Rishikesh Pilgrimage tour – Most sacred “the land of God”

Rishikesh Pilgrimage: Overview

Rishikesh is a place where you can visit and enjoy your holiday as pilgrimage spot where the many tourists used to come for praise the god and taking a holy dip in sacred Ganga River and in Rishikesh. Holiday travel India gives you better chance to visit and make your tour success by visiting all the holy spots of Rishikesh. In this 2 days tour package you will covered all the famous and most pious places of Rishikesh which includes Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, Vashishta Gufa, The Beatles Ashram and Gita Bhawan. This pious journey will start from Delhi city and the package is well designed for Religious people who want to spend some time on the land of God with comfortable journey and accommodation.

What is unique in “Rishikesh Pilgrimage tour” package?

The uniqueness of “Rishikesh Pilgrimage tour” package is given below:

Rishikesh is ancient ties with Hindu culture make it one of the famous centers of India and the spiritual essence makes it an ideal place for yoga and meditation. Spiritual seekers and adventure lover comes from around the world to dip in holy Ganges river where the Rishikesh provides the gateway for people coming holy shrines , flower meadows, beautiful maintains treks, river, and valley.

History: There are several temples which were built during 8 th century by the renowned Indian saint Adi Shankracharaya

Climate: climate of Rishikesh is never too extreme to visit but the town is cooler than most of the Indian city throughout the year between 0 to 40 degree

Culture: culture of Rishikesh has special place in Hindu culture since ancient times and the place is associated with many legends due to its religious value daily life at Rishikesh is full of pious activities, as per law the city only serves vegetarian food and alcohol is prohibited in the city.

Package Highlights

• Visit & get Knowledge about ancient history temples of Rishikesh

• Visit Parmarth niketan Ashram and temple and Omkarananda Ashram

• Excursion of Bharat mata mandir, Tera manzil temple

• Explore Ram Jhula, Lakshaman Jhula, Vashishta Gufa

• Visit Beatles Ashram and Gita Bhawan

• Attend most sacred Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

• Get enjoy taking photography of surrounding beauty

• Take pleasure of street shopping at local market and buy stone made jewellery

• Please taste Shikanji as delicious local cuisines when you are in Rishikesh

Package Inclusion

• Breakfast + Dinner

• 2 Night stay at well furnished room

• Personal Ac swift desire for 3 Days

• Pick up and Drop up from Delhi airport or railway station

• Toll tax+ Parking + Driver hault

• Inclusive of all taxes

Package Exclusion

• Personal expense

• Any airfare or railway ticket

• Lunch

• Gst tax

How to travel from Delhi to Rishikesh

By Air:  Rishikesh does not have any Airport facility, so we can not directly reach to the Rishikesh by the Flights/Airline.  The nearest airport from the Rishikesh is Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport), which is 240.5 km from Rishikesh.

By Bus:  The bus is also a good option to reach the Rishikesh from Delhi. Daily bus services are available in Delhi to Rishikesh. By bus there is 4 to 5 hours are requires reaching the Rishikesh bus stand. There is different types of bus services are available like chartered bus.

By Train: Railway is also the best option to reach the Rishikesh. The nearest railway station in Rishikesh is the Rishikesh Railway Station with good connectivity to Delhi and Mussoorie.

Best Season for Visit Rishikesh

Best season for the vacations in the rishikesh is (December - May) winter and summer season. This is the best time for rafting in the white water of the Ganga River and enjoys the winter sports in Rishieksh.

Other Attraction in Rishikesh

Vashishta Gufa : Vashishta Gufa, situated on the banks of the Ganga River, is one of the most beautiful places of meditation in Rishikesh - the yoga capital of the world. This cave was where Vashishta- Lord Brahma's manas putra meditated. This place provides with camping facility. The Vashishta Gufa is situated in the middle of a grove of Gular (Ficus) trees and the slopes leading to sacred River Ganga. It is also famous for a linga.

