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Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/rishikesh page 1

since, well, time immemorial. It is also Lakshman , the famous 450-foot long important as the gateway to the Garhwal suspension bridge, was built in 1939. It is Rishikesh mountains and holy spots in them like the said that Lord Ram’s brother Lakshman A paradise for adventure sports source of the Ganga, the and crossed the Ganga on a jute rope from here. shrines and more. And now, The Lakshman and Raghunath temples are enthusiasts and devotees alike, Rishikesh is also the “ capital of the here. This part of town is better known for Rishikesh is one of the most Famous For : Weekend GetawaysCity world”, as Tourism would have its busy bazaars and cafés. The new 13- famous vacation spots in . The it.  storey Trimbakeshwar Mandir near the place emerged as the World capital Located in the foothills of the majestic has many shrines, of Yoga when paid a , Rishikesh is settled in the Rishikesh stands on both banks of the chambers that house religious and Vedic visit to the of Maharishi picturesque state of Uttarakhand. Just 225 Ganga. There is free access to the texts and jewellery and gems shops. Nearby kms from New , Rishikesh is perfect for Mahesh Yogi. unpolluted waters and the water is the Swarg Niwas Mandir, a 12-storey a weekend trip where you can indulge temperature is just perfect most of the year. temple with various idols of Hindu gods and yourself in a variety of adventure sports like The undercurrents of spirituality are as goddesses on its many floors.  rafting, hiking, bungee jumping etc. Besides, steady here as the flow of the mighty Ganga. Raja Ji National Park is just 16 kms away But do take care, every year people drown Just 2 km ahead downstream from which attracts the wildlife fans too. The in the river and in the fraudulent schemes of Lakshman Jhula, at Muni-ki-Reti, is another famous Laxman Jhula and the gigantic pretend spiritualists. The best way to go suspension bridge, built later. This is Ram statue of meditating in the , around is on foot as the town is hilly and Jhula (also called Shivanand Jhula) attract millions of devotees every year. consists of narrow lanes. surrounded by a cluster of on both sides. It connects Sivananda Ashram on the Rishikesh has become a favourite To cross the river take a motor ferry from east bank and Swargashram on the west. destination for not only peace seekers but the narrow iron suspension bridge known Swargashram is a bustling spiritual hub with adventurous backpackers alike through as , which is near the many ashrams, temples, bazaars and ghats. white water rafting with beach camping on Swargashram area, or walk across either the silver clean beaches of the Ganges, Ram Jhula or Lakshman Jhula, which is 2 km While it has been a centuries-old tradition bungee jump, zip line tour and more. Head upstream. Noisy tempos (locally to worship the river in the morning and to this beautiful located in the foothills called Vikrams) are affordable evening in small private ceremonies, the of the Himalayas where a new world of contraptions. Autos and Vikrams are Ashram in Rishikesh has adventure and spirituality awaits.  available on the main road, also on the road converted the evening aarti ritual to a to Badrinath. Autorickshaw drivers will take spectacular show. It is alternatively called you temple sightseeing, covering the major touristy and hypnotic but don’t miss it. The

This Pdf and its contents are copyright © temples in 3-4 hrs. diyas floating on the Ganga in the dark are 2013,ixigo.com, all rights reserved. ixigo logo, the character and all other marks displayed herein are registered and/or common law trademarks of a sight to behold. If you are staying in ixigo.com and/or third parties. an ashram, then it probably has its own Rishikesh has been an abode of ascetics timings for the aarti. Rishikesh Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/rishikesh page 2

Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen, umbrella. It is believed that the confluence of Ganga, VISIT Max: Min: Rain: 617.5mm and Saraswati took place here. This 31.10000038 23.60000038 1469727°C 1469727°C ghat is large and clean, Many ashrams in Rishikesh offer short and long- Aug term courses in yoga. Some of the most http://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-rishikesh-lp-1138022 Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen, umbrella. respected names are the Sivananda Ashram, Max: Min: Rain: Omkarananda Patanjala Yoga Kendra, Jan 30.39999961 23.10000038 613.700012207031 8530273°C 1469727°C 2mm Parmarth Niketan and Yoga Niketan Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. Ashram.  Max: Min: Rain: Sep 20.20000076 6.800000190 43.5999984741210 Mayakund, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 2939453°C 734863°C 94mm Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen, umbrella. 249201, India It is advisable to join a well-known ashram Feb Max: Min: Rain: or a place recommended by someone, for 30.29999923 21.29999923 242.300003051757 After sunset, the famous Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen, 7060547°C 7060547°C 8mm yoga or meditation classes mushroom all umbrella. Ganga Aarti takes place at the Triveni Ghat , over town. Reiki, Ayurvedic massage, crystal Max: Min: Rain: Oct which sees the whole stretch of Triveni Ghat 22.79999923 9.399999618 56.2999992370605 healing and other attractions for Western 7060547°C 530273°C 5mm Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen. come alive.  Hundreds of leafed tourists are on offer everywhere. An annual Max: Min: Rain: lamps float down the stream as divinity Mar 29.10000038 16.60000038 41.4000015258789 International Yoga Festival (March 1-7; 1469727°C 1469727°C 06mm becomes the very air. You can buy these Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. international yogafestival.com) is organised dias from the nearby stalls and be a part of Max: Min: Rain: Nov jointly by Uttarakhand Tourism and 27.39999961 13.10000038 44.4000015258789 the beautiful custom. It is believed that the 8530273°C 1469727°C 06mm Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Max: Min: Rain: aarti transports the devotee to a different Apr 25.79999923 11.69999980 6.30000019073486 world altogether. The oil lamps floating on 7060547°C 9265137°C 3mm The one thing most people carry back with Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen. the Ganga in the dark are a sight to behold. them from Rishikesh is the holy water of the Max: Min: Rain: Dec 32.79999923 17.60000038 33.2000007629394 Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. Ganga. Plastic bottles for carrying Gangajal 706055°C 1469727°C 5mm 2 Laxman Jhula Market Max: Min: Rain: are sold on all the major ghats. The narrow May 22.29999923 7.900000095 7.59999990463256 7060547°C 367432°C 8mm lanes of the town are lined with shops Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen, selling gems, precious and semi-precious umbrella. stones, puja items, and religious music CDs. Max: 35.5°C Min: Rain: 21.29999923 59.7000007629394 What To 7060547°C 5mm Jun Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen, SEE umbrella. 5 Sights When To Max: Min: Rain: 34.29999923 23.20000076 209.899993896484 http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-rishikesh-lp-1138022 706055°C 2939453°C 38mm Jul 1 Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat Laxman Jhoola, Rishikesh, Rishikesh Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/rishikesh page 3

from where Laxmana crossed the river on one of the most thrilling as well as scenic of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati took place Uttarakhand 249302, India ropes in the days of Hindu epic Ramayana. rides in the region. The temple is said to be here. It is also a spot for the pilgrims who Lakshman Jhula Market is one of the most Perched atop it, you will be nothing less built after a great mythological episode visit Rishikesh to take a holy dip in its water. popular markets in Rishikesh. The small than amazed by the scenic view of the area when Lord Shiva drank the venom that This ghat is large and clean, and has shops and stalls attract every kind of all around. And yes, you might swoon over came from the ocean during ‘Samudra separate changing rooms for women. traveller’s attention with their items such as in delight or a trance as you look down the Manthan’. rudrakshas, idols of Gods, local jewellery bridge, into the swirling greens of the Ganga After sunset, the famous Ganga Maha Aarti and wooden items. Those who are inclined below. This caused Lord Shiva’s throat to turn blue takes place at around 6 PM, which sees the to rejuvenate themselves by following the and thus, the name Neelkanth. This holy whole ghat come alive with divinity and healthy way of living can find all kinds of 4 shrine of the Neelkanth Mahadev is now religious fervour. Hundreds of leafed lamps ayurvedic medicines and oils at this market. visited by tourists throughout the year, float down the stream as divinity becomes For those who love trinkets and other silver particularly during the festival of Maha the very air. You can buy these diyas from and brass accessories to go with their Shivratri. Situated at 5,500 ft, this the nearby stalls and be a part of the trendy clothes, this market is the place to temple attracts many Shiva devotees. The beautiful custom. It is believed that a dip at be! legend goes that when the demons and Triveni Ghat can relieve one from the sins gods churned the ocean in their quest for and help them attain salvation. A gigantic 3 Lakshman Jhula the nectar of immortality, it was here that idol of Lord Shiva stands tall here, and is a Shiva drank the poison that surfaced and sight to watch for in the monsoons when it held it in his throat, which turned blue. is almost half-submerged in the water.

