rishikesh

IAST: "{{IAST |Hṛṣīkeśa}}" ({{Langx |sa|ऋषिकेश}}) is a name derived from Vishnu, composed of hṛṣīka meaning 'senses' and īśa meaning 'lord' for a combined meaning as 'Lord of the Senses'.{{cite web |url=https://sanskrit.inria.fr/MW/316.html |title=हृषीकेश / hṛṣīkeśa |date=19 May 2014 |website=Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414111951/https://sanskrit.inria.fr/MW/316.html |url-status=live }} The name commemorates an apparition of Vishnu to Raibhya Rishi,Glossary of terms in Hinduism#R as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Hrishikesha.{{cite web |url=http://dehradun.nic.in/rishikhesh.htm |title=Places of Tourist Interest in Rishikesh |website=Dehradun District |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060711204911/http://dehradun.nic.in/rishikhesh.htm |archive-date=11 July 2006 }} In the Skanda Purana, this area is known as Kubjāmraka ({{lang |sa |कुब्जाम्रक}}), as Vishnu appeared under a mango tree.{{cite web |url=http://www.rishikeshcity.com/rishikeshhistory.htm |title=Hrishikesh: Its Historical Significance |date=2007 |website=Rishikesh City |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513001609/http://www.rishikeshcity.com/rishikeshhistory.htm |archive-date=13 May 2008 }}

Rishikesh was part of the legendary "Kedarkhand" mentioned in the Skanda Purana.{{cite web |url=http://gov.ua.nic.in/schooleducation/DIET/diet_dehradun/district_profile.htm |title=District Dehradun - A General Introduction |website=Dehradun District Institute of Education and Training |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519221815/http://gov.ua.nic.in/schooleducation/DIET/diet_dehradun/district_profile.htm |archive-date=19 May 2007 }} Legends state that Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the asura king of Lanka. Lakshmana, Rama's younger brother, crossed the Ganges using two jute ropes at the point where the present Lakshman Jhula ({{lang |sa |लक्ष्मण झूला}}) suspension bridge stands today. Lakshman Jhula also collapsed in 2020. And a much stronger, second in the whole of India, a glass bridge, is being built across the river.{{Cite web |title=Lakshman Jhula Suspension Bridge Rishikesh - Visit Laxman Jhula Pul Rishikesh |url=https://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/lakshman-jhula.php |access-date=20 March 2021 |website=www.euttaranchal.com |archive-date=29 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429112241/https://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/lakshman-jhula.php |url-status=live }} The 248-foot long iron-rope suspension bridge built in 1889 was washed away by flooding in 1924. In 1927, it was replaced by the current, stronger bridge built by the United Provinces Public Works Department, connecting the Tapovan, Tehri, and Jonk, Pauri Garhwal districts. A noted suspension bridge named Ram Jhula was built in 1986 at the nearby Sivananda Nagar. The Skanda Purana also mentions the site as "Indrakund" where Indra underwent a holy bath to remove a curse.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}

The Gazeteer of Dehradun, written by Indian Civil Service officer HG Walton, describes the site as "beautifully situated on the right bank of the Ganges, on a high cliff overlooking the river. The place is developing very rapidly, especially since the construction of the new bridge over the Song River, the realignment of the pilgrim road from Raiwala to Rishikesh."{{Cite book |last=Walton |first=H.G. |title=The Gazetteer of Dehra Dun. (Reprint) |publisher=Natraj Publishers |year=2016 |isbn=978-81-85019-50-5 |page=261 |orig-date=1910 }}

The Ganges, one of the most sacred rivers to Hindus, flows through Rishikesh in its course from the Shivalik Hills of the Himalayas to the plains of northern India with temples built along the banks{{cite book |last=Alter |first=Stephen |title=Sacred Waters: A Pilgrimage Up the Ganges River to the Source of Hindu Culture |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qb9yQgAACAAJ |date=2001 |publisher=Harcourt |isbn=978-0-15-100585-7 |access-date=12 March 2019 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324113652/https://books.google.com/books?id=qb9yQgAACAAJ |url-status=live }} Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir, and Lakshman Mandir are the ancient temples established by Adi Shankaracharya. Shatrughna Temple is near the Ram Jhula suspension bridge, while Lakshman Mandir is situated near the Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge.

