Rishikesh is also known as Gateway to the Himalayas. A sacred town at the convergence of rivers Ganges and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh is a naturally attractive place at the foothills of the lower Himalayas in the state of Uttaranchal in India. Rishikesh is the starting point for traveling to the four Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage Destinations in Uttarakhand. The importance of this holy city lies in the fact that it serves as a gateway to other religiously important centers like Kedarnath, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Yamunotri. Rishikesh is famous for its temples, yoga and meditation, rafting, and other adventure activities among tourists. The Rishikesh City is Surrounded by the three main districts namely Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, and Haridwar in the State of Uttarakhand in North India. Rafting season starts from the month of March and ends in September.
History and Legends Of Rishikesh
According to History, It is said that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the Demon King of Lanka. Lord Rama and his brother Laxman crossed the Ganga river where Present Bridge stands today known as the name Laxman Jula. Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary ‘Kedarkhand’. According to Etymology, Hrishikesh is the name of Lord Vishnu means ‘lord of the senses”. The place got its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to ‘Raibhya Rishi’ as a result of his Tapasya as Lord Hrishikesh. Another legend says that fierce fire broke out here. Lord Shankar was angry with Lord Agni and cursed him. Then Lord Agni prayed here for the expiation of his sins. Hence it is also known as Agni Tirth – The holy place to the penance of Lord Agni or Fire God. Several ancient temples, shrines, and Ashrams can be found along the banks of the Ganges River in Rishikesh.
Place to See in Rishikesh
- Lakshman Jhula: Lakshman Jhula is one of the most sightseeing things in and around Rishikesh. The Laxman Jhula is Constructed over the Ganga River. It is Said that the Lakshman Jhula was built in 1939 after Lord Laxman crossed the Ganga river after killing Ravana. There are spectacular views from the bridge. Small Bridge Ram Jula is located beside the Laxman Jula in Rishikesh.
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Triveni Ghat: Thousands of Devotees take a holy dip bath and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed daily in the morning and evening time respectively. Triveni Ghat is a well-known bathing ghat of Rishikesh, is a confluence of three sacred rivers that are Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. According to the beliefs, a dip in the water at this ghat washes away all the sins and purifies the soul.
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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the most Scared Pilgrimage Destination for Hindu Religious. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Nilkanth. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has situated about 22 km from Swarg ashram in Haridwar. Neelkanth Mahadev temple is situated at the Converges of the two holy rivers Madhumati and Pankaja and between three valleys- Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot & Manikoot. According to Hindu Myth, It is believed that this was the Scared place where Lord Shiva Drank the Poison that originated from the sea to save his devotees Life.
Rishikesh During Char Dham Yatra
Rishikesh is the starting point for Char Dham Yatra and a great place to stay or visit during your Char Dham Yatra tours Package. Many pilgrims during their Char Dham Yatra, stay at Rishikesh for some duration. It is a hilly place which has many facilities available for its tourists and pilgrims of Char Dham.
Car Rental From Rishikesh
Car Rental Services in Rishikesh is one of the most sought services by every tourist visiting Rishikesh. If you are searching for the best car rental service in Rishikesh for either visiting places in Uttarakhand or going to Delhi NCR etc. Here you will get the latest updated information about Cabs/Taxi Rental Services with rates in Rishikesh. We have some of the best car rental operators offering quality & efficient Car Hire service for pilgrimage tours in Uttarakhand.
Char Dham Distance Chart From Rishikesh
The Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh. Thousands of pilgrims during their yatra visit and take night halt in Rishikesh.
|
Distance |
Time |
Route |
Badrinath |
297 kms |
11 hrs |
Rishikesh -> Srinagar -> Rudraprayag -> Karnaprayag -> Joshimath -> Badrinath |
Kedarnath |
216 Kms |
9 hrs |
Rishikesh -> Srinagar -> Rudraprayag -> Augustmuni -> Guptkashi -> Gaurikund -> Kedarnath |
Gangotri |
266 kms |
10 hrs |
Rishikesh -> Narendranagar -> Chamba -> Uttarkashi -> Gangotri |
Yamunotri |
216 kms |
10 hrs |
Rishikesh -> Narendranagar -> Chamba -> Chinyalisaur -> Dharasu Band -> Barkot -> Jankichatti -> Yamunotri |
Top 5 Places to Stay in Rishikesh
There are many options for accommodation in Rishikesh during Char Dham Yatra. Following is the list of top 5 hotels, resorts, guest houses in Rishikesh.
1) Divine Resort & Spa
It is one of the most popular economic resort in Rishikesh town of Uttarakhand state in India. It offers the beautiful view of sacred river Ganga and an awesome view of the sunset and enchanting sound of the flowing river Ganga.
Address:- Laxman Jhula Road Near Church, Tapovan, Rishikesh 249137 India
2) Garud Chatti River Resort
This hotel is the ideal place for true nature lovers. It has great landscapes with Lush green valley, misty woods enchanted peaks, and racing river. This hotel offer a deeper connection with the Divine Deluxe cottages Hot & Cold Water Washroom with Toilet.
Address:- Ratta Pani, Neelkanth Road, Rishikesh 249201 India
3) Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat
This Resort is situated at a distance of 10 km from Rishikesh town. It is surrounded by natural beauty and close to an ancient temple of Lord Shiva & National Park.
Address:- Neelkanth Road Near Phool Chatti, Rishikesh 249201 India.
4) GANGA KINARE- A Riverside Boutique Hotel
This Hotel is situated snugly on the banks of sacred river Ganga. It is the only hotel in Rishikesh which is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga. It has 38 contemporary river-facing rooms.
Address:- 237 Virbhadra Road, Rishikesh 249201 India
5) Hotel Ishan- A Riverside Retreat by Salvus
This Beautiful Hotel is situated near the famous landmark of Rishikesh which is Lakshman Jhula close to the sacred river Ganga. It provides a Beautiful view of the holy river Ganga and Lakshman Jhula Bridge.
Adddress:- Laxman Jhula Road Laxman Chowk, Rishikesh 249192 India
How to Reach Rishikesh
Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads and railway stations but the place does not have any airports. Many pilgrims visit Rishikesh daily for religious purposes as well as for adventure purposes by taking the experience of White Water Rafting and Camping. You can easily travel here by using public transport as well as by driving your own vehicle.
By Air:- Rishikesh is not connected by any airports. The nearest airport from Rishikesh is Jolly Grant airport which is situated in Dehradun which is 39 km from Rishikesh.
By Train:- Rishikesh is well connected by railway station. Rishikesh railways station is the only railway station in Rishikesh. You can easily travel to Rishikesh from Delhi by using Indian railways.
By Road:- Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads from Delhi. There are many regular buses available for traveling to Rishikesh from Delhi and Haridwar. You can also drive your car to travel to Rishikesh.