Tour of India - Rishikesh

Tour Of India

Rishikesh

238 km from Delhi, Rishikesh is 25 km up the Ganges from Haridwar and is situated at an altitude of 1160 ft. 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 theRamayana, but also as home for many important canters of Hindu religious thought and spirituality, and as a very great 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 revering sports, a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas. Rishikesh is an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for those who want to delve deeper into meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the adventurous, Rishikesh is the place for starting their trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks. The International Yoga week, which attracts participation from all across the world, is held here every year from 2nd to 7th Feb on the bank of Ganga River.

Lakshman Jhoola A suspension bridge across Ganga situated 5kms.from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath. Originally, there was a hanging jute (rope) bridge till 1889. This was rebuilt with iron ropes. It is believed that Ram's brother Lakshman crossed the river here on a jute rope. On the west bank, there is a Lakshman templealso. This bridge is the main way for people going up the hills and down to theGita Bhavan and Swarg Ashram. Ram Jhoola A suspension bridge between the Shivanand Ashram and the Swargashram. It provides an alternative to a boat ride from one bank of Ganga to another. Its construction is similar to that of the Lakshman Jhoola. Thank you.... Love Aggarwal