Tourism and Activities in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a small city located in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. It is known as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas” and is considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Here are some popular tourist activities in Rishikesh:
Visit Temples:
Rishikesh is known for its numerous ancient temples. Some of the popular ones include the Trimbakeshwar Temple, Lakshman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and Parmarth Niketan.
Yoga and Meditation:
Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is a great place to practice yoga and meditation. There are numerous yoga schools and ashrams in Rishikesh where visitors can take yoga and meditation classes.
Adventure Activities:
Rishikesh is also popular for its adventure activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, camping, trekking, and rock climbing. The Ganges river flowing through Rishikesh offers excellent opportunities for water sports.
Attend Ganga Aarti:
The Ganga Aarti is a spiritual ceremony that takes place every evening at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. It is a beautiful and serene experience where visitors can witness the prayers and offerings to the river Ganges.
Visit Beatles Ashram:
The Beatles Ashram is a popular attraction in Rishikesh, known for its connection to the Beatles who visited Rishikesh in 1968 to learn Transcendental Meditation. The ashram is now a museum that displays artwork and murals created by the Beatles during their stay.
Visit Rajaji National Park:
The Rajaji National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located near Rishikesh. It is home to several endangered species such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. Visitors can take a safari tour of the park to see the wildlife.
How to reach Rishikesh from Delhi?
Delhi to Rishikesh Distance is approximately 240 kilometres north of Delhi, and there are several ways to reach Rishikesh from Delhi:
- By Road: Rishikesh is well connected to Delhi by road. Visitors can hire a taxi from Delhi to Rishikesh. The journey takes around 6-7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
- By Train: Rishikesh has a railway station, and there are several trains that operate between Delhi and Rishikesh. The journey takes around 5-6 hours depending on the train.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 20 kilometers away. Visitors can take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun and then take a taxi or bus to reach Rishikesh.
Camping in Rishikesh
Camping in Rishikesh is a popular activity among tourists and adventure enthusiasts. There are several campsites located along the banks of the river Ganges, surrounded by lush green forests and mountains. Here are some popular camping options in Rishikesh:
Shivpuri:
Shivpuri is a small village located about 16 kilometers from Rishikesh, known for its adventure activities and campsites. There are several campsites in Shivpuri that offer comfortable tents, bonfires, music, and meals.
Byasi:
Byasi is a village located about 30 kilometers from Rishikesh, known for its picturesque location and serene environment. There are several campsites in Byasi that offer comfortable tents, bonfires, and adventure activities like rafting and hiking.
Marine Drive:
Marine Drive is a popular camping destination located about 26 kilometers from Rishikesh, known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities. There are several campsites in Marine Drive that offer comfortable tents, bonfires, and adventure activities like rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping.
Kaudiyala:
Kaudiyala is a small village located about 40 kilometers from Rishikesh, known for its adventure activities and campsites. There are several campsites in Kaudiyala that offer comfortable tents, bonfires, and adventure activities like rafting, kayaking, and hiking.