The historical records mention that some pilgrims used to stay at Rishikesh, either seeking the site itself or using it as a resting place before moving onwards to the Himalayas. In the transition to a modern tourist town, local markets have evolved from commercializing goods such as local and religious handicrafts to a service-oriented tourist industry with provision stores, cafes, [https://gloriousresort.com/ hotels], sites for [https://gloriousresort.com/rishikesh-adventure/ rafting], and centers for yoga and meditation.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ntnu.edu/documents/152037/0/2015+Fieldwork+Report+-+Rishikesh.pdf/c9cd9eb8-28c3-4317-af07-4d86546ed502 |title=Investigating risk and resilience in Rishikesh |website=Norwegian University of Science and Technology |date=2015 |access-date=1 January 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806215913/https://www.ntnu.edu/documents/152037/0/2015+Fieldwork+Report+-+Rishikesh.pdf/c9cd9eb8-28c3-4317-af07-4d86546ed502 |url-status=live }}

File:Temples on the banks of river Ganges.jpg

Rishikesh is at {{Coord |30.103368 |N |78.294754 |E |}}. It has an average elevation of {{convert|340|m}}.{{Cite web |title=Uttarakhand topographic map, elevation, relief |url=https://en-gb.topographic-map.com/maps/l3r6/Uttarakhand/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |website=topographic-map.com |language=en |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414034332/https://en-gb.topographic-map.com/maps/l3r6/Uttarakhand/ |url-status=live }} The town is located in the Tehri Garhwal region of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.

After flowing 249 km (155.343 mi){{Cite book |title=Ganga, a scientific study |date=1991 |publisher=Northern Book Centre |editor=Krishna Murti, C. R. |display-editors=etal |isbn=81-7211-021-9 |location=New Delhi |oclc=30703175 }} through narrow Himalayan valleys, the Ganges emerges at Rishikesh before debouching onto the Gangetic Plain at the pilgrimage town of Haridwar.{{Cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Ganges-River |title=Ganges River |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica |language=en |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=7 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507172054/https://www.britannica.com/place/Ganges-River |url-status=live }} Despite the pollution of the Ganges, the water in Rishikesh is relatively unaffected, as the major polluting points are down river in the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh.{{cite news |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/Invigorating-Rishikesh/2014/12/11/article2565005.ece |title=Invigorating Rishikesh |first=Pranav |last=Patel |date=11 December 2014 |newspaper=The New Indian Express |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=16 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816001405/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/Invigorating-Rishikesh/2014/12/11/article2565005.ece }}

According to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, its climate is humid subtropical (Cwa). The average maximum temperature is 40 °C (104 °F).{{Cite web |url=https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,rish-kesh,India |title=Climate and average monthly weather in Rishīkesh (Uttarakhand), India |website=World Weather & Climate Information |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806220434/https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,rish-kesh,India |url-status=live }} The average minimum temperature is 7 °C. The wettest month is July with the highest rainfall of 444 mm. The driest month is November with rainfall of 10 mm. Months of May, June, July, and August have the highest UV index of 12, and January and December have the lowest UV index of 4.

{{Weather Box

|location = Rishikesh

|metric first = Yes

|single line = Yes

|temperature colour = pastel

|Jan high C=17

|Feb high C=22

|Mar high C=29

|Apr high C=35

|May high C=39

|Jun high C=38

|Jul high C=33

|Aug high C=32

|Sep high C=32

|Oct high C=30

|Nov high C=25

|Dec high C=20

|Jan low C=5

|Feb low C=8

|Mar low C=14

|Apr low C=18

|May low C=23

|Jun low C=25

|Jul low C=25

|Aug low C=24

|Sep low C=23

|Oct low C=15

|Nov low C=9

|Dec low C=6

|precipitation colour=green

|Jan precipitation mm=51

|Feb precipitation mm=33

|Mar precipitation mm=34

|Apr precipitation mm=9

|May precipitation mm=20

|Jun precipitation mm=94

|Jul precipitation mm=482

|Aug precipitation mm=495

|Sep precipitation mm=219

|Oct precipitation mm=76

|Nov precipitation mm=9

|Dec precipitation mm=17

|Jan rain days=3

|Feb rain days=2

|Mar rain days=3

|Apr rain days=1

|May rain days=2

|Jun rain days=7

|Jul rain days=15

|Aug rain days=16

|Sep rain days=8

|Oct rain days=2

|Nov rain days=0

|Dec rain days=1

|Jand sun=6

|Febd sun=7

|Mard sun=8

|Aprd sun=9

|Mayd sun=9

|Jund sun=7

|Juld sun=6

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|Sepd sun=7

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|Decd sun=7

|source 1= Weather2Travel{{cite web |url=http://www.weather2travel.com/climate-guides/india/rishikesh.php |title=Rishikesh Climate and Weather Averages, India |website=Weather2Travel |access-date=14 January 2014 |archive-date=17 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117175806/http://www.weather2travel.com/climate-guides/india/rishikesh.php |url-status=live }}

