The sanctified town of Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the spectacular Himalayan ranges in Uttarakhand, entices a large number of vacationers and pilgrims from all over the globe. The water of the Ganga River in Rishikesh is believed to be the purest. Hindus also believe that a dip in this sacred water would ward off all a person’s sins.
Here are some of the main activities on offer in Rishikesh.
Yoga- Revivifying the inner self!
For yoga fans, a visit to Rishikesh is right at the top of the wish list. It is regarded as the yoga capital of the world that earned recognition after the Beatles arrived here during the 1960s for research on meditation.
Today, you will find a number of gurus, ashrams, and souvenir shops in Rishikesh. Yoga is not merely a divine offering here, but also a profession. Whether a holiday maker wants to stay in an ashram, search for a guru, or just watch a teacher giving instructions, Rishikesh is the place ot be to rejuvenate the mind and soul. There are many popular Yoga centers in Rishikesh. Some of them are:
- Parmarth Niketan
- Sivananda Ashram
- Omkarananda Ganga Sadan
- Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram
- Sanskriti Yogpeeth
River Rafting- Getting the thrills of Rapids
Rishikesh is a key center for white water rafting in North India. This is an adventure activity which involves riding in a pumped-up rubber raft on torrential waters. The scenic and calm background of Rishikesh add to the enjoyment, and if a holiday maker is with his/her family or friends and wants to camp by the beachside, they can select a comfy adventure camp in Rishikesh from sites like Brahmapuri, Byasi, Shivpuri, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Marine Drive, Kirti Nagar and Kaudiyala.
Must Visit Attractions in Rishikesh
During an adventure trip to Rishikesh one should not miss the numerous tourist attractions here. These attractions add to the unforgettable thrill provided by this bewitching town. Here are some of the major tourist charms that must be visited during the trip to Rishikesh.
• Lakshman Jhula
This is a swing bridge that is made up of steel ropes and was completed in 1939. It is built over the Ganges. Lakshman Jhula is at a height of 150 meters above sea level. Crossing this bridge takes you to Swarg Ashram.
• Ram Jhula
Near Swarg Ashram is one more swinging bridge, Ram Jhula which was constructed a few years after Lakshman Jhula. This bridge is also known as Shivanand Jhula.
• 
Triveni Ghat
This is the place where people take bath in the Ganges. Many tourists just seat on the bank of the river and stare at its magnificence. You can also visit the numerous temples that are in close proximity to the ghat.
• Temple of Bharat
It is an ancient and famous pilgrimage spot of Rishikesh – a temple dedicated to Lord Bharat.
• Swarg Ashram
This holy place is packed with Ashrams and temples with a “divine” atmosphere which soothes the minds of devotees and tourists. There are numerous stores and restaurants in the region where you can shop around and get a taste of the local food.
How to get there
• By Air
The nearest airport to Rishikesh is in Dehradun (Jolly Grant).
• By Rail
Rishikesh Railway Station is well-connected to all major cities like Haridwar, Delhi, Howrah, Lucknow, Mumbai, Dehradun, and Varanasi.
• By Road
Rishikesh is well-linked by road to important cities like Haridwar, Dehardun, Delhi, Srinagar, and Meerut.
More about Zara
Zara is an active travelogue and professional writer. She loves sharing her experiences and rendering information about adventure travel and tourism related topic about India. She is always looking for new cities to add to her "visited" list and happy to make new contacts around the world. Follow Zara in G+ for more information.
