Rishikesh comes with many tags. It’s the “Yoga Capital of the World,” “the spiritual hub of India,” and “the place of sagas.” The place is also known as “Hrishikesh” and the story behind the name is: God appeared in the form of “Hrishikesh” when Rishi or Muni Raibhya (a character from the epic Mahabharata) undertook a rigorous penance. In Sanskrit, the meaning of the word ‘Hrishikesh’ is ‘Lord of the senses’ and it truly implies what it says. The revered tourist attraction of India, a place of utmost religious importance, the ambiance, culture, activities, markets and many more aspects of Rishikesh surely incite all five senses of a tourist.
Located in the Tehri Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand and bordered by the Shivalik Range (the lower Himalayan range) Rishikesh is called “the gateway of Garhwal Himalayas.” It is also the starting point of Hindu Chota Char Dham Yatra, a famous pilgrimage to the four abodes of different Gods: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri.
For time immemorial, Rishikesh is famed for its temple and adventure tourism. Flourished by the River Ganges, Rishikesh is home to several old and new temples, which are situated on both sides of the river. If you visit Rishikesh at any point of the year, you will always see the place is full of crowds, because the temples and the ashrams in Rishikesh are considered the spiritual hubs attracting devotees from all over the world. Another attraction, adventure tourism in Rishikesh comes with several kinds of thrilling activities like rafting, cliff jumping, trekking, camping and many more.
Another important aspect of tourism in Rishikesh is that the place is renowned as the yoga hub of the world. Since 1989, the city has been hosting the International Yoga Festival in the first week of March, which is organised by the Parmarth Niketan. Needless to say, every year thousands of tourists from different countries gather here to celebrate the festival.
Let’s check out our Rishikesh Tour Plan with the details of must-see places.
- Laxman Jhula
- Ram Jhula
- Triveni Ghat
- Swarg Ashram
- Raghunath Temple
- Tera Manzil Mandir
- Shri Bharat Mandir
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- The Beatles Ashram
- Neer Garh Waterfall
- Shivpuri
- Jumpin Heights
- Rajaji National Park
Have a Look at Quick Rishikesh Travel & Tourism Info Guide Table
| Best Temples to Visit in Rishikesh |
Raghunath Temple, Tera Manzil Mandir, Shri Bharat Mandir, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple |
| Best Religious Places to Visit in Rishikesh |
Triveni Ghat, Swarg Ashram |
| Places to Explore at Night in Rishikesh |
Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat |
| Places with Mythological and Historical Importance |
Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Rishikund, Tera Manzil Mandir, Shri Bharat Mandir, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple |
| Interesting Places to Visit other than Temples |
Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram |
| Places in Rishikesh for Adventure-Lovers |
Neer Garh Waterfall, Shivpuri, Jumpin Heights, Rajaji National Park |
| Places for Camping in Rishikesh |
Shivpuri |
| Places for Rafting in Rishikesh |
Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, Kaudiyala |
Popular Rishikesh Tour Packages
Laxman Jhula, The Starting-Point of Rishikesh Trip!
The must-visit attraction of the town without which a Rishikesh Trip cannot be started off, Laxman Jhula is a pedestrian bridge related to Hindu mythology. The suspension bridge over the Ganga River is 137 metres long and connects two Garhwal villages, Tapovan and Jonk.
It is to be believed that Laxman Jhula was previously made of jute ropes and it was crossed by the Hindu deity Lakhsmana himself. The bridge was finally transformed into a 137 metres long suspension bridge in 1929. Situated on the outskirts of the city, Laxman Jhula is one of the best places in Rishikesh to get an unobstructed view of the city along with the flowing Ganga.
Things to do:
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Watching Ganga Aarti
- Nearby Temple Visits
Timings: 24 Hours
Special Tips: To avoid crowds and to get the best views of the nightlife, visit the place at night. When the colourful lights of the nearby architecture create a mesmerising reflection on the water of Ganga and the tunes of devotional songs fill up the air, you will feel content.
Also Check Out: Haridwar Travel & Tourism Guide
Ram Jhula, Another Landmark of Rishikesh!
After Laxman Jhula, there is also a Ram Jhula in Rishikesh, which was built in 1986 by the Public Works Department with the help of Sivananda Ashram. Design wise, both the bridges look the same, but according to size, Ram Jhula is bigger than Laxman Jhula with a length of 229 metres.
