Rishikesh is a place that is more than what meets the eye. While the majority of the tourists tend to visit this place because of extreme devotion and gain peace and solace, what many don’t know is the fact that this quaint city has a lot to offer. The mesmerizing backdrop of the Ganges and the natural beauty along with the heart pumping thrill of the adventure sports, the options to explore there are endless.
If you are planning on visiting Rishikesh, do checkout these places to build an amazing itinerary that will help you explore Rishikesh.
There’s not much that needs to be said about the Tale of the twin bridges. It contributes a lot to the history and importance of tourism in Rishikesh. They are located a bit farther from each other. But both of these iron suspension bridges do test the guts of the travellers trying to cross this bridge. Both of these bridges are around 450 feet in length. They are built 70 feet above the steady stream of water underneath.
While there are a lot of tales associated with these bridges. It is believed that Lord Lakshman himself crossed the bridge in the year of 1889 following which the bridge was built as a token of honour.
The majority of the tourists who visit this place have time and referred this spot at one of the most important memory ingrained in their minds. While the iron suspension rods are strong and sturdy, the feeling of nothingness in the bottom is something that irks the tourists. Try and visit during a windy day for a wholesome experience.
Location: Ganga Vatika, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fees – Free
It is famous for the tourists visiting this place do like to “wash” away from their mistakes and wrongdoings by taking a dip into the holy water of Ganga. The Triveni Ghat is meant to be for just that. It is believed to be the most sacred ghats in Rishikesh is the confluence of three different rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
It is one of the most revered bathing spots around because of the tales and the legends that are associated with the spot. Legends say and believe that every single person who takes a dip into the water at the Triveni Ghat can successfully wash away their sins and past doings that they are ashamed of. It is believed to purify the soul and bring relief from all the sins committed.
Apart from taking a dip into the water, another factor that enhances the influx of tourists is the Maha Aarti that’s conducted theirs during the evenings. If you don’t have much to do, such sitting there provides with a lot of peace and solace.
Location: Mayakund, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fees – Free
Not everyone is into adventure sports and the devotional aspect of Rishikesh. There are several who do like to indulge in things in a place that’s different than the mainstream prospects. The Beatles ashram has to be one of those places that you need to visit if you are a Beatles fan. The place, which is otherwise named as Chaurasi Kutia, is a popular ashram that gained prominence when this popular band visited this place.
If you are exploring around, a walk from the Lakshman Jhula is actually a very good option to indulge in. Just relish in the beauty that’s surrounding the place. The Beatles band experienced the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in London in the year of 1967. Following which they travelled to India, to this ashram, to enhance their spiritual knowledge even further. They mainly came to live and learn Transcendental Meditation from Yogi.
This is the primary reason why it attracts so much tourist attraction. Apart from that, the majority of the people have said that they experience a very calming and soothing feeling when entering the ashram. It might not be in the best of condition but the place is definitely worth a visit when you are in Rishikesh.
Location: Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249304
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: 150 Rs for Indians and 600 for Foreigners
Located around 19 km away from Rishikesh, Shivpuri is one of the most popular tourist spots around in Rishikesh. The place celebrates and devotes to the power and valor of Lord Shiva. Much like the plethora of temples that you will come across in that place, you can also find a number of options when it comes to exploring the abundance of adventure sports around.
Every single one of the adventure spots has their own training guides and safety measures to ensure maximum safety of the people visiting. The main activity that entices the adventurers is the River rafting. Owing to the fact that Shivpuri is situated just beside the holy Ganges, it is a perfect spot for some adventure.
The steady and rampant flow of the water is what makes it a perfect choice for visiting. The picturesque beauty of the tall hills and lush greenery around makes the experience wholesome and even better. Additionally, this place also hosts camps which you can be part of. The only thing to do is ensure that you keep track of what is to come so you can make the bookings beforehand.
If you have been on the lookout for a spot that fulfills all your desires for the adventurer within you, Jumping Heights is the spot. You name a form of adventure sport around and you can try it there. It does have a fixed timing for visiting and an entry fee of INR 100 which you need to pay. This is actually perfect for someone who has been looking around things to do and fulfill from their bucket list.
