The most interesting places in Rishikesh. Rishikesh, India - accommodation, places, food, reviews, photos. Food. What to eat

Almost at the very sources of the Ganges, the city of Rishikesh (literally “lord of the senses”), which is called the gateway of the Himalayas, was founded. It is considered the starting point for ancient mountain pilgrimage settlements Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath. This city is the true world capital of yoga and Hinduism. It seems to consist of ashrams and Hindu temples. Great yoga masters lived their lives here Swami Omkarananda And Swami Sivananda.

Rishikesh is inhabited by Hindu gurus, Hindu sadhus and Europeans who practice yoga. Official language city is Hindi. This city symbolizes enlightenment and wisdom, tranquility and spirituality. This is where the legendary people once came Beatles.

Rishikesh was created for those who live and think in spiritual values, looking for peace, quiet and distance from modern life. It is suitable for all people of any age who have chosen the path of religiosity.

Climate and nature

The climate of the city is typical of the Himalayan foothills - winters are cool and summers are not very hot. The coldest months of the year are December and January, while March to May sees the warmest and sunniest weather in Rishikesh. The air temperature does not fall below +7 °C and does not rise above +35 °C. The rainy season lasts from July to September. At this time, the roads are often washed out and landslides occur.

During the summer months, pilgrims flock to the city. It is good to visit Rishikesh in spring or winter. At this time on the way to mountain ranges covered with snow, and the city has very few visitors.

Rishikesh is spread over forested mountains Garhwal rise up and Ganga descends to the plains from the Himalayas. There are two beaches in Rishikesh: Goa Beach I And Goa Beach II, where you can lie on the silver sand and admire the beauty of the legendary river.

Attractions

In addition to many ashrams, there are centers for the study of yoga, meditation and Hinduism. Anyone who comes to the city can live in a monastic community. Here you will see impressive temples and spacious squares, you will be able to plunge into the depths of the religious world, try yourself in meditation and yoga, and enjoy the abundance of flowers and greenery.

We recommend tourists to visit Parmat Niketan Ashram where you once visited Beatles, watch the daily ceremonies in the waters Ganga where the statue stands Shiva. You'll find peaceful solitude on clean sandy beaches away from the hustle and bustle of the city, gaze at the majesty of waterfalls and wander through the jungle.

Nutrition

Alcohol, fish, meat and eggs are prohibited in Rishikesh. The dishes here are served exclusively vegetarian.

The most popular place there is a restaurant in the city “Chotiwala.” It has a good menu and reasonable prices.

The restaurant is also noteworthy "Madras" located on board a ship, in the northern part of the city.

Excellent sandwiches can be enjoyed in the cafe "Amrita" located near "Madras".

One of the best places in the city - restaurant "Indrani" at the hotel "Inderlok".

Not a bad restaurant "Bassera". The cafe is popular among tourists "Vaishal."

Not far from the main highway of the city there is a restaurant “Nilam”. The food there is inexpensive and of good quality.

Accommodation

The Ganga divides Rishikesh into two parts - an ordinary city and an area of \u200b\u200btwo bridges, and connects them with the famous suspension bridge Lakshman Jhula. The area of two bridges is best suited for housing.

Rishikesh has mostly inexpensive, comfortable hotels. will be happy to receive you Hotel Great Ganga, Sanskriti, Hotel Ganga Kinare, Ayurveda Bhavan at Rishikesh and upscale Ananda in the Himalayas. The cost of housing varies from $30 to $300 per night.

By paying a small donation, you can live in one of the many Hindu temples.

Entertainment and relaxation

During the summer months, pilgrims from all over the world come here. Upon their arrival, trips up the river are organized Ganga. There you will be shown secluded places suitable for yoga and ablutions. Every year in February, Rishikesh hosts a yoga week.

In the evenings, the ashrams hold evening river worship Ganga — Aarti. There is a beautiful statue right on the water Shiva. Small boats with lit oil lamps are lowered into the river. In summer the ceremony takes place at 18.00---19.00, in winter - 17.30-18.30. For donation after Aarti put a red mark on the forehead.

In addition to meditation and yoga, you can have great fun in Rishikesh on one of the beaches. They are great for rafting fans. The city is also a center for mountaineering and bungee jumping in India.