}}Rishikesh has been ranked 31st best "National Clean Air City" under (Category 3 population under 3 lakhs cities) in India.{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}

The Rishikesh Municipal Corporation has administered the city's 40 wards since the 2018 incorporation of the urban local body.{{Cite web |url=http://udd.uk.gov.in/files/Nigam_Kotdwar,rishikesh__Chamiyala.pdf |title=Nagar Nigam of Kotdwar and Rishikesh |date=6 April 2017 |website=Urban Development Directorate, Government of Uttarakhand |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=22 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322111358/http://udd.uk.gov.in/files/Nigam_Kotdwar,rishikesh__Chamiyala.pdf |url-status=live }} Each ward had between 2,300 and 3,000 residents during the 2018 assessment.{{Cite news |url=https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/1513456457540-rishikesh-news |title=Rishikesh Nagar Nigam Mein Honge 40 Wards |date=17 December 2017 |work=Amar Ujala |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807081038/https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/1513456457540-rishikesh-news |url-status=live }} Rishikesh belongs to the Haridwar Lok Sabha constituency.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Harish-Rawat-gets-Hardwar-ticket/article16647853.ece |title=Harish Rawat gets Hardwar ticket |date=31 March 2010 |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806190524/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Harish-Rawat-gets-Hardwar-ticket/article16647853.ece |url-status=live }} The first and the current mayor of the corporation is Anita Mamgain.{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/bjp-wins-rishikesh-rudrapur-mayor-seats-likely-to-clinch-doon/articleshow/66715332.cms |title=BJP wins Rishikesh, Rudrapur mayor seats, likely to clinch Doon {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India |date=20 November 2018 |website=The Times of India |language=en |access-date=16 January 2020 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507201125/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/bjp-wins-rishikesh-rudrapur-mayor-seats-likely-to-clinch-doon/articleshow/66715332.cms |url-status=live }} The current Municipal Commissioner, commonly known as Nagar Aayukt locally, is Narendra Singh.{{Cite web |url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/rishikesh/encroachment-over-drain-nine-shopkeepers-challaned-rishikesh-news-drn3325581183 |title=नाले के ऊपर अतिक्रमण, नौ दुकानदारों का काटा चालान |website=Amar Ujala |access-date=16 January 2020 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116103454/https://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/rishikesh/encroachment-over-drain-nine-shopkeepers-challaned-rishikesh-news-drn3325581183 |url-status=live }}

{{see also |List of cities in Uttarakhand by population}}

As per provisional data of 2011 census, Rishikesh had a population of 102,138, out of which males were 54,466 (53%) and females were 47,672 (47%). The literacy rate was 86.86% compared to the national average of 74.04%.{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |title=Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |date=2011 |website=Census of India |access-date=7 July 2012 |archive-date=7 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107014949/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |url-status=live }}

The cuisine of Rishkesh is all-vegetarian. Since 1956, the sale of meat, fish, and eggs has been banned in Rishikesh. In 2004, the Supreme Court upheld the ban on eggs.{{Cite web |date=2004-03-12 |title=India Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Meat and Fish in Rishikesh – Hindu Press International |url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/2004/03/12/2004-03-12-india-supreme-court-upholds-ban-on-meat-and-fish-in-rishikesh/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Hinduism Today |language=en-US}} Traditional food in Rishkesh is Garhwali cuisine with common dishes including daal, gahat, and phaanu. Lentils, legumes, millet, barley, buckwheat, and vegetables are the primary ingredients. Only select spices are used. Mustard oil is the common cooking oil.{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Muskan |date=2023-09-23 |title=Gastronomic Delights of Garhwal: Exploring the Rich History and Flavors of Garhwali Cuisine |url=https://www.ragaontheganges.com/gastronomic-delights-of-garhwal.php |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Raga On The Ganges}} Restaurant thali and street vendors selling samosas and chaat are common.{{Cite web |last=Mudaliar |first=Vamika |date=2024-11-10 |title=7 Must try street foods in Rishikesh |url=https://www.thehosteller.com/blogs/must-try-street-foods-in-rishikesh/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=The Hosteller |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-07 |title=The 16 best spots for thali in Rishikesh |url=https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/1544358/best-spots-for-thali-in-rishikesh |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Wanderlog |language=en}}

Rishikesh, though known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance, has been facing several environmental challenges due to increasing tourism and urbanization.

