The Gateway of Himalayas, The land of Rishis (Sages), Rishikesh is one of the most sacred places to visit in India. Situated on the bank of the Ganga river, Rishikesh is famous for its sacred temples, spirituality, yoga Ashramas for practicing meditation and the Ganges river. Apart from spirituality, this place is known for its spectacular views, lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and adventurous sports. The beauty of Rishikesh is just a treat to watch. No matter what you’re looking whether a peaceful vacation or adventurous holiday or just a backpack trip Rishikesh is the perfect place to add to your bucket list.
If you’re going to visit Rishikesh then here we’ve shared everything that helps you to plan a perfect trip to Rishikesh including how to reach, the best places to visit in Rishikesh, the best places to stay and things to do in Rishikesh. So keep scrolling:
How to reach:
Rishikesh is located 240 KM away from Delhi and 25 KM from Haridwar. Therefore, reaching Rishikesh is not a big deal. There is a railway station in Rishikesh so you can travel by train as well.
Rishikesh is well connected by bus with nearby popular destinations including Haridwar, Dehradun, Delhi, and Agra.
The road trip from Delhi to Rishikesh is very scenic as it is surrounded by forest and mountains. So if you’re traveling by road then it will be a great journey of 5 to 6 hours.
For air travel, Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport to Rishikesh which is situated just 20 KM away. From Dehradun, you’ll easily get or taxi to Rishikesh.
Best way to reach Rishikesh: If you are traveling from Delhi then the bus is the best and cheapest way to reach Rishikesh. Just take a bus from ISBT to Rishikesh that costs you around 300 to 500 INR.
Places To Visit In Rishikesh:
1. Triveni Ghat:
Triveni Ghat is the place where the water of 3 Hindus rivers meet; Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Therefore, this is place is named Triveni Ghat. It is the most amazing place to visit in Rishikesh.
Triveni ghat is famous among pilgrims due to Ganga Aarti. Every evening from 6 PM to 7 PM people come here to worship the Devi Ganga. It is an amazing experience to watching the many diyas floating in the river. Overall, Triveni ghat is an amazing place where you get the spiritual vibes of Rishikesh. The water here is so clean that you can watch the concrete inside the water. You can also take a holy bath at Triveni Ghat.
2. River Rafting:
The trip to Rishikesh can’t be complete without indulging in River Rafting. The adventure seekers from different-2 parts of India come here to enjoy rafting in the Ganga river. There are mainly four types of Rafting in Rishikesh; 8 KM, 16 KM, 26 KM and 35 KM.
The 16 KM rafting will cost you around 300 to 400 INR per person. For booking, you will find many authorized and certified rafting operators in Rishikesh. There are training sessions for newcomers so don’t worry if you haven’t tried anything like this. Online booking is also available. While doing rafting you can also try cliff jumping as well.
Best time for Rafting in Rishikesh: From late September to November is rated as the best time for rafting in Rishikesh. November to March is best for white water rafting. During the monsoon, it is not allowed to raft in Ganga because of unstable waves and unexpected water levels.
Best place for Rafting in Rishikesh:
- Brahampuri 8 KM – Shortest & easiest rafting best for beginners, 1 to 2-hour average time
- Shivpuri 16 KM – Most famous rafting place in Rishikesh, easy and low cost, 2 to 3-hour average time
- Marine Drive 26 KM – Moderate, you can also enjoy cliff jumping on the river, 3 to 4-hour average time
- Byasi 35 KM – Very adventurous and high-level rafting, 4 to 5 hours average time.
3. Ram Jhula:
Ram Jhula is one of the most famous places to visit in Rishikesh. You can imagine the popularity of this place that while searching Rishikesh on Google you will see the photo of Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. It is surrounded by the Ganga river, ghats, temple and stairs that will give you the unique vibes of Rishikesh.
The morning is the best time to visit Ram Jhula when you get less crowd and more peace. The experience of feeding the fish in the Ganga river will give you inner peace. The beauty of the Ram Jhula is that you can spend hours around it while doing nothing.
4. Laxman Jhula:
Laxman Jhula is another interesting place to visit in Rishikesh where you’ll get a wide view of the Ganga river and the famous Tera Manzil Temple. There is an interesting story behind the creation of Laxman Jhula; according to legends, the bridge was built exactly at the place where Lord Rama crossed the Ganga River.
On the way to Laxman Jhula, you’ll find lots of art and craft shops where you can do shopping. There are lots of tourist attractions near Laxman Jhula such as Trayambakeshwar Temple, 13 Manzil Temple, and the local markets.
5. Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara:
Located just 1 KM away from Triveni Ghat, Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is the famous sacred place to visit in Rishikesh. It is the base point of the sacred journey of Himkund Sahib. There are lots of staying options inside the Gurudwara where you can spend a night. For booking, you need to directly contact the staff of Gurudwara. You can also have delicious food in the Langar.