Purchases

There are no colorful bazaars or large shopping and entertainment centers here, but you will find many bookstores and various shops where you can buy books on yoga and Hinduism in different languages. The book is best souvenir from Rishikesh. In addition to books, religious figurines, ethnic clothing and aromatic oils are brought from here.

Shops are open from 10.00 to 17.00. Some close at lunchtime.

Transport

Rishikesh is a small city and, according to religious traditions, movement on foot has been preserved. However, for tired tourists there is always a free auto-rickshaw or pedicab. Buses in the city operate in all areas, but there are significant gaps in the schedule. Work also minibuses(“knock-knock”).

Remember that the price of the trip should be agreed upon in advance. Payment is made on the spot and depends on the distance of travel.

Connection

It cannot be said that the communication sector is well developed in Rishikesh. Public telephones are available in hotels and guest houses, and at the post office.

Mobile communications are poorly developed and coverage is very low. There is no connection in many areas. Main operators mobile communications are BSNL and Idea!.

There are several internet cafes in the city. An hour of access will cost you a maximum of $3.

Safety

Rishikesh is a city where crime gives way to the philosophy of yoga and the rules of good deeds of believers. Serious offenses are very rare here. You can feel quite safe on the streets.

There is no point in relying on modern trends and progressive views of the local population. You will have to strictly follow all the rules of traditional Hinduism. Do not under any circumstances offend the religious feelings of believers. This primarily concerns the behavior and clothing of women. You can easily be arrested for inappropriate appearance.

Be sure to follow sanitary standards for drinking water and fruits.

It is preferable to have all medications with you so as not to hope to find them in local pharmacies.

Business climate

Nothing human is alien to the Holy City. Due to its location at the foot of the Himalayas and the presence of a special religious atmosphere, Rishikesh is a special tourist city. It is not only the gateway to the Himalayas, it also provides access to three other popular regions of India.

Tourism, hotel and restaurant business, excursion activities, extreme species sports - these industries are the most promising for entrepreneurs. Less competition helps best conditions for business, but do not forget about the religious status and rules of Rishikesh - construction of a casino or entertainment center it would be inappropriate here.

Real estate

Since 2006 Foreign citizens can purchase real estate here. Housing in Rishikesh is usually secondary. New buildings are rare. High-cost housing is located closer to the center, while near the outskirts it is inexpensive and less comfortable.

Middle-class real estate of standard size costs about $45,000. On the outskirts of the city, prices drop to $20,000, but it is unlikely that you will be offered real estate here with the usual amenities.

If you want to go to the mountains, use the services of a guide.

If from Rishikesh you wish to continue your journey to the north of the country, then you should think about exchanging money in advance, since most banks along the way do not provide exchange services. Do not use offers from street money changers - their exchange rate will most likely be extortionately unprofitable.

It is preferable for women to wear headscarves and long dresses around the city.

Remember that alcohol is absolutely prohibited in Rishikesh.

At the ceremony Aarti You can only attend without shoes. There are special storage lockers for shoes, where you can leave them in the locker and get a number.

Rishikesh is a city located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India, in the foothills of the Himalayas. It serves as the world capital of yoga, as well as a holy place for adherents of Hinduism. In the 20th century, famous yoga masters lived here: Swami Omkarananda and Swami Sivananda, and in ancient times - legendary sages. The Beatles spent some time here in 1968 to study meditation with the famous Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Rishikesh is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is the starting point for ancient mountain pilgrimage sites such as Yamunotri and Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Haridwar, another Hindu holy city, is located 25 km away.

Rishikesh is located at an altitude of 356 meters and is surrounded on three sides by hilly foothills. The Ganges River flows along it, sandy shores which contains numerous holy ashrams - abodes of sages. Here the river actually begins to move full-flowing across the plain, emerging from mountain gorges.

Gita Bhavan Abode Complex

The Gita Bhavan complex in Uttarakhand is the most famous of the many yoga ashrams located on the picturesque banks of the sacred Indian river Ganga. The complex, built in the 50s, is located near the town of Rishikesh in the foothills of the Himalayas.

In India, in general, there are a great many places, visiting which you seem to find yourself in the distant, distant past, where peace and tranquility reign, where there is no fuss and negative emotions. And one of such places is the Gita Bhavan complex (Uttarakhand).

Its energy is truly magical, because it was here that guru Shri Ram Sukh Daashi practiced. That is why the Gita Bhavan complex is so popular among the guru's followers.

