subject: Adventure Holidays In Rishikesh,uttrakhand ,india [print this page] Rishikesh is essentially a combination of five different districts- Rishikesh the commercial centre, Muni-ki-reti in the quiet suburbs, Shivananda Nagar to the north, Lakshmanjhula with its holy shrines and Swarg Ashram where most of the ashrams are located. Rishikesh is the lap of Hindu philosophy and learning, with several ashrams devoted to the understanding and propagation of the faith. Signs of religious rituals can be seen all over Rishikesh in the numerous temples lining the banks of the Ganga, the mythological tales that you hear about various spots and even the shops that sell books and religious objects. Rishikesh acquired prominence in the west when the Beatles generation was influenced by the foray of their idols into this Hindu spiritual heartland. Because Rishikesh is where the Beatles met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and began their quest for spiritual salvation. Even today, several foreign travellers besides the steady stream of Indian students visit the ashrams to study Hindu philosophy, yoga and Ayurvedic medicine. Every year in the beginning of February an international Yoga week is organised at Rishikesh by the Department of Tourism. Rishikesh is not only popular for its religious significance, but also as a base for devotees on their journey to the Char Dham Yatra (Tour of Four Pilgrim sites). Apart from being a popular pilgrimage destination Rishikesh is equally popular with adventure tourists heading for the tougher trekking trails to be found in the higher Himalayas. With its splendid opportunities for white water rafting Rishikesh is visited by thousands of adventure buffs every year who are seeking the thrill of braving the rapids of the Ganga.
While rafting at Shivpuri your guide is sure to bring you to the point from where you can cliff jump into the Ganga. It is an approximately 25 feet free fall into the water. The thrill is incredible, it cannot be described only experienced. If you are someone who seeks that kind of adrenalin rush
Historically Speaking
According to mythology, the sage Raibhya Rishi sat on the banks of the Ganga and performed severe penance. He was rewarded when the lord appeared in the form of Rishikesh, thus giving the place its present name. Over the ages, saints have meditated at this peaceful spot with the soaring mountains
looking down and the sacred Ganga flowing beside. One of the most prominent religious leaders in modern times, Adi Shankaracharya, traversed this land in the 9th century AD. The Shankaracharyas pilgrimage into the hills was later codified into the great pilgrim circuit, and gave a heightened sense of sacredness to this land of the gods. Ever since, Rishikesh has been the stepping stone and the first destination on a list of holy shrines and sites stretching across the lofty Himalayas.
Shopping
The main shopping areas are Dehradun Road, Haridwar Road, Ghat Road and Railway Road. There are also some state handicrafts outlets including the Khadi Bhandar, UP Handlooms and Garhwal Wool and Craft store.
Events
International Yoga week attracts participation from across the world, is held every year in February.
Night Out
Rishikesh is strictly vegetarian and there is a ban on alcoholic drinks. You might still be able to get non vegetarian food at your accommodation if you''re lucky but alcohol is not available anywhere near Rishikesh. The food is reasonably good. Besides the larger restaurants, smaller eateries including
the famous Chotiwala serve inexpensive tasty food. The range includes north Indian and south Indian thalis, with some restaurants also opening early for breakfast.
Activities
Rishikesh is very famous as an adventure destination for white water rafting. Many camps dot the banks of the Ganga each offering you rafting as part of their package. Rapids range from easy to difficult with it being possible to do the latter only with professional rafters. This raw adventure is
a thrilling experience. Braving the fiery rapids of the Ganga will leave your heart pounding and will leave you with an experience you remember for a long, long time. Rishikesh is also an ideal base for trekking. Great trekking trails around the region include Chandrashila, Devi Darshan and Kauri amongst others. Many camps include rock climbing as part of the adventure package. The aarti on the ghats is really worth seeing. Watching devotees lost in prayer as hundreds of oil lamps are lit in the midst of wonderful chanting is sure to leave you spell bound.
