Rishikesh, India sightseeing includes visiting the places in and around Rishikesh. Following are the tourist attractions of Rishikesh.
Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is a beautiful sight which is located about 7 kms. north of Rishikesh. Till 1889, there was just a hanging rope bridge across the river Ganga (without pillar). But it was later rebuilt with iron ropes in the year 1939. The main attraction of Lakshman Jhula is the temple of Raghunathji.
Lakshman is said to have visited this place and is also believed to have done self-mortification to wash his sins for killing a Brahmin. The Lakshman Jhula connects Rishikesh with Tapovan across the River Ganga where a temple is dedicated to Lakshman.
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is located about 1.6 kms. from Rishikesh. It is the place where three streams of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are believed to be flowing together, underground. Triveni Ghat is a sacred place where Pinda Shradhha is performed. Pinda Shraddha is a ritual where food is offered to the departed soul. During the evening, prayer of Goddess Ganga is also performed here.
Swarga Ashram
It is located about 8 kms. from Rishikesh and is a very quiet place on the left bank of the River Ganga. It is located just opposite to Shri Shivananda Ashram. This place can be reached either by crossing Ganga by a boat or by the Ram Shivanand suspension bridge that is built across the river Ganga. The temple has an idol of Shri Badrinath Ji.
The temple is surrounded by forests all around. Those who visit Swarga Ashram must also pay a visit to the Badrinath temple. Swarga Ashram does not only contain temples, it is a pretty well established township which has restaurants, shopping centres, parks, libraries, etc. as well.
Gita Bhawan
Gita Bhawan is located about 8 kms. from Rishikesh. It was constructed by the Geeta Bhawan Trust, Gorakhpur, in the year 1944. It is situated just close to Swarga Ashram complex. The temple itself and all the other buildings that surround it have Gita and Ramayana inscribed on its walls. It is taken care of by a body of trustees, who are affiliated to the Gita Press, Gorakhpur.
Baba Kali Kamliwala Panchayati Kshetra
This is one of the oldest institutions, and was founded by Shri Baba Vishuddha Nanda Ji. The main office of the Panchayat is located at Rishikesh with its branches at all the major pilgrim centres in Garhwal district. There are rooms available here for overnight stay.
Shri Sivananda Ashram and Divine Life Society
The Sivananda Ashram and Divine Life Society is located about 2.5 kms from the main bus stand at Rishikesh. It was founded in the year 1936 by Shri Swami Sivananda Ji Maharah. The members of the Society believe in one religion and have vowed to help people in distress.
Muni ki Reti
It is a famous trekking place from where lots of trekking starts. According to mythology, Rama and Lakshman bathed at the well that is located here to wash off their sins of killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin.