The bungee jumping spot is possibly the most popular spots around. It is high time you explore the thrill around in India itself without having to worry about the extreme expenses. It has quite a few of the popular adventure sports like bungee jumping, flying fox, giant swing and so on and so forth.
The cameras aren’t allowed near the jumping sites because of safety reasons altogether. There are guides and a plethora of safety options around to ensure that you accomplish your end goals without any kind of issues whatsoever. The trekking options around are good too if that is something you want to explore around.
Location: District Puri Garhwal, Mohan Chatti, Uttarakhand 249304
Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fees: 100 Rs (the activities have different cost)
Rishikesh will endorse you with its natural beauty as well as light you with its spiritual richness. You can seek for tranquility and serenity in the premise of Parmarth Niketan. Amidst the abode of beauty, this ashram withholds to be the largest yoga center in the town of Rishikesh and is one of its kind.
Parmarth, which literally translates to ‘highest truth’, will assist you in finding your inner piousness. Housing for over 1000 residents adorned with modern facilities and many other attractions within its vicinity will not fail to impress you. The ashram will have you under its care and manifest you with ethereal peace. The place runs short term yoga events, spread over duration starting from four days to over two weeks.
You might come in with a mind in denial, but you are sure to leave with a heart full of satisfaction. The day kick starts with morning prayers and comes to an end with ever calming Ganga aarti. Not to mention its wonderfully curated location, the surroundings will entice you. You will devour the place; its charm will captivate you. One can’t speak enough of this magical land in the lush greenery of the Himalayas. You might just have to see for yourself.
Location: Near, Main Market Road, Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249304
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fees: 600 (NON AC) 1600 (AC)
Rishikesh is a beauty of its own, and Kaudiyala is a village which will help you sum up its eminence. Kaudiyala has a beautiful scenic beach, more so, the bank of river Ganga, 40 kilometers deep into the state of Uttarakhand on Srinagar Road. It is located at the foot of Garhwal Hill of the Himalayan range.
The main tourist attractions for the place is fun-filled activities such as river rafting at the stretch between Kaudiyala and Shivpuri, rock climbing, camping, and rappelling. You can happily put on your trekking gear and hike up the terrain to a picture-perfect viewpoint. Tourists can set up nets and go about merrily with volleyball and games alike. Campfires at nightfall by the river Ganga is an eventful affair altogether.
Kaudiyala is dotted with quite a few resorts and beach houses that will subsequently enrich the experience of your tour. In fact, the resorts allow the dwellers to soak up the extra bit of warm sun rays right on their very porch. Peak season of a visit to this place is from March to June and from September to November during which visitors come pouring into the beautiful lands of Kaudiyala.
Waterfalls are gorgeous spots to enjoy at a destination. They provide an insight into the scenic pleasantness and deprive us of the mental burdens, such is its beauty. The Neer Garh waterfall is located at a distance of 9 kilometers from Rishikesh Railway Station. Its waters seep through the crevices and coarse rocks, down the hill and collect into a clear pool.
The soothing sounds of the falling water are music to the ears and the waterfall itself is a feast for the eyes. People visiting can also indulge themselves in a calming bath in the cold waters of the fall though that comes with a price of 30 Indian Rupees (INR) per person. Lined up beside the natural beauty, trees and plants have adjusted to their flow of life, peeking through the gaps of the pristine waters.
Two little over bridges have also been constructed over it, and shops in its vicinity keep people entertained with foods and goodies. Around the landscape, you might even be fortunate enough to spot a few different species of colorful butterflies.
Location: Neergarh Waterfall Rd, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: 30 Rs
National Parks are great crowd attractors and attract loads of tourists, especially if the tour has children counting in with them. The Rajaji National Park is a haven for wildlife ranging from elephants to tigers and lions. This wildlife sanctuary encompasses the Shiwalik hills of the Himalayan mountain range and is originally an integrated unit of three such national parks: Motichur, Chilla and Rajaji.