The Beatles Ashram: The Beatles were one of the most popular music bands in 1960's throughout the world. Beatles visited Rishikesh in 1968 for meditation. After this visit Rishikesh suddenly came in limelight throughout the world. Beatles came here to learn transcendental meditation at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram. Heir visit was one of the band's most productive periods.

Ram Jhula: Ram jhula is located 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) north of Rishikesh at Muni Ki Reti. There are some of the Hindu ashrams and religious centers like "Gita Bhawan", and "Swargashram" located here. It is famous by the name of the goddess Rama. Ram jhula is also known as Shivananda Jhula.

Lakshaman Jhula: Lakshman Jhula connects the borders of the Tehri and Pauri district. The Trayambakeshwar Temple and Sri Raghunathji’s Temple are the attractions around Laxman Jhula. The name of this bridge is is provide Laxman jhula because the Rama younger brother Laxman crossed the ganga by the jute wood on this bridge.

Festivals in Rishikesh

The International Yoga Festival, Basant Panchami, Science Festival are some of the festivals which celebrates in Rishikesh. The International yoga festival is the main festival of Rishikesh because as a Rishikesh is a Yoga Center of the Indian state. Where, Basant Panchami is celebrates in the Mussoorie in respect to Goddess Saraswati Devi and for welcoming the summer season

Rishikesh weather

Rishikesh has a pleasant weather for many months of the year. Thus Rishikesh is one such tourist spot that can be visited any time of the year. The weather of Rishikesh often becomes unpredictable.

Winter (October to February): Winter season can be cold in the town and the temperatures can be expected to around 8°C. The barometer rises up to a maximum of 20°C during the winter months. Wollen clothing is essential during this period.

Summer (March to June): During the months from March to June. The maximum temperature that you can expect during the summer is around Summer 20 °C to 35 °C.

Monsoon (July to September): Monsoon season is from July to September and during this time most activities are suspended due to the heavy blast of rains. Rainfall is highest in the month of August. During the month of October and November the conditions are pleasant and temperate.

Rishikesh India airport

Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport to Rishikesh (Approx 35.0 km.)

The second nearest international airport for Rishikesh is in New Delhi which is well-connected with different cities across the globe. There is another flight from Lucknow to Dehradun as well. Popular flights like Air India, Spice Jet and Jet Airways often have daily flights from New Delhi.

On reach at the airport, you can take regular taxi or bus service from Dehradun to Rishikesh.

Flights to Rishikesh India 

Flight name                -           Timing               -       Arrival Days           -       Duration

IndiGo (6E 652_ 964)     -      5:25 - 12:05         -    M T W T F S S        -   6h40m (1 Stop)

IndiGo (6E 652)                 -     5:25 - 12:30      -       M T W T F S S       -      7h5m   (1 Stop)

Jet Airways (9W – 2832)     -   07:35 08:40                     -                         01h 05m   (Non Stop)

Spicejet (SG – 2328)          -     18:45 19:35                      -                        00h 50m   (Non Stop)           

Tourist attractions in Rishikesh

Kunjapuri Temple: It is located 30 minutes drive from Rishikesh, lies the Kunjapuri temple at a height of 1700 m which is one of the greatest tourist places in Rishikesh. It is an easy trek to the top of the temple, but once you conquer it, the view of the sunrise amidst the mighty Himalaya and Doon valley on the south will leave you awe-struck. A trek on the last day of the visit, here, is the best end to an amazing Rishikesh adventure.

Vashishta Gufa: An ancient cave, away from the city lights, it is an ideal weekend destination and is one of the major places to see in Rishikesh. A blend of serenity and calm surrounding, this destination attracts thousands of tourists, looking for blissful time.

Neer Garh Waterfall: Two kilometers from the Laxman Jhula, a visit to this mesmerizing waterfall will leave you awestruck. It will hold you captive in its eternal beauty. Overall, the place is perfect for a much-needed timeout from the hustle of the hectic traveling. One of the best tourist places in Rishikesh, Neer Garh waterfall also attracts many wanderer photographers.

