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Surrounded by hills on three sides, Rishikesh is located on the right bank of the Ganga, at its confluence with the Chandrabhaga stream. One of the holiest places on the upward pilgrimages to the Himalayas, Rishikesh is, where Raibhya Rishi did penance to please God, who appeared as Hrishikesh, hence the name, Rishikesh. Millions of Hindus come here every year, to absolve themselves of their sins by bathing in the holy Ganges.

Rishikesh abounds in stories of renunciation, meditation, penance and salvation. It has developed into one of the better known centres, for schools of yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is also significant as the trekking base, to the Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Laxman Jhoola
5 kms north of Rishikesh, is the spot where Sri Laxman, is said to have performed Tapa. The Laxman temple was built in his memory. Till 1889, there was just a hanging jute ropeway without pillars. The same structure was, later, rebuilt with iron ropes.

Neel Kanth Mahadev
The temple, situated at a height of 5,500 ft. above sea level, is about 2 kms from Laxman Jhoola. The trek up to the temple, gives a fantastic wide - angled view of the Himalayan peaks, Babhar forests and the plain below.

Bharat Mandir
The oldest temple in Rishikesh - the black statue of Vishnu, here, is supposed to have been consecrated by Sri Sankaracharya, in the 9th century. The event is commemorated, during Vasant Panchami, to mark the onset of spring.

Rishikesh is 238 km from Delhi by road.

Arvind Lodge, Yatra Bus Stand. Vanaprast Ashram, next to Ved Niketan, Swarg Ashram.

The best season to visit is between May and October/November.

The UP Tourist Office, Nehru Park, Railway Road (Tel: 30209)