Rishikesh is a holy city in Dehradun district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India. It is also known as the gateway to Himalayas and is located about 25 kilometers away from another holy city Haridwar. Rishikesh is 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. The sacred river Ganga flows through Rishikesh. In fact, it is here that the river leaves the Shivalik mountains Himalayas, and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the river in Rishikesh. The city attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries.

Places to Visit

Rishikund: Close to Trivenighat is the most anciant place, the rishikund. Anciant records relate this to Kubz Saint , who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water.The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath , deicated to lord rama and his wife.

Triveni Ghat :The main ghat in the town area where most of the pilgrims take holy dip. Every evening hundreds of pilgrims attend the Ganga Arti at the Ghat.

Geeta Bhawan :One of the oldest temple complex in the area. The famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharta are described here on the walls.

Parmarth Niketan: One of the most renowned temple complex and  ashram in the area . Known for its substaintial work on hinduism, three is a school run on tradtional Indian Patterns. The ashram organises ecellent Ganga Arti and Hawan on the Parmarth Ghat every evening.

Other Places of Interest
Bharat Temple (1.6 kms), Raghunath Temple (1.6 kms), Laxman Jhoola (6.7 kms), Pushkar Temple (1.6 kms), Shatrughan Temple, Muni-Ki-Reti (4.8 km), Swarg Ashram,
Lakshman Temple, Shivanand Ashram, Kailash Ashram, Academy of Meditation.

How To Reach

Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), 20 kms. 

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

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.