Haridwar Rishikesh

The two gateways to the Himalayas- Haridwar and Rishikesh- are the most prominent spiritual places in India. While Haridwar is the gateway to the pilgrimages of Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath, Rishikesh provides the gateway to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Kumbh Mela in Haridwar
Haridwar is famous not only as a place of pilgrimage but also a venue which purifies our mind, body and soul. The Kumbh Mela which takes place once every 12 years and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which comes once every 6 years have gained immense popularity among the mystics all through the world.

Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh
Rishikesh has a number of ashrams, few of which are internationally recognized centres of meditation, yoga and philosophical studies. International Yoga Week which enjoys world wide participation, is held every year in February on the banks of the Ganga. Rishikesh also has the best Spa and many other Ayurvedic treatment centres. The Lure of Haridwar
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is an enchanting bird watching spot particularly during the winters. Around Laljiwala on the banks of river Ganges you can have the prized visions of Siberian Cranes. Beauty Point, about 2kms from Haridwar, is a point providing fascinating views of Haridwar and the nearby Himalayan boscage. The Ghats are the hot spots of the pilgrims- every devotee who visits Haridwar take a sacramental dip in the river Ganga.

The Lure of Rishikesh
Rishikesh, in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is the place from where the river Ganges leaves behind her mountain abode and enters the vast plains of north India. Rishikesh has a number of attractions for the tourists. Among the temples, the most prominent ones are Bharat Temple, Rishi Kund & Raghunath Temple, Shatrughan Temple and Lakshman Temple. The Laxman Jhoola, Sadanand Jhoola and Triveni Ghat feature among the most eyeful sights in Rishikesh.

Haridwar / Rishikesh : Fact File
Location : Uttarakhand

Popular As : Centres of Pilgrimage, Yoga & Meditation and Ayurveda

Accessibility : Haridwar and Rishikesh are easily accessible by bus from Delhi. It is 6 hours (250 kms) journey. Haridwar is 386 kms from Agra. From Haridwar it's only 24 kms to Rishikesh. The nearest airport is at Dehradun, 35 kms from Haridwar. The railways connect these two places to all the important cities in India.

Places to Stay : Accommodation can be sought in the various hotels, lodges and tourist bungalows. There are also forest guest houses which cater to the inflow of tourists.