Rishikesh, also spelt as Hrishikesh, is a city near Dehradun
in the
Indian state Uttarakhand. The northern part of Rishikesh is
in the Dehradun district while the southern part is in the Pauri
Garhwal district. It is situated on the right bank of the Ganges River
and is a pilgrimage town for Hindus, with ancient sages and saints
meditating there in search of higher knowledge.
There are numerous temples and ashrams built along the
banks of the river.
It is known as the "Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas" and "Yoga Capital of the World".
The city has hosted the annual International Yoga Festival on the first week of March since 1999.
Rishikesh is a vegetarian-only and alcohol-free city.
The Tehri Dam is located 86 km (53 mi) away from Rishikesh. Uttarkashi,
a popular yoga destination, is 170 km (110 mi) uphill on the way to Gangotri.
Rishikesh is the starting point for traveling to the four
Chota Char Dham pilgrimage places: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
It is also a starting point for Himalayan tourist destinations such as Harsil, Chopta, Auli,
as well as summer and winter trekking destinations like Dodital, Dayara Bugyal, Kedarkantha
and Har Ki Dun.