Ram Jhula connects the Sivananda Nagar area with Swargashram in the east. Similar to Laxman Jhula, it also offers an amazing panoramic view of Rishikesh City along with the river. Some of the must-visit places in Rishikesh such as Parmarth Niketan, Geeta Bhawan, Swargashram etc. are located near Ram Jhula.
Things to do:
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Visit Yoga Festival in Parmarth Niketan
- Shopping
- Explore nightlife
Timings: 24 Hours
Special Tips: It’s a thrilling experience to walk over the hanging suspension bridge which sways with the wind. To experience this and avoid crowds and motorbikes, visit it at night.
Also Check Out: Mussoorie Travel & Tourism Guide
Triveni Ghat, For Watching A Mesmerising Ganga-Aarti!
The most sacrosanct ghat or bathing spot in Rishikesh, as well as in India, Triveni Ghat is one of the top tourist places in Rishikesh. It is named Triveni as it is the confluence of three major rivers of India, which are Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Moreover, Triveni Ghat is also considered the cremation place of Lord Krishna. It is to be believed that when you take a dip here, you’ll become a pure soul as all your sins will wash away.
Every day, maha-aarti is performed in Triveni Ghat in the morning and night. Rishikesh Ganga aarti attracts both the locals and tourists in a huge number as it is believed to hold a special significance to people who attend it. You can also offer milk, food for fish and oil lamps in the water to honour the rivers.
Things to do:
- Attending Maha-aarti
- Bathing
- Feeding the fish
- Offering oil lamps in water
- Photography
- Shopping
Timings
- Morning aarti: 5:45 AM to 6:30 AM
- Evening aarti: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Special Tips: Reach the ghat beforehand to get a front place for capturing breathtaking pictures of Ganga aarti without any obstructions. Another tip is, the evening aarti looks more amazing than the morning one. Choose yours according to your trip plan.
Also Check Out: Dehradun Travel & Tourism Guide
Swarg Ashram, The Central Attraction of Rishikesh!
Located in the centre of Rishikesh, Swarg Ashram is considered a small township with numerous temples, cottages (ashrams) and caves inside. A religious site dedicated to Swami Vishudhanand, who is also known as Kali Kamli Wala, Swarg Ashram attracts foreigners as well as saints who are searching for the actual meaning of life.
You can stay in Swarg Ashram upon advance booking. You can also attend numerous ceremonies like aarti, chanting and other religious processions which happen here every day. The peaceful life of the saints and their minimalistic approach to living will undoubtedly inspire you to lead a healthy life.
Things to do:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Rejuvenate
- Photography
- Visit nearby places
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
Special Tips: It is recommended to stay in Swarg Ashram for a few days to get the best experience of a peaceful life and to rejuvenate yourself completely.
Also Read: Pilgrimage Tourism in Uttarakhand
Raghunath Temple, Seek Blessings From Lord Rama!
The must-visit temple, Raghunath Temple is one of the popular points of tourist interest in Rishikesh. Dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita, Raghunath Temple is located near Triveni Ghat, one of the famous ghats in Rishikesh.
You can also find a kund or a small pond on the premises of Raghunath Temple, which is believed to be used by Lord Rama for bathing. It is also believed that this hot water pond, which is known as Rishikund, is the meeting place of the Ganga and Yamuna. Watching a beautiful reflection of the temple on the water after seeking blessings from the deity is one of the best things to do in Rishikesh.
Things to do:
- Seek blessings
- Dipping hand in the hot water
- Photography
- Shopping Eating
- Watching maha-aarti on Triveni Ghat
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
Special Tips: Try to visit this place in the late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Also Read: Famous Hindu Temples in Uttarakhand
Tera Manzil Mandir, 13 Storeys of Stories!
Also known as Trayambakeshwar Temple, Tera Manzil Mandir is a 13-storey temple located in Rishikesh. One of the famous Rishikesh tourist places, Tera Manzil Mandir attracts people from all over the world for its astonishing symmetrical architecture.
Located near the Laxman Jhula, Tera Manzil or Trayambakeshwar Temple or Kailash Niketan is one of the temples in Rishikesh, which was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century AD. Unlike other temples, it is not dedicated to one God, so you will find numerous Hindu Gods and Goddesses on each floor of the temple.
Things to do:
- Seek blessings
- Photography
- Explore every floor
- Visit nearby places
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
Special Tips: Do not miss the panoramic views of the sunset from the top floor of Tera Manzil Mandir.
