Top 21 places to visit in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is in Uttarakhand, India. The city is in the Himalayas, where the Ganga and Chandrabhaga rivers meet. It falls in the Dehradun district, close to Haridwar. They also have the name Hrishikesh. Rishikesh is famously called the "Yoga Capital of the World" due to its vibrant activities, ancient temples, and most famous coffee shops. Rishikesh is on the pilgrimage route and one of the greatest places for Hindus. The quiet village has been a spiritual centre for a long time, but now people also come to do things like river rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and camping along the Holy Ganges.

Brahmapuri

Brahmapuri is a very serene spot in Rishikesh, which is known for its scenic beauty. It can take people involved in many fun activities outside as it lies adjacent to the Ganges River. The stretch of rafting from Brahmapuri is Grade I and II with gentle waves; hence, this can also be enjoyed by families and first-timers. In addition to being beautiful, this place is great for swimming and relaxing, making for a memorable experience in nature. This is one of the most important places to see in Rishikesh. 

Garud Chatti Waterfall

Garud Chatti Waterfall in Rishikesh is becoming increasingly green, and this beautiful waterfall is hidden among the trees. Although the waterfall is small, it looks stunning at first sight. What draws people to this spot is how the water flows from seven different places and gathers in the middle to create a natural pool. After the Garud temple crosses the river, the Garud Chatti waterfall comes to life during the monsoons. The seven levels of the fall create an avenue for the location to be used for photography. To see the place, there are the Rishikesh tour packages, where one is taken through the waterfall.

Geeta Bhawan

The Geeta Bhawan also referred to as the Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, is a huge building on the banks of the Ganga River in Swargashram, Rishikesh. It is at the base of the majestic Himalayas. Now, Gita is a name for the Hindu Vedas and epics. However, it is also kept in the Ashram, which is said to be an important place in order to protect Hindu literature. The Geeta Bhawan is a place filled with holy zeal and peace. It is a must-see while you are in Rishikesh and one of the key places to visit in Rishikesh.

Kunjapuri Devi Temple

Kunjapuri Devi Temple is a holy shrine of the Hindu Goddess Parvathi. Located on Kunjapuri Hill, the shrine gives panoramic views of the Shivalik range and the majestic Chaukhamba and Bandarpunch peaks. The Kunjapuri Temple is one of the fifty-two Shaktipeeth in Uttarakhand. Usually, tourists visit this temple with their Rishikesh tour packages to enjoy the spiritual ambience and beauty of the scenery.

Lakshman Jhula Rishikesh

Lakshman Jhula is a famous hanging bridge over the Ganga River connecting the towns of Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district. Rishikesh is in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and has an iron bridge. The bridge is 450 feet long and stands 70 feet above the water. It is a pity that the authorities have permanently shut it down for safety and security reasons, but it remains one of the most frequent places to visit Rishikesh.

Lakshman Temple

The Lakshman Mandir is a prominent Hindu temple in the Tapovan area near Lakshman Jhula. This temple, dedicated to Lord Lakshman, holds historical significance because people believe he meditated there for spiritual awareness. Many believe that Lord Ram and Lakshman constructed the jute bridge here, later replacing it with the iron bridge known today as Lakshman Jhula. Rishikesh tour packages often include it for its cultural and spiritual importance.

Narendra Nagar

Narendra Nagar is well-known for two reasons: first, it is close to Rishikesh, and second, it is on the path between Gangotri and Yamunotri. Narendra Nagar is 16 km from Rishikesh and 1,322 meters above sea level. Narendra Nagar is a quiet village with truly splendid Ganga River and Doon Valley views. It is one of the most beautiful places in Rishikesh for its natural appeal and historical importance.

Neer Garh Waterfall

It is a beautiful narrow flow of cool water falling from a rocky surface to a beautiful lush green forest. One must trek about a kilometer through the bush and down a cliff to reach the waterfall, making the adventure enjoyable and refreshing. Visitors frequently include this scenic spot in their Rishikesh tour packages for a delightful escape into nature.

Omkara Nanda Ashram Himalayas

Patanjala Yoga Kendra opened its yoga centre in 1993. This scenic view is at Muni-ki-Reti, Rishikesh, near the Holy Ganga. Iyengar Yoga was taught here and created by the famous Shri Guruji, B.K.S. Iyengar. The way Guruji does things comes from the Indian practice of Yoga, which focuses on building strength and endurance, flexibility, and balance, as well as focus and meditation. This ashram is one of the peaceful places for yoga enthusiasts to visit in Rishikesh.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Parmarth Niketan Ashram is a spiritual haven located along the holy Ganges at the foothills of the Himalayas. The Ashram provides facilities to assist pilgrims in reaching their spiritual goals through Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation, Satsang, Kirtans, and Ganga Arti. It is a popular choice among travellers seeking an immersive experience in their Rishikesh tour packages.

