Rishikesh City - Rishikesh city Travel Guide

Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is one of the most pilgrimage centers of India. Rishikesh City is the gateway to the cities that form the Chardham - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The name of the city is taken from Hrishikesh, which was one more name of Lord Vishnu. The sacred river Ganga flows through this state. Rishikesh is to be found on the right bank of River Ganga and bounded on 3 sides by Himalayan ranges. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did self-mortification, God appeared by the name of "Rishikesh" and hence this region was known as by this name.

Rishikesh city is forever well-known for its Yoga centres in the worldwide, people from all over the world congregate in Rishikesh to learn lessons of yoga and meditation in this sacred place. Also this celestial place is filled with beautiful guesthouses, meditation centres, ashramas and dharmashalas.

FAQ for Rishikesh City

Q 01. What is geography of Rishikesh city?

Ans. Rishikesh city is placed at Uttarakhand on the Tehri Garhwal area. Rishikesh city lies on the banks of river Ganga and is bounded by the Himalayas. Rishikesh is located at a height of 356 m above sea level. The geographical position of Rishikesh is 30.7 North Latitude and 78.42 East. It is only 25 kilometers away from Haridwar.

Q 02. Which type of Cuisine in Rishikesh city?

Ans. People of Rishikesh city are strict vegetarians. Non-vegetarian food has been banned in the city from several years. North and south Indian cuisine is broadly offered, and there`s no shortage of multi-cuisine backpacker cafes. There are scrumptious Ayurvedic and health food restaurants that serve quality food.

Q 03. What is demography of Rishikesh city?

Ans. As per the 2001 census, Rishikesh had a population of above 59,671. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. Rishikesh has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Here 80% of the males and 68% of the females are literate.

Q 04. What is Attraction in Rishikesh City?

Ans. Rishikesh city is best to wander and travel around on foot. The flowing water, chime of bell is constantly heard. Triveni bathing ghat is perfect for taking dip in Ganges River and to offer prayers. The twilight prayer is spectacular and adventure lovers can enjoy rafting and trekking opportunities.

Rishikesh city travel guide informs you about the popular places liked by tourists. Some top ashrams include Shivananda Ashram, Yoga Niketan , adventure sports like rafting, camping, trekking and many old and new temples, many yoga and meditation centers.

Q 05. What is Excursions in Rishikesh city?

Rajaji National Park : Rajaji National Park in situated 25 kms far from Rishikesh. The park is extended across the 820 sq. kms. There are 500 elephants, 12 Tigers, 250 Panthers, 400 bird species and so many animals found here. Jungle safari is also organized at the park. Best place if you are interested wildlife. During monsoon it is closed.

Vashistha Cave : Vashistha cave or Vasistha cave is beautiful cave 25 kms far from Rishikesh. Vasistha was a sage and Guru of Lord Ram. Vasistha meditated here for a long period. Small Shivlinga is also located inside the cave. Cave has very peaceful atmosphere. Not So much tourist visits here so you can easily spend some time inside the cave for meditation.

Kunjapuri Devi Temple Trek : Kunjapuri is a temple of Goddess Durga near Narendranagar (26 kms far from Rishikesh. The temple has amazing view of the snow clad Himalayan peaks. This temple is located at 1640 meter height. To reach temple you have to walk more than 350 steps. The temple is very famous among the local people.

Tribal Tour in Rishikesh (Village Tour) : Tribal tour can be done near Rajaji National Park or in Garhwal/Kumaoun villages. At Rajaji National park you can meet Gurjar Tribe which lives in their dera in small groups. This place is around 50 kms far from Rishikesh. Lunch with Gurjars at their home or Jungle visit with this tribal people can be booked in advance. Best option to know how people in remote area spend their lives. Village stay or home stay in Garhwal or Kumaoun region is also another option.

Neer Garh Waterfall (Neer Gaddu Waterfall) : Neer Garh Waterfall is also known as Neer Gaddu waterfall. This waterfall is located 3.5 kms jungle trek from Laksman Jhula. Amazing place inside the jungle if you want to spend a time with nature and just yourself. Wonderful option for half day tour.

