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Rishikesh Tourism

About 24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, and
is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga
flowing through it. The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is
believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation.
There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges.
Rishikesh is important not only as pilgrimage centre closely associated
with the Ramayana, but also as home for many important centres of Hindu
religious thought and spirituality, and as a very grat Yoga Centre. There
are a great many ashrams and Yoga institutes here. Rishikesh is also the
gateway and the start-off point for journeys to important religious places
like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Rishikesh is also acquiring
greater significance as a centre for white water rafting, other riverine
sports, a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Lakshman Jhula
The suspension iron bridge Lakshman Jhula was build in 1929 and has been
a major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. This is where Rama's
brother Lakshaman is said to have crossed the river on a jute ropes . One
can enjoy the pictursque surroundings and the cool breeze from the River
while standing on the bridge.
Ram Jhula
Another suspended bridge close to Lakshman Juhla is the Ram Jhula- This
suspended bridge was recently build between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg
Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. Ram Juhla is also known as
Shivanand Jhula.
Raghunath Mandir and Triveni Ghat 
It is the most important places for religious ceremonies in Rishikesh. It
is believed that the Ganga is joined here by the Yamuna and the Saraswati
Rivers. Gegraphically, however, the Yamuna joins the Ganga in Allahabad.
The dusk Aarti on the Triveni Ghat is most impressive. Barefoot, sorried
ranks of devotees sit in rows on the steps of the Ghat. As the sun begins
to set, plating the river with gold, bells and gongs ring and chants fill
the air. A row of religious celebrants hold plates of flaming ghee, moving
them in a circular salutation to the Goddess of the River. Devotees also
release flower-filled leaf boats carrying tiny oil lamps and left them float
out on the river. It is a ceremony of worship, rememberance and hope.
Gita Bhavan
This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and
statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.
Bharat Mandir
It is the oldest temple in Rishikesh. The image installed here has a distinctly
Himalayan cast of features. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu,
it holds a number of image normalley associated with the worship of Lord
Shiva.
Ashrams
There are many important ashrams in Rishkesh. Most ashrams are centres for
spiritual studies which also calls for Physical disciplines. Some ashrams,
however, are monasteries. Among the better known ashrams are :- Paremarth
Niketan, Sivanand Ashram, Yoga Niketan, Omkaranand Ashram, Vanprastha Ashram,
Ved Niketan, Dayanand Vedanta Ashram, Vanmali Gita Yogashram, Shankaracharya
Nagar Transcendental Meditatation Centre, Vithal Ashram and Yoga Study Centre.
Excursions
Nilkanth Mahadev 
This is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison churned
out of the cosmic ocean. It turned his throat blue, hence the name Neelkanth.
The temple is located atop a hill. Every Shivratri and Shrvan (mid-July
to August) fair are held here.
Devprayag
The rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirath leave the mountains and merge at this
place. From here they get the name Ganga. A peaceful holy place. It has
got the ancient Raghunathji Temple.
Chilla
It is just 20 kms from Rishikesh. The whole place is covered with forests
and provides very pleasant environment. Government has declared Chilla a
sanctuary. A canal from Ganga feeds the reservoir where one can see many
animals.
Narendra nagar
15 kms on the Rishikesh Chamba road is located the historical town of Narendra
nagar. This town is of archaeological importance. The town was built by
the King of Tehri Narendra Singh. Narendra nagar has recorded many events
which have left their impact on the town. The Royal palace is worth seeing
and the huge magnificent Nandi bull cannot escape your attention.
Shrinagar
105 km from Rishikesh. An important cultural and educational centre, this
old capital of Garhwal was once completely destroyed in the Gohna Lake dam-burst.
Places to visit here are the Kamleshwar and Kalpaveshwar Temples and the
Shankar Math.
Rudra Prayag
137 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini. The
temples that dot this region are those of Rudranath and Chamunda Devi. A
road branches from here to Kedarnath.
Karna Prayag
169 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers,
where there are temples dedicated to Uma and Karn.
Nand Prayag
169 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers,
where there are temples dedicated to Uma and Karn.
How to get there
Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehra Dun 18 km.
Rail : Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar which is on the
main route . Haridwar is connected directely with Mumbai, Lucknow, Howrah,
Kalka, Sri Ganganagar, Allahabad and Delhi.
Road : Rishikesh is well connected by road with all major cities
in the state
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