Twice a year they gather here for joint readings of the Ramayana. The Gita Bhavan monastery complex is a real Ayurvedic pharmacy, a place for solitude, prayer, meditation, various rituals and spiritual renewal.

What sights of Rishikesh did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Madras Restaurant

Madras Restaurant is located on the picturesque banks of the Ganges River. Here you can order European cuisine, as well as taste national Indian drinks and desserts.

This restaurant is ideal for tourists who want to taste the beauty of India. The interior of the establishment is very romantic and at the same time unusually mysterious. You can look at the small details of the decor and enjoy dinner or lunch.

In this restaurant you can often see how the owner of the establishment himself greets guests, and the chef organizes cooking master classes once a month.

The most popular attractions of Rishikesh with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places of Rishikesh on our website.

Rishikesh from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Rishikesh.

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Transport

To the bridges of Rishikesh, unique centers of spiritual and cultural life city, you can get there by auto-rickshaw (for 10 INR), other trips around the city will cost about 40 INR. In principle, the city is located quite compactly and can be explored on foot.

Weather in Rishikesh

Cuisine and restaurants of Rishikesh

For tourists who come to improve their health or practice yoga, light Ayurvedic cuisine is an ideal option. Lots of fruits, nuts and baked goods are sold on the streets. The local papaya is especially good. And of course, in the cafe you will find a variety of delicious dishes from both northern and southern Indian cuisine.

Rishikesh is a vegetarian city.

Although, of course, for tourists, especially in Lakshman Jhula there are many restaurants serving traditional cuisine. Gatherings in cafes are a local tradition. People drink masala tea and Ayurvedic teas here. Alcohol in holy city also prohibited!

The popular Mukti's Health Food (near Jhula Shivanand Bridge) offers its famous green pasta, frozen yogurt, apple pie and chocolate cake for dessert.

Authentic organic food can be obtained in the calm and spacious Shiva-resort. Chotiwala at Swarg Ashram specializes in original Indian cuisine, there are five types of thalis on the menu, and lunch will cost you 120 INR. Ganga Ayurvedic Food Place always has delicious breakfasts and a large selection of good salads.

If you miss European cuisine, you can visit Little Italy in the Svarg Ashram, where they prepare pasta and pizza, or Moon Dance Café, which, in addition to local culinary delights, offers dishes of Italian, Mexican and European cuisine.

Shopping

Like any other tourist town associated with religious shrines, Rishikesh offers bronze statues of Indian deities, aromatic oils, religious items and ethnic clothing. Prices compared to others tourist sites India, low. You can also buy Ayurvedic and natural medicines here.

Views of Rishikesh

Guides in Rishikesh

Popular hotels in Rishikesh

Entertainment and attractions in Rishikesh

Triveni Ghat - embankment of the Ganges, richly decorated with statues of Indian deities. Indian adherents hold ceremonial mass baths here (morning and evening), in which thousands of people participate. It is good to meditate and relax here - the opposite side of the Ganges is not built up, and you can admire the mountain scenery.

Geeta Bhavan is the place where guru Shri Ram Sukh Daashi practiced and is extremely popular among Indians. Twice a year, followers gather in the ashram to read the Ramayana together.

Swarg Ashram is located at the foot of the Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Lakshman Jhula. This picturesque area has the largest concentration of ashrams. The famous place, mentioned in historical and religious sources, is famous for the fact that great yogis and sidhus have come here for a long time. The Shri Raghunatji Temple at Lakshman Jhula is a grand 13-storey structure dedicated to numerous gods.

In search of enlightenment, adherents necessarily plunge into the Ganges, however, they say that the waters of this river have healing properties, which also applies to non-believers.

People come to the ashrams of Rishikesh to study yoga and Hindu philosophy. The resort destination in the city is represented by numerous Ayurveda centers, where they will rejuvenate your body with the help of healthy eating, meditation and massage.

Rafting on the Ganges is popular among lovers of more worldly activities. Best time for rafting September-November and March-May. The rafting continues for several kilometers, along the way there are rapids from the first to the fifth level of difficulty. You can also raft along the Ganges. A particularly exciting trip is one that includes an overnight stay on the river bank.

In the vicinity of Rishikesh there are opportunities for rock climbing and diving, both in the classical form and with an elastic band (however, in this case you will not get into the water). Trekking of varying difficulty is also one of the main attractions in Rishikesh.

