Rishikesh is a town located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, known for its spiritual and cultural significance. It is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is surrounded by lush green forests and the holy river Ganges. Rishikesh is commonly referred to as the ‘yoga capital of the world’ and rightly so. The destination is a buzz with visitors, who come here to learn yoga and meditation. Rishikesh has numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized as centres of philosophical studies, yoga and other ancient Indian traditions of wellness.
Rishikesh is also known for its adventures sports, such as white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and hot air ballooning. September to June are the best months to experience rafting. The town has several cafes that offer local and international cuisines and are mostly packed with tourists.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Rishikesh include:
1. Lakshman Jhula- A suspension bridge over the Ganges River that connects two villages, Tapovan and Jonk.
2. Ram Jhula- Another suspension bridge over the Ganges River that connects Swarg Ashram with Shivananda Ashram.
3. Parmarth Niketan Ashram- A spiritual centre that offers yoga classes, meditation sessions, and other wellness programs.
4. Tera Manzil Temple- A multi-storey temple that offers a panoramic view of Rishikesh town and the Ganges River.
The best time to visit Rishikesh is from February to mid-May when the weather is very pleasant. And it is not favorable to visit Rishikesh in summer (May-June) as the temperature during these months gets extremely high, making it unbearable for sightseeing. You should definitely visit Rishikesh once in a lifetime to actually feel the cultural and spiritual surroundings.