The river Ganges, which flows out of the lap of the Himalayas, leaves the mountains and flows on to the plains at this point. The Ganges in its untamed and turbulent form gushes over the craggy mountain sides and in Rishikesh, it changes into a serene, calm river. Flowing beneath the shadows of thick green forests, the beauty of Ganges never fails to attract the tourists who come here. In spite of being a very small town Rishikesh is still very well known as an important pilgrim center. That's why when you go strolling down the banks of this river towards the various ashrams you find not only Indians but also Americans, Japanese, French, Germans and other Europeans in meditation. Rishikesh is called a town of sages and temples.

Today, the town of Rishikesh is a combination of the ancient tradition and modern progress. This has enhanced its glory. In spite of progress its natural beauty is still untouched. That is why Rishikesh is very popular with tourists. Close by water sports like river rafting, etc are conducted. Boating has its own charm.

Rishikesh is popular with the foreigners. The various Yoga asanas taught on the banks of the river Ganges draw them to this place. Many yoga centers are found here. A person visiting Haridwar invariably visits Rishikesh. Since the distance is not too much, one can take a bus, train, taxi or even a three-wheeler.

1160 feet above sea level, Rishikesh is 25 kms from Haridwar. According to the ancient holy books, its earlier name was Kubjamrak. The four famous pilgrim centers of Garhwal-Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri all share Rishikesh as their common gateway. In the old days, these pilgrim centers were very difficult to cover. But now there are roads from Rishikesh to these points making traveling easy. So, not only do the pilgrims go to these places but also tourists.

Attractions in Rishikesh

• Lakshman Jhula
  This is a bridge made out of steel wires made in 1939, over the river Ganges. This bridge swings from side to side. This bridge is 150 meters above sea level. Once you cross this bridge, you reach Swarg Ashram.
• Ram Jhula
  Near Swarg Ashram this is another swinging bridge which was made a few years back. This is also called Shivanand Jhula.
• Triveni Ghat
  This is where people come to bathe in the river. Many sit on the steps and gaze at the beauty of the Ganges before them. Surrounding it are many temples.
• Temple of Bharat
  The oldest and most talked about spot of Rishikesh is the temple of Bharat.
• Swarg Ashram
  This place is full of Ashrams and temples. The spiritual atmosphere here calms many souls. Plenty of stores and restaurants are found around here.
• Neelkanth Mahadev
  12 kms from Rishikesh is this temple at a height of 1700 metres where there is a peaceful and calm forest.
• Narendra Nagar
  15 kms away on the Tehri-Chamba Road, is a small town known for its historical memories. The ruler of Tehri Kingdom Narendra Shah founded it. The palace is exotic.
• Kunjapuri
  Close to Narendra Nagar, 7000 feet above sea level, this pilgrim center is surrounded by the jungles of Banj Burans. Its peaks and valleys are worth a view.
• Dev Prayag
  Situated on the Rishikesh -Badrinath road, this mountainous spot is the place where the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet. When they flow out of here, they are together called the Ganga. An old temple of Ram here is well known.

How to reach

• Air
  The closest airport is the Jolly Grant which is 18 kms away. One can get there from Delhi.
• Road
  The Government operates regular bus services from Delhi, Agra, Dehra Dun, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Chandigarh, Shimla, etc.