Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a pilgrimage town situated on the right bank of the Ganges river in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. Known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World', it serves as a gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas and is renowned for its numerous ashrams, temples, and spiritual heritage. The town attracts visitors globally for yoga, meditation, adventure sports like white-water rafting, and its association with ancient sages and The Beatles.

Visitors can expect a unique blend of spiritual tranquility and adventure. The town features sacred ghats along the Ganges where evening aartis are performed, numerous ashrams offering yoga and meditation courses, and ancient temples such as Bharat Mandir. The landscape includes suspension bridges like Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas. Adventure activities including river rafting and bungee jumping are widely available.

Rishikesh finds mention in ancient texts like the Skanda Purana and the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana crossed the Ganges here. The town has been a center for spiritual learning since ancient times, attracting sages and ascetics.

Known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World', Rishikesh hosts the annual International Yoga Festival. It is a vegetarian-only and alcohol-free city, maintaining strict religious traditions. The town gained global cultural recognition after The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in 1968.