Jhilmil Gufa (Jhilmil Cave) : Jhilmil is cave near Nilkanth Temple. Jhilmil gufa is situated 06 kms far from Nilkanth Mahadev Temple. The place is visited by only few people. The whole 02 kms trekking is inside the Jungle. At cave you can meet monks who takes care of the cave.

Haridwar : Haridwar is city near Rishikesh which is 35 kms far from Rishikesh. Minimum full day is required to visit the city properly. Haridwar Ganges ceremony (Ganga Aarti) at Har Ki Pauri is very famous in all over India. Some other splaces are Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple. Haridwar is one of the holiest places of Hinduism where more than 15 lakh people visit every year to take a holy bath in River Ganges.

Mussoorie : Mussoorie is hill station which is 80 kms far from Rishikesh and located at 6580 feet above from sea level. Gun Hill, Kempty fall, Company garden, landour and Lal tibba are places that you can visit. This hill town can give you tremendous views of snow clad Himalayas. Mussoorie is well known as queen of hills.

Devprayag : Devprayag is ancient town located at 75 kms far from Rishikesh. Devprayag is confluence of River Alaknanda and River Bhagirathi. After this confluence the river is known as River Ganges (Ganga). Ancient temple of Lord Ram is also famous here. The whole route (from Rishikesh to Devprayag) is hilly area and have very beautiful sceneries.

Other Places to see near Rishikesh: Dehradun, Dhanaulti, Kanatal, Chamba, Chakrata, Landown, Tehri Dam, Devoprayag, Auli, Nainital, Corbett, Ranikhet, Kausani, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Hemkund Sahib and Valley of flowers.

Q 06. How many Yoga Ashram In Rishikesh city?

Ans.There is many types of ashram as per below:

Kailash Ashram : Kailash Ashram was started by Swami Danaraj Giri Ji Maharaj in 1880. This Ashram is well known for teachings of Hindu Philosophy Specially Advaita Vedanta in traditional way (In Hindi Language only).The Ashram is well known for their famous lecturers which are eminent in the field of teaching Hindu philosophy. There are limited rooms only for students & devotees only.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram : Parmarth Niketan Ashram is situated at the Swarg Ashram area. This ashram is started by Swami Shikdevanand Ji. The Ashram is one of the only few Ashram where still children can get Vedic education (Gurukul). Ashram is near the river Ganga & has very spiritual atmosphere. Various everyday activities are organized here. Parmarth Ashram is host for the International Yoga Festival every year. One of the most popular Ashram for yoga among the beginners. Everyday yoga classes are organized twice a day except weekends. Meditation classes are also available. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is located at Swarg Ashram area.

Sivananda Ashram : Sivananda Ashram is located near Ram Jhula. Swami Sivananda stayed here for more than 03 decades & had started this Ashram. Organization is also known as Devine Life Society. Swami Sivananda was physician in early life. He came to Rishikesh at the age of 37 years & started this ashram in small cowshed. Sivananda Ashram (Devine life society) has also everyday yoga classes except Sunday. Ashram has separate timings for men & women. Morning classes are for men & evening classes are for women. Reservation is required for classes. Two month courses are also available. Meditation Classes & Pranayam classes are also available. Sivananda Ashram is located near Ram Jhula. Ashram is specialized in Iyenger Yoga.

Dayananda Ashram : Dayananda Ashram is situated at the bank of the river Ganga. This Ashram is famous for studies of Vedanta & Sanskrit. Dayananda Ashram in unique in way of teaching because their classes are conducted in English language. Ashram was established in 1960 by Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Sadhana Mandir Ashram: Sandhana Mandir was established by Swami Rama in 1966. The Ashram is focused on meditation. Ashram is located near River Ganges in peaceful atmosphere away from the main city. Ashram has various activities related to meditation, Art of Living & other spiritual activities.

Beatles Ashram : The Beatles stayed at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram in Rishikesh. The Ashram is also known as Beatles Ashram. Ashram is closed now & under the forest Department. Still the buildings are there. Sri Ravishankar Ashram: Sri Ravishankar Ashram is located near the Dayananda Ashram. Ashram belongs to Sri Ravishankar well known for his Art of living foundation.

