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 ishikesh is aptly the gateway to the
world of bliss and fulfillment. It has everything in its store that can refresh the most exhausted minds, bodies and soul. Great adventure opportunities in the God blessed land of Himalayas coupled with incomparable spiritually charged atmosphere certainly ranks it among the most exotic destinations of India, if not the world.
Its location in the foothills of Himalayas is its first pulling factor. The mighty Himalayas with all its cool retreats, peaks and glaciers stand reachable from Rishikesh. Rishikesh is the gateway point to popular Hindu pilgrimage spots such as
Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Rishikesh acts as the base to start all adventure expeditions in the virgin Himalayas.
Incomparable natural beauty is its second important asset. With rivers and streams flowing down perennially towards the plains, the region around Rishikesh has breathtaking
jungles and wildlife. The Himalayan ecology is an amazing ecosystem that permits wide variety of flora and fauna to exist in a small area.
 The Rajaji National Park is a superb jungle for a day trip. Elephants, besides other wild animals are found in plenty. Rare herbs and medicinal plants are part of the treasure found in flora of the region which is quite evident by the presence of famous Ayurvedic pharmacies such as Gurukul Kangdi in the region.
The third big reason is Ganga. The holy river Ganga, still in its pure form, brings all its weight and might from the Himalayas to Rishikesh to further spread on the plains.
Rishikesh is its last Himalayan outpost; hence it is still ferocious and energetic. Its rapids
a re challenging, this makes
Rishikesh a popular spot for
river rafting
enthusiasts. Its sandy beaches are ideal camping sites.
Sadhus have always found this location by the Ganga as the most perfect place for their spiritual
pursuits viz.
meditation and Yoga. Since time immortal, Rishikesh has been a place for famous
ashrams and temples. A suspension bridge known as Laxman Jhula
 leads to other side of Ganga- a quiet haven known as
Swargashram. Here temple bells ring in unison at evening prayers and Mother Ganga is worshipped with fire lamps. Mornings begin with long hours of meditation in Ashrams; days go in learning and
preaching. Here, Yoga is considered the way to healthy mind, body and soul; austerity is considered the way to Godliness.
The most important factor is, in-fact, the combination of all the above factors. Beautiful nature with divine Himalayas, holy Ganga, ages old Hindu faith, saints and Ashrams combined into one
is known as Rishikesh- The spiritual abode of the world.
Rishikesh is also known as Yoga capital of the world as it is not uncommon to find sincere tourists staying here in ashrams for months and years practicing yoga and understanding its spiritual relevance.
| QUICK FACTS |
| Getting there |
Rishikesh is well connected by highway with Hardwar and New Delhi. Nearest airport is Dehradun and railway station is Hardwar. |
| Further connections |
Rajaji National Park, Hardwar, Dehradun, Mussourie and all pilgrimage sites of upper Himalayan reaches of Garhwal region (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and many others). |
| Best time to visit |
Salubrious all through the year. Can get very cold at nights during winter months. Bring woolens in winter. |
| Important |
Rishikesh is a religious place. Take care of religious sensitivities while visiting temples and ashrams. Always dress conservatively. River Ganga is very rapid and dangerous near Rishikesh, dont try swimming. Serious yoga sessions at ashrams are possible. Allow several weeks of stay to feel the benefits. |
| TOURS TO RISHIKESH | |
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