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Attractions
Ashrams - There are a number of ashrams to be seen in and around Rishikesh. Some are very
well known and are regarded as tourist spots. There are some which are still been regarded as proper ashrams
where rishis (saints) stay. The entire group of ashrams, which are situated on the eastern bank of the river,
Ganges is known as Swargashram. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram is famous the world over for which the credit
goes to the rock band Beatles. Several ashrams offer yoga courses and many pilgrims from in and around
the country come here to learn yoga.
Lakshman
Jhoola - Lakshman Jhoola is a hanging bridge on the river Ganges that flows here.
According to legends, Lakshman the brother of Lord Ram crossed the Ganges River this river with the help of
a hanging bridge on the Ganges River made of jute. The present suspended
bridge was built in the year 1939 AD. The place of the present bridge is supposedly on the same
spot where the original jute suspended bridge used to be. The view from the bridge, especially
the view of the high current of the river is incomparable. During monsoon season, the water
level of the river Ganges increases considerably along with the speed of the current.
Near the Lakshman |
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Jhula is the Ram Jhoola also known as Shivanand Jhoola.
Triveni Ghat - Around 1½ km from the Rishikesh is a bathing spot
known as Triveni. It is believed that three mountain streams flow together on this spot making the ghat
(bank) more sacred. Pilgrims from various places come here to take a dip in the holy water of the Ganges River, which is supposed
to wash off all their sins. The aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat of the Ganges River, on the south end of Rishikesh, takes
place at the sundown.
Neelkanth Mahadev - It is a place of interest especially for the religious
minded tourists. It is said to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the venom that had emerged during
the cosmic churning of the ocean by the gods and demons. The spot is at a distance of 12 km from the centre
of Rishikesh town and is surrounded by lush, sylvan forests.
Temples - Rishikesh is full of innumerable small and big temples. A walk
along the road towards the Muni-ki-Reti takes one to a place along the Chandrabhaga River that has a
cluster of temples. The famous Char Dham pilgrimage starts from this place. The Rishikund Tank
and Raghunath Temple near the tank are two other temple that deserve a visit. The tank
is supposed to have been used by Lord Ram for bathing while he was in exile. There is also the Bharat temple,
named after one of the brothers of Lord Ram. Situated in the heart of the town, this temple is surrounded
by massive walls and is very old.
Quick Getaways
Chilla - Chilla, situated just 16 km away from the main Rishikesh town, is renowned
for the Rajaji National Park. The park (820 sq km) has wildlife galore and is especially known for its
wild elephants.
Narendra Nagar - Just 15 kilometres on the Rishikesh-Chamba road is
the historical town of Narendra Nagar. This is a town of archaeological importance, built by the King of
Tehri, Narendra Singh. The royal palace here is worth seeing as is the magnificent statue of Lord Shiva's
attendant, the Nandi Bull, that stands here.
Kunjapuri - Kunjapuri is an ideal getaway for a one-day visit. The view
of the snow-capped mountains and the mighty Himalayas along the valley below is marvellous. The small white
Shakti temple of Kunjapuri is 10 km higher at the sharp point of an almost perfectly conical hill with
breathtaking views of the Himalayas to the north.
Activities
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