Its assorted ecosystem comprising of trees, water, land, and mountains is the reason why it houses a diverse animal kingdom, including mammals, aves, Pisces, arboreal animals and much much more. The river Ganges flows through the length of the park for about 24 kilometers, and also has numerous brooks and small tributaries.
Whilst in the middle of the safari, there will be many sightings of animals living in harmony and peace at their preserved biosphere. At the entrance, it reads, “a unique repository of the Shiwalik biodiversity”, which is allegedly true of its existence. Tourists are taken on jeep safaris, amidst the wilderness of Asian elephant, king cobra, leopards, wild boars, sambhar, barking deer, black bear, sloth bear and a stunning 315 species of birds! You should take a look for yourself and get amazed.
Location: 5/1, Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM
This shrine touches high altitude with its establishing stone at a height of 1676 meters atop a hill 25 kilometers from Rishikesh, and 80 steps above the road. The place is located as you can already decipher, it is a Hindu temple.
Truth and nothing but the truth. It is said that it is a wish-granting place. Anything and every wish that has come through the walls of this temple has been granted. The great Ramayana mythology states that the bosom of burnt Sati had fallen on this spot. Sati, the wife of Lord Rama, had given herself to the ‘Agni’ or fire to prove her purity of body and soul.
This shrine can be said to be a status of purity and self-respect. From the boundaries of this spot, you can feast over a stunning view of snow peaked mountains encompassing it. A grand celebration of the renowned festival of Dusshera and Navaratri increases the number of visitors by hundreds! Reading about this peaceful destination will only be worth it if you plan a visit there. The chirping of the mountain birds will, in a word, be phenomenal for you.
Location: Hindolakhal Rd, Adali, Uttarakhand 249175
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fees: free
Caves are entire intrinsic creations that do not fail to entice people with its curious nature. It manifolds in itself thousands of stories and amazement. The Vashistha Gufa or better known as cave has a temple within it. The spot is at about 20 kilometers off of Rishikesh.
Tranquility overflows from its premises. It seems as if the cold marble of the shrine itself has the power of healing and calming. It does take a bit of firmness of the body in order to make way into the profound depths of the place, a slow walk down the stairs of about 150 to 200 steps.
Such might be a little too much exertion for elderly members, but the visit shall be worth every drop of a try. Even the most notorious kid might just find it suitable to stay put on silence there. The darkness inside the sacred cavern is overcome by the soft gentle warmth of candles lit inside. Also, having the upper hand at maintaining a lower temperature because of its low altitude Vashishta Gufa lures many people. The holy alcove will greatly assist you in your spiritual and mindful journey.
Location: Haridwar Rishikesh Badrinath Rd, Shivpuri Range, Uttarakhand 249192
Timings: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Entry Fees: free
Rishikesh will fondle you, not only with interesting caves and one of a kind national parks, but its spirituality will not fail to amaze you. With the literal sense of heaven in its name, this saint-like a place for the religious retreat is true to its name. Though a little bit on the more expensive side regarding entry fees ( 600 Indian Rupees), this place has to offer you the experience of great value.
Built in remembrance of Swami Vishudhanand, the ashram upholds the long-lived significance of Indian form of exercise, which is yoga. If you have the privilege of staying at the ashram for a few days, you will get accustomed to the daily morning rituals of the saints and priests who used to age up to over a hundred years on the cold mountains of India.
A session of yoga for mindfulness at sunrise followed by a fresh all fruit breakfast to cleanse your body. It is further succeeded by a long walk around the campus so that you get to know all the facilities of the place. It will alight you with variance in your morning routine. End your day watching the breathtaking picturesque sunset just as the colors of the sky shall remind you of your own wonderful life.
Location: Rishikesh
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry fees: 600 Rs
Kund means a small water body in the Sanskrit language. The Rishikund is believed to be built by a saint, or a rishi, and is comprehended to have been blessed by Goddess Yamuna, as a culmination of which the place began to fill with sacred water. The place is situated at the heart of the town of Rishikesh, making it easier for tourists and pilgrims to reach there.
