Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram (now closed), and the town is still known as the world capital of yoga.

Rishikesh is also the Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttar Pradesh. The Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh. 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 practised penance here. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.

The Lakshman Jhula, a 450 feet long suspension bridge was built in 1939. A newer bridge the Ram Jhula has been added recently. The Ganga abounds in fish. Offerings of puffed rice are made to these creatures. The freshness of the air, and sound of flowing water, the scenic beauty of the region and the distant sound of bell chimes create an unforgettable experience for those that visit this ancient pilgrimage town.

Climatic Conditions:-

Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh has a moderate climate for most part of the year. In the peak summer months though, temperatures do go beyond 40° C. Winters are pleasant, and occasionally nights can get chilly.

Location:-

Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas.

Places to see in Rishikesh: -

1 )Bharat Mandir :-

--> This temple is dedicated to Bharat, Lord Ram's brother, It lies 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.

2 ) Triveni Ghat: -

--> This is a sacred bathing ghat is confluence ganga, yamuna and saraswat river. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.

3 ) Lakshman Jhoola: -

--> The hanging bridge across Ganga. About 5 kms upstream is the old footbridge called Lakshmanjhula, named after the brother of Lord Rama. Temples line both sides of the river at Lakshmanjhula.

4 ) Shivanand Jhoola: -

--> Shivanand Jhoola is another suspension bridge spanning the river along the ancient route to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

ACCESSIBILITY : -

Air : -Rishikesh is in close proximity of Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (about 15 kms) - a small, quiet airport handling 1-2 commercial flights a day, and a few chartered flights

Rail : -A rail line connects Rishikesh to Haridwar, but there are only about three slow trains daily. It's best to take the train to Haridwar and continue by bus (45 min, INR 17) or by taxi(30 mins, INR 400) available from taxi union office outside Bus stand and Railway Station.

Road : -From Delhi the city is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses.