Rishikesh

Religious

Uttarakhand

27°C / Clouds

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Rishikesh is located in the Himalayan foothills along with the convergence of Ganga as well as Chandrabhaga River in Uttarakhand. It is famous for its adventure activities, ancient temples, popular cafes, and whatnot. However, the best part is that it is also known as the Yoga Captial of the World.

With time, it has grown to be a good mix of urban and natural tourist attractions. If we go a little back in time, then we can see Rishikesh saw a significant boost in every possible way, post the association of Beatles with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the late 60s.

Best Time to Visit Rishikesh

Since the beginning, this town has been extremely popular due to its association with things like spirituality, yoga, mediation, and many other things. It can be a great visit for people who have similar tastes in life. If you are wondering to visit Rishikesh, then the best time would be between the months of May and June.

History of Rishikesh

Rishikesh has been time and again associated with various myths and legends. One of the oldest legends told about this place is that of sage Raibhya Rishi who performed penance on the banks of River Ganga.

Impressed by his sadhana, Lord Vishnu himself appeared before him in the form of Hrishikesh. This is how Rishikesh was named.

There is another legend of Rishikesh associated with Lord Rama’s younger brother, Lakshmana who once crossed River Ganga on a bridge made of rope in this very place. However, the original bridge that was made of jute (in honor of Lakshmana) was destroyed in the floods of 1924. Later on in history, it was rebuilt and today has registered its presence as a popular tourist attraction.

Major Attractions in and Around Rishikesh

1. Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula is a very famous hanging bridge that was made across River Ganga connecting a total of two villages namely Tapovan and Jonk situated in Tehri and Pauri Garhwal respectively. The entire bridge has been made of iron and is located at a height of about 70 feet from the river. For many, it is a spot of great spiritual reverence.

2. Triveni Ghat

The ghat is sited on the banks of Ganga and is considered the biggest ghat in Rishikesh. One of the most fascinating things about Triveni Ghat is its Maha Arti that happens every evening here.

3. Rafting

How can anyone go to Rishikesh and not do rafting? One can find certified operators along with customized packages for rafting and renting tents and other staying arrangements. For adventure lovers, rafting comes across as an activity to satisfy their adventure cravings, and Rishikesh doesn’t disappoint. Whitewater Rafting is very popular among tourists and is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh.

How to Reach Rishikesh

Rishikesh is truly an incredible travel getaway that is situated at a distance of 269, 1,637, 1,493, 2,356 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can reach Rishikesh by the following means of public transportation.

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport aka Dehradun Airport (DED) is the nearest airport situated at a distance of 20-25 km from Rishikesh. From the airport, it is about 30 min drive to reach Rishikesh. However, to reach here, it is advised to take connecting flights via Delhi and Chandigarh. Many renowned airlines operate to and fro especially from nearby regions like Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. Once at the airport, you will need to book a taxi or board a bus at your convenience to reach here.

From Delhi - Board Air India flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport
From Chandigarh - Board Air India flights from Chandigarh Airport
From Amritsar - Board Air India and IndiGo flights from Amritsar Airport

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Rishikesh

By Train

The nearest railhead is the Haridwar station located at about 25 kilometers. The station has good connectivity with other cities like Lucknow, Kolkata, Varanasi, and others. You can consider traveling on trains like Jan Shatabdi, AC Special Express, and Mussoorie Express. From the station, you will need to book a taxi or take some other means of public transportation to reach here.

By Road

Rishikesh is well connected with other Indian cities via maintained roadways and national highways. The short stretch of these hilly regions may give you some problems, otherwise, the major route is easily traversable. For traveling, you will need to either book a taxi, interstate/private buses, or take your own vehicle.

From Meerut - 161 km via NH334
From Patiala - 228 km via NH334
From Ludhiana - 290 km via NH44

Frequently Asked Questions about Rishikesh

Q: Where is Rishikesh located?
A: Rishikesh is located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, in the district of Dehradun.

Q: What are the tourist attractions in Rishikesh?
A: Some of the popular tourist attractions in Rishikesh include Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan ashram, Beatles Ashram, and Neer Garh Waterfall.

You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.