The Ganges River, which emerges from the Himalayas at Rishikesh, faces significant pollution issues. Despite being relatively unaffected by pollution at its source, the river shows high levels of contamination in the urban stretches of Rishikesh and Haridwar.{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2021-03-01 |title=Ganga highly polluted in Rishikesh, Haridwar, says Doon University study |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/Mar/01/ganga-highly-polluted-in-rishikesh-haridwar-saysdoon-university-study-2270381.html |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}} A study by Doon University found "very high presence of pollutants" in these areas, including anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical compounds.

Rishikesh also faces significant air quality challenges despite its spiritual and natural significance. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regularly monitors the city's ambient air quality through the National Air Quality Management Programme (NAMP). The primary pollutant of concern is Particulate Matter (PM10), which consistently exceeded prescribed national standards from 2012 to 2017, while Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels remained within limits. Major sources of air pollution for Rishikesh include road dust, vehicular emissions, domestic fuel burning, open waste burning, and construction activities. Rishikesh has implemented several mitigation measures. As of 2018, the city had 3,098 diesel-driven commercial vehicles over 15 years old, with plans to ban such vehicles and increase the number of pollution emission checking centers from 10 to 30. Other efforts include increased surveillance of vehicle pollution levels, implementation of the "Uttarakhand Anti Littering and Anti Spitting Act 2016", and fines for burning municipal waste. Despite these initiatives, Rishikesh continues to struggle with bringing PM10 levels within prescribed limits, indicating the need for more stringent air pollution control strategies.{{cite web |date=2019 |title=Rishikesh City Air Action Plan (Revised) |url=https://ueppcb.uk.gov.in/files/Revised_Rishikesh_Plan.pdf |access-date=October 20, 2024 |publisher=Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board}}

The rapid growth in tourism has strained Rishikesh's waste management systems. Inadequate waste disposal and lack of proper recycling facilities have led to the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste in and around the city. There is a big landfill/trenching ground that is situated in the middle of the city in Govindnagar. This landfill site has been a source of environmental concern for various reasons. As per an estimate from 2021, the city generates approximately 1,800 metric tonnes of waste monthly, including 700 tonnes of wet waste, 500 tonnes of dry waste, and 600 tonnes of mixed waste. The high proportion of mixed waste has been causing difficulties in ensuring proper waste segregation at the source. The landfill's central location poses environmental and health risks, potentially contributing to soil and groundwater pollution, as well as attracting disease-carrying pests. Studies in nearby areas have revealed elevated levels of heavy metals in groundwater, making it unsuitable for drinking. The accumulation of legacy waste is a significant issue, prompting the installation of a legacy waste treatment plant at the Govindnagar trenching ground in recent years. While efforts are being made to improve waste management, the landfill's central location remains a major environmental and public health concern for Rishikesh, a city renowned for its spiritual and touristic appeal.{{Cite news |date=2021-11-02 |title=Improper disposal, non-segregation behind waste menace in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/non-segregation-improper-disposal-of-biomedical-garbage-littering-behind-waste-menace-in-rishikesh/articleshow/87472887.cms |access-date=2024-10-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Rishikesh had the highest revenue per hotel room among Indian tourist leisure destinations with an average of ₹10,042 per night.{{Cite web |author=Saurabh Sinha |date=18 August 2022 |title=Rishikesh pips Udaipur in priciest hotel rooms: Data {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/rishikesh-pips-udaipur-in-priciest-hotel-rooms-data/articleshow/93625846.cms |access-date=18 August 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818124743/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/rishikesh-pips-udaipur-in-priciest-hotel-rooms-data/articleshow/93625846.cms |url-status=live }} Only four tourist places in India attract more foreign tourists than Rishikesh.{{Cite web |title=Places in India that are a huge hit with international tourists |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/web-stories/places-in-india-that-are-a-huge-hit-with-international-tourists/photostory/99454333.cms |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413134819/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/web-stories/places-in-india-that-are-a-huge-hit-with-international-tourists/photostory/99454333.cms |url-status=live }} The town is one of the favorites of Israeli tourists, who often come here after completing their mandatory IDF service.{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/lifting-away-the-weight-of-3-years-why-we-israelis-go-to-india-after-the-army/ |title=Lifting away the weight of 3 years: Why we Israelis go to India after the army |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=24 January 2023 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124045033/https://www.timesofisrael.com/lifting-away-the-weight-of-3-years-why-we-israelis-go-to-india-after-the-army/ |url-status=live }}

