Haridwar & Rishikesh

Tourism in Haridwar is the feeling of the pilgrimage centers of Uttarakhand. Haridwar is as well known as Ganga-Dwara, because the holy Ganges enters the plains here. The well-liked centers of pilgrimage of Haridwar are namely the Gangadwara, Neel Parvat, Kushwart, Bilwa Teerth and Kankhal. Some of the accepted temples of the area are Gauri Shankar Temple, Vaishno Devi temple and Bharat Mata Temple/Mandir. There are several spiritual places in Haridwar which gives relief and mental peace to the visitors.On your tour to Haridwar, you must not forget to do such things in this holy destination. Haridwar Tourism has significant role to attract tourists among the whole world along with pilgrims who have faith on god. Haridwar Rishikesh Tourism offers these categories, to take the Haridwar Tourism more up to next level in India and Uttarakhand.

Rishikesh Tourism

ince times immemorial, the state of Uttarakhand has been referred to as "The Abode of Gods and Goddesses". Placed near the Himalayas, Tourism in Rishikesh has been measured as one of the major blessed pilgrimage destinations since very old times. Rishikesh Tourism is a fairly helpline to help you in deciding about the correct time and place to visit in Rishikesh. It is a place that is just beyond superiority. The holy destination offers demanding adventurous opportunities, particularly the river rafting. Rishikesh tourism exposes you to the most thrilling and bold adventure sport of this place, the river rafting in the Ganges. The Haridwar Rishikesh Tourism offers you an opening to experience the quietness and peace of mind that the place has to offer.There are lots of holy temples and ashrams to visit in Rishikesh. Rishikesh Tourism offers you a opportunity to visit the well-known ashrams including Yoga Niketan Ashram, Vanprastha Ashram, Beatles Ashram, Omkaranand Ashram, Sivanand Ashram, Swarg Ashram and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. You can as well visit the famed Bharat Mandir, which draws lots of tourists from across countrywide. The Rishikesh Tourism also provides an uncomplicated path to visit other holy pilgrimages like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The scenic and tranquil attractiveness of this place is just spectacular and amazing. The Rajaji National Park, which is to be found at the basin of the Ganges, is another well-known tourist attraction of this place.Beside these all features, Rishikesh is considered as Adventures capital of India. There are so many adventure tourism activities to do in Rishikesh, which are special things to do for making you holiday memorable. You can do Rafting and camping, Bungee Jumping, Rock climbing, flying fox, paragliding, wildlife tour and jeep safari or elephant safari in Rajaji National Park - Rishikesh, trekking and much more. These activities are specially done for the enjoyment with group of friends or family.

History of Haridwar & Rishikesh

Haridwar

Hardwar, is an ancient city and municipality in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India. According to legend, it was here that Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. The River Ganga, after flowing for 253 kilometres (157 mi) from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, enters the Gangetic Plain for the first time at Haridwar, which gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwára.Haridwar or Hardwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places (Sapta Puri) to Hindus. According to the Samudra manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj (Allahabad) is one of four sites where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. This is manifested in the Kumbha Mela, which is celebrated every 12 years in Haridwar. During the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges to wash away their sins to attain Moksha. Brahma Kund, the spot where the Amrit fell, is located at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord") and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. It is also the primary center of the Kanwar pilgrimage, in which millions of participants gather sacred water from the Ganga and carry it across hundreds of miles to dispense as offerings in Śiva shrines.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh, also known as Hrishikesh, is a city governed by Rishikesh Municipal Corporation (since October 2017), and a tehsil in Dehradun district of the Indian state Uttarakhand. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as the "Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas" and "Yoga Capital of the World". It lies approximately 25 km (16 mi) north of the city Haridwar and 43 km (27 mi) southeast of the state capital Dehradun. According to Census of India, 2011 Rishikesh had a population of 102,138 making it the seventh most populated city in the state of Uttarakhand. It is known as the pilgrimage town and regarded as one of the holiest places to Hindus. Hindu sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge.In September 2015, the Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma announced that Rishikesh and Haridwar will be the first in India to be given the title of "twin national heritage cities". Due to the religious significance of the place, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited in Rishikesh. The city hosts the annual International Yoga Festival on the first week of March since 1989.

Best Time to Visit in Haridwar & Rishikesh

Best Time to Visit in Haridwar

Before visiting the holy city of Haridwar, you must know what the best time to visit Haridwar is. October to February is the best season to visit Haridwar.October to February - The temperature goes as low as 10 degree Celsius, and you may experience chilly winds. You can comfortably take pilgrimage and sightseeing tours during this time. November is the best month to visit Haridwar as the winter season begins in November. Weather gets pleasant for various activities. You also get to see beautiful sunset views during these months. We suggest that you pack woolens if you plan to visit Haridwar in winters.

Best Time to Visit Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a picturesque destination affording enchanting views throughout the year.The climate here is continental type but its location in the foot hills gives it a pleasant weather throughout the year. One can visit Rishikesh ANY time of the year.However right time to visit Rishikesh would be February, March, August-October.May June is quite hot at Rishikesh temperature touching + 35 °C.Best Time To Visit Rishikesh Best Time - Season to Visit Rishikesh for River RaftingThe best time to visit Rishikesh for River Rafting is from late September - October to mid November, and then the best time to visit Rishikesh is from early March - April to first week of May.In July there is a festival in Rishikesh called Savan where thousands of people flock to Rishikesh. Major roads are blocked and hotels are crowded. It is better to avoid travelling to Rishikesh during that time.

