Backpack Central

In the foothills of the North Indian Himalayas Mountains, where the sacred River Ganges leaves the peaks of Shivalik and begins a slow descent into the lush plains below, is found the city of Rishikesh. Shrouded in serenity and tranquil beauty, this city is a virtual Indian Shangri-La emerging from the mists of myth and legend to reward the pilgrim in search of spiritual understanding and divine absolution.
Considered the â??gateway of the Himalayasâ??, Rishikesh is found in Uttar Pradeshâ??s Tehri-Garhwal area, part of the legendary Kedarkhand region that appears in the earliest Hindu scriptures. Its fame is bound up chiefly in the Hindu religious epics and divine mythology; the Indian epic Ramayana avers that it was here that the Princes Rama and Lakshman retreated to do penance after killing King Ravana of Lanka. It is said that here also is the site of Lord Vishnuâ??s vanquishing of the demon Madhu. Indeed, the name of Rishikesh itself is derived from one of Lord Vishnuâ??s own names, meaning â??Lord of five sensesâ??.
Although this may well refer to the spiritual exaltation sages of old and the modern day enjoy while meditating in an environment of such beauty and peace, the kenning is also loosely applied to the five settlements on both sides of the Ganges that intersect the town of Rishikesh. These include the suburbs of Muni-ki-Reti (â??Sands of the Sagesâ??), the hub of spiritual scholarship Shivananda Nagar, the holy area of Lakshman Jhula, whose bridge marks the point where Prince Lakshman is said to have crossed the River Ganges, the Swarg Ashram area and Rishikesh itself, being a nexus of commerce and communication of the surrounding areas. The town is also the starting portal of the Char Dham pilgrimage, which goes on to encompass Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
This olden refuge of sages and ascetics naturally is gifted with many beautiful and holy temples that have been built over the years. These shrines and ashrams are scattered around both banks of the great River Ganges.
Among the more famous sites of pilgrimage seen here are the cave of Sage Vasishtha and Neelakanta Maha Deva Temple, embraced among the forests near the town, affording stunning vistas of the plains below from its elevation of 5000 feet. The Triveni Ghat, meanwhile, is popular for the rites of the Ganga Arati that can be seen performed in the golden hours of sunset. The Tapovan area is home to the shrines of Princes Lakshman and Bharata of the Ramayana as well as the temples Swargashram and the Geeta Bhavan.
The percussion of the rushing streams and distant chimes of the ashrams, the pure mountain air and stunning views from the townâ??s elevation (rising 1360 feet above sea level) all combine to create a backdrop of mystical loveliness uniquely conducive to meditation and spiritual upliftment. It is little wonder then, that Rishikesh is known as â??Yoga Nagriâ?? or the City of Temples, Yoga and Meditation. It is believed that the waters of the Ganges can wash away the sins of those who bathe in it and that immersing oneself in meditation here brings one closer to the ultimate liberation of Moksha.
The harmonious and spiritual surroundings have always attracted tourists from all over the world, and even more so after the â??hippie revolutionâ?? of the 1960s. Some of the most famous names to have found sanctuary and inspiration at Rishikesh are the legendary Beatles. It was here that the revolutionary rock band recorded â??The Happy Rishikesh Songâ?? in 1978. The members composed nearly 50 songs in total over the course of their visit here, creating a wave of interest and popularity in the town among Western artists and thinkers. The Kailas Ashram Brahmavidyapeetham institution devoted to Vedantic Studies is also one of the most prestigious attractions here, drawing some of the greatest scholars and Swamis in the world.
The area is by no means sleepy, however. High-energy sports such as white water rafting, mountain climbing and rappelling, kayaking, cliff jumping and trekking all enjoy great vogue near and around Rishikesh, which is seeing new recognition as a hub of adventure tourism. The September-November and March-May periods are the optimal white-water rafting seasons. Backpacking and hiking are also encouraged, while the area also boasts a myriad of soft treks ideal for a laid-back bird-watching tour or nature exploration.
Ayurvedic treatment spas are one of the long-standing draws of this region. Those on the lookout for an India spa resort are directed to the Ananda Spa Himalayas. This is a luxury spa India designed to be the perfect, pampering retreat to rejuvenate oneself in mind, body and spirit.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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