KUNJAPURI TEMPLE (SUN RISE) TREKKING IN RISHIKESH –
Kunjapuri Devi Temple near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is one of the most revered Hindu shrines. It is one of the must visit place not just because of its story related to gods and goddesses but also for beautiful nature views magnificent Sun rise and Sun set views. Kunjapuri temple located around 25 km away from Rishikesh. Kunjapuri Temple is well known among the foreigners as well as Indians those want to do day trekking trip in Rishikesh. The temple is situated on its namesake peak at an elevation of 1676 m above sea level. This place is very famous for its panoramic view of Garhwal Himalayan peaks like Swarga Rohini, Gangotri at north side and Rishikesh, Haridwar at south side and Dun Valley at western side. The Trek through green forest will be more adventurous to nature lovers. The distance is 14 km; by reaching at temple, Travelers appreciate the sunrise and sunset view from the Himalayan peaks and one can shoot photographs and enjoy the surrounding beauty. Kunjapuri temple is open from 6am to 8am.
Kunjapuri is temple of Goddess Durga. It is a Shakti Peetha (Power Centers). Shakti Peethas are the places where body parts of Goddess Sati (incarnation of Goddess Parvati before she took birth as Parvati) fell down while Lord Shiva was carrying her dead body in his arms and roaming unconsciously through the Himalayan ranges. There are total of 52 Shakti Peethas around Nepal and India. The Durga temple Kunjapuri obtains thousands of pilgrims a well tourist s throughout the year at the occasion of Dusshera Festival; one can be part of the grand celebrations at Kunjapuri. Months September to June is considered as a best time for Kunjapuri Temple visit. This is such a place that people may explore the sakhti peetha temple all round the year.
NEELKANTH TEMPLE TREKKING IN RISHIKESH –
Neelkantha Mahadev Temple is one of the most important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva that is located around 32 km away by vehicle and 16 km by trek from Rishikesh through the dense forest. The temple position is on a hill above Swarg Ashram. This ancient temple lies at the confluence of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers amid three valleys – Brahmakoot, Vishnukoot and Manikoot. It derives its name from Lord Shiva..
According to Hindu mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev shrine Temple currently situated is the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison Halahala that came out after the stirring of the ocean for the nectar by the Devas (Deities) and Asuras (Demons) in order to obtain Amrita (Nectar). As a result, his throat became blue in color, which in Hindi literally considered as a ‘Neelkanth’ (blue throat). The place is a favorite among the religious tourists.
WATERFALL TREKKING –
Neergarh waterfalls are not one but a series of waterfalls. It is all about reconnecting with nature. Trekking through Neergarh waterfalls and passing by shallow pool provides you with genuine taste of what the state of Uttarakhand is all about. If you wish to spend some quality time with your family and friends amidst nature-rich environs, you can definitely plan a waterfall trekking trip to Rishikesh. It is not a very long trek as the total length from the roadside till the top is only 1.5 km but part of the stretch have some steep gradients. One gains a total height of about 600 meters. One can reach the top in 45 minutes to an hour. There are two bridges on the waterfall – one in the middle and the second near the top waterfall. There are some resting stops as well where cement benches have been made. Also there are 2-3 places where one can get tea and other refreshments. At all three places on the stretch the waterfall makes a pool where if one so desires can take a dip to cool oneself.