RISHIKESH, is a town located in the Dehradun District of Uttrakhand state of India. Also knows as the yoga capital of the world, this town has multiple stories associated with its name. For some, it is name of Vishnu composed of hrsika meaning senses and isa meaning the lord, making it - the Lord of the senses. Some say that there was a rishi who worshiped Vishnu here. Vishnu appeared before his disciple and from then on this place is known as Rishikesh.
The divine river Ganga emerges from the mountains at Rishikesh, and descends towards the pilgrimage town HARIDWAR. Big Yoga centers, Ashrams, meditation centers have been built on the banks of the holy river to experience spirituality/divinity in the purity. Apart from this, Rishikesh has also become a tourist hub for adventure sports such as rafting, camping, trekking and bungee jumping.
FIVE MUST VISIT PLACES IN RISHIKESH:
1. LAKSHMAN JHOOLA AND RAM JHOOLA
Legends state that Lord Shri Rama did penance here for killing the Lanka king Raavan. Shir Rama and his brother Lakshman crossed the River Ganga by making a bridge with two Jute ropes at the point where the present suspension Lakshman Jhoola has been built. The people come here to witness the beauty of the calm flow of River Ganga by standing on the hanging bridge. The sunsets when viewed from the banks of river Ganga, with the Laskhman Jhoola in backdrop is a divine and unforgettable experience as the bridge glows to its beauty with the light fittings.
➡️Earlier the bridge was open for 2 wheelers also but keeping in view it's deteriorating condition, it has been closed for vehicles, but is still open for pedestrians.
A similar suspension bridge was built near Parmarth Niketan which is known as RAM JHOOLA and that is open for two wheelers too.
2. PARMARTH NIKETAN & THE GIANT SHIVA STATUE
Sitting in the divine River Ganga and adjoining Ram Jhoola, this Huge Shiva Statue is located at Parmarth niketan near Geeta Bhavan. Sitting in the mediation position in the Yoga city of Uttrakhand, this 14 feet tall Shiva statue is a marvelous sight. A special Ganga Aarti is also performed here which is a treat to watch and be purified in the aura of spirituality. Another special Ganga Aarti is performed at TRIVENI GHAT which should not also be missed.
3. SHRI TRIMBEKSHWAR TEMPLE
Located on the banks of divine River Ganga and adjoining the famous Lakshman Jhoola, Shri Trimbaeskwar Temple is the biggest temple of Rishikesh. The 13 storey huge temple contains idols of various Gods and Goddesses on various floors, with the top floor having the Shri Trimbaeskwar shivling. Seek blessings of the God in this divine temple after having a dip of purity in the Holy Ganga river.
There are lot of monkeys on the Lakshman Jhoola. So make sure you don't care any loose packets in your hands while crossing the Lakshman Jhoola as they will be taken by the monkeys.
4. THE BEATLES ASHRAM
Also known as Chaurasi Kutia, the Beatles Ashram is a popular ashram in Rishikesh. The place received wide recognition after the Beatles band of Liverpool came to stay here in the1986 and practiced meditation and composed many good songs here. Amazing graffiti along with mysterious writings the place has pictures of the members of the Beatles band painted on the walls.
5. Waterfalls of Rishikesh-
PATNA WATERFALL- A beautiful waterfall but not for those who have heart issues and cannot trek easily. The path is bit steep so decide wisely before you plan to go there.
NEER WATERFALL- Easier to reach this waterfall is a beautiful place to spend the day in the chillness of cold water falling from mountains
You will find small waterfalls as you move towards above waterfalls as they can be located on Google Maps but some other small waterfalls along the way are not listed on maps so keep watching while you proceed to the location.
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