You can go to one of the places nearby: Shivpuri, located 10 kilometers from Rishikesh - a famous rafting and trekking center, or to national park Rajaji, which is 20 minutes by car

Rishikesh, India June 11th, 2011

Rishikesh is located in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttarakhand, in the foothills of Himalayan mountains. It is here that the Ganges River ends its mountain course and further flows through the plains of India. Rishikesh is a sacred city for Indians, so crowds of pilgrims from all parts of India come here to bathe in the holy Ganges. By the way, in India they believe that the Ganges originates in heaven, and it is customary to call it in the feminine gender - “great mother Ganga”.

Rishikesh is also the yoga capital of the world. There are many operating schools and ashrams here where you can learn the basics or master the skills of yoga and meditation. Some of them are closed and it is extremely difficult to get into them, but there are also those that conduct short courses for everyone.

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The town is spread out on both banks of the Ganges. Two parts of the city are connected by hanging bridges: Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula.

Lakshman Jhula Bridge.

The bridge is a pedestrian one, but motorcyclists also travel across it, and cows go about their business.

It is worth noting that Indian cows are slightly different from their European counterparts.

Upstream the Ganges there are many sandy beaches, one of them is called “GOA beach”. The water in the river is clean and cool. You can calmly relax for a couple of days on the beach. Just remember that Rishikesh is an absolutely vegetarian city. You won't find meat or alcohol here during the day...

...But you can easily rent a scooter and rush to the mountains, to numerous waterfalls and just beautiful views. Or go to the neighboring, no less sacred, but noisier and uncomfortable city of Haridwar.

The Himalayas here are not too high yet, but there are already plenty of breathtaking views.

The settlement on the opposite bank is a rafting base.

In the evening, after a mountain walk, you can walk to the now empty Beatles Ashram, which is located near the Ram Jhula Bridge. It began to be called that after the legendary group stayed here in 1968. The ashram is closed, but with a little gratitude to the guard at the entrance, you can get there.

The most beautiful and well-kept ashram in Rishikesh is Parmath Niketan. “Aarti” is held here every day - the evening ceremony of consecration of the Ganges.

God Shiva invisibly watches the ceremony.

There are many gods here. For example, here the Indian Deity Hanuman tears his chest...

...demonstrating that Sita and Rama live forever in his heart.

The go-ahead is given for the sacred fire!

A short video to convey the atmosphere.

By throwing such plates, with candles burning in them, into the Ganges, people thank the river for cleansing them from sins.

The Ganga River forgives everything and everyone who enters its sacred waters.

The 13-level Sri Trayanbakshwar temple is the main destination of pilgrims. They need to go through all 13 levels and be sure to ring the bell at each huge amount deities Therefore, from morning to evening in the area of the Lakshman Jhula bridge, bells ring without stopping.

Rishikesh has a sufficient number of guesthouses, hotels and other places where you can stay overnight. You just need to walk along both sides of the city and find a place to your liking. The situation with food is also good. There are many different cafes with Indian and European cuisine.

An excellent cafe with a honey theme, pleasant staff and air conditioning - Honey Hut, located near the Lakshman Jhula Bridge.

Entrance to the Rajasthan guest house where we lived.

Not 5 stars, but the posters on the walls as decor really lift your spirits.

To paraphrase: Who lives well in India!

Rishikesh, despite the large number of pilgrims and tourists, inspires calm. It is not for nothing that these places are chosen by yoga teachers for meditation and relaxation.

The Indian town of Rishikesh, located at the foot of the Himalayan mountains, is considered one of the sacred cities of India and the world capital of yoga. Pilgrims constantly flock to this city, wanting to perform the rite of worship of the great Mother Ganga and bathe in its transparent, very fleeting, but no less sacred waters. The crowdedness of Rishikesh is also ensured by the wanderers who from here go on a journey to the Four Shrines. And, of course, the main guests of the city are tourists interested in such spiritual and physical practice as yoga. But, despite all these specific features, Rishikesh successfully realizes itself as a city with unusual and at the same time amazing sights that travelers can explore on their own or with a guide.

The Ganga River divides the city into two parts - eastern and western. More interesting for tourists is east coast, which can be reached via one of the two main attractions of Rishikesh - the Lakshmanjula Bridge or the Ramjula Bridge. Both suspension bridge are pedestrian. However, local residents are of little interest in this nuance. They move with enviable consistency on suspended structures on motorcycles.

