Open left menu rishikesh. Rishikesh, the extreme spiritual center of India Rishikesh India

The city of Rishikesh is a city of sages who, by knowing themselves, learn about the world. The yoga capital of the world lies on the way to the Himalayas. Rishikesh, surrounded on three sides by forested hills, is divided into two parts by the great river Ganga, rapidly rolling down from the mountains.

The world capital of yoga is a place where you can not only cleanse your mind, but also your body. The city of Rishikesh is a vegetarian city where tourists will not find alcohol, meat, eggs or fish. Rishikesh offers guests all the most delicious and healthy things - rice, vegetables, fruits, nuts and masala tea. The proximity of the mountains affects the climate: in winter the city is cool, but in summer it is never hot.

The Beatles group brought fame to Rishekesh. In the 60s, musicians came to a little-known city to find enlightenment. Here the Beatles practiced meditation and yoga in the ashram of the great yogi Maharishi.

The city is literally in full swing with spiritual life. Tourists, if desired, will be able to live in monastic communities, visit ashrams and religious centers. The magnificent architecture and colorful religious buildings will give tourists hours and even days filled with aesthetic bliss.

The Ganges, flowing from north to south, sets the rhythm of the city. Suspension bridges themselves are attractions that have a long history. Just think, a century ago the river was connected by a rope bridge, and only in the 30s of the 20th century the British built the Lakshmanjula steel suspension bridge. On both sides of the bridge there are markets offering tourists souvenirs: figurines, rosaries, ethnic clothing, aromatic oils and much more. etc.

On the west coast, tourists can purchase religious literature in a bookstore and fresh buns in a German bakery. The eastern coast is not intended for widespread tourist expansion and consists of forested foothills. The thirteen-story Trayambakeshwar Tower will offer tourists observation platforms from which they offer views of the inhabited, western part of the city and the river, decorated with images of Hindu gods. Five kilometers from the tower there is a waterfall and a cave with lacy limestone deposits.

The Ramjula Bridge is located much further south, a couple of kilometers from the first crossing. The bridge is not just a tuk-tuk parking lot, but also the center of tourist life. On the far bank, on the right hand, is the largest and most famous ashram, with an embankment stretching along it.

If you go in the opposite direction from Svargashram, you can see how ascetics live who have renounced material wealth. Apart from the humble homes of sadhus, you can see clean beaches. Women should refrain from swimming in the river and wearing deep necklines so as not to offend the feelings of believers.

To get to the Triveni Ghat promenade, decorated with images of gods, you need to hire an autorickshaw. Ghats, stone stepped structures for ablution with sacred waters, were built on the embankment. In the evenings, beautiful ceremonies called Ganga Aarti are held near the water. The opposite bank is occupied by trees creeping up the slope.

On the mountain stands the Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir temple, hugging a huge tree. Frozen on its roof are stone gods, churning the ocean with a big-headed snake, and the all-good god Shiva, swallowing poison to prevent the death of humanity.

The road from the temple goes through the territory of the reserve, where wild elephants are found. Going down, tourists will find themselves in the Beatles Ashram, which is now desolate. However, some enthusiasts argue that the abandonment of this ashram contributes to the concentration so necessary for meditation. In Rishekesh, tourists will be offered active recreation: traveling along the Ganges River, rafting, mountaineering, as well as group and individual yoga classes. Rishikesh is also interesting because it opens the way to the holy city of Haridwar and the Four Shrines of the Garhwal Himalayas, to ancient mountain settlements.

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, along the sandy banks of which there are numerous holy ashrams - the abodes of sages. Here the river actually begins its full-flowing movement 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 the best places to visit famous places in Rishikesh from our website.

Welcome to the yoga capital of the world and a stopover on the way to the Himalayas. Find out what impressions you got from his visit.

Where is

In the valley, the waters of the Ganges are colored gray and yellow. They flow into the Bay of Bengal in a muddy mass that has absorbed the dust of the sultry semi-deserts, the factory waste of the industrial areas lying along the riverbed, and the ashes of the people buried in it. But at its sources, in the Himalayas, the Ganges glows with heavenly blue.

The beginning of the path to the mountains

The slopes of the Himalayas are covered with dense, impenetrable jungle. They contain tigers and deer, monkeys and peacocks, birds, reptiles of various types, sizes, and colors.

