Rishikesh is not a pilgrimage destination devoted to any particular place of worship or deity. Rather, it is a site of various spiritual practices.
We reached the place in the morning and since we had a couple of hrs to spend in the town; we decided to visit the Triveni ghat and check out a few other places. But weariness of the past 6 day Hilly Himalayan travel got the better of all of us and all our plans of exploring the place were instead reduced to just spending some peaceful time in Swami Dayananda Ashram itself.
Given below is a brief summary of the places that you can visit while you are in Rishikesh along with some photos from my archives.
Triveni Ghat
We reached the place in the morning and since we had a couple of hrs to spend in the town; we decided to visit the Triveni ghat and check out a few other places. But weariness of the past 6 day Hilly Himalayan travel got the better of all of us and all our plans of exploring the place were instead reduced to just spending some peaceful time in Swami Dayananda Ashram itself.
Given below is a brief summary of the places that you can visit while you are in Rishikesh along with some photos from my archives.
Triveni Ghat
The Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh
The only holy ghat where pilgrims flock for a holy dip and to offer their prayers to Mother Ganga – A must visit if you are in Rishikesh.
Laxman Jhula And Ram Jhula
Laxman Jhula - The prominent 450-foot long iron suspension bridge was built in 1939 over the Ganga River. It is said that Lord Ram's brother Lakshman had crossed the River on a jute rope from here. This part of town is better known for its busy bazaars, restaurants and cafés and one can also visit the Lakshman and Raghunath temples here.
Laxman Jhula - the more ancient of the two
Ram Jhula - Just 2 km ahead downstream, at Muni-ki-Reti, is another suspension bridge built later connecting the areas of Shivanand Ashram on the east bank and Swargashram on the west.
View from the Jhula
As you can see the scenic views are amazing,
the entire stretch of both these bridges give you a marvelous view of this exotic city and it’s truly a beautiful experience to walk on them!
Both of these are pedestrian-only bridges and are used to cross the River Ganga that flows through the town of Rishikesh and divides it into two parts. Both of them also stay true to their name 'Jhula', which means 'swing' in hindi, and sway slightly when you walk on it.
Kailash Niketan or The 13 Floor Temple
While crossing the Lakshman Jhula, you will come across the Kailash Niketan Temple, a 13 storey structure housing the deities of various Gods and Goddesses and some famous historical illustrations from the Holy Hindu texts and scriptures.
Kailash Niketan or The 13 Floor Temple
While crossing the Lakshman Jhula, you will come across the Kailash Niketan Temple, a 13 storey structure housing the deities of various Gods and Goddesses and some famous historical illustrations from the Holy Hindu texts and scriptures.
The Kailash Niketan Temple in Rishikesh
Varied Mythological depictions inside the Temple
View from the 13 floored Kailash Niketan Temple
56 Comments
great info, thanks! will try to cover all these on my next visit :)
ReplyDeleteWow! As usual an amazing journey to Rishikesh. Lovely pictures of the Jhulas and stunning pictures depicting the Mahabaratha:)
ReplyDeleteलक्ष्मण झूला के लिए तो दोबारा जाना ही था, अब आपकी बताई शेष जगहों को भी ध्यान में रखूँगा.
ReplyDeleteVery valuable information. Incidentally Kailash Niketan type temple for deities on various floor is there at Juhu as well but that is not this tall.
ReplyDeleteThough I have been to these places but after reading your post and looking at these pictures, I want to go once more. Thanks...
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to the trips you take us own through your wonderful photos, Arti! And what a gorgeous place today! I do love the water and the delightful mythological depictions! Great post for the day -- as always! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Heading to Dehradun in a few weeks, Arti....any tips? :)
ReplyDeleteThose views are amazing. It looks like a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteWow, the Laxman Jhula bridge is spectacular but I'd most like to visit the temple.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful shots! Love the view in that last one.
ReplyDeletevery useful and informative post!
ReplyDeletean interesting post... photos were good as usual... suspension bridge in 1939 is amazing... it still looks great...
ReplyDeleteKailash Niketan temple is magnificent.... 13 storeys and each depicting a story.... the concept is superb...
Lovely pictures. So did you go on the bridges, and did you feel them sway? My favorite picture is the second one with the whole expanse of the bridge and the mountains behind it. Pretty reflections, as well.
ReplyDeletehow beautiful!!! thank you!
ReplyDeleteinformative post like the pics i always enjoy your pics and the narration about the pic which u give helps lot
ReplyDeleteWonderful part of your journey! There isn't much that is the same about your travels and mine, but the fact that sometimes you have to have a down day (a day to rest and not tour) is the same! But what a beautiful place you had to rest and catch up.
ReplyDeleteHi Arti,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.
I love this! I have been planning a trip to spiritual and sacred places around the world -- it's still a dream trip.
I'll definitely add some of these places to my list.
Marcia
Hi Arti.
ReplyDeleteThe 13 Floor Temple is very unique for me who am used to see Japanese temples. But the view from the temple is marvelous. Mother Ganges is full of water and very beautiful.
Thank you for taking us on a very interesting journey.
Have alovely weekend.
Sarah
Beautiful bridge and river. I wanna visit this place someday. Happy weekend, my dear friend. :)
ReplyDeletelovely post!!! makes me eager to visit again!
ReplyDelete@ Braja
ReplyDeleteI have been to Dehradoon but that was years ago!! Dont remember much, Sorry.
@ Ginny
ReplyDeleteYup, I did walk on those suspension bridges and they do sway! Its an amazing experience.
