Yatra route, there are shorter trek routes around Rishikesh.


Getaways
Mussoorie
about 90kms is one of the best hill stations in the Gharwal Range. She is also called the Paharon Ki Rani. But for a book buff, the woods way up the ranges, is walking uphill with Anglo Indian writer Ruskin Bond.

Chilla
About 16kms away from Rishikesh town, is Chilla, it is famous for Rajaji National Park. The park abounds in wildlife and is a haven for wild elephants. Sariska Sanctury is just 37 kms from Rishikesh. Located in the valley of the Aravalli ranges, it is the home for varied wild life and rare fauna.

12 kms from Rishikesh, on the top of a hill is the shrine of Neelkanth Mahadev. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the shrine commemorates the lord’s divine act of drinking the poison left over from the churning of the oceans. This made his throat turn blue, thus giving the name, Neelkanth.

38 kms. away, on the road to Badrinath shrine, is the Kaudiyala Rafters Camp. In the midst of thickly wooded slopes at 480 metres, the campsite has been promoted by GMVN for white-water rafting. Kaudiyala also offers some rock climbing sites.

Some short treks around Rishikesh yield views of verdant forests and snow peaks. Following the forest track behind Swarg Ashram, you cross the spur of a hill to reach the shrine of Neelkanth Mahadev. On the way through the jungles you may come across some wildlife. 10 kms. up from Lakshmanjhula is the isolated spot of Phulchhatti. A bend in the river offers a good spot for swimming, midst huge boulders that dominate the landscape. Above Lakshmanjhula another route leads up to the shrine of Kunjapuri at a distance of 10 kms. Perched on top of a hill, the shrine is a shaktipeetha. Views from the top, of the plains and Haridwar to the south and the Himalayas to the north, are a treat.

Narendra Nagar has recorded many events which have left their impact on the town. Located 15 kms on the Rishikesh Chamba Road, the town of archaeological importance, built by the King of Tehri Narendra Singh. The Royal palace is worth seeing and the huge magnificent Nandi bull cannot escape your attention.

Dining Out
Rishikesh is strictly vegetarian and there is a ban on alcoholic drinks. The food is reasonably good. Besides the larger restaurants, smaller eateries including the famous ‘Chotiwala’ serve inexpensive tasty food. The range includes north Indian and south Indian thalis, with some restaurants also opening early for breakfast.

Shopping
The main shopping areas are Dehradun Road, Haridwar Road, Ghat Road and Railway Road. There are also some state handicrafts outlets including the Khadi Bhandar, UP Handlooms and Garhwal Wool and Craft store.

Visiting
The peak season for visiting Rishikesh is between May and November, when the Yatra routes open up and trekking is also possible in the upper reaches. For white-water rafting, however, the main season is from September to middle of December and from middle of February till April.