Rishikesh is the spiritual diamond in India , located at foothills of Himalayas. It is also known as The Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas and is starting point for religious Char-Dham Yatra.

If a person is looking out for spiritual and meditational or yoga bliss , then Rishikesh is the destination. Almost all travellers from India and abroad , touch Rishikesh in order to attain the spiritual knowledge and enlightenment.

Rishikesh is situated almost 26 kms from Haridwar ,a popular Hindu Religious place as well. It is here that Ganga leaves Shivalik mountains in Himalyas and flows out into the plains of northern India. The place is a heaven for people from all across the world. The foreign tourists plan to stay in ashrams for a period of one to six months and learn rich Hindu Culture from various Gurus.

Distant view

Lakshman Jhoola

Several temples are present in the Vicinity of Laxman jhoola. The place is also rich in Gurukuls , where ancient Vedas are taught in Sanskrit Language.

Rishikesh is a popular spot for Adventure sports as well , such as white water rafting , hiking and backpacking. The most popular tourist attraction is Laxman Jhoola – A swing on river Ganga connecting two hills . It’s a bridge that connects two hills and people can move across (even on bikes). The swing sways due to high winds , thus enjoyed by all tourists. Historically , it is said that Lord Rama did penance here and Laxman crossed the river Ganges at this point itself using a rope made of jute.

Our Experience

View at Lakshman Jhoola

Crossing near Lakshman Jhoola

We also combined our Haridwar –Rishikesh trip , as most of local travelers do. We went for a half day trip to Laxman Jhoola and Rishikesh.

The road trip was hectic due to Traffic jams. We took the bypass road and straight away reached Laxman jhoola.

Since it was rainy season , we saw beautiful landscapes. It was refreshing to see mountains on the way. There was Mansa Devi Temple on hill top. We wanted to go but due to lack of time, we could not. There was a big Shiv Murti on the way. The drive was really nice.

Beautiful clouds over Mansa Devi temple

View on the way to Rishikesh

Vast river Ganga flowing all across

View from road

Another scenery from road

Green mountains

View from Lakshman Jhoola

Different commuters of Lakshman Jhoola

As we walked on Lakshman Jhoola, we could see people from all walks of life. Jhoola was highly crowded. Good thing was that it was a moving traffic. However, a motorcyclist, cyclist coming from one side was quiet distracting and demanded attention so that our kid’s feet do not get hurt. Then cow came from the other side. It was an interesting scene for kids as they got to see the cow from so close. Since it was very crowded, we did not go further and retreated.

We were now tired as it had become sunny.

Little spring at One km away from Lakshman Jhoola

On the way back,a rain water spring on the way. We immediately got off and washed our faces in nature’s lap. It was so refreshing that all fatigue vanished. Kids were happy to wash hands and feet as well.

They enjoyed the Mighty Ganga from the bridge. Landscape was awesome, as we could see river Ganga turning. After a while, we stopped over at local resturent for a meal. It was a good break and we were back in Haridwar by evening. Overall , it was a pleasant experience.

How to reach Rishikesh

By Air

Dehradun airport is approximately 35 kms away from Rishikesh. One can take a taxi or bus from there.

By Train

Nearest railway station, Haridwar is 25 kms away from Rishikesh. One can take a taxi or bus from there. Bus will take 45 minutes and taxi will take half an hour.

By road

By car or by bus. Buses ply from Delhi, Kashmiri Gate, ISBT. You can take a regular, Deluxe or Luxurious coach. Rishikesh is well connected by roads in North India

Where to stay

Ashrams in Rishikesh

Parmarth Niketen, Sivananda Ashram, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, Sadhana Mandir and Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram, Sanskriti Yogpeeth, Yoga Niketen, Swami Dayananda Ashram, Phool Chatti, Anand Prakash Ashram, Osho GangaDham Ashram

Hotels in Rishikesh

All the prices are approximate in INR. Sanskriti Vedic Retreat- 7,500; Ganga Kinare- 4,500; Dewa Retreat- 4,000; Elbee Ganga view- 3,747;Ganga Beach resort – 3,499; Ganga Vatika Boutique Guest house-2,012.50; Rishikesh Sadan- A yoga and spiritual retreat – 1,499; Hill top Swiss cottage – 870; Hotel song river – 300

Where to eat

Devraj Coffee Corner, Little Buddha Cafe, Oasis Restaurant, Chotiwala, Pyramid Cafe, Maya cozy, Madras Cafe, Green Italian Restaurant

Where to Shop

Lakshman Jhoola Market for clothes, jewellery, precious stones, books and spiritual things etc

Ram Jhoola Market

Rishikesh main market near Triveni Ghat is famous in locals for clothes and daily needs

Nidhi KM

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