The Garhwal region of north India is speckled with some of the holiest of Hindu pilgrimage sites and Rishikesh is one such major attractions. Crowded with sadhus with long matted hair and pilgrims from all over the globe, Rishikesh is the birthplace of yoga. It attracts thousands of tourists every year, who come to seek mental peace in the midst of the humdrum of modern life. The various ghats and temples assist the human spirit in its endeavor to be one with the ultimate source of all creations. It is also an attraction for the ones in search of adventure and passion.

Lakshman Jhula

• Lakshman Jhula :

The suspension iron bridge Lakshman Jhula was build in 1929 and has been a major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. This is where Rama's brother Lakshaman is said to have crossed the river on jute ropes.

• Ram Jhula :

Another suspended bridge close to Lakshman Juhla is the Ram Jhula- This suspended bridge was recently build between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. Ram Juhla is also known as Shivanand Jhula.

• Raghunath Mandir and Triveni Ghat :

It is the most important places for religious ceremonies in Rishikesh. It is believed that the Ganga is joined here by the Yamuna and the Saraswati Rivers. Geographically, however, the Yamuna joins the Ganga in Allahabad. The dusk Aarti on the Triveni Ghat is most impressive. Barefoot devotees sit in rows on the steps of the Ghat. As the sun begins to set, plating the river with gold, bells and gongs ring and chants fill the air. A row of religious celebrants hold plates of flaming ghee, moving them in a circular salutation to the Goddess of the River. Devotees also release flower-filled leaf boats carrying tiny oil lamps and left them float out on the river. It is a ceremony of worship.

• Gita Bhavan :

This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.

• Bharat Mandir :

It is the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The image installed here has a distinctly Himalayan cast of features. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu, it holds a number of image normalley associated with the worship of Lord Shiva.

• Ashrams :

There are many important ashrams in Rishkesh. Most ashrams are centres for spiritual studies which also calls for Physical disciplines. Some ashrams, however, are monasteries. Among the better known ashrams are :- Paremarth Niketan, Sivanand Ashram, Yoga Niketan, Omkaranand Ashram, Vanprastha Ashram, Ved Niketan, Dayanand Vedanta Ashram, Vanmali Gita Yogashram, Shankaracharya Nagar Transcendental Meditatation Centre, Vithal Ashram and Yoga Study Centre.

HOW TO REACH :

By Air :

The nearest airport is Dehradun, 35 km from Haridwar.

By Train :

Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar (24 km) to Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other cities.

By Road :

Rishikesh is connected by road via Haridwar with Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Kullu, Manali, and Shimla. It is also linked to Mussourie (77 km), Badrinath (301 km), Kedarnath (228 km), Gangotri (258 km), Yamunotri (288 km), Srinagar (105 km), and Joshimath (252 km).