Rishikesh

Rishikesh - city, to be found at the foot of the Himalayas, on the banks of the Ganges, 25 km away. from Haridwar.

Both cities are measured sacred and get 1000s of pilgrims, but Rishikesh is particularly popular among foreigners. It is called "the world capital of yoga." In the mid 60's in the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh came "The Beatles." This opened the fashion of Rishikesh. Rishikesh speedily developed tourist infrastructure, and is now one of the most well-liked foreign destinations in India.

 

Rishikesh population of about 90 1000 people, mostly speaking Garhwali mountain language.

Rishikesh is the opening point of the pilgrimage routes to the shrines Garhvalskih Himalayas. Full pilgrimage route called chardham , it has four shrines include: Yamunotri - the source of the Yamuna, Gangotri - the source of the Ganges, Kedarnath and Badrinath, are places of stay Garhvalskimi Shiva and Vishnu , respectively, and are located near the sources of the rivers Mandakini and Alakananda, flowing into the Ganges.

Rishikesh Attractions

Bridge Lakshman Jhula. The first suspension bridge over the Ganges was a rope. In 1927, the British government built a steel suspension bridge in Lakshman Jhula. On both banks of the bridge souvenir market, mostly religious. Recommend buying at Rishikesh rudraksha beads that there are from 100 rupees per share. On the west bank just above the bridge book store with a wide selection of books on meditation, yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhism and so on., And German Bakery, a cafe and a shop of European pastries. On the east bank of 13-storey tower of the temple Trayambakeshvar. On this tower you can climb to assess views of the river, and the images, if not all, of the very many Indian deities.

Bridge Ram Jhula 

New Bridge Ram Jhula threw a 2-km downstream. It is also the center of trade and catering, on the west bank near the bridge is the main parking rickshaws. From here you can go to Lakshman Jhula, up a mountain road, or down "in Rishikesh," that is in the Indian business part of the city where foreigners rarely wander. You can call Ram Jhula bridge as a landmark for taxi drivers, if you are new in town and landed at the bus station. On the east bank to the right of the bridge begins Svargashram area, named for the largest ashram, along which there is a promenade.

If you do not want to walk across the bridge over the Ganges on foot - you can get to the opposite shore by boat, which runs every 10-20 minutes, depending on population density. Village sadhus can take a pleasant stroll, if the bridge Ram Jhula go along the east coast upstream to Lakshmandzhule. Narrow street along the river is on the old district of Rishikesh-populated sannyasins. This place is still like a village. Here there are ashrams with gardens and sarayki ascetics. From here you can go to a beautiful and very clean beaches in the Ganges. Keep in mind that women are not taken to sunbathe, swim them only in clothing. Most of the year the water in the river is quite cold.

Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat - a wide promenade, adorned with sculpted images of gods, it is a favorite resting place of the Hindus. Foreigners rarely go here because the Triveni Ghat is to be found away from their core dislocations in Lakshman Jhula and Swarg ashram. To get to the Gata, you have to take a rickshaw to the bridge and go Ram Jhula "in Rishikesh." Tuk-tuk will drop you at the crossroads, patterned arch denotes the entrance to the street leading to the ghat. Here, the Indian market is purely consumer goods and ritual supplies. Every evening at Triveni Gate is beautiful ceremony Ganga Aarti. This is the ideal place for relaxation and meditation, as on the opposite bank of the Ganges is not, and you can admire the mountains and jungle.

Nilkanth Mahadev Mandir

 Most interesting temple Rishikesh Nilkanth Mahadev Mandir is positioned high on the mountain. Easier to get there by taxi, which is on the mountain road for over an hour. Patience you will be rewarded: on top the beautiful views of the Ganges and Rishikesh. The road goes on reserve, where there are signs warning of the possibility of a meeting with the wild elephants. You will pass the prehistoric village of Buffalo People, which is not recommended to stop, because the way of life of these mountain people severely affected by the intervention of civilization. Before entering the temple is to buy a plate of offerings deity, then you will be allowed in the sanctuary. Particularly remarkable is a huge old tree, around which the temple was built. Shoes should be removed beforehand, and wash the feet in cold water source. In winter, it can become a challenge for the pilgrims. On the roof of the church multi-figure composition depicting gods churn the oceans with snake Vasuki, and Shiva , drinking poison to save mankind. (Nilkant, "blue neck" - an epithet of Shiva, whose throat turned blue from the poison.) Descend from the temple on foot (about 2 hours of walking through the jungle), then you go to the river near the "Beatles Ashram."

Beatles Ashram

 So people call the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is now dormant. After Swami went to America, the ashram came to the state, and has been preserved. Now they say that the place is cursed, but the most likely reason that the ashram is empty, economic - its huge territory and the restoration will need too much money. Even overgrown jungle ashram remarkable layout and luxury design, and you can imagine how beautiful it was in the time of "The Beatles." However, many find that the desolation rather contributes meditative atmosphere. There is certainly worth a go. The input is protected enlightened soldier who is likely to find its existence only when you leave the ashram.

Waterfall

Having 5 km. on the way up from the temple Trayambakeshvar, you will find a small dhaba with tea and samosas, built specifically for those who are going to look at the waterfall. Sam waterfall in the jungle right, they are actually two, and they are not very big, but beautiful. Particularly interesting cave with mineralized walls and ceiling near one of the waterfalls. Even further on this road is the ashram Phul Chatti, next to it is a very nice beach for swimming. Foreigners go there to sunbathe, but better to do it in the company of friends men.

Rafting in Rishikesh

In Shivpuri, 30 min. driving on the way to Badrinath, on the sandy banks of the Ganges to camp rafters. In addition to lowering the river activities such entertainment as jumping into the water with a 10-meter cliff. Extreme low level, so you can take a boat to children and beginners. Rafting organization engaged in many travel agencies in the city.