6. Permarth Niketan:
Situated on the bank of the Ganga River, Permarth Niketan is a place where you can see the famous Ganga Arti of Rishikesh between 6 PM to 7 PM in the evening. It is a beautiful place where you can see the authentic culture of Rishikesh in wall painting and structure of the temple. The surrounding here is very peaceful therefore it is a great place to just sit on the bank of Ganga river and find the inner peace.
It is one of the top yoga centers in India. During the time of the International Yoga Festival, lots of tourists from all over the world come here and do yoga & meditation. There is a school inside the ashram that follows the traditional Indian Pattern. You can also stay inside the Ashram. There are around 1000 rooms with all modern facilities.
Overall, it is a great place to explore Rishikesh if you want to know more about Yoga, Meditation, traditional Indian Culture, and Ayurveda.
7. Jumping Height For Bungee Jumping:
Bungee Jumping of Rishikesh is famous all over India because there is a place named Jumping Height that has the highest bungee jump in India with 83 meters. It is located in Mohan Chatti Village at 25 KM from Rishikesh. To get inside the Jumping height you need to buy a ticket of 100 INR and the Bungee Jumping itself costs you around 3500 INR. Once you get inside the office they will tell you all do’s and dont’s. And if you want to shoot a video then you’ll have to pay extra money.
To avoid any type of inconvenience try to book the ticket well in advance.
Apart from Bungee Jumping here, you can also try Flying-fox in 1800 INR and Giant swing in 3550 INR as well.
8. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
Situated at a height of 1330 meters, the Neelkanth Mahadev temple is one of the most famous temples of Lord Shiva. It is located on the top of Nar Narayan Mountain range along with Swarg Ashram. According to the legends, this is the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison that originated from the Samundra Manthan (ocean) and places it in this throat. And due to that his throat becomes blue (neela) and named Neelkanth Mahadev.
Along with history, this temple is known for its colorful architecture. The wall of the temple shows the entire story of Samundra Manthan in the form of sculptures of God and demons.
The location of the temple is very scenic as it is surrounded by dense forests and mountains. For nature lovers, there is a 22 KM trek from Ram Jhula to Neelkanth Mahadev temple.
- How to reach: Neelkanth Mahadev temple is located around 32 KM from Rishikesh. To reach up there you can take a taxi or bus from Ram Jhula.
9. Shivpuri:
Located 20 KM from Rishikesh, Shivpuri is the adventure hub of Rishikesh where you do lots of adventurous activities like camping, rafting, kayaking, trekking, rappelling, jungle walks, bonfire and lots of beach activities. There are some white sand beaches around the Ganga river where you can do riverside camping. The whole area is surrounded by lush greenery from both sides along with mountains and the sacred Ganga river.
If you’re looking for non-veg food in Rishikesh then you should visit Shivpuri. Overall, it is a perfect combination of adventure, peace and nature.
10. Neer Waterfall:
Neer Waterfall is one of the best nature-oriented places to visit in Rishikesh. It is a combination of three waterfalls that fall from the height of 25 feet. The whole area is surrounded by jungles and streams. Therefore, here you can spot a rich variety of flora and fauna. From the topmost waterfall, you’ll get some amazing views of the valley. But to reach the topmost pond you need to do some trekking. Overall it is a great family vacation spot in Rishikesh.
To skip the crowd try to visit it early in the morning.
- Entry Tickets: 30 INR for Indian and 50 INR for foreigner
- How to reach: It is located 8 KM away from the bus stop of Rishikesh and 10 KM from Shivpuri. To reach there you can hire a taxi or bus to reach from Rishikesh bus stop.
11. Beatles Ashram:
Also known as Chaurasi Kutia, Beatles Ashram is located on the banks of Ganga River, opposite Muni ke Reti, in the foothills of Himalaya. Actually, this was the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram where he used to teach yoga and meditation but back in 1986 a famous band of Liverpool, Beatles Band visited Rishikesh to learn yoga and mediation. And since then this place got popular and named Beatles Ashram.
There are lots of old buildings inside the Ashram which look like ruins from old times. Also, there are lots of beautiful dome type structure which made by rocks of the River Ganga. There is a restaurant inside the Ashrams where you can have food and snacks. Overall, it is a great place to visit, do yoga, meditation and spend some peaceful time on side of the river Ganges.
- Timing: 10 AM to 4 PM
- Entry Tickets: 150 INR
12. Janki Setu (Bridge):
Janki Setu is another interesting place to visit in Rishikesh with a beautiful view of the river Ganges. It is a 274-meter bridge built over the Ganga river. It is not a four-wheeler bridge it is just a walking bridge likewise Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.
