City-information for Rishikesh

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Population 75,000
Located 24 km from Haridwar and 245 km northeast of Delhi is Rishikesh, where the clear Ganges leaves the Himalayan Mountains. It is at an elevation of 356 metres (1080 ft). Rishikesh is famous as a place to study yoga and meditation, and there are many ashrams here. It is not nearly as crowded with pilgrims as is Haridwar. Rishikesh is a very peaceful place. Many foreigners come here, and many of them stay in ashrams to learn yoga. Most day trippers spend little time in the downtown, but spend their time across the river or at Laksman Jhula.

It is said that Bharata, the brother of Lord Rama, did severe penances here. A temple of Bharata was constructed at this site, and the town of Rishikesh grew up around it. The town got its name when Raibhya Rsi performed tapasya (austerities) here. Lord Hrishikesh, another name for Lord Vishnu, came before him and granted him darshan. Lord Vishnu is said to have killed the two demons Madhu and Kaitabha here.

Rishikesh is where most pilgrims begin their Char Dhama Pilgrimage of going to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. Rishikesh is at the meeting point of the Ganges and Chandra-bhaga Rivers.