Rishikesh: Abode of gods
In Sanskrit, the word “hrishik” means Vishnu, which means the lord of senses. Rishsikesh has been formed by joining the two words “hrishik” and “ish” which refers to the meaning the place lord Vishnu archive its senses. With such mythological importance Rishikesh, located in the state of Uttarakhand of India is really a place one would love to visit. Commonly known as the gateway of the Garhwal Himalayas it is surrounded by the forest in every side. Rihsikesh and its nearby holy city of Haridwar featured in several epics like “the Ramayana “and “the Mahabharata”.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana crossed the river Ganges at Rishikesh on a jute rope bridge, which is now known as the Laxman Jhula. Since then, Rishikesh has been regarded as a sacred destination.
Yoga Capital of the World
Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the world, and it has numerous yoga centers and ashrams that offer yoga classes and courses for enthusiasts. Some of the famous yoga ashrams in Rishikesh are:
Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan is one of the most well-known yoga centers in Rishikesh. It was founded in 1942 by Swami Shukdevanand Ji Maharaj and is situated on the banks of the Ganges. The ashram offers a wide range of yoga courses, including a 200-hour yoga teacher training program.
Sivananda Ashram
Sivananda Ashram was established in 1932 by Swami Sivananda and is situated in the Muni Ki Reti region of Rishikesh. The ashram offers a wide range of yoga courses, including a 200-hour yoga teacher training program and regular yoga classes.
Yog Peeth
Yog Peeth is a yoga and meditation center founded by Swami Ramdev in 2006. The center is situated on the banks of the Ganges and offers a wide range of yoga courses, including a 200-hour yoga teacher training program.
Places to Visit Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a hub for spiritual seekers and has been a center for meditation and yoga for centuries. The city is home to numerous temples and ashrams, and the tranquil environment of Rishikesh makes it an ideal place to practice yoga and meditation.
Apart from the numerous yoga centers, Rishikesh has many temples that attract visitors from all over the world.
There are so many things in the city that one would be mesmerised with its choices. Some of the great worshipper places are like Bharat Mandir, Swarg Ashram and ParmarthNiketan. Else there is the TriveniGhat and LakshmanJhola based upon the river of Ganges.
The other interest of the pilgrimage is like the Trayambakeshwar Temple and NeelKantha Mahadev. Over all one would get complete lost in its beauty as it has such a versatile and vibrant outlook. Lastly, the Rishikesh Tourism department really deserves applaud for showcasing such natures beauty in the city.The bronze statue of Mahadev is really a thing of wonder in the city.
Ganga Aarti
The Ganga Aarti is a spiritual ritual that takes place every evening at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh. The aarti is performed to worship the Ganges River and is a beautiful sight to witness.
How To Reach Rishikesh
Rishikesh is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport to Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is situated 35 km from the city. The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Rishikesh is also well-connected by road, and there are many buses and taxis that operate from major cities in India.
The transport system is the collaboration between three major units. The roadways transport system is predominantly congested by the local and as well as luxury bus services. This service connects Rishsikeh with the nearby remote areas(Garhwal) as well as some of the nearby metro cities too. Else one can also avail the prepaid taxi system which is also very efficient and scheduled.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh
The best time to visit Rishikesh is between September to November and February to May. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.
FAQs
1. Is Rishikesh a safe place to visit?
Yes, Rishikesh is a safe place to visit. However, like any other tourist destination, it is advisable to take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Is Rishikesh only a religious destination?
No, Rishikesh is not just a religious destination. The city has many tourist attractions and adventure sports activities that make it a popular destination for all kinds of travelers.
3. What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
The best time to visit Rishikesh is between September to November and February to May.
4. Can I learn yoga in Rishikesh?
Yes, Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital of the world, and there are many yoga centers and schools in the city where you can learn yoga.
5. Is Rishikesh well-connected by transportation?
Yes, Rishikesh is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is the Rishikesh Railway Station.
6.What is the cost of living in Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is a budget-friendly destination. The cost of living in Rishikesh varies depending on the type of accommodation and food options you choose. A budget traveler can survive on INR 500-700 per day, while mid-range travelers can spend INR 1,500-2,000 per day.