{{further|Yoga tourism|Postural yoga in India}}

Although Rishikesh has always been a popular tourist destination due to its status as the birthplace of yoga, the city gained more notoriety when the Beatles visited in 1968. Since ancient times, the location has served as a haven for yogis, saints, and practitioners who come there to learn about this traditional Indian practise, advance their understanding of it, become instructors, or even find enlightenment.{{cite web |url=https://www.newsweek.com/2023/09/29/say-om-paradise-best-off-beaten-path-places-practice-yoga-1827949.html |work=Newsweek |title=Say Om in Paradise: The Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Places to Practice Yoga |date=20 September 2023 |access-date=26 October 2023 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026014050/https://www.newsweek.com/2023/09/29/say-om-paradise-best-off-beaten-path-places-practice-yoga-1827949.html |url-status=live }}File:Yoga Teacher Training Rishikesh India .jpg by the River Ganges at Rishikesh, 2015]]

In February 1968, the Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, attracted by his Transcendental Meditation.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/jan/16/river-ride-to-rishikesh-india-new-adventure-capital-beatles |title=A river ride to Rishikesh: India's new adventure capital |last=Johanson |first=Mark |date=16 January 2019 |access-date=14 April 2019 |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414153442/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/jan/16/river-ride-to-rishikesh-india-new-adventure-capital-beatles |url-status=live }} The Beatles composed numerous songs during their time at the ashram, many of which appear on the band's self-titled double album, also known as the "White Album".{{cite book |title=The Jesus People Movement: A Story of Spiritual Revolution Among the Hippies |author=Richard A Bustraan |publisher=Wipf and Stock |isbn=978-1-62032-464-6 |page=28 |date=13 February 2014 }} Western fans arrived seeking similar experiences, resulting in new yoga and meditation centers that fueled Rishikesh's nickname as the "Yoga Capital of the World". Many of these Westerners have undergone training to become certified yoga teachers.{{cite book |last=Goldberg |first=Philip |title=American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation – How Indian Spirituality Changed the West |publisher=Harmony Books |location=New York |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-385-52134-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b3Mdr3IMgW0C&q=Beatles |pages=7, 152 |access-date=3 July 2021 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324113714/https://books.google.com/books?id=b3Mdr3IMgW0C&q=Beatles |url-status=live }}{{cite journal |last=Maddox |first=Callie Batts |title=Studying at the source: Ashtanga yoga tourism and the search for authenticity in Mysore, India |journal=Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change |volume=13 |issue=4 |year=2014 |pages=330–343 |issn=1476-6825 |doi=10.1080/14766825.2014.972410 |s2cid=143449133 }}

The city's Sivananda Nagar houses the Sivananda Ashram and Divine Life Society, founded by Swami Sivananda. The Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula suspension bridges are accompanied by temples with additional ashrams near Swargashram along the eastern riverbank. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located in the forest, {{cvt|28|km}} from Rishikesh, while Vashishtha Guha, a cave used by the sage Vashishtha, is {{cvt|21|km}} north of the area.{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/maha-shivratri-special-visit-these-temples-to-get-acquainted-with-the-lesser-known-legends-of-lord-shiva/as62899537.cms |title=Maha Shivratri special: visit these temples to get acquainted with the lesser-known legends of Lord Shiva |first=Samonway |last=Duttagupta |newspaper=Times Travel |date=4 March 2019 |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-date=4 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304180814/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/maha-shivratri-special-visit-these-temples-to-get-acquainted-with-the-lesser-known-legends-of-lord-shiva/as62899537.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.asianage.com/life/travel/170618/finding-bliss-at-vashishta-guha.html |title=Finding bliss at Vashishta Guha |first=Sudha |last=Pillai |newspaper=The Asian Age |date=17 June 2018 |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414153440/https://www.asianage.com/life/travel/170618/finding-bliss-at-vashishta-guha.html |url-status=live }}

File:Ganga Arti At Triveni Ghat In Rishikesh.jpg

The Ganga Aarti (also known as Maha Aarthi) is performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat. This popular Hindu religious ritual involves playing music and providing religious offerings to the fire.{{Cite web |date=7 April 2018 |title=Rishikesh: The Full Experience Beyond Yoga |url=https://www.siddhiyoga.com/india/rishikesh-full-experience-beyond-yoga |access-date=15 August 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705215523/https://www.siddhiyoga.com/india/rishikesh-full-experience-beyond-yoga |url-status=live }}

In 1939, the British completed construction on a 137 m (450 ft) long iron suspension bridge on the Ganges River at the spot where Lakshman (Rama's brother) crossed the Ganges on a jute rope.{{Cite web |last=Watts |first=Meera |date=7 April 2018 |title=Rishikesh: The Full Experience Beyond Yoga |url=https://www.siddhiyoga.com/india/rishikesh-full-experience-beyond-yoga |access-date=30 October 2022 |website=Siddhi Yoga |language=en-US |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705215523/https://www.siddhiyoga.com/india/rishikesh-full-experience-beyond-yoga |url-status=live }}

