This place is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. Rishikesh is now known for learning yoga and meditation.On the banks of Ganga,the week-long International Yoga festival is held every year, in the month of  February.

The Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) generally begins from Rishikesh.

As per the legend,the sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance and,God appeared to him in the form of Hrishikesh.Rishikesh is also known for the killing of the demon Madhu by Lord Vishnu.
 

Laxman Jhoola
It is about 7 km north of Rishikesh.There was a hanging just rope bridge across river Ganga,which was rebuilt with iron ropes in 1939.Raghunathji's temple is the main attraction at Laxman Jhoola.

Laxman,the brother of Shri.Ram,had done penance here to cleanse his sins for having killed a Brahmin.

Triveni Ghat
It is a bathing Ghat,where the streams of the rivers,Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are believed to be flowing together underground.In the evening prayer of goddess Ganga is performed here.This is a sacred place where 'Pinda Shraddha' rites are performed and food is offered to the departed soul.

Swarga Ashram
This is on the opposite of Shri Shivananda Ashram, on the left bank of the river,Ganges.One can reach her either by crossing Ganga by boat or by a suspension bridge.An idol of Shri Badrinath is enshrined in the temple which is surrounded by forest.Pilgrims pay visit to Swarga Ashram,after visiting Badrinath.

Gita Bhawan
This is adjacent to Swarga Ashram complex.The temple and township have Gita and Ramayan inscribed on its walls.The body of temple trustees serve the society through normal and spiritual education.

Temples
Bharat Temple,Raghunath temple,Pushkar temple,Shatrughan temple, Laxman temple and Bhagirath temple.

Garur Chatti
This is 8 kms from Laxman Jhoola,which is dedicated to Lord Garur Maharaj.

Bhootnath Cave
3 kms from Laxman Jhoola,an attractive place both for pilgrims and tourists as well as trekkers

Neel Kanth Mahadev
This temple is dedicated to Neelkanth Mahadev (Lord Shiva) which is about 22 kms from Laxman Jhoola. AAs per the mythology, Lord Shiva had consumed the effluent poison produced after Sagar manthan which had turned him blue and thus this place came to be knownas Neelkanth Mahadev or Shiva with Blue throat.