Rishikesh is the city of foreigners in saffron ‘Hare Ram Hare Krishna’ kurta, mantra enchanting sadhus, blaring loud speakers and the three wheeler traffic, a city where faint strains of the shastriya sangeet blends with the bells of the temples. Tour to Rishikesh is the unique package for the mind and body. It is one such city where the religious traditions happily exists with the modern adventure sports. On one hand it offers you the profound eternal experience; while on the other hand tempts you to raft in Ganga, one of the most beautiful rivers of India.
Rishikesh is the international capital of Yoga and Meditation. This holy town is located 25 km upstream from Haridwar at the confluence of Chandrabagha and Ganga rivers, in the lap of the lower Garhwal hills. It is dotted with numerous temples and ashrams that make it an ideal destination to spend time in peace. It is also the wonderful for the adventure lovers. Tourists from far and wide come here to shop for the best of rafting deals in the swift swirling water of the Ganges as it gushes past the spectacular mountains.
As you drive to Rishikesh the first thing that you come across is the impressive Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge swaying above the swirling Ganga waters. Ram Jhula connects with the Swargashram on the west and Shivanand Ashram on the east and hence gets its name Shivanand Jhula. Another major attraction of the town is the Laxman Jhula, another suspension bridge, which is quite similar to the Ram Jhula. Laxman Jhula is studded with glaring bazaars and crowded cafes. The city of Rishikesh offers you the great temple tour of the some of the most ancient temples of India. Visit the Bharat Mandir located near the Triveni Ghat where the Lord Ram’s second Brother Bharat was immortalized. It is oldest temple in Rishikesh. You may lot of pilgrims taking the holy dip in the ganga at this ghat as it is believed that the waters here have the soul purifying powers.
Then there is a famous Neelkanth Mahadev temple, located on the eastern bank of Ganga. According to legends Lord Shiva here saved the world by holding poison churned from the sea by the gods and demons in his throat. The trip to the Rishikesh bewitch you with its large peg of shivering fun and adventure along with the touch of spiritualism and peaceness.