The town of Rishikesh lies in
the foothills of the Garhwal region. Located 1160 feet
above sea level, it is the gateway to the upper
Garhwal region and the starting point to the Char Dham
- four famous pilgrim centers namely Badrinath,
Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri. It is believed that
meditation at this place leads to attainment of
salvation.
The Ganges flows
through the town and is worshipped here. Rishikesh has
long been a spiritual centre. It has numerous ashrams,
some of which are internationally recognized, as
places for philosophical studies, yoga and meditation.
An international 'Yoga Week' is organized here every
year in the first week of February.