Also Read: Popular Rivers in Uttarakhand
Shri Bharat Mandir, Another Sacred Spot In Rishikesh!
One of the oldest temples and the most sacred places in Rishikesh, Bharat Mandir is located in the heart of the city. It is to be believed one of the places where Pandavas (characters from the epic Mahabharata) stayed and worshipped Lord Hrishikesh Narayana. Also, as per history, the temple was converted into a Buddhist Monastery during the reign of Ashoka where Lord Buddha visited it himself.
Apart from its historical and mythological influences, the temple is considered one of the top tourism places of Rishikesh. People come here to do rounds of Lord Hrishikesh 108 times and seek blessings from him to get their wishes fulfilled. The present deity in the temple was reinstalled by Adi Sankaracharya on Basant Panchami in 789 AD, so every year on this day a special ritual of reinstallation is held.
Things to do:
- Seek blessings
- Take parikramas (rounds)
- Learn about its history
- Visit nearby places
Timings:
- 5 AM to 12 PM
- 4 PM to 9 PM
Special Tips: Try to plan a visit to this temple during the time of Akshaya Tritiya to seek blessings at the uncovered feet of Lord Hrishikesh, if you want one of your wishes to be fulfilled.
Also Check Out: Madhyamaheshwar Travel & Tourism Guide
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Must-Visit Religious Place!
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is 12 kilometres from the town of Rishikesh and is situated at 1,670 metres in the middle of a sylvan forest. It is among the holiest Shiva shrines in India and one of the best places to see in Rishikesh. According to Hindu mythology, the sacred location of the temple is where Lord Shiva consumed poison during Samudramanthan by the Gods and Demons.
One of the main attractions of the temple is its inside tomb where the Samudramanthan tale is depicted. The temple also features a freshwater spring that draws a lot of worshippers to take a bath.
Things to do:
- Bathing
- Seek Blessings
- Photography
- Explore the architecture
- Visit nearby places
Timings: 5 AM to 6 PM
Special Tips: Seek blessings from Lord Shiva during the month of Shravan (July and August) and on the eve of Shivratri (February).
Also Read: Info About Parmarth Niketan Ashram
The Beatles Ashram, For the Love of Beatles!
After the world-famous musical band visited the tranquil location opposite Muni ki Reti, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram gained international recognition. It was previously known as the International Academy of Meditation where the students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi learned meditation. In 1968, the English rock band Beatles came here to learn meditation along with other eminent personalities.
Once abandoned, the Beatles Ashram or Chaurasia Kutia was reopened in December 2015. Apart from the peaceful and serene environment, the paintings on the wall attract several tourists in addition to the Beatles fans.
Things to do:
- Relaxing
- Photography
- Meditation
- Sightseeing
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Special Tips: Besides being one of the best places to explore in Rishikesh, it is also a perfect place to shoot couple pictures with a great background. So, click as much as you can.
Also Read: Popular Fairs & Festivals in Uttarakhand
Neer Garh Waterfall, Away From The Hustle-Bustle!
Five kilometres from Laxman Jhula, Neer Garh Waterfall is one of the places in Rishikesh where you can spend hours away from the chaos of the city. One of the best places to explore, the waterfall and its surroundings are the perfect setup for a picnic or relaxing amidst the unspoilt form of nature.
A combination of three waterfalls, Neer Garh Waterfall is a two-tier stream falling from 25 feet. One of the main attractions of this spot is that the surroundings are yet untouched by civilization and it can give you a raw experience of nature in Rishikesh.
Things to do:
- Trekking
- Photography
- Relaxing
- Picnic
- Swimming
- Birdwatching
- Sightseeing
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
Special Tips: Carry food, water and mat along with you and spend a beautiful day having a picnic amidst nature.
Also Read: Brief Introduction of Uttarakhand
Shivpuri, Ultimate Spot For Camping and Rafting!
Shivpuri is a small village known for offering various opportunities for adventure tourism. Other than the lofty mountains and friendly people, the main attraction here is the River Ganga, which is the main place to experience boating, kayaking and rafting.
Apart from the ancient temples and ghats of Rishikesh, Shivpuri is one such place which you must add to your Rishikesh sightseeing tour if you also want to taste the adventure part of the state. A weekend stay in a tent or camp here while attempting several activities will undoubtedly offer you some unforgettable memories.
Things to do:
- Camping
- Jungle Walks
- Rafting
- Trekking
- Boating
- Kayaking
Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM
Special Tips: One of the best places to explore in Rishikesh if you want to stay away from the chaos and want to take part in the adventure tourism Rishikesh offers.
