Please tell me about history and importance of Rishikesh?

ANSWER TO THE ABOVE QUESTION Rishikesh -- It is a city and a municipal board in Dehradun in Uttarakand district. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as The Gateway to the Himalayas. Rishikesh is surrounded by two other districts namely Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal. It is located around 25 km north of another holy city, Haridwar. It is easily accessible by road from New Delhi. The population of Hrishikesh is approximately 59,671. (2011 census) It is a vegetarian city by law, an alcohol-free city, and has also banned the use of plastic bags by shopkeepers and vendors. Hotels: Hotel Divine Resort, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh Ganga View, Rishikesh Hotel Ganesh Inn, rishikesh Ganga Kinare, Rishikesh Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary 'Kedarkhand' (the present day Garhwal). Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' (??????? ????) bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge. The 'Kedar Khand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by a stronger present bridge. The sacred river Ganges flows through Rishikesh. It is here that the river leaves the Shivalik mountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Rishikesh is becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of river Ganges, with rapids rated class 3 and class 4. It is also a center for hiking and backpacking. Recently, bungee jumping has also been introduced in Rishikesh, the first and only bungee jumping camp in India.