File:Rafting in rishikesh.jpg

Rishikesh offers many rafting options along the Ganges from Grades I-IV.{{Cite web |last=Bhandari |first=Manoj |date=1 July 2017 |title=Rafting in Rishikesh 2022 - Rishikesh Rafting Guide, Rapids, Rafting Faqs Travel Tips |url=https://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/rafting-in-rishikesh.php |access-date=24 July 2022 |website=www.euttaranchal.com |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922003336/https://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/rafting-in-rishikesh.php |url-status=live }} Rishikesh has India's highest bungee jumping at {{Convert|83|m|ft|abbr=on}} over a rocky cliff.{{Cite web |title=Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh, India: Prices, Places, Cord, Locations – Jumpin Heights |url=http://jumpinheights.com/rishikesh |access-date=24 July 2022 |website=jumpinheights.com |archive-date=17 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220917063950/http://jumpinheights.com/rishikesh |url-status=live }} The longest flying fox (also known as a zipline) in Asia is in Rishikesh with a length of 1 km and speeds of 140 km per hour.

According to environmental activists, "These camps are not only in violation of Forest (Conservation) Act 1980, but also the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, as well as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, as it is leading to pollution of Ganga by discharging effluent, throwing of solid waste directly and adversely affecting the ecological integrity of the river system."{{Cite news |date=31 July 2015 |title=NGT denies permission to rafting camps in Rishikesh |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ngt-denies-permission-to-rafting-camps-in-rishikesh/articleshow/48295874.cms |access-date=30 July 2023 |issn=0013-0389 }}

Environmental activists allege that these camps, which are established as temporary sites, do not have adequate sewage and sanitation facilities, disturb the habitat of wild animals, and "affect the peace, tranquility, and serenity of the forest area. [...] At the campsites, the camp owners permit employees and the visitors to have food and alcohol. They leave empty bottles, cans, unconsumed food and waste including bones and filth in and around the campsite."File:Adventures camping in rishikesh.jpg

In a 2008 study on the beach camps between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh, experts from the Govind Ballabh Pant Himalayan Environment and Development Institute—R. K. Maikhuri, Nihal Farukhi and Tarun Budhal—found that wildlife conservation standards and norms, particularly for waste management, were routinely disregarded.

A bench headed by the National Green Tribunal chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on 1 April 2015 heard a plea filed by the non-governmental organisation Social Action for Forest and Environment (SAFE). The National Green Tribunal has sought explanations from the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand on the "unregulated" operation of rafting camps on the banks of Ganga between Shivpuri and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The state government has assured the tribunal that it would not grant permission to any new camp till the next hearing in May.{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rafting-in-rishikesh-green-tribunal-asks-centre-to-respond-115040101299_1.html |title=Rafting in Rishikesh: Green Tribunal asks Centre to respond |agency=Press Trust of India |date=1 April 2015 |newspaper=Business Standard |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=19 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819234034/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rafting-in-rishikesh-green-tribunal-asks-centre-to-respond-115040101299_1.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttarakhand/dehradun/rafting-in-rishikesh-explanation-of-the-center/articleshow/46774706.cms |title=Rafting in Rishikesh: Explanation of the center |date=2 April 2015 |newspaper=Navbharat Times |language=hi |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=17 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817131442/https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttarakhand/dehradun/rafting-in-rishikesh-explanation-of-the-center/articleshow/46774706.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.samaylive.com/regional-news-in-hindi/uttarakhand-news-in-hindi/309797/green-tribunal-raps-modi-government-over-unregulated-operation-rafting-in-rishikesh.html |title=ऋषिकेश में राफ्टिंग: राष्ट्रीय हरित प्राधिकरण ने केंद्र से माँगा जवाब मांगा |trans-title=Rafting in Rishikesh: Green Tribunal seeks answers from Center |date=2 April 2015 |website=Samaylive.com |language=hi |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807024407/http://www.samaylive.com/regional-news-in-hindi/uttarakhand-news-in-hindi/309797/green-tribunal-raps-modi-government-over-unregulated-operation-rafting-in-rishikesh.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-04-03/news/60787393_1_camps-waste-management-environment-ministry |title=NGT pulls up Centre, Uttarakhand over unregulated rafting camps on Ganga banks |first=Urmi |last=Goswami |date=3 April 2015 |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=14 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914203447/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-04-03/news/60787393_1_camps-waste-management-environment-ministry }}{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/green-tribunal-notice-over-rafting-camps-in-uttarakhand-115040600378_1.html |title=Green tribunal notice over rafting camps in Uttarakhand |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=6 April 2015 |newspaper=Business Standard |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=19 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819222335/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/green-tribunal-notice-over-rafting-camps-in-uttarakhand-115040600378_1.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Despite-Ukhand-assurance-to-NGT-licences-being-issued-for-camping-rafting/articleshow/46789434.cms |title=Despite U'khand assurance to NGT, licences being issued for camping, rafting |last=Sharma |first=Seema |date=3 April 2015 |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=20 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720195828/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Despite-Ukhand-assurance-to-NGT-licences-being-issued-for-camping-rafting/articleshow/46789434.cms |url-status=live }}