Omkarananda Ashram : Omkarnanda Ashram is founded by Swami Omkarnanda Saraswati. The Ashram is conducting many activities such as spiritual, educational & yoga & cultural activities. Ashram has also temples of Kamakshi Devi & Mahakala Bhairava. The Ashram is located in Sivananda Nagar (Muni Ki Reti).

Nirmal Ashram : Nirmal Ashram is located at Mayakund near Triveni Ghat. Nirmal Ashram is famous for its various services for society. Nirmal Ashram Hospital, Nirmal Ashram Eye Hospital & Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute is part of this Ashram.

Madhuban Ashram : This ashram is located at Muni ki Reti. The Ashram follows well known Iscon tradition (Vaishnav). Madhuban has very beautiful Lord Krishna Temple. Guest house is also there for stay. Annual Rath Yatra is also organized every year.

Aurovalley Ashram : Aurovalley Ashram is located is just 15 kms far from Rishikesh at Raiwala town. The Ashram has beautiful world temple. The Ashram is conducting various activities. Aurovalley school is also here for local children. People can stay here and participate in various activities (Karma Yoga).

Yog Niketan Ashram : Yog Niketan Ashram provides yoga classes during October to February. Classes are generally once in a day in morning time except weekends. Meditation Classes & Pranayam classes are also available. Yog Niketan Ashram is located near Ram Jhula.

Omkarananda Ganga Sadan Ashram : Omkarnanda Ashram is located near Muni ki Reti taxi stand. Omkarananda Ashram has Iyenger style yoga classes at their Patanjali Yoga Kendra. There are regular yoga classes at their center as per their schedule. The Ashram has their own ghat at River Ganges.

Phool Chatti Ashram : Phool Chatti Yoga Ashram is located 05 kms far from Lakshman Jhula. Yoga classes are organized in spring & autumn season. For yoga classes you must have to stay at Ashram. Phool Chatti Ashram teaches not just yoga asanas but also Ashram life. The Ashram is located near the River & has very beautiful surroundings.

Anand Prakash Ashram : Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram is located at Tapovan area (Near Lakshman Jhula). Classes are organized everyday except weekend. Ashram has special Akhanda Yoga. Ashram was founded by Yogrishi Vishvketu in 2007.

Mahatma Yoga Ashram : Mahatma Yoga Ashram is located at Lakshman Jhula. Mahatma Yoga Ashram has every day yoga classes twice a day. Mahatma Yoga Ashram is small compare to other Ashram but has yoga classes as well as meditation classes, Ayurveda Massage, Panch karma & Reiki.

Sri Ved Niketan Ashram : Sri Ved Niketan Ashram is located near Ram Jhula at Swarg Ashram area. Regular classes are organized twice a day. Ashram is just on the way from Ram Jhula to Lakshman Jhula. Meditation & Pranayam classes are also available.

Sri Sant Seva Ashram : Sri Sant Seva Ashram is located near Lakshman Jhula. This is more guest house than Ashram. Rooms are budget category. Yoga classes are as per ashram schedule.

Other Yoga Ashrams in Rishikesh : Himalayan Yoga Ashram, Swami Dayananda Ashram, Vithal Ashram, Bharat Hermitage Ashram, Sri Swami Balyogi Premvarni Ashram, Swami Ram Sadhaka Grama Ashram, Yogahut Tapovan Ashram & Kriya Yoga Ashram.

Yoga Centers in Rishikesh : Being Yoga capital of the world Rishikesh is full of various yoga centers. Local people and tourists join these centers to learn & practice yoga. Some people also take course of Yoga Teachers Training. This course helps them to become yoga teacher & later they can teach other students. Some centers also provide accommodation & meals with the course. Please check below information.

The Yoga Study Centre : The Yoga Study Centre is very famous. Yoga is conducted in Iyangar style. Students are mix of local and foreign. The teachers here are very strict for classes. The centre is closed from mid-December to mid-January and for March, May and June.

