📍 Sacred City · Uttarakhand
Rishikesh
ऋषिकेश
Also known as: Yoga Capital of the World · Hrishikesh
Spiritual Significance
Rishikesh is the Yoga Capital of the World, nestled in the Himalayan foothills on the banks of the Ganga. It is a centre for meditation, yoga, and spiritual learning. The Beatles made it world-famous by visiting Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram here in 1968.
History
Named after Lord Hrishikesh (Vishnu). Ancient rishis (sages) performed penance here. It has been a spiritual hub for thousands of years and today hosts hundreds of ashrams and yoga centres. The historic Lakshman Jhula, built in 1929, was permanently closed in 2019 due to structural concerns. A new modern glass-floor suspension bridge called Bajrang Setu has been constructed at the same location and is being prepared for public opening.
Ancient Story
Legend says that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, a Brahmin scholar. His younger brother Lakshmana crossed the river Ganga at a point where the famous Lakshman Jhula later stood, using only two jute ropes. The town gets its name from Lord Vishnu, who appeared here as 'Hrishikesh' to the sage Raibhya Rishi after his intense penance.
Location Map
Sacred Significance
The Ganga flows pure and clean through Rishikesh. The city is vegetarian and alcohol-free by law. Ram Jhula remains the iconic pedestrian suspension bridge. The old Lakshman Jhula has been replaced by Bajrang Setu — a modern glass-floor bridge. Rishikesh hosts the annual International Yoga Festival and is the starting point for many Himalayan treks.
Things to Do
- ✨Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan
- ✨Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula
- ✨Yoga and meditation at ashrams
- ✨Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
- ✨Neelkanth Mahadev Temple