Rishikesh - Uttarakhand – India

The land of spirituality, Rishikesh in the state of Uttarakhand is one of the most renowned pilgrimage centers in India. One of the biggest religious centers of North India, Rishikesh is situated along the banks of the holy Ganges and surrounded by the verdant Shivalik hills on three sides. 

 Rishikesh is a delightful place to wander around and explore on foot. Cross either of the two suspension bridges and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the town and river. Venture down to the ghats fronting the river and relax for a while amidst the daily goings-on. You can also take a boat across the river near Ram Jhula as an alternative to walking.

 Rishikesh has today emerged as a prime center of Yoga. The effectiveness of Yoga as a means to stay well is proved beyond doubt and has gained tremendous popularity across the globe. A lot of people travel to Rishikesh to learn the art of Yoga and rejuvenate the soul.

 An annual International Yoga Festival (March 1-7 international yogafestival) is organized jointly by Uttarakhand Tourism and Parmarth Niketan Ashram

 Rishikesh is frequented by Hindu pilgrims as well as westerners who set out to the Ganges to cleanse them of their sins and attain nirvana. Dotted with temples exuding divinity and ashrams soaking in the holistic environs, Rishikesh is a major attraction for those seeking spirituality.

 It is believed that the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati took place here. This ghat is large and clean, Many ashrams in Rishikesh offer short and long-term courses in yoga. Some of the most respected names are the Sivananda Ashram, Omkarananda Patanjala Yoga Kendra, Parmarth Niketan and Yoga Niketan Ashram

 Today Rishikesh means different things to different people. For the spiritually inclined, it’s the yoga capital of the world, for the adventure lovers it is a rafting paradise, and for the tourists a perfect blend of all - spirituality, adventure, sightseeing and shopping.

Aptly titled the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh has umpteen ashrams organizing yoga camps across the year. Thousands visit Rishikesh to relax, learn yoga, meditate and seek spiritual bliss. 

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport around Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun that is located at a distance of 35 km. Regular flights at the airport are available. It is purely a domestic airport.

By Road

Rishikesh has an excellent network of buses linking it with all the major cities and towns nearby. Luxury as well as normal deluxe buses are easily available from New Delhi's ISBT Kashmiri Gate at regular intervals. 

By Train

Rishikesh has its own railway station but it is not connected to major Indian cities apart from Haridwar. So, the nearest major railhead is in Haridwar, which is well-connected with cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and Varanasi via an extensive network of trains.

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