5 Triveni Ghat It is believed that the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati took place here. This ghat is large and clean, and has separate changing rooms for women. Nearby is the Rishikund or sages’ pond. This is said to have been a havan kund where the holy men performed fire rituals in ancient times. 12 KM From Rishikesh, Laxman Jhula Road, Rishikesh, There is also a Shani Mandir here. Garhwal, Kotdwara, Uttarakhand Uttarakhand 249201, India 249304, India The most famous attraction at Rishikesh, The  Lakshman Jhula is a landmark suspension Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in bridge. Built in 1939, it has become Rishikesh is ancient and situated at an synonymous with the town itself. Joining the Laxman Jhula, Mayakund, Rishikesh, altitude of 1675 m on a hill above the Swarg Where To banks of the majestic river Ganga, it sways Uttarakhand, 249201, India Ashram, which overlooks the Nar Narayan with strong winds, and often vibrates with mountain ranges. The drive to the temple is Triveni Ghat is believed that the confluence the passage of vehicles across it. Legends Eat have it that the bridge stands at the place Rishikesh Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/rishikesh page 4

5 Places comprehensive menu that's mostly Ganga Vatika, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand , Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, vegetarian, it's one of the best places for a http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-rishikesh-lp-1138022 249137, India 249192, India quick bite. 1 Freedom Ganga Cafe +91-9634126644 +91-135-2442337 4 Ganga Beach Restaurant Located a few hundred metres west of the This eating joint is a hub for amazing Shivanand Jhula Bridge, Ayurvedic food and teas. And yes, that’s not Mukti's Health Food is a much loved food the end of it. You can also go in for cooking joint, especially for its delectable and fresh and yoga classes. Most of the dishes here organic, health food. The specialities include are made with organic and home grown home made green pasta and Indonesian grains and vegetables. It also sells natural Gado-Gado. You just can't miss out on the incense sticks, neti pots along with yoga homemade frozen yoghurt, apple pie or mats and other similar items. If you like the chocolate cake for dessert. way they treat you, you can also enquire about staying at this beautiful getaway from Near Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh, 3 Tulsi Restaurant the city’s hustle bustle. Uttarakhand 249302, India

Want to enjoy a cup of nice coffee along Shesdhara, , Laxman Jhula with the best pasta in town? If yes, then Road, Rishikesh, Uttrakhand, 249201, India Freedom Ganga Cafe is just the place to be at. Walk in here to hang out with friends +91-135-2442018 after a long day of sightseeing and enjoy the possibly best continental dishes in . Ganga Beach Restaurant (part of the Ganga And for the ones in love with the traditional Beach Resort) is one of the best places to north Indian fare, there's the crispiest of get amazing food at unbelievably low prices. 'paranthas' that comes with a variety of To add to the charm, the spacious terrace stuffing options, including cheese and more. and cushioned chill-out area at this restaurant make it a hit with the tourists. 2 Mukti's Health Food Near Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, People come here asking for wood-fired Uttarakhand, 249304, India pizzas, burritos, crepes and the ice-cold A cosy, pub-like ambience makes Tulsi lassi. Plus, there's the uninterrupted view of Restaurant one of the best places to the swiftly flowing Ganga from the hangout and treat yourself. Dimly lit, it has restaurant. Apart from the snacks, there's interiors with an old world feel, more so, the usually North Indian cuisine as well. with the bamboo lined interiors that it has. Gorging on multi cuisine specialities here, 5 The Welcome Center you can see a lot of westerners coming in. A Rishikesh Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/rishikesh page 5

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See A: Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat B: Laxman Jhula Market C: Lakshman Jhula D: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple E: Triveni Ghat Accommodation F: The Camp 5 Elements G: Splendid Aloha on Ganga H: The Holiday Home I: The Camp 5 Elements J: Splendid Aloha on Ganga K: The Holiday Home L: The Camp 5 Elements M: Splendid Aloha on Ganga N: The Holiday Home Food O: Freedom Ganga Cafe P: Mukti's Health Food Q: Tulsi Restaurant R: Ganga Beach Restaurant S: The Welcome Center