Rishikesh has been a popular figure in Indian culture, faith, and mythology from time immemorial in the picaresque district of Dehradun in Uttarakhand. The territory, also known as the house of the gods, is in the foothills of the Himalayas. It has also been renowned as a historic town in India with its twin town Haridwar. The Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas is also known as the Rishikesh, and since 1989 every March is host to the Yoga Festival too. The land has been traced from the past by wise wise men and saints and is regarded by the pilgrims as highly sacred. In other words, when it comes to the different feathers of this hill town, the list is endless, and the visit to Rishikesh is sure to bring pure joy.
- Jhula Lakshman
Rishikesh sightseeing must begin with Lakshman Jhula. The hanging bridge plays a significant role in local culture as Lakshman, Lord Ram’s younger brother, is believed to have crossed the Ganga River right here where the bridge stands today. The bridge is completely made of iron with a length of 450 feet and a height over the water of 70 feet. The view from the bridge of the Ganga is incredible as you see Rishikesh’s most renowned temples. The area is also one of the most popular pilgrims’ paths for Badrinath and Kedarnath. The bridge was built after the previous one was washed down due to flooding in 1924. The bridge from the middle of the bridge takes less than an hour and can be crossed from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. by night.
- Mahadev Temple Neelkanth
One of the oldest temples in the area is the Temple of Mahadev, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it needs one to walk through a 7-kilometer wooded path to the temple. The pilgrims decide to take it to mark their respect for the deity. It’s three hours walk. It is also possible to enter the temple by Lakshman and to get to the temple by taxi if one is unable to travel. The Ganga waters are used here to give the deity prayers. The environment around the temple would definitely activate the pilgrims’ spiritual emotions.
- Rishikesh Rafting
Rishikesh is the best place to raft in the great number of mountain rapids. There are a number of tour operators who can help you reserve your slots. Some stretches from Brahmagiri to Rishikesh or from Kaudiyal to Rishikesh are available. From mid-February to May is ideal for Rishikesh river-rafting, for the rapids are frozen before and the monsoons afterward. It’s one of the best sports for adventure in the country and it is amazing to enjoy the views along with the mountain forests and hills.
- Triveni Ghat
You will not be able to complete your tour at Rishikesh unless you saw the Maha Aarti at dusk. The aarti is given as a prayer to worship the Ganga. Pilgrims from far and wide come here to see it. In the Indian epics of Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the Triveni Ghat is also mentioned and is said to have visited this place and later cremated here, Lord Krishna himself. The pilgrims here come to dip in the sacred water in the hope that all of their sins are washed away. From 5 am to 9 p.m. the Ghat is available.
- The Caesar
Kaudiyala, just about 22 km from Rishikesh city center is renowned for climbing rocks. For climbing and even for white river rafting, adventure sports lovers come here. There is also camping here and something very beautiful about under the stars due to the bright night sky you see here. A variety of adventure sports operators are operating in this picturesque and thrilling place and arrange for your stay. In Rishikesh, it’s also a big picnic spot.
- Pass of Kuari
You’ll hardly find a more thrilling and beautiful trail than Kuari if you want to go backpacking and trekking. For quite some time now, this trail is an attraction for people all over the world, and the views here are unique. The pass is situated in the biosphere of Nanda Devi, which is a journey to the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, where you witness the beauty of the wild mountains. The Rishi Gorge is situated just outside it and until 1934 was seen as impenetrable. The altitude is about 12,200 feet, and there is plenty of snow here.
- Sharif Piran Kaliyar
Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir’s final resting spot is located approximately 22 km from Haridwar and is a proud emblem of common peace, as both Hindus and Muslim devotees come here in large numbers. The village of Kaliyar where the dargah is situated is frequented by people of every faith who come here to honor the saint. A few guest houses are here for a stay, and the sanctuary can be visited every year. However, it is still important to bring additional wool. It is supposed that after praying in this shrine all prayers are fulfilled and all dreams come true.