Rishikesh  represents the site where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. The place is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. Tapovan, on the other bank of the Ganges, houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, carried out penances here.

The Neelkanth Mahadev temple near Rishikesh is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva had drunk the venom that came out during the churning of the ocean.

In the 1960s, the place came into limelight as the place where the pop group Beatles met their guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, & Yamunotri. The Yoga centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place. An International Yoga Week is organized here every year by U. P. Tourism every year between 2nd and 7th February. Nowdays Rishikesh is famous for White Water Rafting Expeditions.

Prime Attractions: Rishikesh

Lakshman Jhula :
This suspended iron bridge was build in 1939 and has been a major attraction among the tourists. Ram Jhula - the other suspended Iron bridge was constructed between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram some year back.

Triveni Ghat :
This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.

Swarga Ashram :
One can find numerous temples here. This place has the eating joints and shops where one can do shopping. The beautiful statues in the area mesmerise the visitors.

Gita Bhavan :
This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.

Bharat Mandir :
Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya arround 12th centuray, Bharat mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the Banks of the Ganges. Detailed account of this oldest temple of Rishikesh are available in ancient record of Kearkhand. The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of Lord Vishnu, carved out of a single ?Saligram?. In the inner canopy above the idol is Shree Yantra installed by Adi Shankraya Charya. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D. Lot of old statues , coins, pots and other things of historical importance were found in recent excavatiions in the premises of the temple.

Rishikund :
Close to Trivenighat is the most ancient place, the Rishikund. Ancient records relate this to Kubz Saint, who was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water. The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath, dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.

White Water Rafting At Shivpuri [ Rishikesh]
The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers, Shivpuri [ 16 kms] is having many rafting camps at Ganga beach [ September to June ].