Start Planning Your Journey
All About Rishikesh / Religious & Cultural Festivals / Festival Calendar & Festival Alerts / Location Map / Hotel Booking / How to Reach / Air, Train, Bus & Taxi Booking / Reviews / Nearby Pilgrim Places & Other Places of Interest / Donations / Volunteers
Introduction
Nestled in the serene foothills of the Himalayas in the northern state of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is one of the holiest and most spiritually significant towns in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganga River, this ancient town is a revered pilgrimage destination for Hindus and a global magnet for spiritual seekers, yoga practitioners, and adventurers alike.
Rishikesh has been mentioned in sacred Hindu texts and scriptures as a place of penance and divine meditation. It is believed that sages and rishis have meditated in the caves and forests surrounding the region for millennia. The very name “Rishikesh” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Hrishi” (rishi or sage) and “Isha” (Lord), meaning “Lord of the Sages,” another name for Lord Vishnu.
This town serves as the gateway to the Char Dham Yatra—the sacred pilgrimage circuit to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—and is considered the beginning point for spiritual journeys into the Himalayas. It is also home to numerous ancient temples, spiritual ashrams, yoga centers, and ghats where daily Ganga Aarti ceremonies attract thousands of devotees and travelers from around the world.
In 1968, Rishikesh gained international fame when The Beatles visited the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, placing it firmly on the world map of spiritual tourism. Since then, the town has evolved into the Yoga Capital of the World, hosting the annual International Yoga Festival and welcoming seekers of peace, self-realization, and holistic wellness.
Despite its growing popularity among international tourists, Rishikesh has preserved its divine aura and tranquil atmosphere. The town is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free, upholding its identity as a place of devotion and spiritual purity.
Whether you’re drawn by its spiritual legacy, ancient heritage, natural beauty, or vibrant yogic culture, Rishikesh is a timeless confluence of the sacred and the serene—a town where the divine whispers through the mountains, the river, and the hearts of those who seek inner transformation.