About Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the gateway to the mighty Himalayan range and the starting point for the Char Dham Yatra. According to legend, Lord Rama performed penance here after vanquishing the demon king Ravana. The name Rishikesh literally translates to "master of the senses" — from "Rishik" (senses) and "Esh" (master/god). This is where the sacred Ganga leaves the Shivalik mountains and flows into the plains, making it the perfect setting for spiritual pursuits.
Yoga Capital of the World
Rishikesh has earned its global reputation as the Yoga Capital of the World. The town is dotted with ashrams, hermitages and community prayer homes where ascetics from Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain traditions seek Moksha (salvation). Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram famously hosted The Beatles and other international celebrities including Mike Love, Donovan, and Kate Winslet. Numerous institutions offer traditional Indian yoga, Vedanta philosophy and spiritual sadhana throughout the year.
Spiritual Significance
The Ganga Aarti performed morning and evening is the most celebrated ceremony in Rishikesh. The river waters here are home to one of the world's rarest natural fish species weighing 60–80 kg, protected by law. Rishikesh is also renowned for Ayurveda — the ancient science of natural healing — with numerous clinics and research centres. The banks of the Ganga are lined with ghats named after ascetics who performed tapasya here for decades.
How to Reach Rishikesh
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (15 km from Rishikesh)
- By train: Rishikesh railway station or Haridwar (13 km)
- By bus: Regular services from Delhi (Uttarakhand & Delhi Transport Corporation)
- By taxi: Available from all north Indian cities
Nearby Attractions
- Lakshman Jhula (iconic suspension bridge)
- Shivananda Jhula
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram
- Swargashram
- Geeta Bhavan
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (12 km, 1,700m altitude)
- Tapovan
- Rishi Kund
- Tara Manjil Temple
Char Dham Helicopter Connection
Rishikesh is the traditional starting point of the Char Dham Yatra. With Saffron Chariot, your helicopter journey begins from nearby Dehradun — just 15 km away. Many pilgrims spend a day exploring Rishikesh's ashrams and attending the Ganga Aarti before beginning their Char Dham helicopter pilgrimage.
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