Triveni Ghat: Triveni ghat is among the most sacred ghats in Rishikesh with a congruence of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. A visit to this place will give you an insight to the spiritual beauty of Rishikesh.

Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: The 450 feet long iron suspended bridges, Laxman and Ram Jhula – are the glory of this beautiful tourist hub. The bridges are 4 km from the Rishikesh railway station. It offering scenic beauty, these architectural marvels is important pilgrimage spots and is definitely top places to visit in Rishikesh. One can also visit famous Trayambakeshwar temple, Ram temple, and Laxman temple, situated in the vicinity.

Famous temples in Rishikesh

Triambakeshwar Temple: Triambakeshwar Temple which is also called as Tera Manzil Temple is situated near Lakshman Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh. Tera Manzil Temple is devoted to idols of Hindu God and Goddess. Here visitors always capture a superb vision of the full area from the top of the temple.

Rishikund tank and Raghunath Temple : The Rishikund tank and Raghunath temple near the tank also present quite beautiful scenic views. Lord Ram used the tank for bathing while he was in exile.

Geeta Bhawan : It is the Temple in which the well-known Indian epic Mahabharata and Ramayana are explains on the walls. Here people assemble to read the Ramayana jointly.

Nilkanth Mahadev Temple: Nilkanth mahadev temple is one of the temples and is very popular in north India which is positioned at height of around 5500 ft.

Shatrughna Mandir: Shatrughna Mandir is dedicated to Shatrughna of the epic Ramayana. This ancient shrine is said to be established by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to Rishikesh. Shatrughna Temple is located near Ram Jhula.

 Kunjapuri Devi Temple:  Kunjapuri Devi Temple is a hill-top goddess temple in Rishikesh. This Devi Temple is one of the revered shrines in Rishikesh. This shrine is dedicated to Goddess Sati (Goddess Parvati).

 Lakshman Temple:  Lakshman Temple is situated on the banks of River Ganga near Lakshman Jhula. It is said that Lakshman Temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya. This temple is dedicated to Lakshmana (Rama's brother) of the epic Ramayana.

Delhi to Rishikesh distance

The driving distance between New Delhi to Rishikesh - 230 km

The aerial distance from New Delhi to Rishikesh - 191 km

Rishikesh Himalayas

During 8th century Adi Shankaracharya, one of most renowned and revered sages from India, built several temples and ashrams in the region. Unfortunately, most of the temples and ashrams were destroyed because of several earthquakes and floods that have affected the region over the centuries; however, some temples still stand tall and are reminiscent of the rich cultural heritage of the place.

Rishikesh is important not only as pilgrimage spot closely linked with the Ramayana, but also as home for numerous important places of Hindu religious thought and spirituality. Some ancient temples in Rishikesh that attracts people from both far and near due to its significance. Several temples, ancient and new, are along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh.

The place is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. Tapovan, on the other bank of the Ganges, houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, carried out penances here. The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva had drunk the venom that came out during the churning of the ocean. In the 1960s, the place came into limelight as the place where the pop group Beatles met their guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Train to Rishikesh

Name/ Train No                           -               Train from     -     Duration    -   Arrival Time    -    Arrival Days

Hemkunt Exp (14610)                    -           Jammu       -     13h 25m      -    08:00      -      S-M-T-W-T-F-S            

Bandikui-Rishi. Pass (54463)   -   Bandikui, Agra, Laksar   -   21h 50m   -    12:40        -      S-M-T-W-T-F-S

Delhi Rishikesh Pass (54471)        -            Delhi                 -       10h 55m   -   04:30        -     S-M-T-W-T-F-S

Rishi. Hari.Pass (54484)                  -        Haridwar            -          01h         -    16:35         -    S-M-T-W-T-F-S

Delhi to Rishikesh taxi

The distance between Delhi and Rishikesh by road -232 km. (Approx 5 hrs)

You may choose to hire a cab to Rishikesh from Delhi city, railway station or airport. You can book a taxi like Indica, Micra, Indigo, Dzire, Etios, Innova, Tempo Traveller and luxury cars for your weekend getaway, holiday destination, honeymoon, family outing, pilgrimage etc. You can check the taxi fare and estimated cab cost for Delhi to Rishikesh trip.

