A Mini tour guide for Rishikesh & Haridwar, one of the most visited cities of India, known for its sanctity as well as adventure sports like rafting. It gives you the basic details of the important places to be visited in your tour. A small Guide of A6 size sheets can be of big help to you as your pocket guide throughout the tour. www.yaathutours.com

1. Yaathu Tours
Rishikesh
Rishikesh – Haridwar
Mini Guide
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2. Yaathu Tours
Rishikesh
About the Destination...
1) A sacred town at the convergence of rivers Ganges and
Chandrabhaga
2) Rishikesh is a naturally attractive place at the foothills of the
lower Himalayas in the state of Uttaranchal in India.
3) The importance of this holy city lies in the fact that it serves
as a gateway to other religiously important centers like
Kedarnath, Gangotri, Badrinath and Yamunotri.
4) Rishikesh, literally means Lord of the Senses, stands for Lord
Vishnu
5) Rishkesh is renowned for numerous Yoga centers, and
perfectly termed as the World Capital of Yoga, offering
training of Yoga and many other spiritual activities.
6) Many water sports activities like white water rafting and
adventurous activities like wild forest trekking can be
enjoyed in Rishikesh
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Rishikesh
History...
1) The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to
'Raibhya Rishi', as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord
Hrishikesh.
2) In Skanda Purana, this area is known as 'Kubjamrak' as Lord
Vishnu appeared, under a mango tree.
3) Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing
Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his
younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where
the present 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge stands today, using a
jute rope bridge.
4) The 'Kedar Khand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the
existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope
bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889,
and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was
replaced by a stronger present bridge.
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Rishikesh
Important Places...
1) Bharat Mandir: Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya arround 12th
century, Bharat mandir is situated in the heart of the old
town on the Banks of the Ganges. 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 Sankraya Charya. The original temple was
destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D.
2) Rishikund: Close to Trivenighat is the most anciant place, the
rishikund. Ancient records relate this to Kubz Saint , who was
blessed by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by
its water.
3) Triveni Ghat : Triveni Ghat, a confluence of three holy
important Rivers the Ganges, the Yamuna and the
Saraswathy, is a most revered sacred bathing spot in
Rishikesh
4) Geeta Bhawan: One of the oldest temple complex in the
area. The famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharta are
described here on the walls.
5) Parmarth Niketan: One of the most renowned temple
complex and ashram in the area. Known for its substantial
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work on Hinduism, there is a school run on traditional Indian
Patterns.
6) Tera Manzil Temple: A multistory temple complex of idols of
hindu Gods, and Goddesses. Very popular among the
domestic pilgrims. Sunset view from this place in winters is a
excellent option.
7) Laxman Temple: On the right bank of the Ganges is situated
the ancient temple of Laxman. Lord Rama with Laxman
made a twig bridge here on the way to their journey to high
Himalayas.
8) Laxman Jhula: Lakshman (Laxman) Jhula, very long, of
about 450 ft Iron Bridge suspended over the mighty Ganges
River, is constructed in the year 1939.
9) Ram Jhula: A new swinging bridge, constructed a few years
back and known as Ram Jhula (also Shivanand Jhula), is
nearby.
10) Nilkantha Mahadev Temple: It is perfectly placed at the
confluence of Pankaja and Madhumati rivers. This
enchanting revered shrine is placed at an altitude of 1330 m
with its main deity as Lord Shiva. The panoramic view of
surrounding hills of Brahmakoot, Vishnukoot and Manikoot
is very attractive. It is believed that the event of churning
the sea & drinking the poison by Lord Shiva occurred here
in this place where the temple is located.
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11) Shri Tryambakeshwar Temple: Tryambakeshvar, means the
abode of the three eyed one i.e. Lord Shiva, is considered as
one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (self emanated lingas
12) Outskirts of Rishikesh:
- Kaudiyala: Kaudiyala, a perfect place for rock climbing,
is located 380 m high of sea level nearby Rishikesh. The
place is surrounded by dense forests and blessed with
the rare view of a number of wild animals in their
natural habitat. White water rafting is a good sport
practiced here.
- Kunjapuri Temple: One of the 13 most important
Goddesses of Shivalik range. One can see almost all the
peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here e.g
Banderpunch (6316 Mts) , Swarga Rohini (6252 Mts)
Gangotri ( 6672 mts) Chaukhamba (7138 mts) etc.
- Vashishtha Goofa: One hour drive from Rishikesh up
river, where famous saint Vashishtha mediated on the
banks of the Ganges. The cave is very peaceful and is a
perfect place for meditation.
- Devprayag: One of the panchprayags ( Five
confluences), Devprayagais an ancient town situated at
the confluence of Alaknanda & Bhgirathi river making
the holy Ganges.
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- Surkanda Devi ( 10,000 Feet): Drive ( 2.5 to 3 hrs) to
Kadukhal via Narender Nagar, the capital of Tehri
Garhwal once. Now the palace is converted in to a
world famous Spa. One of the 13 important Goddesss
of Himalayan Foot hills.
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Rishikesh
Activities...
1) Water Rafting: The main sporting activity in Rishikesh is
White Water Rafting. September-November and March-May
are ideal for rafting.