Other Ashrams in Rishikesh : Van Prastha Ashram, Sadhan Sangha Ashram, Hari Har Kailash Gyan Peeth Ashram , Bankhandi Ashram, Bhagwan Ashram, Shri Swami Narayan Ashram, Mastnath Ashram, Bharat Milap Ashram, Kripalu Yoga Ashram, Sachha Dham Ashram, Phool Chatti Ashram, Om Anand Swami Ashram, Vedanta Ashram, Bhagwan Giri Ashram.

Q 07. Which type of Music schools & classes in Rishikesh city?

Please find the below music schools & classes in Rishikesh:

Vina Maharaj Music School : Vina Maharaj Music School is situated near Ram Jhula. In the Vina Maharaja Music School concert on music is arranged on every day at late evening before dinner. Different participants play various Indian classical instruments as well as one can have opportunity to listen singers. The Vina Maharaj School of Music is well known for its expertise in the instruments such as Sitar (Plucked string instrument), Harmonium, Shehnai or Bansuri (Flute) & Tabla (Drums) institution. Bhuwan Chandra Prasad is managing the Vina Maharaj school. Bhuwan Prasad is well known for his sitar playing in India & abroad.

Mukeshji's Jungle Vibes : Mukesh Dhiman is artist who makes musical instruments. His workshop is known as Jungle Vibes or simply Mukesh's Jungle Vibes. Mukeshji's Jungle Vibes means Jungle vibes of Mukesh. Mukesh is well known for making Australian Didgeridoo (One of the oldest musical instrument in the world) & African Djembe. The Didgeridoo is a wind instrument which was made by the aboriginals of Australia. The sound of Didgeridoo is known as traditional sound of Australia. Some people says Jungle Vibes "Mini Australia in Rishikesh." Mukesh also trains people for this. Some people know this hand made musical instrument is "Himalayan Didgeridoo." The Djembe is the type of drum of the Mandinka tribe of Africa, and its origins date back to the Mali Empire in the 12th century. The place is located at Shisham Jhari.

Festivals in Rishikesh : International Yoga Festival: International Yoga Festival is organized in Rishikesh every year during February or March since 1999. International yoga festival is generally week long festival. In 2013 International Yoga Festival was organized during 1st March to 07th March 2013 at Parmarth Niketan. International Yoga Festival provides opportunity to learn 60 hours of yoga classes from world famous yoga teachers. Registration is required for the festival. International Yoga Festival also provides opportunity for discussion with the teachers on multiple type of yoga.

Holi : Holi is famous festival in all over India especially in North India. Holi is festival of color. Holi festival celebrated in Fagun month as per Hindu calendar & generally it comes in Feb - March. Holi is celebrated with colors. People put colors on each other. Holi is amazing festival with lots of fun.

Diwali : Diwali is major festival in Rsihikesh similar to all over India especially in Hindu people of north region. During Diwali festival Rishikesh is totally decorated with various lights, earthen lamps, Rangoli & other things. People greet each other & share sweets with each other.

Other Festivals in Rishikesh : Vasant Panchami & International Yoga & Music Festival.

Q 08. How many ghats in Rishikesh?

Ans. Ghat is structure of steps where people generally take a holy bath or sit near the river. Rishikesh has so many ghats. Triveni Ghat is one of the most popular ghat in Rishikesh.

National Parks near Rishikesh : Rajaji National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers, Nandadevi National Park, Gangotri National Park & Govind National Park.

Wildlife Centauries near Rishikesh : Kedarnath wildlife centaury (Kedarnath), Vinog mountain quail sanctuary (Dehradun), Govind wildlife centaury (Uttarkashi), Malan wildlife centaury (Pauri Garhwal), Sonanadi wildlife centaury (Garhwal), Ascot wildlife centaury (Pithoragarh) & Binsar wildlife centaury (Binsar).

Research Institutes near Rishikesh : (A) Forest Reserch Institute Dehradun (B) Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd, Rishikesh (C) Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi (D) Higher Altitude Plant physiology Research Center, Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal (E) Central Building Research Institute, Roorki (F) Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun (G) Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun (H) Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, (ARIES) Nainital. (I) G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Almora (J) Bedupako Institute of Himalayan Arts and Folk Music, Manan, Almora (K) Herbal Research & Development Institute & Gopeshwar.

Q 09. Which Mountains is near Rishikesh city?

