The Ganges River
(Gangā in most Indian languages) (Devanagari गंगा) is a river of northern India and Bangladesh. The river has a long history of reverence in India and is worshipped by Hindus as a goddess. It often called the 'holy Ganga'. The total length of the river is about 2,510 km (1,557 mi). The source elevation 7,756 m. Along with another river Yamuna, it forms a large and fertile basin, known as the Gangetic plains, stretching across north India and Bangladesh, and supports one of the highest densities of human population in the world. Indeed, about one in every 12 people on earth (8.5% of world population) live in its catchment area. Due to this incredible concentration of population, pollution and the destruction of habitats is a matter of serious concern. It is a desire of every Hindu to have his or her ashes go into this river.
Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and practised penance here. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. 24 km. upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga lies Rishikesh, one of the best located pilgrimage centres along the right bank of the Ganga. According to legend sage Raibhya undertook staunch penance here and as a reward God appeared before him as Rishikesh, hence the name. Rishikesh has numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognised as centres of philosophical studies, yoga and meditation. International Yoga Week is organised every year from 2nd to 7th Feb. at Rishikesh. Among places of Interest are - Triveni Ghar, Lakshman Jhoola, Shivanand Jhoola, Raghunath temple, Pushkar temple.
Haridwar.
Hardwar (Haridwar) is a holy city in the Haridwar District in the state of Uttaranchal in northern India. This city is the second most holiest pilgrimage site after Varanasi for Hindus all over the globeLiterally meaning Gateway to God, Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest places according to Hindus, as the devas are said to have left their footprints there.
The spot where the immortal nectar fell when it was carried in a Kumba after the famed churning of the oceans at the time of creation of the universe is known as Brahma Kund. In Haridwar there is a big statue of Shiva at the fork of the river
Benares (Varanasi)
The culture of Varanasi is deeply associated with the river Ganga and its religious importance; the city has been a cultural and religious center in northern India for thousands of years. Varanasi has its own style of classical Hindustani music, and has produced prominent musicians, philosophers, poets, and writers in Indian history, including Kabir, Munshi Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad, Pandit Ravi Shankar, and Ustad Bismillah Khan. The city has its own dialect of Hindi. Varanasi is also the home of Banaras Hindu University and its over 30 thousands students.
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