Rishikesh Climate
Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh has a moderate climate for most part of the year. In the peak summer months though, temperatures do go beyond 40° C. Winters are pleasant, and occasionally nights can get chilly.
Rishikesh History
According to mythology, the sage Raibhya Rishi sat on the banks of the Ganga and performed severe penance. He was rewarded when the lord appeared in the form of Rishikesh, thus giving the place its present name. Over the ages, saints have meditated at this peaceful spot with the soaring mountains looking down and the sacred Ganga flowing beside. One of the most prominent religious leaders in modern times, Adi Shankaracharya, traversed this land in the 9th century AD. The Shankaracharya’s pilgrimage into the hills was later codified into the great pilgrim circuit, and gave a heightened sense of sacredness to this land of the gods. Ever since, Rishikesh has been the stepping stone and the first destination on a list of holy shrines and sites stretching across the lofty Himalayas.
Information of Rishikesh
24 kms upstream on the banks of the Ganga where it is met by the Chandrabhaga is the holy town of Rishikesh. Literally, Rishi’s (holy man) locks, this small town is the point where the holy Ganges crashes down in full glory onto huge boulders and creates long stretches of white sandy beaches. The banks are lined with ashrams, where saints and holy men rested before beginning their arduous pilgrimage up into the snow-covered land of the gods. Rishikesh is essentially a combination of five different districts- Rishikesh the commercial centre, Muni-ki-reti in the quiet suburbs, Shivananda Nagar to the north, Lakshmanjhula with its holy shrines and Swarg Ashram where most of the ashrams are located.
Rishikesh is the lap of Hindu philosophy and learning, with several ashrams devoted to the understanding and propagation of the faith. Signs of religious rituals can be seen all over Rishikesh – in the numerous temples lining the banks of the Ganga, the mythological tales that you hear about various spots and even the shops that sell books and religious objects.
Rishikesh acquired prominence in the west when the Beatles generation was influenced by the foray of their idols into this Hindu spiritual heartland. Because Rishikesh is where the Beatles met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and began their quest for spiritual salvation. Even today, several foreign travellers besides the steady stream of Indian students visit the ashrams to study Hindu philosophy, yoga and Ayurvedic medicine. Every year in the beginning of February an international Yoga week is organised at Rishikesh by the Department of Tourism. Rishikesh is not only popular for its religious significance, but also as a base for devotees on their journey to the Char Dham Yatra (Tour of Four Pilgrim sites). Rishikesh is equally popular with adventure tourists heading for the tougher trekking trails to be found in the higher Himalayas.
Rishikesh is the lap of Hindu philosophy and learning, with several ashrams devoted to the understanding and propagation of the faith. Signs of religious rituals can be seen all over Rishikesh – in the numerous temples lining the banks of the Ganga, the mythological tales that you hear about various spots and even the shops that sell books and religious objects.
Rishikesh acquired prominence in the west when the Beatles generation was influenced by the foray of their idols into this Hindu spiritual heartland. Because Rishikesh is where the Beatles met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and began their quest for spiritual salvation. Even today, several foreign travellers besides the steady stream of Indian students visit the ashrams to study Hindu philosophy, yoga and Ayurvedic medicine. Every year in the beginning of February an international Yoga week is organised at Rishikesh by the Department of Tourism. Rishikesh is not only popular for its religious significance, but also as a base for devotees on their journey to the Char Dham Yatra (Tour of Four Pilgrim sites). Rishikesh is equally popular with adventure tourists heading for the tougher trekking trails to be found in the higher Himalayas.
PLACES TO STAY IN RISHIKESH
High Bank Peasants Cottage Out side and inside view of the rooms
Situated on the outskirts of busy Rishikesh town this is the best choice for Budget tourists. It is located 3 kms from Rishikesh near Laxman Jhula area on a hill at higher elevation from the town. The Guest House has clean rooms with attached baths / hot water, nice gardens, & good balcony over looking the forest and the far town area .The guest house has Himalayan cyber Café & Travel desk providing all the information, yoga classes, rafting ,trekking, and wild life safari trips at the best rates. There are German bakeries and excellent restaurants for the westerners in the surrounding s as well. The main tourist area on the banks of holy Ganges are with 5 minutes walk. As the Guest house is on the edge of the reserve forest one can make excellent nature walks around.
Yoga : HBPC has experienced & dedicated yoga teachers conducting classes, courses and retreats . One can take very good yoga & meditation classes & courses.
Ayurveda & Massages: “Kaya Kalpa” HBPC has small spa with best Aurvedic doctors for Ayurvedic Massages and treatments in the own area.
Situated on the outskirts of busy Rishikesh town this is the best choice for Budget tourists. It is located 3 kms from Rishikesh near Laxman Jhula area on a hill at higher elevation from the town. The Guest House has clean rooms with attached baths / hot water, nice gardens, & good balcony over looking the forest and the far town area .The guest house has Himalayan cyber Café & Travel desk providing all the information, yoga classes, rafting ,trekking, and wild life safari trips at the best rates. There are German bakeries and excellent restaurants for the westerners in the surrounding s as well. The main tourist area on the banks of holy Ganges are with 5 minutes walk. As the Guest house is on the edge of the reserve forest one can make excellent nature walks around.
Yoga : HBPC has experienced & dedicated yoga teachers conducting classes, courses and retreats . One can take very good yoga & meditation classes & courses.
Ayurveda & Massages: “Kaya Kalpa” HBPC has small spa with best Aurvedic doctors for Ayurvedic Massages and treatments in the own area.
HOW TO REACH RISHIKESH
Situated on the foothills of Himalayas where the holy Ganges enters the plains of India- -Rishikesh is north of Delhi about 231 Kms.
Take a Car : It takes 6 hrs. +_ 30 minutes to drive ( One way )
Take a Car : It takes 6 hrs. +_ 30 minutes to drive ( One way )
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