There are stairs on all four sides of the water body leading to it. It is also said that Lord Ram had taken a bath in this very kund while he was on his exile of 14 years. The Raghunath Temple is at its vicinity. By the look and feel of the place, you will easily fathom its ancient roots. It is a shallow little lagoon, with the shadows of the temple looming over its water.
Location: Mayakund, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201
The oldest temple in the town of Rishikesh is the Bharat Mandir. Legend has it that the five Pandavas along with Draupadi had a short stay in this very place on their way to heaven and had worshipped Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. He was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the kalyug, or modern time, and was known as Bharat. Visitors pay their reverence in this divine spot and ask for blessings.
Adjacent to the entrance to the mandir is three different trees with extremely intermingled roots. Their roots are intertwined in such a manner that it has become a single entity altogether. There is also a museum wherein the excavated archaeological artifacts of the shrine have been kept preserved for the visitors to ponder its divinity upon.
According to popular belief, if one is successfully able to complete 108 parikramas or circumambulations of the deity of Lord Hrishikesh on the day of Akshay Tritiya, then all their wishes and praying will be answered to and blessed with. It is the only day when the deity’s feet are uncovered. On this day, thousands of devotees pour in the place in hopes of being listened to.
Location: 9, Ghat Rd, Mayakund, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry fees: Free
Located on the bank of the river Ganga in Swargashram, Rishikesh, the Gita Bhavan is lodging for pilgrims. Devotees from all over who make way towards Rishikesh can find this iconic place for a stay during their visit. This plays harbours over a thousand rooms, preaching the long-lived Indian method of simple and healthy living.
Throughout the duration of your stay, you will be made accustomed to the livelihood of Indian saints. Starting off with nourishing yoga and meditation in the early dawn to being served nominally and beautifully prepared prasad, the Gita Bhavan will tug at the strings of your heart at first stay. It also has a sweet shop from where delicacies, mostly dipped in pure ghee are sold. The place also has a book center, selling stories of eons that we have left behind.
A shopping center is also present in its premises. Its location near the holy river Ganges makes it even easier and accessible for visitors to attend the evening aarti. Devotees also take dips in the water. The Gita Bhavan is one of the largest, famous and most frequently stayed at lodging in the town of Rishikesh at the low rate. The place drips of intense devotion.
Location: Gangapar, P.O, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249304
Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry fees: Free
Tera, which translates to thirteen in English, is a thirteenth storeyed temple erected in the devotion of Hindu Gods and Goddess. Walking barefoot through the largest shrine of Rishikesh as footwear is not allowed inside of it, one can perceive a sense of deep connection to the almighty.
The monument also possesses an excellent example of ancient architecture. Symmetrically built by Adi Shankaracharya in 9th century Anno Domini, this marvelous structure pays homage to several Hindu supremacists. Tera Manzil temple is also famous by the names of Trayambakeshwar temple and Kailash Niketan Temple.
It is situated close to the Laxman Jhula, which makes it an even more popular spot. From its top floor, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. Different shops selling gemstones, jewels, handmade crafts, jute bags, and things alike are also set up within the establishment. A staircase will lead you up the storeys. Galleries adorned with deities and murals are stocked up in the inside of the house of Hinduism.
The place is 12 kilometers away from the Rishikesh Railway Junction. The nearest airport, the Jolly Grant Airport is 30 kilometers away from this tourist spot.
Location: Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249302
Lying in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, which is 32 kilometers away from Rishikesh, the Neelkanth Mahadev temple stands tall at a height of 1330 meters. This holy shrine was established in remembrance of Lord Shiva, who is considered to be the protector of good and destructor of evil according to the Hindu religion.
This temple is situated at the meeting point of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati. A dense forest is girdled around this temple, which gives a beautiful view to the tourists. Another beauty is that the temple is on the lap of the mountain ranges of Nar Narayan. The valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot encloses this sacred Mandir.
According to the Mythological stories of Hinduism, Lord Shiva drank the poison. The poison has its roots from the sea when Gods and Demons agitated the sea from obtaining Amrita. This is the holy place where the incident took place. As a consequence of ingesting poison, Lord Shiva turned blue. Henceforth, the temple has been known as Neel Kanth, which means the blue-throated one. From here the temple gets its name.
