Rishikesh
Welcome to Rishikesh
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| Laxman Jhula |
Rishikesh, the name conjures two vivid images – yoga & spirituality and white water rafting. It is no wonder that the place has become a mélange of spirituality seekers - trying to find eternal peace by the Ghats of the sacred Ganges; and adventurers - looking for that adrenalin gush in the rapids of the Ganges.
Rishikesh has always held a scared place for the Hindus as the holy river - the Ganges, worshipped as a Goddess by Hindu devotees - has cleansed it pure by running through its heart. Also, being in the foothills of Himalayas, Rishikesh had always been a favourite haunt for vermilion and ash covered sadhus, chanting mantras or deep in meditation or initiating their Char Dham Yatra (sacred pilgrimage). However, the arrival of the rock band, the Beatles, at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in late 1960s gave this quaint town visibility on the world map; and since then the place has grown into a hub for spirituality and yoga.
In fact, Rishikesh has verve of spirituality to it. The cackle of the Ganges, whispering of trees amidst the toll of the sacred bells with a backdrop of silver peaks of glaciated Himalayas, makes for a breath-taking environment befitting a spiritual experience. Ashrams of yogis, known and unknown, dot the banks of the sacred river and sadhus and yoga students can be found deep in meditation or practicing yoga in this beatific environment.
Then there is Rishikesh for the adventure lovers. Rishikesh, where snow covered mountains form the backdrop as rafts scream down rapids, exuberating thrill and excitement. With 16 rapids each with a name as unique as the experience it offers, white water rafting in the Ganges is an exclusive experience.
Apart from rafting, tourists can enjoy trekking in the Himalayas. These treks can be day trips or longer ones to discover the virgin treasures of nature cradled in the Himalayas. The forests around Rishikesh are home to many exotic birds and animals. Rajaji National Park, a national wildlife conservation park, also attracts many tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of deer, tigers, bears and panthers and exotic birds in their natural habitat.
Today Rishikesh means different things to different people. For the spiritually inclined, it’s the yoga capital of the world, for the adventure lovers it is a rafting paradise, and for the tourists a perfect blend of all - spirituality, adventure, sightseeing and shopping.
Endowed with nature, blessed with spirituality and gushing with adventure, Rishikesh is a place like none other. If you are looking to get up close and personal with Rishikesh, you have come to the right place. And here you will find all the treasures of Rishikesh unfurled.
Rishikesh has always held a scared place for the Hindus as the holy river - the Ganges, worshipped as a Goddess by Hindu devotees - has cleansed it pure by running through its heart. Also, being in the foothills of Himalayas, Rishikesh had always been a favourite haunt for vermilion and ash covered sadhus, chanting mantras or deep in meditation or initiating their Char Dham Yatra (sacred pilgrimage). However, the arrival of the rock band, the Beatles, at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in late 1960s gave this quaint town visibility on the world map; and since then the place has grown into a hub for spirituality and yoga.
In fact, Rishikesh has verve of spirituality to it. The cackle of the Ganges, whispering of trees amidst the toll of the sacred bells with a backdrop of silver peaks of glaciated Himalayas, makes for a breath-taking environment befitting a spiritual experience. Ashrams of yogis, known and unknown, dot the banks of the sacred river and sadhus and yoga students can be found deep in meditation or practicing yoga in this beatific environment.
Then there is Rishikesh for the adventure lovers. Rishikesh, where snow covered mountains form the backdrop as rafts scream down rapids, exuberating thrill and excitement. With 16 rapids each with a name as unique as the experience it offers, white water rafting in the Ganges is an exclusive experience.
Apart from rafting, tourists can enjoy trekking in the Himalayas. These treks can be day trips or longer ones to discover the virgin treasures of nature cradled in the Himalayas. The forests around Rishikesh are home to many exotic birds and animals. Rajaji National Park, a national wildlife conservation park, also attracts many tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of deer, tigers, bears and panthers and exotic birds in their natural habitat.
Today Rishikesh means different things to different people. For the spiritually inclined, it’s the yoga capital of the world, for the adventure lovers it is a rafting paradise, and for the tourists a perfect blend of all - spirituality, adventure, sightseeing and shopping.
Endowed with nature, blessed with spirituality and gushing with adventure, Rishikesh is a place like none other. If you are looking to get up close and personal with Rishikesh, you have come to the right place. And here you will find all the treasures of Rishikesh unfurled.
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