Dharohar

Month of January is typically busy in Thiruvananthapuram due to the “Nishagandhi Dance Festival”, and “Swathi Sangeethotsavam”. Nishagandhi Festival runs for seven evenings with each dedicated to a different genre of dance. Swathi Music Festival pays tribute to the compositions of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, who was the king of Travancore in the early 19th century. The entire festival is devoted to his compositions and attracts eminent musicians from all over India.

There are different legends to how the city got its name. One legend says the name comes from “Hrishikesh – Lord of Senses”. Others say the name comes from the words Rishi (sages, prophets, holy hermits) and Kesh (dreadlocks).
As you traverse through Rishikesh, there are many places to visit. A famous landmark place, Lakshman Jhula is an iron suspension bridge over the holy river Ganga. It connects Tehri and Pauri districts of Uttarakhand, and offers a panoramic view of river Ganga and Rishikesh city. The Lakshman Jhula is well-known amongst tourists because it is believed that Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, had crossed the river Ganga at this same site. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Triveni Ghat is the biggest ghat in Rishikesh, and plays an essential role in Hindu mythology and is also mentioned in the epics Ramayan and Mahabharat. Triveni Ghat is where the famous Ganga Aarti takes place every evening. Other places to visit is The Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kuti. It is located on a cliff in the Swarashram area of Rishikesh and is the ashram where The Beatles lived in 1968 and wrote dozens of songs and meditated. Neer Garh waterfall is a beautiful narrow stream of cool water cascading down a rocky terrain in the midst of a dense green forest.
Rishikesh is also home to many adventurous sports including rafting, cliff jumping, and camping. Rafting in Rishikesh particularly is hands down the best, one could endeavor in India. From the gifted natural circumstances to the top professional assistance, the place has just the best to offer. Cliff jumping is another one of the exciting activities in Rishikesh. The activity can be done down in the river, swimming or rafting or just taking a dip. The opulence of the majestic Himalayas, the clear waters of the Ganga and the mesmerizing beauty of the adjoining forests make Rishikesh the ideal spot for adventure sports like camping and rafting.
Rishikesh is easily accessible by air, by train, or by road. Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport to Rishikesh. By train, the closest train stations are – Rishikesh Railway Station, Haridwar Railway Station. Driving up to Rishikesh is also an option as it is connected to other major cities.
Tranquilizing beauty, architectural marvels, grand temples, and a never-ending list of adventure sports – Rishikesh is a platterful of two opposite worlds – be it a rejuvenating session of meditation, glorious Ganga aarti or an adventurous river rafting.