Rishikesh, the seventh-largest city in India, is situated in the Indian state of Uttrakhand close to the foot of the Himalayas. The “Gateway to the Garhawl Himalayas” is another name for it. The town is a well-known tourist destination and a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. The town of Rishikesh, which is famous for its numerous shrines and yoga ashrams, is located where the River Ganges runs.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Rishikesh
One of the few locations in India that provides tourists with a wide range of adventure activities in Rishikesh. Only a few miles south of Rishikesh is the vegetarian city of Haridwar, which is also regarded as a “holy city.” The following is a list of the top ten attractions in Rishikesh:
1. Lakshman Jhula
The Lakshman Jhula is a 450-meter-long suspended bridge across the Ganga that was built in 1923. Because the bridge was allegedly constructed where Lakshman, the legendary brother of Lord Ram, apparently crossed the river on a jute rope, it is regarded as a historical site.
2. Beatles Ashram
You did read that correctly. In a small, hilly hamlet in India, there is an ashram with the name of the well-known British rock group. Whether or not one is a fan of the band, everyone should visit the Beatles Ashram, also known as the “Chorasi Kutiya.”
The ashram attracted worldwide prominence when the well-known rock band traveled to India in 1968 to study transcendental meditation, and it has since become a well-liked tourist destination.
3. Swarg Ashram
One of the oldest ashrams in the world, Swarg Ashram was constructed in honor of Saint Swami Vishuddhanand and is the ideal getaway for those who want to enjoy some alone time. There are no rituals performed here, so anyone can spend hours sitting by the river’s edge to meditate or simply take in the Shivaliks’ sunrises and sunsets.
4. Ram Jhula
The Ram Jhula is a 1986 suspension bridge that spans the sacred river Ganga and connects various religious sites and ashrams on either bank. In addition to connecting these locations, the bridge is renowned for its breathtaking view of the river and the dense forests at the foothills of the Himalayas.
5. Tera Manzil Temple
Indeed, among the many incredible locations to visit in Rishikesh in May, the thirteen-story Tera Manzil temple on the banks of the Ganga River is one of the best. This temple, also known as the Trimbakeshwar Temple, is home to a number of saints and goddesses. When ascending to the thirteenth floor of the temple, one is treated to a breathtaking panorama of the metropolis.
6. Triveni Ghat
This is the greatest ghat in Rishikesh, situated on the banks of the Ganga, and it is a holy site for Hindus, as it is mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Tourists can witness the grandeur and splendor of the evening ‘maha aarti’ and can immerse themselves in the sacred water while making milk offerings to the deities.
7. Rishikund
Rishikund is a sacred pond believed to have been constructed by a Kubz saint and blessed by the deity Yamuna herself. Due to its location opposite the Raghunath temple, the reservoir always reflects the temple. The pond is surrounded by steps in all four directions, is encircled by numerous tall trees that provide shade and is, therefore, a popular place for tourists to rest.
8. Parmarth Niketan
Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj established the ashram in 1942. It is Rishikesh’s largest ashram, with over a thousand rooms and surrounded by colorful gardens, and is frequented by pilgrims from all over the world seeking a calm and clean, and sacred environment. Visitors can enjoy Reiki, Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, and meditation, as well as witness the Ganga Aarti at sunset.
9. Omkarananda Ashram
This ashram is home to the Patanjala Yoga Kendra yoga center, which was founded in 1983. Because of its proximity to the holy river Ganga, the Omkarananda Ashram provides guests with a spectacular view of the river. The yoga taught here is the Iyengar method, which is led by the world-famous Shri Guruji, B.K.S Iyengar, and guests can also listen to lectures on the Bhagavad Gita and participate in the evening aarti.
10. Gita Bhawan
Gita Bhawan is a significant holy place for Hindus since it is the home of the Gita, a key text in Hindu sacred literature. This Bhawan contains over a thousand rooms that devotees can use for free and serves vegetarian food at a reduced price. The Bhavan is open to guests as well as devotees who prefer to remain for a few days.