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Attractions in Rishikesh
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 this river with the help of
a hanging bridge 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 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, which is supposed
to wash off all their sins. The aarti ceremony at
Triveni Ghat, 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 near Rishikesh
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 in Rishikesh
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