Top 7 Awesome Rishikesh Places To Visit
Thinking of going to Rishikesh, the ‘Adventure Capital of India’? Don’t hesitate! It’s beautiful and perfect for adventure lovers. You can enjoy Ganga Aarti, see iconic bridges like Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and Janki Setu, and explore attractions like Triveni Ghat, Shivpuri, and Beatles Ashram. There’s so much to do and see, it’ll make great memories.
Rishikesh is a beautiful town in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It sits on the banks of the Ganges River in the Himalayan foothills. Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is a very popular place for spiritual learning and adventure activities. It draws visitors from all over India and the world. Here are 7 top places you should make sure to see when visiting Rishikesh:
7 Great Rishikesh Places To Visit
Rishikesh offers a variety of activities. Walk on Ram Jhula, a bridge over the Ganges, for great views. Visit Triveni Ghat for spiritual experiences and Ganga Aarti. Explore Lakshman Jhula for its temples and market. Enjoy nature at Neer Garh Waterfall and Parmarth Niketan Ashram for yoga and meditation. Beatles Ashram is a must-see for Beatles fans.
Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula is a famous iron suspension bridge that spans the Ganges River. It was built in 1986 and is named after Lord Rama from the Hindu epic Ramayana. This iconic landmark connects the two towns of Rishikesh and Swargashram on opposite sides of the river. The bridge offers wonderful views of the flowing Ganges below and the surrounding hills and temples. It gets very lively and crowded, especially in the evenings when Hindu rituals take place along the riverbank ghats. Many small shops, cafes, and ashrams are located near Ram Jhula.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach:
- By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (3 km)
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (3.7 km)
Time Required: 1 hour
Best for: Ideal for family visits.
Tips: Take a water bottle with you and stay hydrated all-day
Nearby Attractions: Patna Waterfalls, Ganga Ghat, Asram
Nearest Restaurants: Chotiwala, Momoza Food My Way, Aelis French Bakery & Coffee Bar, Hungry Yogi Health Cafe
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is one of the most sacred and popular ghats (a series of steps leading to a river or waterbody) in Rishikesh. According to Hindu mythology, three rivers – the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati – meet at this spot, which is why it’s called Triveni Ghat. Devotees take holy dips in the waters here and perform religious rituals and ceremonies, believing this can cleanse sins and bring salvation. The whole atmosphere is very spiritual, and it makes it must Rishikesh places to visit.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach:
- By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (1.7 km)
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (2.5 km)
Time Required: 2 to 3 hours (Best for The Ganga Aarti ) in the evening.
Tip: Reach the Ghat before time take 1st row to witness it properly.
Nearby Attractions: Rishi Kund, Laxman Jhula, Bharat Mandir, Ram Jhula
Nearest Restaurants: Sitting Elephant, Lemon Grass, Rajasthani Mishthan Bhandar,
Lakshman Jhula
Just a short distance upstream from Ram Jhula is another iconic suspension bridge called Lakshman Jhula. It was built in 1929 and is a bit older and slightly longer than Ram Jhula. This pedestrian bridge is surrounded by many temples and ashrams where yoga, Vedanta, and Sanskrit lessons are given. The lively markets on the banks offer street food, souvenirs, clothes, and gems. Chanting and prayer sessions happen here in the mornings and evenings. Just being here gives you a real sense of the spiritual vibe of Rishikesh.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach:
- By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (5.2 km)
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (5.9 km)
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Best for: Great place for photography.
Tip: Be careful about the monkeys on Lakshman Jhula.
Nearby Attractions: Rishikund, Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula etc.
Nearest Restaurants: Germany Bakery, Lotus Cafe, & honey Hut Cafe
Neer Garh Waterfall
About 12 km from the main town is the scenic Neer Garh Waterfall. Set amidst lush greenery and rocks, this waterfall cascades down from a height of around 50 feet. A trek of just over 2 km will take you through forests and caves to reach the waterfall. There are pools at the bottom where you can take a dip in the cool refreshing waters. Many locals and tourists visit to enjoy a picnic by the falls. It’s a nice little adventure and a dose of nature not far from Rishikesh town.
Timings: No timings
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Things to do: Hill Trekking, Happy Picnic, Walk Through Nature, Photography of Nature
How to Reach:
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- By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (8.9 km)
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (9.7 km)
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Best for: Hiking, waterfalls, photography
Tip: Sturdy and comfortable shoes are required for hiking.
Nearby Attractions: Kalpeshwar, Shiva Tattva Yoga, Ramana’s Garden Yoga
Nearest Restaurants: Cafe Moktan, Organic Cafe, Sattvik, Mata Ji Chai Stall
Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan is one of the largest spiritual institutions in Rishikesh. It is located on the banks of the Ganges and has beautiful gardens and a huge cathedral. This ashram offers yoga classes, meditation, Ganga Aarti (river worship ritual), lectures, and other spiritual programs. Founder Swami Shukdevanand started rainwater harvesting and waste management initiatives here. No matter your faith, it’s a serene place that welcomes all and gives you a taste of Indian spirituality.
Location: Swargashram, Rishikesh
Timing: 9 AM – 8 PM (Whole Week)
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach:
- By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (3 km)
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (3.9 km)
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Best for: Watching evening Aarti.