Clothes to wear in Rishikesh

While driving to Rishikesh, it will be warm inside the vehicle but as soon as you step out of the vehicle, warm clothing will be required to keep off the cold winds of the Himalayas. Evening will be generally cold and Clothing’s for both extremes of climate and temperature so we recommend that you bring the following clothing’s and accessories with you:

• Cotton full sleeve T-Shirts, Thermal under pants/long

• Thermal vest / warm full T-Shirts, Light tennis shoes & light rubber sandal

• Warm woollen socks, large cotton or silk scarf

• Warm gloves, Soft paper tissue and handkerchiefs - Plenty

• Monkey cap and Sun heat, Down Jacket, Warm thick pullover

• Warm thin pullover, Warm pants

• Light loose cotton pants, Warm windproof jacket

Rishikesh ashrams free stay

Ashrams

• Parmarth Niketan

• Swarg Ashram

• Yoga Niketan Trust

• Shivanand Ashram (Divine Life Society)

• Omkarananda Patanjali Yog Kendra

Free yoga classes in Rishikesh

Yoga centers

Parmarth Niketan           

Location: P.O. Swargashram, Rishikesh - 249 304

Omkaranand Patanjali Yoga Kendra        

Location: Ganga Sadan, P.O. Shivanand Nagar, Muni ki Reti, Rishikesh - 249 192

Kriya Yoga Ashram          

Location: Tapovan, Muni ki Reti, Rishikesh

Akhand Yog Dham Trust               

Location: Mangal Yoga and Nature Medicine Centre, Crossing Point of Tehri Road, near Ram Jhula, Muni ki Reti, Rishikesh - 249 192

Yoga Niketan Trust         

Location: P.O. Shivananda Nagar, Muni ki Reti, Rishikesh - 249 192

Best place for meditation in Rishikesh

Phool Chatti

The meaning of Phool Chatti is “Land of Flowers” which is located 5 km up the hill from Rishikesh in a quiet and peaceful location situated on the banks of river Ganga.  Phool Chatti is a 120 year old Ashram in Rishikesh. However, since 1977 this ashram has been under the prime guidance of Swami Dev Swarup Nanda Ji. Phool Chatti offers wide range of yoga learning courses and teacher training courses. These courses may range from a short 1 week course to even a year or two.

Sivananda Ashram

Sivananda Ashram was founded by Swami Sivananda and is run by the Divine Life Society. Teachings are based around the five points of yoga like postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet. Free yoga and meditation classes are offered daily.

Parmarth Niketen

It is located in Swargashram Locality in Rishikesh on the banks of the holy Ganges and founded by Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji, Parmarth Niketan is undoubtedly the largest Ashram in Rishikesh. Parmarth Niketan has been in existence since the last 70 years being one of the oldest Ashrams in Rishikesh as well.

Anand Prakash Ashram

Anand Prakash Ashram is located in tapovan near Rishikesh. Akhanda Yoga is the most popular Yoga teaching of this Ashram and also the major attraction. Founded by Yogrishi Vishvketu ji and Chetana Panwar, this ashram offers a wide range of Traditions in Yoga such as Vedic Karma, Kirtan, Meditation, Asana, Pranayama and a lot more.

