Rishikesh Travel Guide

Rishikesh,
also known as the 'place of sages' is Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga
and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of 'Hrishikesh' had appeared
as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place
derived its name.
It is the starting point for the Char dham pilgrims but also for the people
who are interested in meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the
adventure seekers, rishikesh is the suggested place for starting their trekking
expeditions to the Himalayan peaks and for rafting. Also, International Yoga
Week which attracts participation form across the world, is held here, every
year, in February on the banks of the Ganga.
Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan
Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of
Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place.
From this point on, the great Ganges leaves behind her mountain home and enters
the vast plains of Northern India.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area : 11.20 sq.km.
Altitude : 356 metres.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max.44.4, Min.29; Winter- Max.32.2, Min.18.3.
Clothings : Summer- Cotton & tropical; Winter- Heavy woollen.
Languages Spoken : Garwali, Hindi, Punjabi, English.
Best Season : Throughout the Year.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air : The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), 35 kms from Haridwar.
Vayudoot services operates from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Jagson Airlines
also operates flights from Delhi to Dehradun.
Rail : Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar (24 kms), to Howrah,
Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other cities.
Road : By road Rishikesh to Haridwar 24 kms, Dehradun 47 kms, Mussoorie
77 kms, Badrinath 301 kms (Son Prayag), Kedarnath 228 kms, Gangotri 258 kms,
Yamunotri 288 kms (Hanuman Chatti), Srinagar 105 kms, Joshimath 252 kms.
Bus Services : Haridwar is connected by bus with Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradun,
Kullu, Manli, Shimla, Rishikesh etc..