THANKS TO SHARE WITH US .GREAT POST .
ReplyDeleteSuperb..Arti..! I am sure your posts are going to be of great value when I visit Rishikesh..! Looking forward to seeing the place..till then your posts are next best to being there..!
ReplyDeleteI can see the interesting and unique figures.
ReplyDeleteMy children must be pleased with them.
As for parents, we see the beautiful scene and relax at the 13 floored.
Liked the Images.... Brought my those 7 Days of History (Dehradun-Rishikesh-Haridwar-Hatra(j&k)-Amritsar) Back into my eyes...I was traveling through and enjoying this great places...
ReplyDeleteThis view from the temple is really something - so pretty! Hope your sunday is lovely Arti! Namaste!
ReplyDeleteHi Arti,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very happy ganesh chaturti !! The last few days were busy for me...I had some time today and i was enjoying your post ... rishikesh look so beautifull ... With such beautifull places I think I will need to take a really long break : ) Lovely inspiring pictures...
Super Yummy Recipes
haridwar/rishikesh is now my second home after marriage, got a house in haridwar and my in laws stay most of the time there when not with us...so go there often..around 3-4 times a year and always make it point to drive up rishikesh...if nothing, we spend hours sitting at the german cafe near laxman jhula watching monkeys, cows and people do their thing!!!..its always fascinating.....
ReplyDeletewent there last month too...will put up the pics soon....
the suspension bridge blends in beautifully - it's design is gentle like the surrounding hills. and I like the story of Lakshman's jute rope river crossing. it's hard to imagine really. it would take a lot of coaxing to get me to walk across either of the bridges, due to the swinging, it being over water when I don't know how to swim, and my uneasiness with any sort of heights. it would most likely feel quite the accomplishment if I did it! the view from the heights of the temple is very special, looking over the Mother Ganga. wonderfully informative as always Arti. I'm wondering, is this area very touristy? happy day to you.
ReplyDeleteyou mentioned getting weary after days of travel. i feel that, too. at some point in the vacation, we have this longing to go home and sleep in our own beds, and not that the freshly made one in our hotel rooms. yet we travel on because the lure of foreign lands is just too irresistible. :D
ReplyDeletehave a great week, arti!
Beautiful pictures. One from the top of the temple is awesome.
ReplyDelete@ Ms Becky
ReplyDeleteThe bridges do sway, but not that much!!
And even I do not know swimming!!
Rishikesh is quite a tourist place with many foreigners coming here!!
Beautiful photography Arti and lovely write up...Thanks so much for the comment ...I had been on a holiday with my family to Brazil...so couldn't comment...Rishikesh is such a beautiful place to visit very divine and ur so lucky to visit...Thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful countryside with so much to see. Love the pool with its gorgeous blue water. :)
ReplyDeleteliked your blog...
ReplyDeleteNice blog
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures of a divine place Arti ~ loved reading it!
ReplyDeleteUSMasala
The suspension bridge is beautiful to see but a bit thrilling to walk. The view from the Temple took my breath away - the river is so beautiful shimmering in the sunlight. The 13- story temple is new to me, though we have 13-story stone pagodas in Buddhism culture. Thank you for the lovely and spiritual tour as always, Arti.
ReplyDeleteEverything about it seems so peaceful. Or maybe it's just the morning light?
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of the place.
ReplyDeleteHi, Had visited Rishikesh around 15 yrs back....Beautiful place....Very serene and peaceful....Nice pics and a good post!
ReplyDeleteArti you really are an avid traveler, & you post beautiful pictures----i am just the opposite.
ReplyDeleteIt has been so many years since I went to Rishikesh, but you brought back so many memories. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteNever visited Rishikesh before but surely wanna visit now after reading your post :)
ReplyDeleteBeen there 3 years back.Btw nice photographs and lovely blog.Do check my blog too on my travel and personal diaries with videos,drop in a comment or join me on facebook at:
ReplyDeletemy blog:
http://www.ankionthemove.com/
my facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Ankionthemove
Very nice post Arti..:-)Excellent shots..Its my dream to visit that place..:-)
ReplyDeleteAwesome!It is reallta trat to visit your site Arti.
ReplyDeleteGood post... thanks for bringing back the memories of my home town. :)
ReplyDeleteDid you visit Shivpuri with is another 15 mms from Laxmanjhoola. It's the start point for all rafting events.
As I am from UP.(Saharanpur),so I went their 100 of times...and I really enjoyed my trip every time....
ReplyDeleteAnother informative post :)
ReplyDeleteThe Kailash Niketan temple has 13 floors. That's interesting? Do you know if there are any other temples that are multi-storeyed like this one?
Your blog is a treasure house of information and this post is no exception. I quite liked the pictures. What immediately struck me in all those images was absence of the unruly mobs. I understand thy are supposed to be devotees but I find them deeply repelling.
ReplyDeleteI have made a mental note to visit Rishikesh one day. Thanks for sharing.
@ D Nambiar
ReplyDeleteThere are certainly some other temples like this. One is in Haridwar, another in Vrindavan but they are of a couple of floors.
None of this magnitude that I can remember, especially when coupled with the views of the flowing Ganga, this one is unbeatable!!!
Wish I could spend some more time in Rishikesh... I was in a hurry and could only take some time off to visit Lakshman Jhula...
ReplyDeletevery interesting place.
ReplyDeleteHello sir/mam please tell me distance and direction of rishikesh base camp from the Bus stand or from railway station
ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
If you have asked a question, please give me at least 2 days to reply back. Thank you :)