13. Swarg Ashram:
Swarg Ashram is one of the oldest Ashram in India that was built in the memory of saint Kali Kamli Wala. The ashram is run by the trust named Kali Kamliwala Kshetra. Swarg Ashram is famous among foreigners and local tourists due to its ethnic vibes. There you can involve in lots of activities such as Ganga Arti, chanting, meditation, and holy bath in the river. There are lots of temples and mini ashrams inside it.
Swarg Ashram has lots of room to stay with all basic facilities. So if you’re looking for a budget stay in Rishikesh then this will be the perfect place for you.
14. Little Buddha Cafe:
Apart from natural beauty, yoga centers, ancient ashrams and Jhula’s, there are lots of popular good cafes and restaurants in Rishikesh where you can eat well. And the Little Buddha Cafe is one of the famous cafes in Rishikesh and it is highly recommended. It is a riverside cafe so you can have an amazing view of the river Ganges and Laxman Jhule while having delicious food.
Where: Laxman Jhula Rd, near Little Buddha Cafe, Laxman Jhula.
15. Camping:
Camping is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh. There are various places in Rishikesh where you can do camping including Shivpuri, Haridwar Badrinath Road, Tapovan and many more. If you want to set your own camps then ask locals for the best places.
Best time for camping in Rishikesh: March to November is the best time for camping in Rishikesh. It is the best time in Rishikesh for adventurous activities. Try to avoid camping in the rainy season. During the monsoon, the water level of the river Ganges becomes unexpected so it’s good to stay away from the water.
16. Marine Drive
Asthapath also known as Marine drive is a 6KM long and 20-25 feet wide road starting from Triveni Ghat and ending at Barrage. It is a perfect place to take a morning or evening walk while enjoying the freshness of the river Ganges. All the way there are some benches and Ghats for them who like to sit and quietly talk to the Ganges. To reach up there you need to descend 50 to 60 stairs. The whole path is free from traffic and pollution therefore it is the perfect place to meditate or take a long walk while holding the hands of your partner.
17. Tera Manzil Mandir
6 KM from Rishikesh railway station, Tera Manzil temple is a multi-storey temple situated on the bank of the river Ganges near Lakshman Jhula. It is also known as Kailash Niketan Temple. This temple is famous for its religious significance as it was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century. Therefore, it is visited by the large number of pilgrims, especially during Shravan mass and Maha Shivratri festival. Apart from religious significance, it is the perfect place to capture some amazing pictures, especially from Lakshman Jhula. The top floor or 13th floor of the temple offers marvelous views of the sunset over the mountains.
18. Byasi Village
If you’re looking for adventurous activities like rafting and camping then Byasi is the perfect place to go. Just 30 KM from Rishikesh, Byasi is a small village located on the NH58 Badrinath road. Surrounded by dense Sal forests, Byasi is famous for rafting and camping. The perfect demography and consistent flow of the river Ganges make it a perfect spot for rafting. And camping at the bank of the Ganges will be a divine experience. Byasi doesn’t have a dearth of hotels and restaurants.
19. Rishikund
Rishikund is a sacred pond located near the Raghunath temple which is dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita. According to legends this pond was built by saint Kubz and blessed by the river Yamuna as the water in the pond comes from Yamuna river. Also, it is believed that Lord Rama take bath in the pond during his exile. This pond always reflects the proper image of the Raghunath temple. The serene surrounding and relaxing atmosphere create soothing vibes that can you sit here without getting bored.
20. Vashishta Cave
25 KM away from Rishikesh Vashishta Cave is an ancient cave dedicated to Sage Vashishta who was Guru of Lord Rama and part of the 7 great sages. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Sage Vashisht used to mediate. Therefore, this place is famous for deep meditation. Situated on the bank of the Ganges, this place has great vibes.
21. Patna waterfall
Patna waterfall is located 13 KM from Rishikesh on Neelkanth temple road. The name of this waterfall comes from its location Patna Village. It is a seasonal waterfall that comes alive during the monsoon. In the rainy season, this waterfall becomes a hotspot among nature lovers. It is also famous for limestone caves which are situated next to it.
- How to reach – It is located 6.5 KM from Lakshman Jhula. To reach up there you need to take a 1 and half Km trek into the Rajaji national park.
22. Jhilmil gufa
Located 20 Km from Rishikesh and near Manikoot Parvat, Jhilmil gufa is a natural cave dedicated to the supreme devotee of Lord Shiva, Baba Goraknath. It is an ancient cave and described in Hindu mythology as well – Baba Goraknath had done austerities for thousands of years to impress Lord Shiva.
- How to reach – It is located 3 KM from Neelkanth temple. So there are 2 ways to reach there. Either you can take an hour hike from Neelkanth temple or take a motor-able road via Badrinath highway.