Rishikesh is a holy city on the banks of the River Ganges. This holy city a part of Dehradun district is called the Devbhoomi and is considered as the doorway to Himalayas. Located in the magnificent foothills of Himalayas, this place in Northern India attracts huge number of tourists and pilgrims from all parts of the country to offer their prayers at this holy site.

Ancient history suggests the presence of Rishikesh in the legendary “Kedarkhand” region. In mythological scriptures Lord Rama meditated and practiced penance at this place after he executed of Ravana. Lord Rama’s younger brother Lord Laxmana crossed the Ganga from here due to which the popular Laxman Jhula was constructed.

Originally, Laxman Jhula was built from jute rope. This rope bridge was quite unsafe and was replaced with a stronger iron- rope bridge in 1889. Due to floods in 1924 the bridge was damaged and finally replaced with a stronger suspension bridge supported from strong engineering labour.

Rishikesh offers several tourist attractions right from religious locations to thrilling adventure sport activities. Religious places include Gita Bhawan, Nilkanth Mahadev, Triveni Ghat and Swarga Ashram. A walk on Laxman Jhula is visited by many tourists.

Rishikesh can be divided in two areas - Raam Jhoola and Lakshman Jhoola. Jhoola litelrally means a swing in Hindi. Lakshman Jhula, a 450 feet long suspension bridge was built in 1939. Ram Jhula has been added recently. The fresh air and sound of flowing water, the scenic beauty of the region and the distant sound of bells create an unforgettable experience for those that visit this holy town.

Rishikesh Accessibility

• Train : There are Different trains in a day between Delhi to Haridwar & Haridwar to Delhi, but the best Train Shatabdi, which leaves New Delhi station at 7:00 am and reaches Haridwar at 11:15 am. Another One is the Jan Shatabdi which leaves New Delhi at 3:30 pm in the afternoon and reaches haridwar at 7:20 pm in the evening. There are other trains as well but Shatabdi & Jan Shatabdi Trains are the best and fastest. Pick up & dropping services are provided on Request.
• Road : Rishikesh is well connected by motorable road with most place of North India. From Delhi – 230 Km. Rishikesh (Railway Station) – 3.5 Km. Rishikesh (Bus Stand) - 3.5 Km. Haridwar (Railway Station) – 25 Km.

TOWN AREA

• Bharat Mandir : Built by Adiguru Shankra Charya around 12th century, Bharat Mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the banks of the Ganges. Detailed account of this oldest temple of Rishikesh are available in ancient record of Kedarkhand. The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of Lord Vishnu, carved out of a single Saligram. In the inner canopy above the idol is Shree Yantra installed by Adi Sankraya Charya. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur Lane in 1398 A.D. Lot of old statues, coins, pots and other things of historical importance were found in recent excavations in the premises of the temple.
• Rishikund : Close to Trivenighat is the most ancient place, the Rishikund. Ancient records relate this to Kubz Saint, who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water.The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath, dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife.
• Triveni Ghat : The main ghat in the town area where most of the pilgrims take holy dip. Every evening hundreds of pilgrims attend the Ganga Arti at the Ghat. Don’t miss the Aarti ( prayers) in the evening.

RAM JHULA AREA

• Geeta Bhawan : One of the oldest temple complex in the area. The famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharta are described here on the walls.
• Parmarth Niketan : One of the most renowned temple complex and ashram in the area . Known for its substaintial work on Hinduism, there is a school run on tradtional Indian patterns. The ashram organises excellent Ganga Arti and Hawan on the Parmarth Ghat every evening.
• Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi : Situated on the extreme end of Geeta Bhawan area, Maharishi's TM centre is situated in the peaceful forest area. Once the most active branch has nothing much to offer to the visitors today.

LAXMANJHULA AREA

• Tera Manzil Temple : A multi-story temple complex of idols of Hindu Gods, and Goddesses. Very popular among the domestic pilgrims. One can have an excellent view of the entire area from the top floor of the temple complex. Sunset view from this place in winters is an excellent option.
• Kunjapuri Temple : Drive to Kunja Puri, one of the thitrteen most important Goddesses of Shivalik range ( the lower Himalayas ).One can witness excellent sunrise or sun set on the Greater Hiamalayan Peaks and the vast Indo Gangetic plains . One can see almost all the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here e.g Banderpunch (6316 Mts), Swarga Rohini (6252 Mts) Gangotri ( 6672 mts) Chaukhamba (7138 mts) etc.
• Vasishta Goofa : One hour drive from Rishikesh up river is situated Vasishtha Goofa, where famous saint Vasishtha meditated on the banks of the Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is a perfect place for meditation.