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Rishikesh, a most tranquil place
in northern Uttar Pradesh, surrounded by hills and bisected by
the wide and sluggish Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga
Capital of the World'.
Back in the 1960s Rishikesh gained instant fame as the site
where The Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi
Mahesh Yogi. It is an excellent place to meditate and study
yoga.
Rishikesh is also a good starting point for treks to Himalayan
pilgrimage centres such as Badrinath, Kedarnath , Gangotri,
Yamnotri.It is rightly called the gateway to the Himalayan
Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Situated 24 km upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of
the Chandrabhaga and Ganga, Rishikesh has long been a
spiritual centre. It is said that the sage Raibhya Rishi did
severe penance here and as a reward, God appeared to him in
the form of Hrishikesh, hence the name.
Rishikesh has numerous ashrams, some of which are
internationally recognized as centers of philosophical
studies, yoga and meditation. An international yoga week is
organized here every year by U.P. Tourism between 2nd and 7th
of February. For the adventurous, there are opportunities for
white water rafting on the Ganga. The climate here is
continental type but its location in the foot hills gives it a
pleasant weather throughout the year. One can visit Rishikesh
any time of the year.
The town of Rishikesh lies in the
foothills of the Garhwal region. It is the gateway to the
upper Garhwal region and the starting point for pilgrim routes
to the four dhams of Uttarakhand-Badrinath, Kedarnath,
Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Ganga flows through the town and
is worshipped here. After this it descends to the plains at
Haridwar.The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is
believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of
salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along
the river Ganges. The River side is dotted by the ashrams of
Sadhus and sages.
SHOPPING: Being a pilgrimage place, the glamour of big shop
bargains are absent but Rishikesh offers you handicraft items
made of Shells, beads and pearls. Sarees, Kurtas, sheets and
rugs can be purchased from here. You can buy these items from
the government approved U.P handloom shop, Khadi Bhandar,
Garhwal wool and craft shop etc.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air : The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), 25 kms.
Vayudoot services operates from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly
Grant).
Rail: Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar (24 kms), to
Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other
cities.
Road: By road Rishikesh to Haridwar 24 kms, Dehradun 47 kms,
Mussoorie 77 kms, Badrinath 301 kms (Son Prayag), Kedarnath
228 kms, Gangotri 258 kms, Yamunotri 288 kms (Hanuman Chatti),
Srinagar 105 kms, Joshimath 252 kms.
Bus Services: Haridwar is connected by bus with Agra,
Chandigarh, Dehradun, Kullu, Manli, Shimla, Rishikesh etc.
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