Rishikesh represents the Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region
of Uttar Pradesh. It abounds in natural splendor. The spectacle of the Ganga
rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight. Several temples
dot the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level. It is
believed that several yogis and sages lived and practiced penance here.
Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.
Places of Interest
LAKSHMAN JHULA: The suspension bridge Lakshman Jhula was built in 1929 to
replace a rope bridge. This is where Rama's brother Lakshmana is said to have
crossed the river on a jute rope, TRIVENI GHAT The Ghat is an interesting
place to be at dawn, when people make offerings of milk to the river and feed
the surprisingly large fish. After sunset, priests set floating lamps on the
water in the Ganga Aarti (river worship) ceremony.
SHIVANANDA ASHRAM (THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY): Founded by Swami Shivanand, is a
well-known ashram and the society has branches in many countries).
NILKANTH MAHADEO: 12 km away from Rishikesh is located the Nilkanth Mahadeo
temple at a height of about 5000 feet, commanding spectacular views of the
region.
TAPOVAN: on the other bank of the Ganges houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is
believed that Lakshmana carried out penances here. It is also believed that
his brother Bharata meditated here, and there is a temple to Bharata here.
Also seen here are the Swargashram and the Geeta Bhavan temples.
