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Complete Travel Guide of Yoga City Rishikesh
Do you know that you cannot eat non-vegetarian food in the yoga city of Rishikesh? It has been banned to maintain the divinity and importance of Rishikesh.
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know and keep in mind before traveling to Rishikesh. This includes places to visit and attractions, activities, local food, souvenirs, public toilets and cleanliness, hotels, and more.
Whether you are coming to Rishikesh for yoga or just looking to get a taste of the city’s adventure activities, this city will not disappoint. Rishikesh is an amalgamation of yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, as well as adventure activities like rafting, rock climbing, camping and kayaking.
Rishikesh came into limelight when the famous English band The Beatles spent some time learning yoga at the Chaurasi Kutiya (Beatles Ashram) here. You can hire car rental rishikesh for visiting all these places in Rishikesh. car rental rishikesh is the best taxi service in Rishikesh.
So let’s go ahead now.
Best Places To Visit In Rishikesh
1. Laxman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge connecting Tapovan and Jonk villages of Rishikesh. This pedestrian bridge is situated over the river Ganga. Legend has it that the Hindu deity Lord Lakshman once crossed the river using a jute rope, and the currently constructed iron bridge Lakshman Jhula stands at the same spot.
As you walk across this historic bridge, you are treated to spectacular views of the mountains along with the flowing Ganges. If you are afraid of heights, don’t look down for too long.
2. Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple is a 13-storeyed temple situating at one end of Lakshman Jhula. In this the main deity Lord Shiva was seating on the top floor. You have to go through a winding path to climb up to the 13th floor. As you go up, you will find many temples and “puja” shops.
The shopkeepers there may force you to buy some things.You just keep calm and politely decline if you are not taking interest in it.
3. Ram Jhula
Named after Lord Rama, this bridge is similar to Lakshman Jhula. The only difference between the two is size. Pedestrians as well as motorbikes are allowing on it. It connects Sivananda Nagar area to Swarg Ashram in Rishikesh.
Like Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula also offers spectacular views of the Ganges against the backdrop of mountains and city life. Since it is an iconic landmark in Rishikesh, do not forget to take a walk on this bridge and enjoy the sight.
4. Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Parmarth Niketan is the largest ashram in Rishikesh which attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The ashram provides the best environment with clean rooms, religious programs and lush green gardens. You will find various religious paintings and sculptures of various Hindu gods and goddesses installed in the gardens here.
You can also attend individual ongoing yoga sessions or teachings.
Don’t forget to attend the Ganga Aarti here at sunset. It gives you a breathtaking view and an opportunity to dedicate yourself in the devotion of God. You will see everyone from young priests to spiritual leader Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, singing hymns to the Lord.
5. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
Chaurasi Kutiya, or popularly known as Beatles Ashram, is an abandoned ashram which is currently under local administration. The complex presents history, beautiful wall art, stories of the Beatles band, and mesmerizing views of the Himalayas.
Nowadays it is mainly visiting by followers of Mahesh Yogi ji and fans of Beatles. It is a large complex with over 100 meditation caves. No one practices here anymore, but you can try to imagine what it must have been like for the Beatles to live here and do yoga or meditation in those times.
6. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Dravidian style temple in which the main deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Neelkanth.
Legend has it that this is the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison that emerged from the great churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). The temple is located at a distance of about 34 km from Rishikesh, and there are several routes to reach it.
The easiest way is to rent a scooter and drive yourself. You can also take taxis with rideshare available a few steps away from Laxman Jhula. As of October 2021, it costs INR 100 per person. You also have the option of a private car or jeep.
When you reach the temple, shopkeepers may force you to leave your shoes and take “prasad” for the temple. Ignore them until you see the entrance to the temple building. This is because one has to walk some distance from the parking lot to the temple. So it would be better if you take the prasad near the temple premises and take off your shoes.
7. Marine Drive and Ganga Beach
Marine Drive or Aastha Path is a 2.5 km pedestrian walkway along the banks of the mesmerizing Ganga. One end of it is at Ram Jhula which leads to Triveni Ghat. There are benches at regular intervals along the way to sit and contemplate with the view of the Ganges and the mountains.
Here you can see the Ganges entering the plains. Next to Ram Jhula you will see a sandy beach. You will be able to reach Ganga Beach by going down a few steps from Aastha Path. You can see that many people are enjoying the time with their families. Some young people are taking photos for Instagram, and others are practicing yoga on the beach.
8. Shri Bharat Mandir
The city of Rishikesh is having this name because of deity of temple – Shri Hrishikesh Narayan.This is the most sacred and ancient temple situated in Jhanda Chowk, the center of Rishikesh. You can easily take a tempo or an auto to reach here.
History reveals that a sage (rishi) named Raibhya once performed a severe penance to please Lord Vishnu. Raibhya Rishi had done penance by controlling all his senses.When Lord Vishnu was appearing, he was showing illusion (Maya) on the insistence of the sage and were saying that in Kaliyuga this place will be known as Hrishikesh.
Lord Hrishikesh is also having another name as Shri Bharat Ji Maharaj.He himself is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The temple offers a peaceful atmosphere on most days. You will find a sacred tree and a museum inside the temple complex.
9. Waterfalls
There are about five waterfalls here which are hidding from the eyes of the people. You must visit these in Rishikesh.
These include Neer Garh, Patna, Iceberg, Garuda Chatti and Phool Chatti waterfalls.
Each waterfall requires a few kilometers of trekking. So if you are staying in the city center, it might be a good idea to rent a scooter and take a local guide with you for a better experience.
