Rishikesh
Yoga capital of the world

About 2 km from Swarg Ashram lies the well-known Lakshman (Laxman) Jhula, a bridge about 450 ft long. Named after Lord Rama’s younger brother, Lakshmana (Laxman), it’s temples on either side, including the famed Lakshmana Temple. the whole bridge is formed of iron and is situated at a height of 70 ft from the river. inbuilt 1939, over River Ganga, the jhula is one among the foremost prominent landmarks in Rishikesh. because the legend goes, Lord Lakshmana (Laxman) crossed Ganga on ropes of jute and hence the bridge has been named in his honour.
Tourists find it an exciting experience to cross the lazily swinging bridge that provides a pictorial overview of the encompassing landscape. Many temples and famous markets have also sprung up within the vicinity of the jhula, making it a very renowned attraction of Rishikesh. While visiting, tourists also can see the nearby Terah Manzil Temple, Ram Jhula and therefore the Lakshman Temple.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is understood as Neelkanth, literally meaning the blue-throated one, the temple may be a much-visited spot in Rishikesh. It stands at a height of 926 m on top of a hill across the Ganges and boasts a gorgeous architecture.
According to Hindu mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently stands is that the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that originated from the ocean , when gods and demons churned the ocean so as to get nectar. This poison that emanated during the samudramanthan (churning of the ocean) turned his throat blue. From then on, Lord Shiva began to be worshipped as Neelkanth.
The entrance door of the temple has the event of samudramanthan, between the gods and therefore the demons, sculpted thereon , while the walls depict the entire story. Devotees come here to worship a shivling that lies within the inner complex, and to wash within the waters of a spring , situated within the premises. The temple may be a three-hour walk along a forest path from Swarg Ashram.

Around 20 km from Rishikesh, situated along the hills and foothills of Shivalik ranges within the Himalayan foothills, is that the Rajaji park . cover 820 km, it combines three sanctuaries, namely Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji. A special feature of the park is that it’s the North Western Limit of Asian elephants and has the very best number of elephants in Uttarakhand. It comprises several zones and forest types like riverine forests, sal forests, board,leaved mixed forests, making it an honest place for wildlife to flourish. Among the various faunae one can spot here are leopards, deer, tigers and ghorals. The park is popular among birdwatchers because it is home to around 400 species of birds. a number of the famous birds one can spot here include gulls, mallards, pochards, teals, parakeets, thrushes, woodpeckers, kingfishers and shellducks. the good Pied hornbill also can be found here.
The park was established within the year 1983 and was named after the famous insurgent Sri C Rajgopalachari, popularly called Rajaji.

An iconic landmark in Rishikesh, Ram Jhula, inbuilt 1986, may be a bridge that runs across the Ganges. it’s placed a couple of miles downstream from the favored Lakshman Jhula. The bridge spans 750 ft and may be a splendid work of engineering that connects the ashrams situated on each side of the river. It offers a splendid germander speedwell view of the mighty river making its way through gigantic mountains and dense forests.
The bridge was constructed after Lakshmana (Laxman) Jhula and is sort of almost like it in design and steel structure. While walking across the bridge, one can enjoy the picturesque view of the encompassing mountains and feel the breeze on the face. The sounds of River Ganga gushing underneath increase the charm of the environment.
There are markets on either side of the bridge selling books on religion and spirituality, incense sticks, idols of gods and goddesses and other knick-knacks. One shouldn’t forget to savour the local sweets.

Situated at the confluence of three sacred rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna and therefore the Saraswati (that legends say once flowed here), Triveni Ghat is that the hottest bathing ghat in Rishikesh. Before visiting the varied temples, most pilgrims take a holy dip here. At dawn, the ghat is bustling with devotees offering prayers and bathing within the river, which consistent with Hindu mythology, washes away the sins of an individual .
Evenings are stunning, with the spectacular arti (a ritual during which lamps are lit and prayers are offered to the river) called the ‘Maha arti’ being administered at the ghat. this is often amid prayers and chantings. a mess of lamps floating within the river during the arti present a spectacular view, leaving one in awe of the time-honoured traditions. there’s a well-liked legend attached to Triveni Ghat and it’s said that Lord Krishna visited this spot when he was hurt by an arrow shot by a hunter.
On either side of Triveni Ghat, popular temples of Gita Mandir and Lakshminarayan are situated. Ceremonies of ‘Pinda Shraddha’ finished ancestors also are administered here.