Patanjali International Yoga Foundation

Patanjali International Yoga Foundation (PIYF) is located in Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh. It is one of the most popular Ashrams in Rishikesh. The trust factor of co-founder Baba Ramdev is also associated with this ashram. PIYF focuses on physical, mental as well as spiritual health of all its students. It gives us knowledge about a wide range of activities. The purpose of the activities conducted here is to spread knowledge on Ancient Yoga, Ayurveda, Vedic Wisdom and Holistic Living.

Omkarananda Ganga Sandan

Omkarananda Ganga Ashram is located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River and it was founded long back in the year of 1967. The ashram is run by a handful of sages. The most special feature of this ashram is the Iyengar yoga class. Clean and affordable accommodation is also offered in the Omkarananda ashram. A daily arti is also a part of the curriculum here. Yoga classes for everyone are held here six days a week; however, if one wants to take an extensive course, they have to enroll one month prior.

Swami Dayananda Ashram

The ashram is located on a beautiful backdrop and that adds to the peace factor of it and the accommodations are given only for the students. It is stablished in 1960, Swami Dayananda ashram also stands peacefully on the banks of that sacred river. It was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati who was quite popular in the fields of Sanskrit and Vedanta. Lectures on the sacred Bhagavad Gita and ten Upanishads are a part of the daily curriculum. Apart from these, there is vedic chanting and Iyengar style of yoga.

Ashrams in Rishikesh with accommodation

Parmarth Niketan

Location: located at the banks of the holy Ganges River in Rishikesh, Uttrakhand

Facilities: is one of the top yoga centers in India and the biggest ashram in the area. It has 1,000 rooms on its sprawling eight acre campus, with various rates (on a "donation" basis from 300 rupees per person, per day) depending on the standard of accommodations and view. Two yoga classes and three meals daily are included in the price. The ashram runs an extensive program of beginner yoga, Vedic heritage and spirituality, and teacher training courses. Outsider visitors are welcome to attend daily classes by giving a donation. The ashram's evening Ganga aarti is popular.

Sivananda Ashram

Location: The ashram is located near Ram Jhula, adjoining the main road, Rishikesh Uttrakhand

Facilities: Teachings are based around the five points of yoga like postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet. Free yoga and meditation classes are offered daily. However, accommodations (which are also provided free of charge, along with food) are only available to serious spiritual seekers who need to apply at least a month in advance.

Omkarananda Ganga Sadan

Location:  located at the Muni-ki-Reti area of Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganges River Uttrakhand

Facilities: It has its own ghat, and a daily aarti is performed. Daily (except Sundays) yoga classes are open to everyone but reservations need to be made months in advance for the intensive yoga courses. Lectures on the Bhagavad Gita are also offered. Accommodations are reasonably priced and clean, and many rooms have river views.

Himalayan Yog Ashram

Location: Located a short walk up the hill from Anand Prakesh, Rishikesh Uttrakhand

Facilities: Various Ayurvedic healing programs are offered as well. The minimum stay at the ashram is a week, but two weeks are recommended to obtain maximum benefit. As well as the teachings, guests praise this ashram for its great food, beautiful environment, and welcoming hosts.

Anand Prakash Ashram

Location:  located in the Tapovan area, Rishikesh Uttrakhand

Facilities: stays at the ashram including yoga, accommodations, and meals are from 700 rupees ($15) per person, per night. There are 18 rooms, and a minimum three night’s stay is required. Yoga classes for non-residents are 150 rupees for afternoon classes and 200 rupees for morning classes. The ashram also runs 200 hour and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training programs.

Rishikesh to Delhi train

 Train name / no.         -              dep           -       arr       -        duration              -    no. of days   

nanda devi exp. 12206    -      0.55  -                 5.20        -      4h 25 min.         -    S-m-t-w-t-f-s

yoga exp.19032                 -    15.20      -      22.0          -     6h.40min.              -      S-m-t-w-t-f-s   

dehradun shtbdi 12018    -   18.15     -      22.45   -       4h.30min                   -        s-m-t-w-t-f-s