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Swami Dayananda Ashram is
situated right on the banks of the Ganga. It offers a grand and panoramic view
of India’s most venerated river with the lofty Himalayas in the background.
The holy river Ganges is an integral part of this Gurukulam. Watching
her eternal flow with gushing music itself is a
kind of meditation! This is true anytime when one has a look from the
Gurukulam. The river Ganges stands for Knowledge and with this attitude a cool
refreshing dip in Ganges makes one feel a sense of fulfillment. The ashram environment
at once draws you to your quiet, pleased self.
The ashram facility includes:
. Access
to Shri Swami Dayanandaji’s published works
. A library access to
scriptures and other allied works with computerized catalogue
. Access to audio library of
Swamiji’s conducted courses with facilities to listen
. Lecture hall equipped with
complete audio system
. Availability of authentic
accessories for Japa (Rudraksha and Sphatik Malas) and Puja material
. Services of priests available
for performing yajnas and Poojas.
. Modern steam Kitchen and
Dining complex
. Filtered drinking water
. Round the clock hot water
. Stand by electricity
generator
. Attached public telephone
call facility (STD/ISD)
. Adequate car parking
. Laundry Services
. In-house taxi-services for
travel from anywhere to anywhere including Himalayan pilgrimage
(Cyber
Communications, Triveni Ghat, a
cheaper outside place in town for emails.)
Reach the Chandra Bhaga Bridge
on the main Haridwar-Rishikesh road and take a right turn after crossing the bridge and Hotel
Sivalok. Take a left turn at the
second lane which will lead to Ashram.
On the beautiful, lucent banks of the holy Ganges a quiet and peaceful town attracts pilgrims from all over India and the world. Time stands still while the eternal waters of the river emerge from the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. They pass by the ghats, the places of ritual worship where holy men smoke their chillums and perform secret yoga exercises, until they finally enter the plains to begin their long journey through the North-Indian plateau towards the ocean at the Bay of Bengal...
That's at least how the tourist brochures like to have it. In reality, though, Rishikesh is just as busy as other Indian towns, at least on the main road that runs parallel to the Ganges and the bustling bazaar streets. However, there's a feeling of easy-going and relaxation about the town which makes Rishikesh as good a place to take a rest as e.g. Pushkar, Goa and other places famous with both Indians and westerners.
"It is said that when the Gods left their footprints on the land of Haridwar, metaphorically they also left an indelible mark on the spiritual ethos of every Hindu - more so, the devout, who would later follow their holy paths all across this blessed land. Haridwar stands as the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttrakhand. Mentioned as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokshadwar in the ancient scriptures and epics, Haridwar has always remained a major Shaktipeeth for the devotees. Of such significance is Haridwar in the thought of India's traditional Hindus that it has earned its sobriquet of honor, 'the gateway to the Gods'.
"Legend has it that the holy Ganga, the holiest of all rivers, which flows through this sacred city has actually been sanctified by the powerful Trinity of Hindu mythology and the center of the pantheon - Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
"Down the ages this special importance of Haridwar as the ever-refreshing mystic venue for the purification of body, mind and soul gained more impetus... and today manifests in two great events that take place here - the memorable Kumbha Mela which happens once every 12 years and the Ardha Kumbh Mela, which comes once every six years. Yet, beyond the mystic aura and mythology, Haridwar casts another magic spell on the visitor. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it weaves through the life and time stretching from the period of Buddha to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has not only remained the abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit but also served as a center of attraction for many, for learning the arts, science and culture. Haridwar's longstanding position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique Gurukul school of traditional education, the scenic beauty and lush greenery... all give the city a unique flavor and charm; a must among the sojourn centers in a discoverer's itinerary of Western U.P. - a destination of all seasons.
"Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. And that's why its water is crystal clear and cool. Lush green forests and small ponds add to the scenic beauty of this holy land. The Rajaji National park is just 10 kms. from Haridwar. It's an ideal destination for wildlife and adventure lovers."
"In the evenings the ghats look breathtakingly beautiful, as thousands of 'Divas' (oil lamps) and marigold flowers float and illuminate the Holy waters."
TO
THE TOP
(Information obtained from the official tourist brochure)
Ashrams are the cheapest type of accommodation available. Most of them provide free, if very basic, services and expect a donation. Many ashrams also offer yoga and meditation courses as well as food. However, visitors have to live up to certain requirements, e.g. such as curfews, alcohol and tobacco prohibition and the observation of silence within the ashram premises. Many ashrams are also worth a visit for sightseeing only.
Sivananda Ashram, Sivananda Nagar (Divine Life Society), Ph.:
430040
Mahesh Yogi Ashram, Shankaracharaya Nagar, Ph.: 430121
Omkarananda Ashram, Muni-ki-Reti, Ph.: 430910
Others: Swarga Ashram, Gita Bhavan, Parmarth Niketan, Veda Niketan, Jai Ram
Ashram, Kailash Ashram
Rishikesh, the "Yoga Capital of the World", is a good place to study Hindu philosophy and religion in all its aspects. Many centers offer yoga and meditation courses on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Fees vary greatly, so it's worthwhile checking out a few locations and see which suits you best. Some centers are specially designed for foreigners. From time to time conferences such as the "International Yoga Week" are held. Ask the Tourist Office for information.
Lakshmana Jhula. A suspension bridge across the Ganges which spans the river along the old foot route to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Built in 1929.
Ram Jhula. Another suspension bridge a little closer to Rishikesh town.
