Rishikesh

About Rishikesh

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga rivers, Rishikesh is a small town in the Dehradun district known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, it is also a pilgrimage town and one of the holiest places for Hindus. Rishikesh became famous worldwide in the 1960s after The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram, today known as the Beatles AshramBeatles Ashram. The town is equally popular for whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and camping along the fast-flowing Ganges — and as a gateway to many Himalayan treks. Since it lies on the holy banks of the Ganga, numerous ashrams teach spirituality, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited here. Rishikesh sees some of the most beautiful evening aartis on the Ganga banks — less crowded than Varanasi and Haridwar. The International Yoga Festival takes place in March. Rishikesh is divided into two areas — downtown Rishikesh town (where Triveni GhatTriveni Ghat is) and 2 km upstream near Ram Jhula and Lakshman JhulaLakshman Jhula, where most popular ashrams, cafes, and accommodations are found. Haridwar and Rishikesh together hold the title of twin national heritage cities.