Rishikesh is a small town in Uttarakhand, India’s northernmost state. Rishikesh, which is situated where the Ganges River flows down from the Himalayas, rose to international prominence after the Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram (which is now closed), and the town is now known as the World Capital of Yoga.
Rishikesh is also known as the Himalayan Gateway. The Char Dham Yatra (Sacred Journey to the Four Shrines) is best started from Rishikesh.
The train and bus stations are located near the town center, which is of little interest to most visitors.
Further north-east, the Ram Jhula, and Lakshman Jhula bridges straddle the Ganges, and the main concentrations of activity and interest are located at either end of these bridges.
Gaga Aarti is celebrated in Rishikesh at Parmarth Niketan and Triveni Ghat, where worshipers gather in great numbers to worship with aarti plates.
Near Lakshman Jhula, High Bank, and Swarg Ashram, the majority of lodging and restaurants can be found.
- Bhuwan Chandra Music School, Ram Jhula, Swaargashram, near Ram Jhula Bridge, for music-based meditation.
Bhuwan Chandra, a sitar performer, runs this music school. Travelers can learn to play the sitar, tabla, harmonium, and recite mantras, as well as develop their vocal abilities.
- International Yoga and Music festival Rishikesh (Yoga and Music Festival in Rishikesh), Rishikesh, India, 20 meters left of Ramjhula Swargashram (near ram jhula bridge, police check post).
Since 2008, the International Yoga and Music Festival have been held at Swargshram, Rishikesh, India, from November 1st to 14th (also known as the world capital of yoga).Yoga and Music Festival is open to people from all around the world.
- Kirti Hermitage, Rishikesh-Badrinath main road (near Vashishta cave) (half an hour drive from Tapovan by a local bus or a cab). 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
This is a facility for learning true healing practices, set on the gorgeous outskirts of Rishikesh, near the banks of the holy Ganga. Every day from 5 to 6 p.m., you can visit or attend Maa’s Satsang.
- Muni ki Reti, Shatrughan Mandir (Shatrughan Temple) (Rishikesh).Shatrughan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Rishikesh, having been founded in the 11th century by Adi Shankaracharya. It is dedicated to lordShatrughan, Lord Ram’s brother. This is the only temple dedicated to Lord Shatrughan in India.
Rishikesh is a safe city where serious crime such as mugging & others is very rare. Tourists, on the other hand, must be wary of con artists and scammers. All of India’s sacred cities are dens of con artists who prey on both domestic and international visitors. When it comes to domestic tourists, they usually try to play on religious sensibilities to get you to participate in pricey rites that ostensibly cleanse you of your sins.
When it comes to foreigners, the fraud is mainly about taking advantage of their desire to see unusual holy artifacts. Not all guys in saffron robes, especially those who approach you, are genuine sadhus [religious gurus]. There will be no genuine sadhu or holy person soliciting customers. Be cautious of sadhus who offer one-on-one tutoring.
A gemstone fraud is also going on in at least one gem shop: they invite you to carry the stones to your own country and sell them to an “investor” who doesn’t exist.
Keep an eye on your step:
It gets very dark after sundown, so bring a flashlight.Keep an eye out for the obnoxious monkeys who steal food. They typically “operate” near and on footbridges, and they become aggressive if you stare them in the eyes directly, however, they rarely/never attack unless you have food.
Monkeys and cows/oxen are kept at bay by sadhus and police officers wielding sticks. Brown monkeys are violent; grey giant languors are more pleasant. The greys occasionally steal food from tourists (but not on the bridges), but they don’t bite you over food issues because of their size.
If you come across an ox, be cautious: They are typically harmless; however, they can be anxious after dark. Before a close meeting, attempt to read their body language, especially on the narrow footbridges.