As the seriousness of issue "The National Green Tribunal," a bench headed by Justice U. D. Salve has rejected permission to rafting camps operating in Rishikesh and slammed the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Government of Uttarakhand for not filing their replies in the case and directed them to file their response.{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/National-Green-Tribunal-denies-permission-to-Rishikesh-rafting-camps/articleshow/48297249.cms |title=National Green Tribunal denies permission to Rishikesh rafting camps |date=31 July 2015 |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502084004/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/National-Green-Tribunal-denies-permission-to-Rishikesh-rafting-camps/articleshow/48297249.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/is-this-the-end-of-river-rafting-in-rishikesh-ngts-latest-verdict-surely-makes-it-seem-so-243718.html |title=Is This The End of River Rafting in Rishikesh? NGT's Latest Verdict Surely Makes It Seem So |date=2 August 2015 |website=India Times |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805010657/http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/is-this-the-end-of-river-rafting-in-rishikesh-ngts-latest-verdict-surely-makes-it-seem-so-243718.html |archive-date=5 August 2015 }}

{{see also |All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh}}

AIIMS Rishikesh is one of the six healthcare institutes being established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) with the aim of correcting regional imbalances in quality tertiary level healthcare in the country and attaining self-sufficiency in graduate and postgraduate medical education and training.{{cite web |url=http://www.aiimsrishikesh.edu.in/details.php?pgID=_about |title=Welcome to AIIMS Rishikesh |website=All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=30 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630003530/http://www.aiimsrishikesh.edu.in/details.php?pgID=_about |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.news18.com/videos/uttarakhand/aiims-rishikesh-to-get-100-bed-hospital-within-three-months-112341.html |title=AIIMS Rishikesh to get 100-bed hospital within three months |website=News18 |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713011544/http://www.news18.com/videos/uttarakhand/aiims-rishikesh-to-get-100-bed-hospital-within-three-months-112341.html |archive-date=13 July 2014 }}

The first AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) Centre was opened in Rishikesh on 4 June 2015 by Shripad Yasso Naik, the Minister for Yoga and Traditional Medicine, to sponsor new research in these alternative medicine systems.{{cite web |url=http://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-india-first-ayush-center-open-in-rishikesh-aims-12442187.html?src=HUK |title=एम्स ऋषिकेश में देश का पहला आयुष सेंटर खुला |trans-title=India First Ayush Center Open in Rishikesh |date=4 June 2015 |website=Jagran.com |language=hi |access-date=7 June 2015 |archive-date=3 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003145209/http://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-india-first-ayush-center-open-in-rishikesh-aims-12442187.html?src=HUK |url-status=live }}

The Rishikesh and the Yog Nagari Rishikesh railway stations offer service to this city, partially through Indian Railways. A new railway line, connecting Rishikesh with Karnaprayag, is under construction.{{cite news |last1=Jaiswal |first1=Sheo S. |date=18 October 2016 |title=Work on Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line to begin in December |newspaper=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Work-on-Rishikesh-Karnaprayag-railway-line-to-begin-in-December/articleshow/54918138.cms |access-date=17 June 2017 |archive-date=26 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526110721/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Work-on-Rishikesh-Karnaprayag-railway-line-to-begin-in-December/articleshow/54918138.cms |url-status=live }}

Rishikesh is connected with the state capital, Dehradun, which is 45 km from the city.{{cite news |last=Singh |first=Kautilya |date=9 January 2015 |title=Speed up rail extension in state: Cong MP |newspaper=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Speed-up-rail-extension-in-state-Cong-MP/articleshow/45826601.cms |access-date=17 June 2017 |archive-date=17 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217141032/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Speed-up-rail-extension-in-state-Cong-MP/articleshow/45826601.cms |url-status=live }} Private and shared taxi services travel between Rishikesh and most major north Indian cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla.

File:Chitchat at bank of River Ganga at Rishikesh photographed by Sumita Roy.jpg at bank of River Ganga at Rishikesh]]

The nearest Airports are Dehradun Airport (15 km) and New Delhi International Airport (240 km).