Sights
The Triveni Ghat , in the centre of town is the most prominent bathing ghat in Rishikesh. With its modern images of Hindu deities and white sandy beach, the ghat is ideal for a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga. In the morning, pilgrims come to the ghat for prayers and offer milk and feed the shoals of fish in the crystal clear waters. The evening, arati (worship) with lamps is worth watching for the atmosphere. The Bharat Mandir near Triveni Ghat is reputed to be the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The temple''s presiding deity is a black stone Vishnu, which is believed to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya when he visited Rishikesh in the 9th century. This occasion is commemorated with special celebrations on the day of Basant Panchami, the spring festival. Swarg Ashram , with its numerous ashrams, food stalls and shops is a haunt for those looking for insights into religious themes. The newly constructed Ram Jhoola straddles the Ganga at this point. You can also make a river crossing on the ferries that run during the day. Important shrines and ashrams at Swarg Ashram include Kali Kumbliwale founded by Swami Vishudhananda, Parmarth Niketan with large statues of gods and goddesses and the Gita Bhavan with its Ayurvedic dispensary and shop selling religious books and cotton Khadi. About 2 kms upstream is the old footbridge called Lakshmanjhula , named after the brother of Lord Rama. Temples line both sides of the river at Lakshmanjhula. The Shivanand Jhoola is another suspension bridge spanning the river along the ancient route to Kedarnath and Badrinath. To the northeast is the area of Muni-ki-reti . Along the banks of the Chandrabhaga river, this area with its secluded white sand beaches is ideal for swimming. Boat rides on the river near Swarg Ashram are a pleasant diversion, and you can feed the fish that cluster around pilgrims throwing balls of wheat flour into the waters. North of Rishikesh are some good spots for white-water rafting, including Shivpuri 18 kms upstream and Kaudiyala 38 kms up. Both the sites are served by professional organisers who provide equipment, tents and food. Besides the longer hauls on the Yatra route, there are shorter trek routes around Rishikesh.
How to get there by Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun approximately 43 kms away. From Dehradun you can take a bus or taxi for the rest of your journey to Rishikesh.
How to get there by Rail
Most major trains coming in from the plains however stop at Haridwar, and it is better to take a connecting bus or rent a car from Haridwar up to Rishikesh. A branch railway line from Haridwar connects Rishikesh.
How to get there by Bus
Many visitors drive up in a rented car from Delhi and other cities and towns. The road is reasonably good.The Main Bus Stand gets buses from Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi. Services linking the Garhwal hills use the Yatra Bus stand off the Dehradun road.
Best time to Visit
The peak season for visiting Rishikesh is between May and November, when the Yatra routes open up and trekking is also possible in the upper reaches. For white-water rafting, however, the main season is from September to middle of December and from middle of February till April.
Rishikesh has a selection of small hotels as well as very basic accommodation at ashrams. While the hotels are close to the bus stand near the centre of town, the ashrams are on the quieter east bank of the river. GMVN also has a tourist complex with cottages set in pleasant gardens. Vasundhra Palace,
Nearby Places
Neelkanth Mahadev is a shrine on top of a hill, 12 kms from Rishikesh. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the shrine commemorates the lords divine act of drinking the poison left over from the churning of the oceans. This made his throat turn blue, thus giving the name, Neelkanth. Kaudiyala
Rafters Camp is 38 kms away, on the road to Badrinath shrine. In the midst of thickly wooded slopes at 480 metres, the campsite has been promoted by GMVN for white-water rafting. Kaudiyala also offers some rock climbing sites. Rajaji National Park , 6 kms from Rishikesh is one of the few sanctuaries where you can see wild elephants along their migratory path up to Corbett National Park. Stretching over an area over 800 square kilometres, the park is habitat for 23 species of mammals and 180 species of birds. The park is accessible both from Haridwar and Rishikesh. Some short treks around Rishikesh yield views of verdant forests and snow peaks. Following the forest track behind Swarg Ashram, you cross the spur of a hill to reach the shrine of Neelkanth Mahadev. On the way through the jungles you may come across some wildlife. Phulchhatti is an isolated spot 10 km up from Lakshmanjhula. A bend in the river offers a good spot for swimming, midst huge boulders that dominate the landscape. Kunjapuri is a shrine that lies on a different route 10 kms above the Lakshmanjhula. Perched on top of a hill, the shrine is a shaktipeetha. Views from the top, of the plains and Haridwar to the south and the Himalayas to the north, are a treat.
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