Lakshmanjula Bridge is located much closer to the old part of the city. Initially, it was the only rope option to cross the river. But almost ninety years ago, thanks to the British government, it was replaced with a steel suspended structure. Now tourists, walking safely across the bridge, can admire the numerous temples on the shore and the picturesque sharp bend of the Ganges River, which turns sharply towards the Himalayas. However, beautiful river views are far from the main reason for walking across this bridge. According to local legend, Lakshmanjula was built at the exact spot where Rama's brother Lakshmana crossed the holy river and pacified his anger after much meditation. As a result, higher than that sacred place The Ganges River became noisier and faster-flowing, and lower down the river flow turned into a calm current. The bridge is located on the border of these “miracles”. And since then, everyone who walks along it is freed from anger and malice, becoming temporarily calm and peaceful.

On both banks, near the entrance to the bridge, traders are waiting for tourists offering books on Ayurveda, yoga, meditation and inexpensive beads made of rudraksha. Having crossed the bridge to the eastern bank, travelers can follow the example of the pilgrims and go to explore Sri Trayanbakshwar Temple . Many tourists call this architectural creation “wedding cake” or “house with bells.” In reality, the temple is a 13-story structure with many Indian deities and bells. Also, at all levels there are always shops with all sorts of religious trinkets and annoying barkers trying to lure tourists into the shops by any means. Having climbed to the next floor, tourists can ring the bell and admire the view from the window. On the top floor, a surprise awaits the most assertive travelers - a magnificent view of the river and Rishikesh, as well as a bearded guru who, for a nominal fee, blesses everyone with tilaka on the forehead.

Ramjula Bridge much younger than Lakshmanjul. Standing on it, tourists will be able to watch fish swimming in the Ganges, and if they have anything edible in their hands or bag, travelers will have to defend themselves from the agile monkeys that have chosen this bridge.

At the western end of Ramjul is the main tuk-tuk parking lot, while the eastern end is decorated with a promenade. Wide Triveni Ghat It looks more beautiful and modern only on one side - the south. There are colorful sculptures here, benches are installed and special plates with flowers are sold to float along the Ganges as a sign of gratitude for cleansing from sins. Walking along the wide embankment, tourists will be able to admire the sculpture of Parvati and Shiva and the view of the opposite bank with a marvelous mountain landscape.

In the northern part of the embankment, curious travelers will be able to watch the mass bathing ceremony. Here tourists will be able to explore the oldest district of Rishikesh, inhabited by sannyasins. Its narrow streets are lined with ashrams with gardens and obscure buildings.

In the very center of the city, tourists should definitely visit the old Bharat Mandir temple , built in the 12th century. It is dedicated to the almighty Vishnu, whose statue, carved from a single Shaligram, adorns the silver altar inside the temple. Opposite the main entrance to the temple, travelers will encounter a mysterious perennial plant consisting of three intertwined trees. These three trees are believed to represent Tri Dev - the triplicity of Vishnu. The age of these trees is unknown, but local residents believe in their sacred origin.

Inside the temple you can visit a museum that houses sculptures, ceramics and other archaeological finds, dating from the 3rd to 14th centuries. Entrance to the temple is free, but tourists are expected to make a small donation towards the upkeep of this sacred site.

Another temple awaits the attention of tourists on the outskirts of Rishikesh at an altitude of more than 1300 meters above sea level. This is amazing Neelkanth Mahadev , built on the spot where Shiva drank poison that threatened to destroy all living things. There is nothing particularly interesting inside the temple. But on the roof, tourists will be able to see numerous colorful sculptures, including Shiva drinking deadly poison and other deities.

It will also be possible to make offerings to the gods, after which travelers will be allowed into the temple sanctuary. Trays of gifts are sold near the temple. The cost of the set is 10-50 rupees. Moreover, the temple itself is surrounded by many stalls, cafes and shops. Makes up for all the tourist hype beautiful landscape, opening from the height of the mountain.

The easiest way for travelers to get to the temple is by taxi. You can, of course, dare to walking, but the road, which goes uphill all the time, is unlikely to please tourists. And you can return back to the city on foot. At the same time, you can look into an inactive Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram , which the Liverpool four The Beatles once made famous with their visit.

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