What is so special about Rishikesh?

If you do a Google search for “the history of Rishikesh” one of the most commonly asked questions is “What is so special about Rishikesh?” Well, there are so many things beyond special, they are serene, zen and calming, and I can say this so confidently because I have experienced it myself.

India is a country of various cultures and a ton of different places that are beautiful and can be quoted as the perfect vacation place, then why should you choose to visit Rishikesh? Well, the history, the glorious past of the city, the present facilities and amenities the place has to offer, the serenity and more over the Holy Ganga, there are so many reasons to be listed down. 

The historic beauty of Rishikesh

Rishikesh was once part of the fabled ‘Kedarkhand’ (now known as Garhwal). According to the legends, Lord Rama took penance here for defeating and killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Lord Rama’s younger brother, Lakshmana, used a jute rope bridge to cross the Ganges near the location of the current ‘Lakshman Jhula’ bridge.

Rishikesh appears in several ancient writings, notably the Skanda Purana, a religious script in Hindu mythology, which portrays Rishikesh as a sacred site where Lord Vishnu fought the monster Madhu. The ‘Kedar Khand’ of the Skanda Purana also cites the presence of Indrakund here. The name “Rishikesh” itself is derived from Lord Vishnu’s epithet “Hrishikesha,” which means “Lord of the Senses.” 

In more recent history, Rishikesh rose to international prominence in the 1960s when The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram, known as the “Beatles Ashram,” to learn Transcendental meditation. This incident can be credited for putting Rishikesh on the global map as the place for Yogis, and spirituality seekers.

Rishikesh is often referred to as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas.” A place that welcomes all, from spiritual seekers to adventure enthusiasts. 

Natural beauty, peace, spiritual prosperity, Ganga Aarti, and water adventures, are just a few of the many activities that attract tourists to Rishikesh from all around the globe, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, with the celestial and sacred Ganga following through the city, a great number of cafes with breathtaking views all around and a new concept of Airbnb’s that make you feel like home. 

Rishikesh is an ideal location for individuals seeking inner serenity and spiritual growth because of its calm and serene surroundings, suitable for yoga and meditation. Anyone visiting Rishikesh can’t help but feel the strong spiritual energy in the air. Many travellers come here and never leave, as Rishikesh makes them feel right at home.