Rishikesh is also known as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’ and ‘Yoga capital of the world.’ Its captivating beauty, architectural speculation, and grand temples and culture make it a place to visit often. There are plenty of places in Rishikesh to visit. The Char Dham Yatra, a major pilgrimage for the Hindus to the holy shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, encompasses Rishikesh on the way to the Yatra. The journey generally starts from Rishikesh. Rishikesh is one of the ideal ways to start the Char Dham Yatra. The adventure sports in the place also attract people.
There are many places to explore in Rishikesh.
Lakshman Jhula
The Lakshman Jhula glorifies Rishikesh tourism. It is a 450 feet long run suspended bridge. It does not require any entry fee and is open at all times. The Lakshman Jhula was built in 1939, with a height of 70 feet above the river. This Jhula also has a religious significance. According to Hinduism, this bridge stands in the same place where Lakshmana crossed the Ganges River on a jute rope. Thus, the name ‘Lakshman Jhula’.
The Beatles Ashram
The name ‘Beatles Ashram’ was originated after The Beatles visited the ashram in 1968. The Beatles visited the ashram to learn transcendental meditation. The ashram is located in the Rajaji National Park. This visit changed the world’s outlook on Indian spirituality. Its tranquil and serene atmosphere attracts visitors to spend time with nature.
Swarg Ashram
Swarg Ashram is known to be one of the oldest ashrams in India. This ashram was built in memory of Swami Vishudhanand. This place is famous for yoga, meditation, spirituality, and solitude. It is situated on the left of the River Ganges, where people sit by the river and embrace the river’s calmness and serenity.
Rafting in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is known as a place for adventure sports. Rafting is one such sport that Rishikesh is famous for. There are three stretches of the river that ranges from 9-26 km; these three stretches are open for rafting. Rafting in Rishikesh is a must-go for all visitors. The open sky above and blue waters below creates an enchanting and bewitching aura.
Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan is an ashram founded by Swami Shukdevanand Maharaj. It is the largest ashram in Rishikesh and consists of over a thousand rooms. This ashram is famous for
- Ayurvedic treatments.
- Yoga.
- Meditation.
- And Ganga aarti at sunset.
Rajaji National Park
Full of flora and fauna, this place aims to achieve the calmness of the soul. Located 16 km away from the city, this National Park has nature’s beauty in bounty. Things that one can do here- jeep safari, live in small cozy cottages, visit the Sureshwari Devi temple. It is widely famous for wildlife and adventure.
Kaudiyala
Kaudiyala is one of the most viewed places in Rishikesh. It is located 40 km from Rishikesh on Badrinath road. Kaudiyala is a beautiful camping site and is famous for its white river rafting. It is situated on the banks of the River Ganga. The thrills and perils associated with this place are a must-have for many tourists.
Bairaj Lake
Bairaj Lake adds to the go-to places when in Rishikesh. The scenic beauty of the lake adds to the bounteous beauty that nature offers us. It is one of Rishikesh’s best places if you want to relax and calm your mind and soul, an ideal place for peace and meditation.
Bungee Jumping
Since Rishikesh is a place full of adventures, Bungee Jumping is one such adventure sport that every adventurer must try. It is generally done from a height of 83 meters and makes it to India’s highest bungee jumping platform. The sky, the mountains, and the trees let your body fall, but your soul flows through nature’s stillness.
Shivpuri
The name ‘Shivpuri’ got its name after a temple here was dedicated in the name of Lord Shiva. It is situated 19 km away from Rishikesh. This place is widely famous for the different kinds of adventure sports it provides: Camping, Trekking, Kayaking, Rappelling, and river rafting are the adventure sports that this place offers. It is located on River Ganges banks and is known as ‘abode of Lord Shiva’.
Timings and prices of these places
Lakshman Jhula opens at all times, with no entry fee.
The Beatles Ashram open all days, till sunset ₹150(Indians) and ₹600(foreigners).
Swarg Ashram opens all days during the daytime, with no entry fee.
Rafting 7 a.m to 10 p.m starting from ₹600.
Parmarth Niketan opens all days during the daytime, with no entry fee.
Rajaji National Park, open all days ₹150(Indians) and ₹600(foreigners).
Kaudiyala opens all days at all times, with no entry fee.
Bairaj Lake opens all days at all times, with no entry fee.
Bungee Jumping 9:30 a.m to 4 p.m from ₹3550 per person.
Shivpuri opens at all times, with no entry fee. Charges for adventure sports.
Chardham Yatra and Rishikesh
Rishikesh is also known as the gateway to the holy shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The Chardham, a pilgrimage that encompasses these four locations, can be well started from Rishikesh itself. The Lakshman jhula strikes to be a good starting point for the pilgrimage to these four holy shrines. Rishikesh is known to be a famous route for the Chardham Yatra. It is because of the River Ganges in Rishikesh that people prefer going to and taking a purifying dip before starting their journey for the pilgrimage. Chardham Yatra Uttarakhand, in most cases, starts its journey from Rishikesh.
The Chardham Tour Package from Rishikesh starts from ₹35,000 to ₹60,000, depending on its route. 50% of the people opting for Chardham Yatra choose to start their journey from and to Rishikesh.
Rishikesh’s ethereal beauty, the breathtaking view of the valleys, the mountains and the Rivers, and the lush greenery give us a natural therapy and takes us on a rejuvenating journey to calm our body and soul. It is a very famous tourist spot in India because of its spectacular road to nature. It is also a significant gateway to the Char Dham Yatra because of the holy temples that the place contains.