Rishikesh is situated in the Dehradun region of Uttaranchal. It abounds in natural splendour. The spectacle of the Ganga rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight. Several temples mark the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and practiced yoga here. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.

Tapovan on the other bank of the Ganges houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that Lakshmana carried out penances here. It is also believed that his brother Bharata meditated here, and there is a temple to Bharata here. Also seen here are the Swargashram and the Geeta Bhavan Temples.

The Lakshman Jhula, a 450 feet long suspension bridge was built in 1939. A newer bridge the Ram Jhula has been added recently. The freshness of the air, and sound of flowing water, the scenic beauty of the region and the distant sound of bell chimes create an unforgettable experience for those that visit this ancient pilgrimage town.

Laxman Jhoola
5 kms north of Rishikesh, is the spot where Sri Laxman, is said to have performed Tapa. The Laxman temple was built in his memory. Till 1889, there was just a hanging jute ropeway without pillars. The same structure was, later, rebuilt with iron ropes.

Ram Jhoola
This is the other pedestrian bridge that crosses the Ganga River. It is downstream of Laxman Jhoola and is much wider. Again, motor scooters, bicycles, and cows are allowed to cross, but the bridge's greater width makes it safer to cross. You won't find monkeys here. Ram Jhoola (the town) is much nicer and safer than Laxman Jhoola. The restaurants are better and the streets are cleaner.

Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is a bathing spot, on the bank of the river Ganga, where devotees take holy dips and offer prayers. Daily, in the morning and in the evening, thousands take bath here and enjoy the 'Maha Aarti' being performed. It is very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.

Bharat Mandir
The oldest temple in Rishikesh - the black statue of Vishnu, here, is supposed to have been consecrated by Sri Sankaracharya, in the 9th century. The event is commemorated, during Vasant Panchami, to mark the onset of spring.

Rishikund
Close to Trivenighat is the most ancient place, the Rishikund. Ancient records relate this to Kubz Saint, who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water. The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath, dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.

White Water Rafting
The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams, they race along tortuous boulder-strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into silvery-white rapids.

Gita Bhavan
This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.

Kids' spirograph Creations
Available in Ramjhula, east side and perpetuate the survival of a great old Toy.

Massage Center
You can enjoy an ayurvedic, Swedish, or shiatsu full body massage in a dark and cool room with space-age music.

Aarti Ceremony
At Triveni Ghat, on the south end of Rishikesh, takes place at the sundown. Those who are sticking around can enhance their stay by taking music lessons, learning to play the dedgeridoo from the shop in Rishikesh or the Tabla or Sitar from the Sivananda Ramesh Music School; turn left at the sign on the far side of the bridge on Laxmanjhula Road.

• Dehradun Road
• Haridwar Road
• Ghat Road
• Railway Road

The city centre also has some State Emporia.

Rishikesh is also a good place to pick up a rudraksha mala, the strings of beads used in Puja (offerings) made from the nuts of Ridraksh Tree. Price range begins around at Rs.75, with beads of smaller nuts commanding higher prices.

On the eastern side of the river, in the Swarg Ashram area, one comes across dozens of stalls selling devotional accoutrements such as prasad, scriptural booklets, and cassettes as well as shawls and ayurvedic medicines made from herbs collected from the Himalaya at the Mahesh Yogi Ayurvedic Centre, on Lakshman Jhula Road, opposite the pathway up to Yoga Niketan Ashram. Mukesh at Jungle Vibes sells hand-made didgeridoos.

The Main Bazaar in Rishikesh toward the river from the post office, has various knick-knacks. There is didgeridoo shop near the main State Bank Of India branch. Laxmanjhula is the place for video and audio. Hare Krishna audio tapes and small ceramic linga ashtray, while Ramjhula is the place for books on yoga and religion and for ayurvedic medicine.