Lakshman Jhula
Between the villages of Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district is the well-known hanging bridge known as the Lakshman Jhula. Sadly, due to the risk to the safety and security, it has been permanently closed. Near Lakshman Jhula, a new glass bridge will be built. Nevertheless, it is still utilised by pedestrians; however, bicycles are absolutely prohibited. The over 450-foot-long iron bridge is suspended nearly 70 feet above the river, and it is composed of iron. Since its creation, Lakshman Jhula has been a major tourist destination thanks to its incredible ties to Hindu mythology. The location of the bridge is thought to be the same spot where Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman crossed the Ganges river. In 1929, the bridge was made accessible to the public.
Rafting in Rishikesh
Given that it is one of the most well-liked locations in all of India for this activity, adventurers refer to Rishikesh as the “country of river rafting.” So if you’re thinking of visiting Rishikesh, don’t forget to include this heart-pounding activity of rafting across the choppy River Ganga. You will also get a chance to experience the unadulterated splendour of the Himalayan foothills as your raft floats down the fast river. There are highly specialised camping and rafting packages available in Rishikesh, as well as a few authorized operators with excellent safety precautions. In the summer, is quite congested. Three distinct river segments, with lengths ranging from 9 km to 26 km, are available for rafting.
Ram Jhula
A well-known landmark in the city of Rishikesh is Ram Jhula. An iron suspension bridge crosses the revered Ganges. Ram Jhula measures 450 feet in length.
Additionally, it provides a panoramic view of the Ganges River and the several temples in Rishikesh. Cycles can be used by people to cross the bridge. The side of the bridge is lined by a number of revered ashrams, Hindu temples, and other religious buildings. These ashrams, with their serenity, friendliness, and religiosity, embody the true spirit of Rishikesh. It was built by the PWD in the year 1986. Sivananda Nagar in Muni Ki Reti, in the Tehri Garhwal district, in the west, and Swargashram in the Pauri Garhwal district, in the east, are connected by a bridge.
Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh
The most sacred and auspicious ritual, Ganga Aarti, is done in the evening at sunset on the ghats of Rishikesh. performed at Triveni Ghat and Parmath Niketan Ghat. The riverbed is illuminated by delicate floating diyas, and hawan smoke is seen drifting in the sky. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to listen to the temple bells chime, chant mantras, and take in the atmosphere. Vedic priests—basically, students who are studying the Vedas—perform it. The pandits in saffron carry big bowls of fire that circle endlessly in front of the river bank as they offer prayers to Agni, the God of Fire. Everyday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., a large number of people attend the Ganga aarti (Daily). Along with the diyas, pilgrims often donate flowers to the gods that float in the rivers.
Triveni Ghat
The largest ghat in Rishikesh is Triveni Ghat, which is located on the banks of the revered Ganges River. This ghat, at the meeting place of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswathi rivers – three of the most revered rivers in Hindu mythology – is regarded as the holiest of all the ghats in the area. Every evening, “Maha Aarti” is performed here. It is significant in Hindu mythology and appears in the Ramayan and Mahabharat epics. The chattri of Lord Krishna was also built at the Triveni Ghat. In actuality, the ghat is thought to be the place where the great Lord Krishna was cremated. Along with taking holy dives, the devotees also donate milk as an offering to the river and feed the fish in the Ghat. People who take a bath at Triveni Ghat are said to cleanse their souls of all sin and find salvation once they pass away. At Triveni Ghat, daily morning and evening aartis are performed in front of several spectators.
Beatles Aashram in Rishikesh
You may have spent the most of your adolescent or college years listening to the music of your favourite band, the “Beatles,” but they once travelled to a charming ashram in Rishikesh to take part in a unique meditation programme. Yes, the full band of Beatles travelled to India in 1968 to visit Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and participate in some advanced meditation exercises under his guidance. The impressive dome-shaped building, incredible graffiti art, and the lovely image of the Beatles band members painted on one of Ved Bhavan’s interior walls are just a few of the ashram’s main draws. The ashram was abandoned subsequently but was once again made available to visitors in 2015.
Gita Bhawan
A must-see attraction in Rishikesh, is located on the banks of the Ganga River and is surrounded by the enchantment of the Himalayas. It is a vast building that acts as an institute where devotees can learn about Hinduism in depth while also participating in numerous religious and cultural events. The pilgrims are provided with free food, lodging, and education by the institute. People who live here do daily prayers and sadhana, as well as meditation and other required tasks.
Visitors to Gita Bhawan can participate in all events, as well as enjoy pure-vegetarian meals and other amenities for a low cost. It also provides free boat trips and a dispensary that provides free ayurveda treatments and medicines manufactured according to religious scriptures using Ganges holy water. With plenty of meditation spots and bathing ghats, it provides a lovely and calming atmosphere for Ganga dips and other religious activities.
Neer Gargh Waterfalls
Hidden in the woodlands of the lovely hill town of Rishikesh, the Neer Garh Waterfalls are a sight to behold. This enormous waterfall is a combination of three magnificent waterfalls that fall from a cliff as high as 25 feet. The waterfall’s environs remain unspoiled by civilisation, providing you with a raw and primal experience in the midst of India’s adventurous metropolis. It takes around 15 minutes to walk through the dense forests to get to this waterfall. Two bridges and a stream of water run beside the routes you would travel. A diverse range of plants and fauna can also be found in the area. The entire excursion would be unlike any other journey you’ve ever taken. Bring your binoculars to peer into the depths of the hill station, as it will also provide you with some spectacular views over the neighbouring valley. Visiting this location in Rishikesh will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
A holy and well-known temple, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple can be found 32 kilometres (km) away from Rishikesh. One of the most well-known places of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple may be found perched on top of a hill at an elevation of 1,330 metres. It is a well-known religious destination in the vicinity of Rishikesh; the temple may be found atop Swargashram, close to the Nar Narayan mountain range. Mythology describes the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple as a sacred site because it was there that Lord Shiva was said to have ingested the Samudra Manthan, a poison that originated in the ocean and was placed in his throat.
Muni Ki Reti
A stop at Muni Ki Reti should be high on your priority list. This is especially true if one of your goals for the trip is to soak up the city’s palpable sense of spirituality. On the outskirts of Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganga, lies a place of sacred significance for Hindus called Gangotri. It is said that King Bharat did his penance here in the area known as Muni Ki Reti, which can be directly translated to mean “Sands of Sages.” A large number of Hindu temples, yoga centres, and ashrams may be found in and around this region.
This is the most interesting sites to visit in Rishikesh for those with a thirst for culture who are interested in grasping the core of Hinduism. As a result highly revered pilgrimage, large crowds of devotees as well as visitors can be seen taking part in rituals and bathing in the sacred waters of the River Ganga.
