Rishikesh is also known as gateway to the Char Dham. Char Dham is four popular holy temples on the hills (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri) Thousands of people attracted every year to Rishikesh for spiritual relief, peace, learn yoga, adventure and to take a dip for salvation. The famous among them were Beatles, Kate Winslet and many more others celebrities. It is believed that by meditation in Rishikesh one can get "Moksha" (liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth) as well as holy dip in the river Ganges.
Apart from spirituality now Rishikesh Tourism is also hub for the adventure activities such as rafting, camping, trekking and bungee jumping. Rishikesh is full of tourist every time. There are also big ashrams, centers for Yoga, Meditation, Ayurvedic Massage and astrology are here. Rishikesh is also known as the white water rafting capital of India.
Two big suspension bridges play a major role (such as nerve system in body) in day- to- day life of Rishikesh. These two bridges (jhulas) are know as Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula(Named after lord Ram and his brother Lakshman, the heroes of the Ramayana, who supposedly crossed the river Ganges at Rishikesh on their way up to the hills.). Rishikesh is divided loosely in many parts such as Rishikesh, Ram Jhula (Shivanand Nagar), Muni Ki Reti, Lakshman Jhula or Tapovan and Swarg Ashram, Pashulok Barrage, Dhalwala, 14 Bigha and Shisham Jhari.
From Ram Jhula one can take a boat on sharing basis or walk on the bridge to cross the river. Both sides of the bridge is always crowded with shops of cloths, holy beads, shawls, precious and semi precious stones, replicas of deities, astrological gems, Ayurvedic medicines and Vedic treatises as well as signs of marketing yoga, meditation classes and Ayurvedic massage. Other side of the bridge is known as Swarg Ashram area. So many big ashrams are here such as Swarg Ashram, Gita bhawan and Parmarth Niketan. When you cross the river temples welcomes you with their engraved deities and music shops greets you divine sacred ragas.

It’s a common sight here to see people taking dip in the somewhat un-clean water of Ganges early in the morning (as early as 3:00 a.m.) seeking the blessings of Lord Sun, chanting shlokas (religious hymns) in slow murmuring voice. It’s a common sight to see people walk barefoot towards the ghats, kids half naked taking dip in the holy water and vendors selling food on the both sides of path selling food leading towards the ghats! Be prepared to a journey of lifetime where State Bank of India (the largest nationalized bank of India) advertizes on boat and 5 year old Lord Shiva runs past by! Land on this colorfully bright, culturally rich place with a direct flight from New Delhi which takes just 1 and ½ to reach.

PLACES TO VISIT IN KOLKATA

Park Street
Possibly Kolkata's most famous street, Park Street (formally renamed as Mother Teresa Sarani) is renowned for its entertainment, restaurants, and prominent historical landmarks including old colonial mansions. This iconic street was home to India's first independent nightclub and has been the center of Kolkata's nightlife since the glory days of the swinging 60s when venues overflowed with jazz, cabaret, and floor shows. Head to Mocambo, Moulin Rouge, Blue Fox and Trinca’s for a rush of nostalgia.

Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial is an imposing white building that was completed in 1921 and currently serves as a museum. Named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, it houses a collection from the British Colonial period, including a number of impressive paintings, sculptures, and books. A sound and light show is held there in the evenings. It details the 300-year Raj era from the arrival of the British in Kolkata to the day of Independence.

Mullik Ghat Flower Market
The colorful chaos of Kolkata's flower market presents a fantastic photo opportunity. More than 125 years old, it's east India's largest wholesale flower market with thousands of flower sellers visiting it every day. The market is dominated by sacks overflowing with long garlands of marigolds, popularly used in Hindu devotional rituals.

Mother Teresa's Mother House
Mother Teresa is highly regarded for founding the Missionaries of Charity and devoting her life to helping ill and outcast people in Kolkata. Visit the Mother House to see her tomb, the bedroom where she lived, and a small museum dedicated to showcasing her life. It displays items such as her handwritten letters, spiritual exhortations, and personal belongings including saris, sandals, and crucifix. The Mother House is a place of silence and contemplation. Many people choose to meditate there while visiting because of its serene, uplifting energy.

Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
This old and very popular Hindu temple, dedicated to Bhavatarini ("savior of the universe", an aspect of Goddess Kali), was founded in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni. Widowed at a young age, she very successfully took over her wealthy husband's zamindar (land ownership) business. Apparently, the idea to establish the temple came to her in a dream before a pilgrimage to Varanasi. The temple was made famous by spiritual leader Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who was appointed as its chief priest.

Belur Math
From the riverbank of Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, take a boat 20 minutes down the river to Belur Math. This peaceful leafy complex, set on 40 acres of land, is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda (a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa). The main shrine, dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, has unique and distinctive architecture that combines Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic styles. It's worth experiencing the evening aarti ceremony, which beings at sunset. Unfortunately, photography isn't allowed on the premises.

Gaya has its mention in the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Sita, the companion of Lord Rama is deemed to have scourged the Phalgu River of which is a huge stretch of sand dunes. According to the legends, Sita had performed Pind Daan for Rama's father Dasharatha. The story begins with Rama arriving to Gaya along with his brother and consort Sita to carry out the holy rituals for his father, Dasharatha. While the Lord Rama and Lord Lakshman were taking a bath in the sacred water, Goddess Sita was having fun with the sand. Swiftly, Dasharatha emerged of the sand and asked her to perform the Pinda herself. She was asked to make balls of sand instead of waiting for their arrivals for grains. Eventually she offered the Pinda with five bystanders including the Falguni River, a Brahmin, a cow, the Akshaya Vatam and a Tulsi plant. When Rama came back with the ingredients, Goddess Sita narrated a whole story. However, Lord Rama didn't trust it. Thus Sita stood all her witnesses who saw the ritual happening in his absence. All of them took the side of Rama by saying a lie, while the Akshya Vatam acquainted with the reality. Seeing that, she cursed four of them by stating that a cow would never be paid homage from its front, Brahmins of Gaya would never be happy, they would always yearn for food, and no more Tulsi plants would be cultivated at Gaya. Pleased with Akshaya Vatam, she tendered the eternal blessings saying that who arrived at Gaya would do the Pinda daan at the Akshaya Vatam.

Nearby Attractions
Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya):Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhygaya Constructed during the 7th century, Mahabodhi Temple is renowned for spiritual significance and is among the popular places of interest for travelers thronging from different parts of the world. It is a Buddhist temple nestled about 60 miles from the beautiful city of Patna. The temple has been refurbished numerous times. Now, it is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.

Vishnupad Temple: Devoted to Lord Vishnu, Vishnupad Temple is positioned on the bank of Phalgu River and has pictures of numerous gods. The temple was erected during 1787 by Queen Ahilyabai and is a must visit for travelers while on a tour to Gaya.

Barabar Caves: Perched about 16 miles from Gaya, Barabar Caves date back to the 2nd century and hold a very interesting history. Travelers visiting here can scout the two other caves - Sudama and Chaupar, situated inside the complex having their own significance.

Surya Kund: One of the highlights of Gaya, Surya Kund is visited by the tourists during the period of fairs that are held here twice in a year. It is a common faith that a sacred dip in the Kund releases the people of all the sins committed.

Bodh Gaya: An idyllic place for those who seek comfort, Bodhgaya is known as the most consecrated Buddhist pilgrimage centers located near the Gaya city in the state of Bihar, India. It is steeped in exquisiteness and history making it the highly visited tourist attraction across the country.