Rishikesh, also spelt as Hrishikesh, is a city governed by Rishikesh Municipal Corporation (since October 2017), and a tehsil in Dehradun district of the Indian state Uttarakhand

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas” and “Yoga Capital of the World”

It lies 21 km (13 mi) north of the city Haridwar and 45 km (28 mi) southeast of the state capital Dehradun

As of 2021, Rishikesh tehsil has a total population of 322,825; this figure includes 93 surrounding villages as well as the city

It is the seventh most populated city in the state of Uttarakhand

It is known as the pilgrimage town and regarded as one of the holiest places for Hindus

Hindu sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge

In September 2015, the Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma announced that Rishikesh and Haridwar will be the first in India to be given the title of “twin national heritage cities”

Due to the religious significance of the place, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited in Rishikesh

The city has hosted the annual International Yoga Festival on the first week of March since 1989