Rishikesh

Introduction and history: The holy town of Rishikesh is located in Uttarakhand in India. It is located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas. The town is still known as the World Capital of Yoga. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. Rishikesh is also the Gateway to the Himalayas, where the sacred journey begins from here. According to Hindu mythology, Rishikesh is the abode of Shiva, where it is also believed that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. In the recent past the town is also becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of river Ganges.

What to see and when to go: Trayambakeshwar Temple, Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Gita Bhavan, Swarg Ashram, Parmarth Niketan, Bharat Mandir and Neelkanth Mahadev Mela. Owing to the location it is ideal to visit Rishikesh between June to mid of October

Things to do: Apart from enjoying the places mentioned above travelers can also spend their time in learning Yoga, White water rafting, Rock climbing and Trekking.

Accommodation: There are ample amount of accommodation available at all price points starting from 150 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: The nearby airport is Dehradun (15 kilometers), which is well connected with major cities in India. The nearest major railway junction is located in Hardiwar, which is connected to Delhi (230 kilometers) with multiple frequent trains. Busses are available from Delhi, which would take 5-7 hours to reach Rishikesh.

Related links:
• Tourist information: http://www.rishikesh.org

See also (nearby places): Shivpuri is one of the most visited places near Rishikesh, which is 10 kilometers away. Rajaji National Park is another place for nature loves, which is just 20 minutes drive away.