Rishikesh Detailed Travel Guide, India

 About Rishikesh

Rishikesh, mostly famous as “Yog Nagri” or “Yoga capital of the world”, is a small town in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It holds great importance in Indian culture and it is widely believed that in ancient times this place was a hub for sages and devotees from all over the world. They used to visit this place for penance or to attain a higher level of enlightenment. Rishikesh is also the starting point of the holy Chota Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath Yatra, and Do Dham Yatra. It acts as a gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas and the holy river Ganga which flows on the left side of Rishikesh is believed to enter on plain area after flowing 249 km through narrow valleys in the Himalayas, making it an idle destination for River Rafting. So Rishikesh developed multidimensionally and is now famous for Yoga, adventure sports, spirituality, temples, etc.

Rishikesh Temples:-

Being a spiritual spot and a favorite destination for Dharm gurus from all over the world, thousands of temples developed in and around Rishikesh. It’s highly impossible to name all of them here, so I am listing some of the most beautiful and popular temples in and around Rishikesh.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Located at an altitude of 1330 meters above sea level, Neelkanth Mahadev temple is one of the most beautiful and renowned Shiva temples near Rishikesh. It is located about 26 km away from Rishikesh ISBT. It is located at the confluence of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers. It is located in between three valleys i.e. Manikoot, Bhahmakoot, and Vishnukoot. As per the holy scriptures and folklore it is believed that this is the same place where lord Shiva had consumed poison came from the sea after Samundra Manthan and placed it in his throat turning it in blue colour. This religious place is very famous and holds great importance in Hindu culture.

Tera Manzil Temple or Triambakeshwar Temple

Located on the right bank of the river Ganga, Triambakeshwar temple or Tera Manjil temple is the most popular 13-storied temple housing numerous deities on each floor. The marvelous architecture and beautiful location make this temple worth visiting. It provides a beautiful view of Rishikesh city and floating rafts in the Ganga River from its 13th floor. It is connected with Rishikesh by Lakshman Jhula, which is another prominent cantilever bridge in Rishikesh. This temple attracts numerous devotees, especially during Shravan and Mahashivratri.

Satrughna Temple

Well known as Aadi Badrinarayan or Satrughana temple is located on the bank of river Ganga beside Ram Jhula in Rishikesh. This is one of the two temples dedicated to the youngest brother of lord Rama.

Lakshman Temple

Another famous temple dedicated to the brother of lord Rama i.e. Lakshman is located on the bank of river Ganga. It is famous for its beautiful sculpture and ancient design. As per the holy scriptures and legends it is believed that in the same place lord Laxman had meditated to get free from the sin of killing the Brahman King “Ravana”. Lord Rama and Laxmana had constructed a jute bridge for Laxman to cross the river. So cantilever bridge near this temple is known as Laxmin Jhula.

Hanuman Mandir

Hanuman Mandir was constructed in 1924, by swami ramdas. It is another iconic temple in Rishikesh that attracts thousands of devotees, especially on Tuesdays.

Adventure Sports at Rishikesh

Other than yoga, Rishikesh is also well known as a hub of Adventure activities. It's a paradise for River rafting and bungee jumping lovers. Other than these there are many other adventure activities also organized in Rishikesh like flying fox, reverse bungee, giant swing, Cliff jumping, Kayaking, etc. Don't worry here I am going to describe each adventure activity organized in Rishikesh.

River Rafting in Rishikesh:-

Rishikesh is a popular destination for whitewater rafting or river rafting in India. The water here provides an idle condition for river rafting. Riding the wild wave of river Ganga is the next level of adventure and enough to give you goosebumps. Body surfing and cliff jumping are some of the activities linked to river rafting and make this sport even more exciting. If you are traveling to Kedarnath, many tour operators provide river rafting included in the Kedarnath yatra package with no extra cost.

Location:- Brahmapuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive and Kaudiyala are the starting point of Rishikesh Rafting

Rishikesh Rafting Price (PER PERSON COST):-

Brahmapuri to Clubhouse Rafting (9kms) - INR 500

Shivpuri to Rishikesh Rafting (16 km) - INR 700

Marine Drive to Rishikesh Rafting ( 26 km) - INR 1500

Kaudiyala to Rishikesh Rafting ( 35 km) - INR 2500

Duration:- Depending upon the length of Rafting, duration varies from 1.5 hours to 5 hours.

Bungee Jumping:- Bunjee jumping in Rishikesh is currently the highest Bunjee jumping in Rishikesh with a jumping span of 83 meters. The most renowned company for bungee jumping is Jumpin Height, in Mohan Chatti which is about 15 km away from Rishikesh. They use the most advanced technology to organize Bungee jumping with full safety for the customers. One new company is also there which organizes Bunjee Jumping a thrill factory.

Location:- Mohan Chatti

Rishikesh Bungee Jumping Price:- INR 3700 per person

Duration:- 30 Seconds

Scad Jump:- This is another level of adventure that will enhance the adrenaline rush in your body. Scad Jump in Rishikesh is the first in India brought from Germany to excite you. It will give you an experience of free fall from height with complete safety. A platform for the Scad jump at Rishikesh is 140 meters above sea level and installed at Thrill Factory Rishikesh.

Location:- Thrill Factory, Shivpuri

Rishikesh Scad Jumping Price:- INR 2500

Duration:- 30 Seconds

Giant Swing:- You must have enjoyed swings in your childhood. But have you ever thought about what it will feel like while swinging between two mountains? Yes in Rishikesh you can also experience the Gaint swing. This is again organised by Jumpin Heights It's similar to bungee jumping. Initially, you will jump from the same platform as Bungee jumping, and then the rope will slowly swing you like a pendulum.

Location:- Mohan Chatti, Rishikesh

Rishikesh Gaint Swing Price:- INR 3700 per person

Duration:- 2 Minutes

Reverse Bungee:- You must have tried Bungee jumping and you have tried it at multiple locations. But have you tried Reverse Bungee, if not then Rishikesh is the place to try it at least once in a lifetime. In this activity, you will be thrown up to a height of 196 feet from the ground. Proper safety is maintained in this activity.

Location:- Shivpuri, Rishikesh

Rishikesh Reverse Bungee Price:- INR 1500 Per person

Duration:- 10 to 15 minutes

How to Reach Rishikesh

By Air:- Jolly Grant Airport or Dehradun Airport is one of the nearest airports to Rishikesh. It is just 22 Km away from the main city. Flight companies like Air India, Spice Jet, Indigo, and Jet Airways have regular flights from New Delhi or other major cities. Another nearest airport to Rishikesh is IGI (Indra Gandhi International ) Airport, New Delhi.

By Train:- Rishikesh Railway Station is well known as Yog Nagri Rishikesh Railway station with station code YNRK, which is the closest railway station to Rishikesh. But very few trains go to Rishikesh. So if you are not finding any direct train to Rishikesh don’t worry, you can make your reservation till Haridwar which is just 33 km away from Rishikesh. You can reach Rishikesh by taking a cab or bus from Haridwar Railway station. It will take 30 to 45 minutes to reach Rishikesh.

By Road:- Rishikesh is well connected by road by NH 58, with major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai etc. It is approximately 5-7 hours running from New Delhi.