2) Trekking: Situated at the foothills of Himalayas, Rishikesh, is
an ideal location for rafting and cannoning and trekking
activities in India. One can also witness the amazing
scenarios, ancient temples, Buddhist monastaries on the
way. One of the main attractions of the destination is a trek
into Garhwal Himalayas.
3) Shopping: Many religious and temple related articles like
Rudraksha, Ganesha idols, Nataraja statues, religious books
and mythological sculptures are available here in moderate
rates. Winter clothes, Kurtaz and Salwar kumeez beautifully
knit are specialty of this location. Handicraft items made of
shells, pearls and beads are other attractions in the shops of
Rishikesh.
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9. Yaathu Tours
Haridwar
About the Destination...
1) Haridwar or Hari-dwar in Hindi literally means Gateway to
God; Hari is synonymous to God and Dwar means gate!
2) Situated in the state of Uttarakhand
3) The ancient Indian mythology refers to Haridwar as
Gangadwar, Kapilsthan and Mayapuri, as also known in
olden times.
4) Placed at a height of 249.7 meters above sea level and
spread across an area of 2360 sq km, this district witnesses
hot summers and cold winters.
5) This city hosts religious festivals throughout the year. Some
of the well known festivals (mela) are Kumbh mela, Kavad
mela, Somvati Amavasya mela and Ganga Dussehra.
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Haridwar
History...
1) Various scriptures have also mentioned the city as
Kapilsthan, Mayapuri and Gangadwar.
2) The city has been linked to various mythological heroes like
King Bhagirath, who is said to have brought river Ganga from
heaven.
3) The most revered Sikh guru, Guru Nanak is also said to have
bathed at the popular Kushwan Ghat, which today is
commemorated by a Gurudwara.
4) The East India Company used the ‘Upper Ganges Canal’ at
Haridwar extensively, causing deterioration to the Ganges
water flow.
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Haridwar
Important Places...
1) Udan Khatola: or ropeway, is a mode of transport to reach the
hill top temples of Haridwar. Also known as the ropeway to
Gods, this facility came into effect more than a decade back.
2) Chilla Wildlife Sanctury: A treat for wildlife enthusiasts and
nature lovers, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the east
bank of the Ganga River. Spread across an area of 249 sq km,
the wildlife fauna includes elephants, tigers, bears and small
cats.
3) Bharat Mata Mandir: The Bharat Mata temple is a religious
shrine, founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri. This temple
salutes all the patriotic freedom fighters who contributed to
the freedom of India.
4) Chandi Devi temple: It is known to be a divine place where
wishes are granted and fulfilled by Goddess Chandi. One can
either take a ropeway ride or spend over 45 minutes to climb
the steep steps leading to the temple.
5) Har Ki Pauri: is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges
from the mountains and entry into the plains. Also known as
Brahm Kund, this ghat was built by King. History records an
imprint of Lord Vishnu’s foot on one of the stones present on
the ghat, which is indicative of the name.
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6) Mansa Devi Mandir: Goddess Mansa Devi, wife of the Nag
King Vasuki, is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees visiting
her temple. Mansa Devi temple is one vertex of the
Siddhapeeth triangle formed between three temples, Chandi
Devi and Maya Devi temples being the other two.
7) Maya Devi Temple: This temple dates back to the 11th
century. It is believed that the heart and navel of Goddess Sati
(first wife of Lord Shiva) fell in the premises of this ancient
temple. Goddess Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar,
is known to be an incarnation of power or shakti.
8) Sapt Rishi Ashram: is an ancient ashram famous for having
hosted seven (sapt) sages (rishis), namely, Kashyapa, Vashisht,
Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam. In
order to avoid any disturbance to the seven sages meditating
in the ashram, it is believed that river Ganga split herself into
seven currents at this spot. Hence, this ashram is also referred
to as Sapt Sarovar or seven streams.
9) Vaishno Devi temple: This temple was recently built and does
not fall into the league of ancient temples. Goddess Vaishno
Devi is full of tunnels and caves.
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10) Daksha Mahadev Temple: The mythological story about this
place is that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva 's
first wife ) performed yagya at this place. Daksha Prajapati did
not invite Lord Shiva and Sati felt insulted . Therefore she
burnt herself in the yagya Kund. This incident provoked the
disciples and followers of Mahadev who killed King Daksha,
but later on Lord Mahadev brought him back to life. Daksha
Mahadev temple is thus a tribute to this legend .
11) Bhimgoda Tank: This tank is at a distance of about 1 km from
Harki Pairi. It is said that while Pandavas were going to
Himalayas through Haridwar, Bhim made this tank with the
blow of his knee.
12) Piran Kaliar: The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in
Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which
is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the
world. 'URS' festival is organized every year on the holy dargah
in summer.
13) Parad Shivling: Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Shivling
weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are main
attractions here.
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Haridwar
Shopping...
Moti Bazaar:
- One of the best and busiest shopping areas in Haridwar,
Moti Bazaar is situated between the Har-ki-Pauri and the
Upper Road.
- Religious items such as Rudraksha or sacred beads, Gangajal
or water of the holy Ganges stored in a container, precious
stones for prosperity, images of deities, food offerings,
sacred threads, pickles, and ayurvedic medicines are
available here.
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