 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.
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
SEASON:
In Rishikesh, the temperatures are
average and the maximum in summers reaches 106f while it dips to a low of 98f.
During winters, the maximum reach is 90f while a low of 65f is reached. One can
expect about 60" rainfall taken the average and normal conditions. However,
Rishikesh is more of a pilgrim land and with temperatures averaging out, one can
frequent the place throughout the year. You can decide upon the climate that
suits you the most. |
PLACES TO VISIT
-
Bharat Temple (1.6 kms) [ Open from 0500 to 1100
hrs and 1300 to 2100 hrs ]
-
Rishi Kund & 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
-
Gita Bhawan
-
Parmath Niketan (8 km)
-
Lakshman Temple
-
Sadanand Jhoola
-
Triveni Ghat
-
Shivanand Ashram
-
Kailash Ashram
-
Academy of Meditation
HOW TO GET THERE?
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.
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.
Bus Services
Haridwar is connected by bus with Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Kullu, Manli,
Shimla, Rishikesh etc.
|