The famous festival of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in this temple. The worshipers pour in with Bael leaves, coconuts, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water as offerings to the Lord.
Location: Kotdwar Pauri Road, Kotdwara, Uttarakhand 246149
Timings: 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fees: Free
Piran Kaliyar Sharif is assessed to be the resting place of saint Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir, who was a Sufi. It is a dargah of great spiritual vigor. Being in a country of secular outlook, the Kaliya sharif commends both Hindu and Muslim visitors. It is said that nobody is turned back empty-handed from the step of the place.
Every devotee is showered with immeasurable blessings. The burial of Sufi saint is worshiped all year round. The monsoon season pours the region with heavy rainfall. This might be the only cause of slight depression in the rate of visitors. Kaliyar Sharif is at a distance of 10 kilometers from Roorke. To reach Kaliyar Sharif, it takes 20 kilometers from Haridwar, a subtle distance from both.
The airport Jolly Grant is 61 kilometers off the place on Rishikesh state Highway. The yearly festival celebrated in the sharif in commemoration of Alauddin Ali Ahmed sabir’s death. It is called Urs. Qawwali, which are Sufi religious songs sung in appreciation of Allah are sung by worshippers.
Such beautiful qawwalis, over-brimmed with the joy and pain of life will tear anyone up. Nevertheless, it will also shower upon you immense satisfaction. Kaliyar Sharif withholds great historical significance as he was the first in Sabiriya branch of Chisti order. He was appointed as the protector of Kaliyar Sharif by his uncle Baba Fareed.
Location: Piran Kaliyar, Uttarakhand 247667
Timings: 6:00 AM – 11:45 AM and 12:45 PM – 6:30 PM
Entry fees: Free
The Swarg Ashram is one of the most widely known spots for visitors in Rishikesh. The Ashram is on the left bank of river Ganga, opposite to Shri Shivananda Ashram. There are a few places of worship inside the premises of the Ashram, where one can worship the Almighty.
The place also includes shopping stalls, Ayurvedic dispensaries, inns, places to eat and facilities alike. The ashram conducts events of yoga and meditation to make people aware of their own conscious bodies.
It can be called the happy ground of the town. The Swarg Ashram is the largest of all yoga and meditation centers in Rishikesh. It has lodging for over a hundred residents in its establishment and has greenery spread all around its garden. The fresh air and sweet chirping sounds of birds will wake you up in the morning. It is located at the epicenter of the town 5 kilometers off.
The place is wrapped with simplicity and minimalistic surroundings. It brings us closer to nature, reminding us to take notice of things around us. The place is maintained and cleaned off of rubbish and scraps. It is the live definition of cleanliness is Godliness. Not only does it bring us closer to God, but it teaches us great values of life as well.
Location: Rishikesh, Uttrakhand
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry fees: 600 Rs
Muni ki Reti is an urban area in the district of Tehri Garhwal of Uttarakhand. It is located on the bank of river Ganga. The sacred town of Rishikesh is not so far from here. It is famous for its Ashrams, accounting to the Divine life society of Sivananda Saraswati.
Muni ki Reti is generally considered the doorway to the Char Dham pilgrimage spots namely – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The King Bharata of Ramayana punished himself in this very spot according to the tales of Hindu Mythology. Dhanaraj Giri established the Kailash Ashram in this place in the year 1880. It is famous for being the first large Ashram in Rishikesh. Before that, it was a place where individual seekers or pilgrims would stop at on their way to Char Dham temples for pilgrimage.
This place will certainly give a sense of relief and pleasure to the ones on their trip of last journeys. The Census held in 2011 in India has in the record that Muni ki Reti is a lagoon. Almost 10,620 native people live here. In this number, 63% inhabitants constitute the male dwellers, and the remaining 37% signifies the female dwellers.
Location: The Mall Rd, Rishikesh 249201
Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry fees: Fee
Rishikesh is a place of amazing amalgamation of devotion and adventure. It contains a hint of nature to bind it in with freshness. If you have been struggling to try to come up with a good and well-planned itinerary, we hope this guide helps you choose better.
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