General Information

Area : 11.20 sq. km.

Population : Approx. 44,500 (1991 census)

Altitude : 356 mtrs. above sea level.

Clothing : Summer - Cottons, Winter - Woollens

Language : Hindi, Garhwali and English

STD Code : 0135

Rishikesh - Introduction

Rishikesh, also known as the 'place of sages' is Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of 'Hrishikesh' had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name.It is the starting point for the Char dham pilgrims but also for the people who are interested in meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the adventure seekers, rishikesh is the suggested place for starting their trekking expeditions to the Himalayan peaks and for rafting. Also, International Yoga Week which attracts participation form across the world, is held here, every year, in February on the banks of the Ganga.

Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place.From this point on, the great Ganges leaves behind her mountain home and enters the vast plains of Northern India.

Accessibilty

By Air : The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), 35 kms from Haridwar. Vayudoot services operates from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Jagson Airlines also operates flights from Delhi to Dehradun.

By Rail : Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar (24 kms), to Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other cities.

By Road : By road Rishikesh to Haridwar 24 kms, Dehradun 47 kms, Mussoorie 77 kms, Badrinath 301 kms (Son Prayag), Kedarnath 228 kms, Gangotri 258 kms, Yamunotri 288 kms (Hanuman Chatti), Srinagar 105 kms, Joshimath 252 kms.

Places to Visit

Triveni Ghat : A bathing ghat were every evening an ‘Aarti’ to river Ganga is performed.

Shivanand Jhoola : A suspension bridge across the Ganga along the old route to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Temples
Other temples include Raghunath Temple, Pushkar Temple, Venkateshwar Temple, Chandra Mauleshwaran Temple, Shatrughan Temple, Bharat Mandir and Lakshman Temple.

Ram Jhoola : A suspension bridge across the Ganga along the old route to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Ashrams & Yoga Centres : The main Ashrams at Rishikesh are Shivanand Ashram, Muni ki Reti ; Mahesh yogi Ashram,

Shankaracharya Ashram ; Swarg Ashram ; Gita Bhawan ; Parmarth Niketan ; Ved Niketan, Yoga Study Center, Shanti Kunj & Maa Anand Mai Ashram.