Tip: Put Indian dress code suitable for temple and worship
Nearby Attractions: Triveni Ghat, Rajaji National Park, Neelkanth Temple, VashishthaTemple
Nearest Restaurants: Rock Flour, Panorama, Riverside, Pebble Beach
Byasi, Rishikesh
Byasi is a tranquil village situated around 3 km from the main Rishikesh town. It offers a serene escape from the crowded spiritual hubs of Rishikesh. Byasi is known for its beautiful Ganges ghats, where devotees come to take holy dips and perform rituals. The village has several ashrams and temples, including the famous Trayambakeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. With its peaceful vibe, lush green surroundings, and views of the Himalayas in the distance, Byasi makes for a refreshing day trip from Rishikesh.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach:
-
- By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (30.5 km)
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (31.3 km)
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Best for: Camping and boating
Nearby Attractions: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Kaudiyala, Shivpuri
Beatles Ashram
This is the ashram where the famous English rock band The Beatles lived and studied meditation and spiritualism with their guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1968. Now known as the Beatles Ashram, this abandoned and overgrown yoga retreat center is a top attraction for Beatles fans and anyone interested in the band’s voyage to India. You can explore the ashram premises and see the basic living quarters, meditation halls, and gardens where the Fab Four wrote around 48 songs for their White Album. The colorful psychedelic graffiti around gives it a unique vibe.
Location: Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh
Timings: Open on all days till sunset
Entry Fee: 100-150 rupees per person
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach:
- By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (2.7 km)
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (3.8 km)
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Best for: Good place for meditation.
Nearby Attractions: Chaukhamba Viewpoint, Jharipani Falls, Camel’s Back Road
Nearest Restaurants: Hungry Yogi Health Cafe, Rajasthani Mishthan Bhandar, Ali Baba, Vj’s By The Ganges, Hridayam, Happy Buddha Cafe
Top 10 Activities You Can Do in Rishikesh
In Rishikesh, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you engaged. You can experience the adrenaline rush of white-water rafting on the Ganges, find inner peace through yoga sessions at renowned ashrams like Parmarth Niketan, or take the plunge with bungee jumping at Jumpin Heights. If you’re a nature lover, explore the scenic trails around Rishikesh with activities like trekking to Neer Garh Waterfall. For a spiritual retreat, visit the serene Beatles Ashram for meditation.
Don’t miss the opportunity to shop for souvenirs at Rishikesh Market or witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Thrill-seekers can try rock climbing at Shivpuri, while those seeking relaxation can indulge in an Ayurvedic massage at local spas. For wildlife enthusiasts, a safari at Rajaji National Park offers a chance to spot diverse flora and fauna. Whether you’re seeking adventure, spirituality, or relaxation, Rishikesh has something for everyone.
- Yoga & Meditation – Rishikesh is renowned as the “Yoga Capital of the World”. You can enroll in yoga and meditation courses at ashrams like Parmarth Niketan, Anand Prakash Ashram, and Omkarananda Ashram, among many others.
- Whitewater Rafting – The Ganges River in Rishikesh offers excellent whitewater rafting opportunities. Shivpuri is the most popular spot to begin rafting adventures with rapids ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 5 in difficulty.
- Bungee Jumping – Get your adrenaline pumping with a bungee jump from the iconic Laxman Jhula suspension bridge over the Ganges River.
- Flying Fox – Enjoy the thrill of a flying fox (zip-lining) ride across the Ganges at places like Jumpin Heights in Shivpuri.
- Camping – Pitch a tent and go camping by the Ganges River at campsites like Brahmpuri, Sheshmunarieswar, and Ganga Beach.
- Trekking – Rishikesh serves as the starting point for several Himalayan treks like the Kedarnath Trek, Valley of Flowers Trek, and Chandrashila Peak Trek.
- Rock Climbing – Rishikesh has excellent rock climbing opportunities, especially in areas like Byasi Rock Garden and Kolukhet.
- Ganga Aarti – Experience the spiritual Ganga Aarti (river worship ritual) held every evening at ghats like Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan.
- Visiting Temples – Enjoy famous temples in Rishikesh such as Lakshman Jhula Temple, Bharat Mandir, and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
- Nature Walks – Take leisurely nature walks through the forests and hills surrounding Rishikesh to enjoy the scenic beauty and spot wildlife.
No matter your interests, Rishikesh offers a diverse range of activities from adventure sports to spiritual pursuits set amidst its stunning natural landscapes along the holy Ganges River.
In Summary
These are 7 of the top Rishikesh places to visit that should be on your list when visiting the holy town of Rishikesh. From spiritual sites to adventure hotspots, there is so much to see and do in this scenic town on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. It truly is a destination like no other, offering a unique blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty.
From exploring iconic suspension bridges like Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula to seeking blessings at sacred ghats like Triveni Ghat, the town allows you to experience divine Hindu traditions. Adventure enthusiasts can get their adrenaline fix with activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping, flying fox, rock climbing, and trekking amidst the stunning Himalayan landscapes. This holy town on the banks of the revered Ganges River truly has something for every traveler, making it a must-visit destination in Uttarakhand.
FAQs
1. What is a great time to visit in Rishikesh?
The best time is between September to June. Monsoon months of July-August should be avoided due to heavy rains.
2. Which are the must-visit places in Rishikesh?
Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan, Beatles Ashram, Neer Garh Waterfall, and Rajaji National Park are top attractions.
3. What adventure activities can be done in Rishikesh?
Popular activities include white water rafting, bungee jumping, flying fox, rock climbing, trekking, and camping near the Ganges River.
4. How can I reach Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is well-connected by road and rail to major cities. The nearest airport is Dehradun, around 35 km away.
5. Are there good options for yoga and meditation?
Yes, Rishikesh offers numerous yoga and meditation centers at various ashrams like Parmarth Niketan, Anand Prakash Ashram, and Omkarananda Ashram.
Also Read:
5 Eye-Catching North Goa Places to Visit
7 Amazing Places to Visit in Kerala
References:
https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en.html
