Rishikesh is just
24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas,
this place is considered to be the access point of three
other pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri
and Yamunotri the four great places, which combine to
make Chardham. Rishikesh is surrounded by scenic beauty
of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing
through it.
The whole place is considered to be sacred, as it is
believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment
of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some
new along the river Ganges. The Riverside is dotted
by the ashrams of Sadhus and sages. Rishikesh is also
famous for ashrams teaching Yoga.
In the 60's even the Beatles could not miss the charm
of Rishikesh and they came here to meet their Guru.
The Ganga, which is known for its strong currents and
fierce behaviour up stream, suddenly becomes slow and
gracious here. At Rishikesh, Ganga leaves the mountains
and joins the plains for her long journey.
Rishikesh is not only an attraction for pilgrims but
it also attracts foreigners who want to know about Hinduism,
who want to spend some time close to the Lord, people
who love rafting come here to conquer the rapids of
Ganga. Rishikesh is also an ideal base camp for trekking
in the nearby Himalayas.
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