Situated 24 km upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga , Rishikesh has long been a spiritual centre. It is said that the sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance here and as a reward, God appeared to him in the form of Hrishikesh, hence the name. The town of Rishikesh lies in the foothills of the Garhwal region. It  is  the  gateway  to  the upper Garhwal  region  and  the  starting point for pilgrim routes to the four dhams of Uttarakhand - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri & Yamunotri.  The Ganga flows through the town and is worshipped here. After this it   descends to the plains at Haridwar.  The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to   attainment of salvation.  

Morning after breakfast leave for sightseeing of temples & ashrams.

Visit:   Laxman Jhula, Geeta Ashram, Parmarth Niketan & Swargashram. Lunch at Chotiwala. Afterwords we cross river on ferry boat, then drive towards Rishikesh town and come to Triveni Ghat to witness evening prayer dedicated to mother Ganges . When global orange sun suspended, waits low amid the red/yellow streaked horizon, then all these combine to give this town, a very special evening.  The temple bells roar, priests enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stands the pilgrims. Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals and a small candle flame, Hickering ride the current of water of wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens, spreading the blanket of stillness.  Everything stops except the sound of the currents, which has sunk the tiny flames of cupped leaves, few minutes back.