How to Reach Haridwar & Rishikesh

There are no direct flights or trains or buses between Haridwar to Rishikesh.The convenient, fastest and cheapest way to reach from Haridwar to Rishikesh is to take a taxi from Haridwar to Rishikesh.

Shopping in Haridwar & Rishikesh

Shopping in Haridwar

It is almost impossible to leave Haridwar without stuffing into your bag some of the most interesting and well-crafted items. DIVINE GANGES, a number of world renowned ashrams and ancient temples make Haridwar one of the most revered pilgrimage centres in India. Generally, tourists come here for a spiritual experience and therefore shopping in the holy town is not on their wish list. But once you come to know of the varieties, the quality and the craftsmanship on offer, you will definitely want to go on a shopping spree, before you leave the place. For travellers, it can also be the most unexpected souvenir shopping opportunity in Haridwar.

1) Har ki Pauri Ghat

– Literally meaning the ‘footstep of God’, it is a holy bank on the river Ganga. The place is teeming with people wanting to take a dip in the holy waters. Every evening at sundown, the ghat is a sensory spectacle when the Ganga aarti is performed, with bells ringing and flaming torches everywhere.

2) Temple Hopping

– Haridwar has several temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses. The hilltop temple of Mansa Devi is very popular as she is considered to be the wish-fulfilling goddess. You can either walk up the hill or take the cable car. The Maya Devi temple on the riverbank and the Chandi Devi temple on Neel Parvat are some of the other important temples.

3) Ashrams

– If you’re looking for a peaceful abode for meditation, head to one of the many ashrams in the city. Shanti Kunj Ashram is set in a beautiful garden and provides lodging, meals and spiritual activities. Patanjali Yogpeeth is another popular ashram, especially for practising yoga.

4) Adventure Tours

– Apart from spirituality, Haridwar is also famous for other activities such as trekking, bird-watching and rafting. Visit Rajaji National Park, which has a large population of wild elephants and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a tiger!

Shoping in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is very famous town for tourist. There are many places are here where you can have lots of things in shops for Shopping.Lakshman Jhula Market, Rishikesh : Lakshman Jhula is one of the best areas for Shopping. There are lots of shops for cloths, jewelry, precious stones, books, spiritual things and lots of other things. This market is costly than rishikesh main market.Ram Jhula Market, Rishikesh : Ram Jhula Market is also similar to Lakshman Jula. If you cross the bridge by walk there is another market in swargashram. In swargashram also you can get lots of varieties. This market is costly than rishikesh main market.Rishikesh Main Market : Rishikesh main market is near triveni ghat area. This are is mostly famous in local people. Mainly it is famous for cloths and daily needs. This market is inexpensive than Lakshman Jhula Market and Ram Jhula Market.

Note : Thursday Rishikesh Market is Closed.

Best Things To Do in Haridwar & Rishikesh

Best Things To Do in Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most populous cities of Uttarakhand. Masses of people frequent Haridwar every year to pay their respects to the holy river Ganga. The bustling lanes of Haridwar will have you roaming for a long time because there’s a unique sight to see at every corner of the town. However, beware of rhesus monkeys who are notoriously famous for harassing people along the ghats. Haridwar is the busiest during the Kumbh Mela that’s a religious pilgrimage and a photographer’s delight because of uncommon sights seen during this event.

Best things to Do in Rishikesh

Infamous for the Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh has a lot to offer in terms of Spirituality and adventure.Rishikesh is considered the ‘yoga capital of the world’ and there are plenty of ashrams that allow you a chance to meditate and attain ‘moksha’ which is supplemented by a dip in the Holy river. Rishikesh is the birthplace of Ayurveda. Despite being a magnet for soul searchers and thrill seekers, Rishikesh has survived the ravages of time and has retained an old-world charm that influences you, the moment you set foot in the town. Even The Beatles had visited Rishikesh back in the 60’s in search of what everyone comes to Rishikesh for, enlightenment and Activism. There’s lots to see and a lot more to do once you’re in Rishikesh.

1) Adventure Trails

– Rishikesh is very popular with adrenaline junkies who are lured by the white rapids of the Ganga. White water rafting is very popular and you can choose the grade (ranging from 1 to 4) based on your age and appetite for adventure. Bungee jumping is another activity you can indulge in here.

2) Yoga Retreats

– Ever since the Beatles popularised transcendental meditation years ago, Rishikesh has been a haven for those seeking spiritual enlightenment through yoga and meditation. Parmarth Niketan on the banks of the Ganga is the foremost yoga centre in the city. Alternatively, try Sanskriti Yogpeeth for a more luxurious stay.

3) Temples

– Rishikesh is the starting point for the Char Dhaam Yatra and there are several ancient temples around Lakshman Jhoola, the bridge that spans the Ganga. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the Trimbakeshwar Temple are most popular.

​4) Aarti at Parmarth Ghat

– Rishikesh is popularly known for it’s ghat- side aartis that take place at dusk. The aarti at the Parmarth ghat is a spectacular sight and is also a photographer’s delight.

5) Triveni Ghat

– The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati is the main ghat for taking a holy dip. The ancient Rishi Kund and Raghunath Temple nearby are also worth a visit.