Sariska Sanctuary.37 kms. This sanctuary, established in 1955, nestles in the fascinating valley of the Aravalis.
Silisehr lake. Surrounded by a ring of beautiful low mountains. Built into the hillside, overlooking the lake, is a hunting lodge, now turned into a hotel.
Rishikesh is a good base to start for trekking tours into the
Himalayas mountains. Trekking gear is available.
Destinations: Uttrakhand 144 kms, Kedarnath 228 kms, Badrinath 203 kms,
Gangotri 253 kms, Yamunotri 226 kms, Mussoorie 77 kms.
There are many rafting companies, mostly operating on weekends. Information is available from travel agents.
There are many telephone booths where you can make international calls. For fax and email go to Cyber Communications, Triveni Ghat, the cheapest place in town.
Nirmal
Ashram Hospital, Mayakund, Rishikesh (Pvt. Hospital), Phone: 432215 / 430942
Sri
Ram Hospital, Jolly Grant (18 Kms. away) (Pvt. Hospital), Phone: 682081.
Emergency 682070
G. D. Hospital, Tilak Road, Rishikesh (Govt. Hospital), Phone: 430096, 430102, Emergency 430402
Seema Dental College and Hospital, Rishikesh - 249 201, Uttranchal, Telphones: (0135) 2453465, 2453725, 2453726; Fax: 91-135-2453743; Email: dentalcollege@sancharnet.in
Foreign
Currency Exchanges:
Bank
of Baroda, Dehradun Road : Phone 430653
State
bank of India, Railway Road, Rishikesh Phone: 430 114
Other
Banks
Punjab
National Bank, Haridwar Road Phone: 430213
Union
Bank of India Dehradun Road Phone: 430073
Rishikesh as a major pilgrim place is well connected to many other places in India. It is situated only 20 kms from Haridwar, the second most holy town for Hindus just after Banares.
Frequency - Tue - Thurs - Sat
IA 473 Dep. Delhi :
13.45
hrs.
Arr. Dehradun : 14.35 hrs.
IA 474 Dep. Dehradun 14.45
hrs.
Arr. Delhi :
Fare Rs. 2840.00
Rail
Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar (24 kms), to Howrah, Bombay,
Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other cities. There's a daily Shatabdi
Express ( (high priority train, ca. 4 hrs) from Old Delhi Railway Station,
leaving at 7 am. The Mussoorie Express (4041) leaves Old Delhi at 10:15
pm and takes around eight hours to Haridwar.
The trains from Delhi branch off to Dehradun after Haridwar. Get off there and
take either a passenger train (1 1/2 hrs) or a bus (30 minutes) to get to
Rishikesh (12 Rs). The bus station in Haridwar is opposite the railway station
to the right.
Fares:
Mussoorie Express: 2nd class sleeper: 131 Rs
Bus Services
Rishikesh is connected by bus via Haridwar with Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradun,
Kullu, Manali, Shimla etc. There are government buses as well as many private
bus companies.
Road
23 KM North East of
Delhi via Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkie and Haridwar (about six hrs drive
time). Air-conditioned luxury buses available in summer
One can refresh at Grand Cheettal restaurant at the outskirts of
Khatauli which is halfway through on Delhi-Rishikesh route. It has excellent facilities
and enchanting environment. Rishikesh is connected by bus with Agra,
Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Shimla
etc.
Rishikesh as a major pilgrim
place is well connected to many other places in India. It is situated only 24
kms from Haridwar, the second most holy town for Hindus just after Banares.
Area: 11.20
sq. km..
Altitude: 356 meters.
Population: 100,000
Languages Spoken: Garwali, Hindi, Punjabi, English.
Best Season: Autumn.
ZIP Code: 249201 (Rishikesh GPO)
Phone Prefix: +91 - 135
Tourist Information Centers:
Tourist Bureau, Station road, Ph.: 430209
Yatra office, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, Ph.: 431793, 430372
Temperature and rainfall statistics
|
Average Temperature in ºC |
Average Rainfall Millimeters |
|
|
January |
16.5 |
25.0 |
|
February |
19.3 |
21.9 |
|
March |
25.3 |
11.9 |
|
April |
30.5 |
3.9 |
|
May |
34.3 |
12.3 |
|
June |
33.7 |
91.9 |
|
July |
30.0 |
306.2 |
|
August |
29.1 |
342.2 |
|
September |
29.1 |
225.1 |
|
October |
21.0 |
59.5 |
|
November |
21.0 |
9.6 |
|
December |
17.1 |
9.6 |
The cold season starts from end of November and lasts until
mid-February. During this time you will need woolen clothes. In the nights
minus degrees can be reached. Also be prepared for occasional rainfall.
After February spring starts, lasting until May. This is a pleasant
season, not too hot in day time and not too cold during the nights.
In June summer begins and brings a lot of heat in the noon time, with
little rainfall. The monsoon, beginning in mid-July, brings relief from
the heat but also heavy rainfall during daytime. It lasts until autumn
in September, from when the heat gradually subsides. Many people feel this to
be the best season.
There are many small water falls as well as sand beaches along the Ganga river.
Rajaji National Park (Chilla): 16 kms. The park, 820 sq km, has wildlife in abundance. Fishing in the rivers there is allowed. Best time to visit is Nov 15 to June 15. Entry fees (subject to change): Rs 15 for Indians, Rs 100 for foreigners per person per day for the first three days. Additional day Rs 10 and Rs 50, respectively. For Indian students the fee is Rs 5 per day.