Also Read: Adventure Tourism in Uttarakhand
Jumpin Heights, For A Thrilling Experience!
The ultimate place for a great adventure – Bungee Jumping, which is a free fall from a high place while tied with ropes around the ankles. In Rishikesh, Jumpin Heights provides the best opportunity for this kind of adventure and it is one of the highest in the country (83 metres).
Definitely, one of the best activities to do on your Rishikesh trip is to attempt any of the sports at Jumpin Heights. The centre is located around 25 kilometres from Rishikesh City and you will find several resorts to stay at. Bungee jumping is followed by a long process where you will be briefed on every step. You can also buy your DVD and souvenirs after completing the task.
Things to do:
- Bungee Jumping
- Flying Fox
- Giant Swing
Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Special Tips: It is recommended to not visit if you have acrophobia and have problems with heart and blood pressure.
Also Read: Camping in Uttarakhand
Rajaji National Park, To Explore Flora and Fauna of Rishikesh!
Located around 15 kilometres from the Rishikesh city centre, Rajaji National Park is a famous tourist place in Rishikesh. An amalgamation of three sanctuaries such as Rajaji Sanctuary and National Park, Chilla Sanctuary and Motichur Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park was established in 1983 and renamed Rajaji Tiger Reserve in 2015.
The second tiger reserve after Corbett in Uttarakhand, Rajaji National Park is a great place for wildlife safaris as it boasts a rich collection of biodiversity including elephants, leopards, tigers and many more. Spread across 820 kilometres, it also attracts birdwatchers across the globe.
Things to do:
- Jungle Safari
- Night Safari
- Birdwatching
- Rafting
- Sightseeing
Timings:
- Morning safari: 6 AM to 11 AM
- Evening safari: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Special Tips: It is suggested to check the website for the details before planning a trip to Rajaji National Park.
Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Uttarakhand
Here is our list of top recommended places to visit in Rishikesh. Hope, this Rishikesh Travel Guide will help you a lot in choosing places to visit on your next Rishikesh trip. We also have several Uttarakhand Tourism packages, which might help you have the best travel experience in the state. Comment here if you need to know anything about Rishikesh as well as any place in Uttarakhand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to visit in Rishikesh at night?
The best places to visit in Rishikesh at night are:
- Laxman Jhula
- Triveni Ghat
- Kaudiyala Beach
- Camp Riverside
- Shivpuri Jungle Camp
- German Bakery
- Little Buddha Cafe
- Rajaji National Park
What are the top places to visit in Rishikesh for couples?
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Rishikesh for couples are:
- Neer Garh Waterfall
- Kaudiyala Beach
- Shivpuri
- The Beatles Ashram
- Jumpin Heights
- Byasi
- Garud Chatti and Phool Chatti Waterfalls
- Bairaj Lake
Which is the best time to visit Rishikesh for a holiday vacation?
The best time only for a Rishikesh Trip is from September to March. However, being the starting point of Chardham Yatra, tourists and devotees visit Rishikesh all year round, especially from May to October. The charm of Rishikesh can be best explored in winter and spring.
What are the top things to do for tourists in Rishikesh?
Some of the top things to do in Rishikesh for tourists are:
- Rafting
- Camping
- Jungle Camping
- Night Safari
- Cliff Jumping
- Giant Swing
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Ganga Aarti Darshan
- Temple Visits
- Ashram Visits
- Yoga and Meditation Learning
- Cafe Visits
Which are the must visit temples in Rishikesh?
Some of the must-visit temples in Rishikesh are:
- Shri Bharat Mandir
- Tera Manzil Temple or Trayambakeshwar Temple
- Parmarth Niketan
- Swarg Niwas
- Shatrughna Temple
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- Kunjapuri Devi Temple
- Raghunath Temple
- Laxman Temple
Which is the best time for a river rafting adventure in Rishikesh?
The best time for river rafting adventure in Rishikesh is the post-monsoon season. You can also opt for this water sports activity in Rishikesh between mid-September to early-May.
How many days are required to explore the best of Rishikesh sightseeing tourism?
A minimum of three to four days are required to explore the best of the Rishikesh Sightseeing Tour including rafting, cliff jumping or camping. However, if you add other nearby places like Haridwar, Mussoorie and Dehradun to your Rishikesh Tourism package then you will need around seven to eight days to cover.
About the author
From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.
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