Patna waterfall Rishikesh

Patna Waterfall is situated in the village of Patna on the way to Neelkanth Temple in Uttarakhand. This fall lies in a small town whose name comes from that town. The well-known rock caves next to it have added more popularity to this fall. On the road to Neelkanth Temple, which is 5 km from Lakshman Jhula, one finds the trail's starting point to this waterfall. It is a beautiful 1.5 km hike from the road through Rajaji Forest, making it one of the adventurous places to visit in Rishikesh.

Raghunath Mandir

The holy Raghunath Temple is in the heart of Rishikesh, near Triveni Ghat. People dedicate this shrine to Lord Rama and his wife, Mata Sita; therefore, the place becomes a revered religious site. The temple also comprises a small pond known as Rishikund on its campus. This temple is also featured in many Rishikesh tour packages for various visitors due to its respective spiritual virtues.

Ram Jhula

The Ram Jhula, built in 1986, is a famous symbol. A suspension bridge over the holy Ganga River connects Sivananda Nagar to Swar Ashram. The 750-foot-long bridge is one of the marvellously built architectural wonders connecting the two religious ashrams on the sides of the river, with breathtaking views of the powerful Ganges and sceneries at the foothills of the Himalayas. This remains one of the notable places to visit in Rishikesh.

Shatrughana Temple

The Shatrughna Temple is an ancient structure located on the banks of the Ganges near Ram Jhula in Rishikesh. This temple honours Shatrughna, Lord Ram's brother, and is one of the temples people dedicate to him. The temple holds historical importance because people celebrate Shatrughna for defeating the powerful demon Lavanasura. Many Rishikesh tour packages feature this temple for those interested in exploring the area's rich heritage.

Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

As a Hindu, I find the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple one of the most important places to worship Lord Shiva. The temple is in the Pauri Garhwal area, about 7 km from Swarg Ashram. People worldwide come to see this temple because it is one of the most well-known ones dedicated to Shiva. Lakshman Jhula is another way to get here. You could also take a cab, which should cost about the same. Many pilgrims bring water from the Ganga to this temple, making it a significant destination among the places to visit in Rishikesh.

Shri Bharat Mandir

The Shri Bharat Mandir, built by Adiguru Shankaracharya in the 12th century, houses a unique statue of Lord Vishnu made from a single piece of Saligram. The temple's inner dome features the Shree Yantra, and Kearkhand's records detail the temple's construction. Many artefacts have been uncovered at this site, making it a point of interest in various Rishikesh tour packages.

Sivananda Ashram Rishikesh

The sacred city of Rishikesh is home to the Sivananda Ashram, where Saint Swami Sivananda lived. It is taken care of by a group called the Divine Life Society. This is a great place for sacred yoga and meditation. The Ganges, India's holy river, and Ganga Vatika are close to the ashram. The ashram carefully plans the satsangs, feasts, and yoga classes and maintains them in great shape, making them one of the serene places to visit in Rishikesh.

Swarg Ashram

Swarg Ashram is a spiritual place established in honour of Swami Vishudhanand, popular as Kali Kamli Wala. This ashram is a renowned yoga and meditation centre near nature's delight- the holy Ganges. It is the perfect destination for all peace seekers through spiritual practices and, therefore, one of the popular stops in most of the Rishikesh tour packages.

Tera Manzil Temple

Rishikesh has a thirteen-story temple called Trimbakeshwar Temple, also famous as Tera Manzil Temple. On the banks of the Ganges River is where you can find it. It is situated at the front of Lakshman Jhula and has accommodated many gods all at once. One of the attracting features of this temple is the beautiful architecture that has been used in the fabrication. You can have a panoramic view while standing on the 13th floor. 

Triveni Ghat

Firstly, Triveni Ghat is the largest ghat in Rishikesh, located on the banks of the holy Ganges. The "Maha Aarti" is a fascinating spiritual ritual that occurs every night at the ghat. In addition to that, Hindu mythology has drenched Triveni Ghat, and it also has references in the epics Ramayan and Mahabharata. Moreover, visitors believe this is the ghat where Lord Krishna was cremated. Therefore, visitors generally incorporate this important destination in their Rishikesh tour packages to relish its cultural and spiritual flavour.

Vashishta Gufa Rishikesh

Firstly, Vashishta Gufa is an ancient cave where Sage Vashishta, the human son of Lord Brahma, meditated. According to a story, the sage was very sad after losing all of his children and wanted to kill himself; however, the River Ganga stopped him. Consequently, he chose to stay in the cave and meditate. Furthermore, the Purishottamanand Society takes care of the cave and it’s Shivalinga. Ultimately, this site adds to the cultural significance of the places to visit in Rishikesh.