Interesting: during a trip to India

For tourists, visiting here is not just being on an excursion. It is not easy to make your way through dense thickets along mountain slopes. It seems that a mysterious desolation surrounds you. Somewhere in the bushes an animal is hiding, swift fallow deer and deer are flying under the cliff, birds, covered in the dense foliage of trees, are whistling in every possible way.

The jungle suddenly began to boil with movement. Something was swinging and squealing in the trees, breaking branches, shaking the trees themselves. This flock of monkeys attacked wild fruit trees. The man’s steps stopped the noise for a minute, but a moment later there was the same vain, rapid fuss. People are not scary to them. And here in the jungle they are indifferent to him, not being spoiled by feeding him delicacies.

Tourists along their route climb higher and higher into the mountains, further and further from the road - and suddenly find themselves in front of a cultivated field and a peasant house. The region is not as deserted as it seems at first. Having lost sight of each other behind the dense thickets, the travelers climb even higher and deeper. And again it turned out that the jungle was not abandoned by man. Now, deftly making their way along the rocky steep slope, two girls, about ten or twelve years old, come towards us. They herd goats and sheep. And again the field. And again the shepherds. Every piece of land here serves people in one way or another.

Gateway of the Himalayas

Where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas and rushes into the valley, where its waters are still clean and transparent, the small ancient city of Rishikesh, which translated means “abode of saints,” clings to the foot of the mountains. This is another city deeply revered by Hindus, to which an endless stream of pilgrims also flows, believing that the waters of the Ganges are especially miraculous here.

Once upon a time, a traveler had to walk here from Hardwar through dense jungles teeming with predatory animals and reptiles. Clouds of mosquitoes carrying terrible malaria also terrified those intending to visit the “abode of saints”; those who set out on the journey were warned in Hardwar: only a person with pure thoughts can safely reach Rishikesh.

Now, although the jungle has been preserved, although there are various animals in it, a wide asphalt road has been laid to the city and further into the mountains, and those who set out on the journey will walk - and for walking, as the Hindus believe, sins are atoned for more reliably - not alone, not fearing the inhabitants of the jungle. Every now and then he will be overtaken by cars or peasant carts.

Near the city there has long been a leper colony - a colony of lepers. An incomprehensible disease in ancient times, leprosy terrified people. From some it was transmitted through the air, when the speaker could spray saliva on a healthy person; others were completely safe for others. But they tried to isolate them all from society, to herd them into a leper colony, where they were doomed to a slow, difficult death.

Near the city, the leper colony is not like that, where the sick live without communicating with the healthy. The lepers created their town with compassionate pilgrims in mind, who saw in giving alms another chance to atone for their sins before the gods.

Experts say only one in four is contagious. But try to guess whether a contagious or harmless patient touched your hand.

Here the rishis - “saints” - created one of the main centers of yoga, turned into a fashionable place for people interested in yoga, especially its mystical side, which predetermines self-contemplation, a person’s detachment from earthly vanities in thoughts about himself. Millionaires, film stars, Indian and Western, came here.

As in other places, all kinds of “saints” prospered on the sacred waters of the Ganges for Hindus: rishis, sadhus, swamis. The Brahmins - clergymen and owners of small hotels - lived happily, and even now live well. However, there is a fresh air here too.

Here is the town of Virdbhadra, located six kilometers from the city. Pointing to the town that recently grew up here, the Indian guide says:

Look here. Near the source of the terrible disease, a source of health appeared - an antibiotic factory.

Tourists see a vast town: factory buildings, modern houses, wide comfortable roads. And once upon a time there was an impenetrable jungle on this land. The clean air of the foothills of the Himalayas and the abundance of unpolluted Ganges water made this place extremely convenient for the production of medicines, which require a special natural regime.

Rishikesh, India June 11th, 2011

Rishikesh is located in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttarakhand, in the foothills of the 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 of 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 simply beautiful views. Or go to the neighboring, no less sacred, but noisier and more 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 of each of the huge number of 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 the eastern bank, which can be reached via one of the two main attractions of Rishikesh - the Lakshmanjula Bridge or the Ramjula Bridge. Both suspension bridges 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, above that sacred place, the Ganges River became noisier and faster-flowing, and below 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. All this tourist hype is compensated by the 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 walk, 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.