Rishikesh, a most tranquil place in
northern Uttar Pradesh, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and
sluggish Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World'.
Back in the 1960s Rishikesh gained instant fame as the site where The
Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It is an
excellent place to meditate and study yoga.
Rishikesh is also a
good starting point for treks to Himalayan pilgrimage centres such as
Badrinath, Kedarnath , Gangotri, Yamnotri.It is rightly called the gateway
to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Situated 24 km upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga
and Ganga, Rishikesh has long been a spiritual centre. It is said that the
sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance here and as a reward, God appeared to
him in the form of Hrishikesh, hence the name.
Rishikesh has
numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized as centers of
philosophical studies, yoga and meditation. An international yoga week is
organized here every year by U.P. Tourism between 2nd and 7th of February.
For the adventurous, there are opportunities for white water rafting on the
Ganga. The climate here is continental type but its location in the foot
hills gives it a pleasant weather throughout the year. One can visit
Rishikesh any time of the year.
The town of Rishikesh lies in the foothills of the Garhwal region. It is the
gateway to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point for pilgrim
routes to the four dhams of Uttarakhand-Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and
Yamunotri. The Ganga flows through the town and is worshipped here. After
this it descends to the plains at Haridwar.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. The River side is dotted by the ashrams of Sadhus and
sages.
The sacred river Ganga flows through Rishikesh. In fact, it
is here that the river leaves the Shivalik mountains Himalayas, and flows
out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as
new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. The city
attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as
well as from other countries. Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "the
world-capital of Yoga", has several yoga centres that also attract
tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to
attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it.
It is also becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both
from India and abroad, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of
river Ganges.