Rishikesh Valley

Ganga dip

by David&Pauline

Bathing in the Ganga is one of the main reasons for Rishikesh's existence, though the water is Himalayan cold, it is clean and not as lethal to tourists as the river becomes in Varanasi. Aarti, the floating lantern ceremony is performed every evening at the main ghat, in downtown Rishikesh. Lakshman Jhula is not the place to witness this as the Ganga is just entering the town at this spot. The downtown Triveni Ghat has much more of a Holy Day atmosphere and attracts far more Hindu pilgrims than tourists, which does contribute to the religious carnival atmosphere. The beautiful larger than life painted statues of Shiva, Lakshman and other Hindu gods add to the colourful scene, particularly set against the ice white of the Ganga. Lakshman Jhula does have a lot of its own colour, mostly the red of the many-tiered temples and the acolytes who dress as Hindu gods. Swarg Ashram has the largest collection of Sadhus and Gurus, sporting some flamboyant costumes and hairdos, not just the traditional orange robes. It's quite a common if strange, sight to see the younger holy men riding motorcycles, they cut quite a dash and turn many a lady tourist's head.

The evening aarti (prayer)

by shobhanaj

The evening aarti (a prayer to god with music)takes place every evening, every single day. Nothing gets in the way of it - rain, sun, storm...nothing. One feels a very strong sense of belonging to oneself and to Rishikesh with this aarti. I recommend it everyone visiting Rishikesh. It helps you put yourself in touch with your existence and just lets you be.

THE LAKSHMAN JHULA HANGING BRIDGE

by lynnehamman

Walking across this bridge gives one a great perspective of both sides of the Ganges in Rishikesh.
Being a hanging bridge, it feels a bit precarious, but can obviously handle the amount of people, animals and motor-cycles that cross on it all day long. It is supposed to be for pedestrians only, but then,we are in India here! Rules are "no rules"

The Land of Gods/World Capital of Yoga

by RAJASTHANBYCAR

"Rishikesh"

Rishikesh also spelled Hrishikesh, Rushikesh is a city in Dehradun district in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located in the foothills of the Himalaya where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas. The freshness of the air, melody of the flowing water and the distant sound of bell chimes create a memorable experience for those who visit this ancient pilgrimage town and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh is also known as "Teerth Nagri" or "Yog Nagri", that is City of Temples, Yoga and Meditation.

Rishikesh the supreme Pilgrimage invites millions of pilgrims on the auscpious dates when pilgrims try to get the drop of nectar through the holy dips at Rishikesh.Rishikesh is also the beginning point of the pilgramge to Chardham of Yamnotri, Gangotri , kedarnath & Badrinath.

"Rishikesh Evening/Ganga Arti"

When global orange sun suspended, waits low amid the red/yellow streaked horizon, then all these combine to give this town a very special evening. The temple bells roar, priests enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stand the pilgrims . Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals and a small candle flame, flickering ride the current of water of wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens , spreading a blanket of stillness. Everything stops, except the sound of current , which has just sunk the tiny flames of cupped leaves, few minutes back.

"Laxman Jhula"

Laxman Jhula is Hanging bridge across Ganga is about 5Kms from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath. It was originally a jute rope bridge without pillars and was rebuilt with iron ropes in 1889.

Rishikesh - Jayalgarh water rafting!!

by tintinhaddock76

"White water rafting in jayalgarh Camp5"

I was there in November 2006. great place to raft and enjoy nature.....stayed there in camps, rafting, trekking, bridge slithering.....many activities and lots of fun.....

"Camping in the hills"

Stayed there with Great Indian outdoors...chk their website for good hiking, trekking and rafting tours...v professioanla nd you would enjoy your stay with them in their own camps...

"River rafting"

Lots of fun and great team exercise...enjoy the still water and the rapids, jump into the water and feel freah cold water engulf you...

try this trip over a weekend from new delhi. take the overnight train and leave on a thu or fri, reach haridwar early morning and take a cab up hills and stay in good, clean, basic camps and enjoy all the activities!!