Planning A Trip For A Few Days? Rishikesh Is The Answer

The diurnal pulling and pushing of the rough untamed world, dragging you along its sore wild path, you often feel the need to untangle yourself from the gripping knot around your nape, gradually tightening with each passing day. You are bound to lose yourself along the undulating pathway. Taking a break from the monotony of life and going on a soul-searching trip to the mountains can never ever go wrong. The best way to feel the real zeal is to “visit Rishikesh” visit alone. It still gives you a strange sense of freedom even if you tag your family or friends along.

The Mountains That Soothe The Mind

The best places to visit during a short span can make for quite a long list, but Rishikesh will be always on the top. Check these places out for more detailed knowledge of what may you unfurl on this trip:

1. Shivpuri- The Heaven Of The Rajputs

Named after Lord Shiva, this place was previously named “Sipri.”Land of the Rajputs, Shivpuri carries some historical importance that clearly dates back to the Mughal periods. The intense forests that adorn the land were the hunting grounds of the royals. The legends say this place was like the Heaven of the Kachwaha Rajputs till the year 1804.

2. Triveni Ghat- The Soul Cleanser

This Ghat is located on the banks of the River Ganga. It is believed that the people who take a dip in this holy river, which is also the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, get rid of all their sins and negativities. So, Triveni Ghat is flanked by tourists all the year round as this is considered to be one of the sacred places of all times. People worship the river over here and watch the famous Ganga Aarti that is held every evening.

3. Laxman Jhula- The Bridge Of Myths

Famous for connecting the two villages of Jonk in Pauri Garhwal district and Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district, this hanging bridge is thronged by tourists all over the world. It has some historical significance that dates back to the days of Ramayana. As the belief goes, Lord Ram’s younger brother, Laxman crossed River Ganga at the same site and hence this bridge was named “Laxman Jhula” after him.

4. Ram Jhula- The Holy Connector

This bridge was created much later than Laxman Jhula. The connector of the two Ashrams named, Swarg Ashram on the Eastern Bank to the Sivananda Ashram on the Western Bank, this bridge is made of pure steel. As you walk down this hanging Bridge, you see the mighty Ganga gushing down beneath you in full swing, while the Himalayas surrounding the entire vicinity. This one is a bit longer than Laxman Jhula and you can spot various temples flanking the banks of the river. This bridge is named after Lord Rama as Ram Jhula.

5. Beatles Ashram- The Spiritual Connection

Yoga and meditation have prevailed in this very place for a very long time. The Beatles, too, has mentioned about the same. Inspired by the famous Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the one who was expert in preaching meditation along with Yoga, the Beatles happens to visit this place at the same time and it became a moment of historical importance. People from all around the world came to know about the place. That is why Rishikesh is considered as the Yoga capital of the world and this ashram has thus been named the Beatles Ashram ever since.

6. Kunjapuri Temple- The Land Of Myths

This place is considered to be the land of the gods and goddesses with gala celebrations to date. During Navratri, this temple decks up completely and is adorned with thousands of flowers and lights. You must carry a lot of good clothes and accessories and visit this place during the festivities and become a part of their holy celebrations. Kunjapuri temple is well known for these holy celebrations and can be visited during the months of October to November.

Suggested Tour: Sunrise at Kunjapuri Temple with Private Transfers and Village Trek

7. Parmarth Niketan Ashram- The Soulful Abode

Located on the banks of the holy Ganges, Parmarth Niketan is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayas. Pilgrims flock down to this place in numbers every year to offer their prayers. The blissful atmosphere complements the serene beauty of the place. The healing power of the chants and prayers fill your mind and soul with utmost pleasure.

8. Vashishta Gufa– The Mythical Cave

If you believe in Hindu Mythology, this was the cave where Sage Vashishtha meditated. The divine place is so peaceful that people come here to soothe their minds and souls and barely want to leave behind the serenity. 25 kms away from Rishikesh this place will leave you contented and satisfied and rinse you out of all your agonies.

9. Swarg Ashram– A Taste Of Heaven

The mesmerizing beauty and lifestyle of this place will attract you the most. To get a full-fledged idea of how to lead a saint’s life, you can spend a night at this place and get accustomed to the daily routine of theirs. Take your cameras out, as this is the place where the river Ganga is in its full form. The river gushes down the way, leaving you to take a lovely shot of hers. However, hold your excitements as you have to stay calm and silent in the ashram and abide by the norms of the place.

10. Rishikund- Hot Spring In A Valley

It is a famous hot spring that is located about 6 miles towards the south from Sitakund. Rishikund is a famous tourist attraction and has got converted into a holy place. People come here to visit this hot spring. It is believed that Lord Ram took a bath in here while being on his exile.

11. Bharat Mandir- The Holy Shrine Of The Hindus

Bharat Mandir is an ancient temple in Rishikesh that is visited by thousands and thousands of devotees. On the day of Basant Panchami every year, pilgrim takes 108 rounds around the temple and seeks his blessing from his uncovered feet, which is applicable only for that auspicious day. It is quite similar to visiting Badrinath.

12. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple- Shiva’s Regal Abode

About 32 kms away from Rishikesh, this temple is a shrine for the Hindus dedicated in the name of Lord Shiva. Flanked by dense forests, it lies adjacent to the mountains of Nar-Narayan. The Shikhara of the temple is decorated with the sculptures of the Asuras and Devtas depicting the tale of Samudra Manthan. This place has its own natural spring, where the tourists and travelers take a holy dip to rinse off their sins.

Suggested Tour: Private Trip to Famous Shiva Temple of Neelkanth Mahadev

13. Neer Gaddu waterfall- Blow Of Bliss

This waterfall is situated about 5 kms away from Laxman Jhula and it is a famous waterfall in Rishikesh. A man-made small swimming pool is also created for people. During the monsoons, the waters overflow and the trek remain closed for tourists and travelers.

14. Tera Manzil temple- The ‘Idol’istic Temple

Also known as Trimbakeshawar Temple, this is a 13 storeyed temple that is dedicated to a number of gods and goddesses. The main attraction for the tourists is the beautiful creation of the idols of the gods and goddesses here.

15. Gita Bhawan- The Scripted Domain

Hindus have a strong connection with this place. This is one of the most famous shrines. The walls of this complex bear the writings from Ramayana and Mahabharata. There is even a meditation hall in the complex where people go to meditate and offer their prayers. The Ayurvedic department of the complex provides you with medicines that are made from the herbs and shrubs collected from the Himalayas and water from the Ganges.

Take a tour of these places and get your mind and body rejuvenated and charged up for the weeks and months of toil that lies ahead. You are sure to come back with a lot of spiritual as well as blissful vibes from there.