Rishikesh is a city in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River. The river is considered holy, and the city is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation. Temples and ashrams (centers for spiritual studies) line the eastern bank around Swarg Ashram, a traffic-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian enclave upstream from Rishikesh town.
Shivpuri is a small town located 18 Kms from Rishikesh City. Shivpuri houses many ashrams and temples which are dedicated to lord shiva. Shivpuri literally means the house of Lord Shiva. Shivpuri is also known for its numerous camps and as the major River Rafting destination in Rishikesh. Most of the people who visit Rishikesh for River rafting opt for the Shivpuri Rafting stretch. Hence on a normal weekend Shivpuri is over-crowded with adventure seekers. Shivpuri is 245 Kms from New Delhi and it takes about 6-7 hours by road to reach. Nearest major railway station is Haridwar which is 45 kms away and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) which is 50 Kms away.
Haridwar: is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site in North India's Uttarakhand state, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. The largest of several sacred ghats (bathing steps), Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps. Worshipers fill the city during major festivals including the annual Kanwar Mela.
Places Covered: Rishikesh.
