Rishikesh is a small town situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is renowned as the 'yoga capital of the world'. Tourists from all over visit here to learn yoga and meditation. Situated on the banks of the Ganga river, it is revered as an ancient pilgrimage town for Hindus. This picturesque town is a popular destination for all yoga enthusiasts, pilgrims and adventure sports junkies.
City and Culture: Rishikesh is known as the "Yoga Capital of the World" and is famous for its spiritual and cultural significance. The town is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is considered one of India's most peaceful and serene places.
History: Rishikesh's rich history is mentioned in several ancient Hindu texts. The town is also known as the "Gateway to the Himalayas" and has been a hub for spiritual seekers for centuries.
Art and Handicrafts: Rishikesh is famous for its beautiful handicrafts, including brass statues, stone carvings, and jewellery. The town is also known for its Ayurvedic medicine and herbal remedies.
Food: Rishikesh is known for its simple yet delicious food, focusing on vegetarian cuisine. Some popular dishes include "chhole bhature," "lassi," and "puri sabzi."
Language: The primary language spoken in Rishikesh is Hindi, but English is widely spoken and understood, especially in tourist areas.
Bus Connectivity and Bus Stands: Rishikesh is well-connected to other cities in India by road. The town has two main bus stands, Rishikesh Bus Stand and Rishikesh Roadways Bus Stand, which offer regular bus services to nearby cities.
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 km away.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Rishikesh is from September to November and March to April when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities.
Overall, Rishikesh is a beautiful town that offers a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. It is a must-visit destination for those exploring India's spiritual and cultural richness.
Places to Visit in and around Rishikesh
Rishikesh is famous for its many ashrams, temples, and yoga centres. Some popular places include the Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan, and the Beatles Ashram. In addition, adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking in the nearby hills. Here is a list of places that you can include in your itineraries.
- Triveni Ghat- It is the confluence of the three holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. It is one of the most sacred and revered bathing spots where the famous Ganga Aarti occurs every evening.
- Lakshman Jhula- It is a famous hanging bridge over the Ganga that connects the two villages, Tapovan and Jonk. So you can take a blissful walk and soak in the beauty of the mighty river.
- Swarg Ashram- This ashram is the spiritual abode constructed in memory of Swami Vishudhanand. It is also famous as a yoga and meditation centre.
- Ram Jhula- This is a 750ft. suspension bridge connecting Shivnanda Nagar to Swarg Ashram over the river Ganga. It offers a splendid view of the serene river with the foothills of the Himalayas behind.
- Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees from all around the world visit it.
- The Beatles Ashram- This is the ashram where the popular band The Beatles lived, meditated and wrote several songs in 1968. The ashram complex houses a former temple, kitchen, library, meditation huts, colourful graffiti walls and the home of Maharishi Yogi.
- Tera Manzil Temple is a thirteen-storeyed temple on Ganga's banks, opposite the Lakshman Jhula. It is enshrined with several deities and is famous for its architecture and the breathtaking panoramic view from its 13th floor.
- Neer Garh Waterfall- This stream of cool water down the rocky terrains is a perfect spot for nature lovers. Make the short 1km trek through the dense forest to experience this wonder of nature.
- Muni ki Reti- This is a significant pilgrim centre close the Rishikesh that serves as the gateway to the pilgrimage of Char Dham. It has several ashrams with basic facilities for all the travelling devotees.
- Kaudiyala- For adrenaline junkies, Kaudaliya is a popular rock climbing destination amidst dense forests. You can also opt for white river rafting and take advantage of the camping facilities at the location.
Drop Off Points in Rishikesh
As you near the end of your Chandigarh to Rishikesh bus journey, redBus allows you to choose from several drop-off points per your preference. Please note that the drop-off points may vary according to bus operators. Some of the popular drop-off points for the Chandigarh to Rishikesh bus are:
- Nepali Farm Circle
- Natraj Chowk
Rishikesh has a lot to offer to anybody who visits this place. Apart from conveniently located drop-off points, Rishikesh has a lot to offer that would entice anyone who visits this place with many sites to visit and restaurants to raid, Rishikesh has it all. There are a ton of buses that run through Rishikesh and this ensures that Rishikesh is well-connected to the rest of the country. Don’t think twice. Book your bus ticket online today.