The tourism sector has brought tourists illegally importing cannabis and alcohol. Incidents like partial nakedness and drug paraphernalia littered along beaches is producing criticism that Rishikesh is losing its spirituality.{{cite web |title=PICS: ये है ऋषिकेश के गोवा बीच का नज़ारा, विदेशियों की बेशर्मी से आहत हो रही आस्था |trans-title=PICS: This is the view of Rishikesh's Goa beach, the belief that the foreigners are shocked by the shamelessness of the foreigners |url=http://www.samaylive.com/gallery/photo-gallery/pics-it-s-goa-beach-of-rishikesh-foreign-tourists-nude-and-topless-take-sunbathing/620911/66613.html |access-date=12 June 2015 |website=Samaylive |archive-date=16 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416082951/http://www.samaylive.com/gallery/photo-gallery/pics-it-s-goa-beach-of-rishikesh-foreign-tourists-nude-and-topless-take-sunbathing/620911/66613.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=22 March 2015 |title=Where Rishikesh Meets Goa |newspaper=The New Indian Express |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/travel/Where-Rishikesh-Meets-Goa/2015/03/22/article2721758.ece |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=26 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626073008/http://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/travel/Where-Rishikesh-Meets-Goa/2015/03/22/article2721758.ece }}{{cite news |last=Jaiswal |first=Sheo S. |date=27 May 2015 |title=Rafting in Ganga promotes obscene activities, VHP says, wants it banned |newspaper=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rafting-in-Ganga-promotes-obscene-activities-VHP-says-wants-it-banned/articleshow/47437432.cms |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108094546/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rafting-in-Ganga-promotes-obscene-activities-VHP-says-wants-it-banned/articleshow/47437432.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Rishikesh Tour Packages for Family |url=https://www.explorerishikesh.in/ |access-date=12 June 2015 |website=Explore Rishikesh}}

The riverside has spiritual and religious significance because it represents the emergence of the Ganges after the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers at Devprayag in the Garhwal Himalayas. Saints and yogis have been meditating on the banks of Ganges since antiquity.{{cite web |last=Dutta |first=Nirmalya |date=27 May 2015 |title=WTF – now the VHP wants to ban river rafting in Rishikesh! |url=http://www.india.com/news/india/wtf-now-the-vhp-wants-to-ban-river-rafting-in-rishikesh-398590/ |access-date=12 June 2015 |website=India.com |archive-date=15 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115182716/https://www.india.com/news/india/wtf-now-the-vhp-wants-to-ban-river-rafting-in-rishikesh-398590/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=26 May 2015 |title=VHP demands ban on Rishikesh rafting |url=http://www.news18.com/news/uttarakhand/vhp-demands-ban-on-rafting-in-ganga-citing-pollution-govt-hits-back-740917.html |access-date=12 June 2015 |website=News18 |archive-date=30 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130010307/http://www.news18.com/news/uttarakhand/vhp-demands-ban-on-rafting-in-ganga-citing-pollution-govt-hits-back-740917.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=27 May 2015 |title=River Rafting Promotes Obscenity: VHP Seeks ban in Rishikesh |url=http://www.thequint.com/2015/may/27/river-rafting-promotes-obscenity-vhp-seeks-ban-in-rishikesh |access-date=12 June 2015 |website=The Quint |archive-date=6 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606155913/http://www.thequint.com/2015/may/27/river-rafting-promotes-obscenity-vhp-seeks-ban-in-rishikesh |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=27 May 2015 |title=VHP demands ban on river rafting in Ganga |newspaper=The Tribune |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/uttarakhand/vhp-demands-ban-on-river-rafting-in-ganga/85779.html |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-date=29 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829075300/http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/uttarakhand/vhp-demands-ban-on-river-rafting-in-ganga/85779.html |url-status=live }}

File:13 Manzil Temple Rishikesh 2021.jpg|Tera Manzil Temple

File:NeelKanth Mahadev Temple.JPG|NeelKanth Mahadev Temple

File:Ghats by the River Ganga, Rishikesh.jpg|Ghats by the River Ganges

File:Ramjhula - bridge over the Ganga.jpg|Ram Jhula Bridge across the Ganges at Muni Ki Reti, built in the 1980s

File:Hanuman, Rishikesh.jpg|A Hanuman temple in Rishikesh

File:RishikeshVeiws.jpg|Rishikesh Views

File:Rishikesh-Lakshman Jhula by Kaustubh Nayyar.jpg|Lakshman Jhula

File:View of Rishikesh.jpg|View of Rishikesh

File:Now memory Shiva statue near Paramarth Niketan.jpg|Shiva statue near Parmarth Niketan which was washed away by the 2013 flood on River Ganga

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