the pilgrimage town and regarded as one of the holiest places to Hindus. Hindu sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge. In September 2015, the Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma announced that Rishikesh and Hardiwar will be the first cities in India to be given the title of "twin national heritage cities".Rishikesh is meat and Alcohol free city due to its Spiritual and mystical environment .
History:
Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary 'Kedarkhand' (the present day Garhwal).Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the asura king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' (लक्ष्मण झूला) bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge.The 'Kedarkhand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by the present stronger bridge. Another similar suspension bridge Ram Jhula was built in 1986 at nearby Sivananda Nagar.The sacred river Ganges flows through Rishikesh. It is here that the river leaves the Shivalik Hills in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Lakshman Mandir are the ancient temples established by Adi Shankaracharya. Shatrughna Temple is located near Ram Jhula and Lakshman Mandir is near to Lakshman Jhula.As with Haridwar about an hour south, Rishikesh is considered by Hindus to be a holy city and is vegetarian by law. Meat and alcohol are not served within the city. Cows roam freely in the streets and always have the right of way if they stop traffic.
Yoga Center:
Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "Yoga Capital of the World",has numerous yoga centres that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. Rafting season starts from the month of March and ends in September.Rishikesh is also home to the 133-year-old Kailash Ashram Brahmavidyapitham, an institution dedicated to preserve and promote the traditional Vedantic Studies. Prominent personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Rama Tirtha and Swami Sivananda have studied in this institution.In February 1968, The Beatles visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh.John Lennon recorded a song titled, "The Happy Rishikesh Song".The Beatles composed numerous songs during their time at the Maharishi's ashram, some of which appear on the White Album.Several other artists, including Mike Love, The Beach Boys, Donovan and Gyp Mills visited the site to contemplate and meditate.Former royal palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal at near by Narendranagar, now houses the Ananda–In the Himalayas destination spa and yoga retreat, estb. 2000.
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles visited Rishikesh in 2013, and participated in the Ganga arti.They also conducted a special havan for world peace at the Parmarth Niketan. Charles said: "I am amazed by the experience of sitting on the bank of one of the ancients rivers of the world. It is the right time for us to rediscover our connection with nature."
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click hereAttached Images:
Ram Jhula Bridge across the Ganges at Muni Ki Reti, built in the 1980s
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click hereView of rishikesh from beach
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click hereRishikesh
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click hereShiva statue near Parmarth Niketan which washed away by the 2013 flood on River Ganga
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click hereRiver rafting at Rishikesh
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click hereView of road towards Rishikesh
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