In previous articles, we have given you a tantalising glimpse of India’s newest state, Uttarakhand. Blessed with wildlife sanctuaries, pilgrimage sites, and adventure travel destinations, the state is located in the foothills of the mighty western Himalayas. The township of Rishikesh derives its name from the God Hrishikesh and is a renowned centre for the study of Yoga. Situated at a height of 356 m above sea level, Rishikesh sits at the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Chandrabhaga. The town marks the region where the Ganga leaves the foothills of the Himalayas and flows into the vast plains of Northern India. Not surprisingly, there are spectacular views to be had in every direction. The city sits in a bend of the river and is surrounded by hills. The riverbanks are scattered with boulders and pristine white sand. A ferry service crosses the river, while the eastern and western banks of the Ganga are connected by two suspension bridges – the most famous one being ‘Lakshman Jhula’. In summer, the temperatures range from a maximum of 44.4 to a minimum of 29 degrees Celsius. In winter, the temperatures range from a maximum of 32.2 to a minimum of 18.3 degrees Celsius, making travel at anytime of the year possible. Languages spoken are Garwali, Hindi, Punjabi and English. Rishikesh is also seen as an entry point to the Char Dham (the four most sacred and revered shrines, which are the main centres of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri). In 1968 The Beatles came to Rishikesh in search of their Guru. They brought with them international fame and western travellers seeking spiritual guidance. These days, crisp mountain winds stir the bells of the Ashrams that have sprung up to service the growing demand. These chimes mingle with the ever present chanting, creating a sense of peace that hints at the possibility of reaching Nirvana. Rishikesh has become a centre for learning and researching Yoga, Meditation and Indian Philosophy. It is well known for its Yoga Centres and Ashrams. Every year in February, on the banks of the Ganga, Rishikesh plays host to International Yoga Week. It has become a mecca for international travellers and practitioners of this ancient discipline. . In keeping with its emphasis on health and healing, travellers report that the food on offer is totally vegetarian. For trekkers and adventurers, Rishikesh is a staging point for forays into the Himalayan peaks and for white water rafting expeditions on the Ganga. GETTING THERE Rishikesh is a mere 24 km north of Haridwar, which acts as a central point of rail and road access. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun, 18 km away. Jollygrant offers regular connecting flights to Delhi (the site of the nearest international air terminal) and other cities of India. In the next article, we will journey to Mussoorie, known as the ‘Gateway to God’. For further information, visit http://www.euttaranchal.com/ and http://www.uttaranchaltourism.com/