Rishikesh is located in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh. It is 238 km northeast of Delhi and 24 km north of Haridwar and spreads on the right banks of the Ganges, at its confluence with the Chandrabhanga stream. It is surrounded by hills on three sides and is perched at an altitude of 356 meters above sea level. The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an association of five distinct sections encompassing not only the town but also hamlets and settlements on both sides of the river.

Pilgrimage Attractions of Rishikesh

Lakshmanan Jhula: This suspended Iron bridge was build in 1939 and has been a major attraction among the tourists to Rishikesh. It is said that Lakshman crossed Ganga on jute ropes between the places where this bridge is built. The Ganges appears very panoramic from the bridge. One can enjoy the picturesque surroundings and the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge. If you feel like feeding the fish in the Ganges, take a boat and cross the river. The boat ride makes the bridge appear more gorgeous. Close to LakshmanJuhla is the Ram Jhula - This suspended bridge was recently built between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. Ram Juhla is also known as Shivanand Jhula.

Bharat Mandir: Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya around 12th century, Bharat Mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the Banks of the Ganges. Detailed accounts of this oldest temple of Rishikesh are available in ancient record of Kearkhand. The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of lord Vishnu, carved out of a single Saligram. In the inner canopy above the idol is shree yantra installed by Adi Sankraya Charya. The original temple was destroyed by Taimur lane in 1398 A.D. Lot of old statues, coins, pots and other things of historical importance were found in recent excavations in the premises of the temple.

Parmarth Niketan: One of the most renowned temple complex and ashram in the area. Known for its substantial work on Hinduism, three is a school run on traditional Indian Patterns. The ashram organises excellent Ganga Arti and Hawan on the Parmarth Ghat every evening.

Transcendental Centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Situated on the extreme end of Geeta Bhawan area , Marishi&39s TM centre is situated in the peaceful forest area. Once the most active branch has nothing much to offer to the visitors today.

Kunjapuri Temple: Drive to Kunja Puri, one of the thirteen most important Goddesses of Shivalik range, the lower Himalayas.One can witness excellent sunrise or sunset on the Greater Hiamalayan Peaks and the vast Indo Gangetic plains. One can see almost all the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here eg Banderpunch (6316 Mts), Swarga Rohini (6252 Mts), Gangotri (6672 mts), Chaukhamba (7138 mts) etc.