Ans. Please find the below mountains in Rishikesh:

Gauri Parvat (25443 feet), Nar Narayan (20380 feet), Chaukhamba (20000 feet), Nanda Devi (25660 feet), Nandakot (23144 feet), Doonagiri (23144 feet), Trishuli (23406 feet), Tungnath (12071 feet), Bandarpoonchh (20731 feet), Yamunotri (20938 feet), Srikanth (20140 feet), Satopanth (23660 feet), Swargarohini (20295 feet), Gandhmadan (22840 feet), Badrinath (20380 feet), Kedarnath (11759 feet) & Gomukh (13200 feet).

Q 10. Which lakes are available near Rishikesh city?

Ans. Many lakes in near Rishikesh:

Deoria Tal (Ukhimath), Vasukital (Kedarnath), Satopanth (Badrinath), Roopkund (Bedni Bugyal), Vishnutal (Badrinath), Benital (Adi Badri), Sukhtal (Ghat), Jhaltal (Ghat), Chaurabadi Tal (Kedarnath), Birahi Tal (Birahi Ganges), Bhenkal Tal (Badhan), Masartal (Tehri), Sahastratal (Tehri), Aachharital (Valley of flowers), Lingtal (Valley of flowers), Yamtal (Tehri), Dodital (Gangotri), Nachiketatal (Dhanari), Kanatal (Gangotri), Dugdhtal (Dudhatoli), Rispanatal (Rispana), Kansarotal (Raiwala), Chandbadital (Dehradun), Manibhadra (Birahi), Bindulake (Bindumati River), Divya Sarover (Bilva Mountain), Nainital (Nainital), Bhimtal (Nainital), Naukuchiatal (Nainital), Sattal (Nainital), Khurpatal (Nainital), Shymalatal (Champavat), Sartal (Uttarkashi), Kedartal (Uttarkashi) & Hemkund (Chamoli).

Q 11. Which Bugyals (Alpine Meadows) are available near Rishikesh City?

Ans. Please check the bugyals near Rishikesh:

Bedni Bugyal (Roop Kund), Dayara Bugyal (Uttarkashi), Nandadevi National Park Bugyal, Valley of Flowers, Sarson Patal Bugyal, Lata Kharak bugyal, Belta Kharak Bugyal, Panwali & Kush-Kalyani, Munsiyari Bugyal, Chhati Bugyal, Rikhade Bugyal, Jiolingkong Bugyal, Chaudas Bugyal, Dayara Bugyal, Baun, Panwali Bugyals, Tali Bugyals, Ali Bugyal, Chhiplakot Bugyal, Byans Bugyal, Darma Bugyal & Har ki doon Bugyal.

Q 12. Which Caves are available near Rishikesh city?

Vasistha Cave (Shivpuri), Roberts Cave (Dehradun), Vyas Cave (Badrinath), Ganesh Cave (Badrinath), Skand Cave (Badrinath), Muchkund Cave (Badrinath), Ram Cave (Badrinath), Gorakhnath Cave (Srinagar), Smar Cave (Pithoragarh), Sumeru Cave (Pithoragarh), Bharat Cave (Girsa), Hanuman Cave (Girsa), Shankar Cave (Deoprayag), Bhim Cave (Kedarnath), Brahma Cave(Kedarnath), Swadham Cave(Pithoragarh), Pandukholi Cave (Almora) & Pandukeshwar Cave.

Q 12. How many Waterfalls are available near Rishikesh city?

Neergaddu waterfall (Rishikesh), Garudchatti waterfall (Rishikesh), Nilkanth waterfall (Rishikesh), Sahastradhara (Dehradun), Kemptyfall (Mussoorie), Tiger fall (Chakrata), Vasundhara fall (Chamoli) & Munsyari fall (Pithoragarh).

Q 13. How to Reach Rishikesh city?

Rishikesh By Air : The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun (Capital of Uttarakhand).

Rishikesh By Rail : Rishikesh is well-linked by railway network to the major cities of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and North India.

Rishikesh By Road : Rishikesh is conveniently connected by roads to the major cities of Uttarakhand and neighboring states. It is connected with cities like Haridwar, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Jodhimath, Delhi, etc.