Rishikesh, also known as ‘Yoga capital of World’, is famous for its adventure spots, scenic beauty, calm surrounding and its culture richness. Located approximately 25 kms from Haridwar, Rishikesh is known as one of the holiest places for Hindus. People from all over the world visit here to witness the serenity of heritage as well as adventure adrenaline rush together. The sparkling river, the mountains which have been home to Sadhus for ages, the beautiful camps to take away all the city life stress, heart taking adventure, all these to experience at a single place.
When visiting Rishikesh, there are a number of places which are must visit in order to complete this visit. Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Beatles Ashram, Shivpuri, Vashishta Gufa and a lot other places are some of the top attractions of Rishikesh.
1. Lakshman Jhula
Located 4 kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, Lakshman Jhula is 284 feet long which connects two districts of Uttarakhand i.e. Tehri and Pauri. This bridge provides a breath taking view of river Ganges on either side. You can sit here and watch beautiful sunrise and sunset alongside river. Not only the Jhula is famous for its beautiful view but it has its historical and architectural importance also. Ancient history says, in the age of Ramayana, Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama, crossed the River Ganga, through a bridge from this place only. Hence after a period of time, a bridge was made at the same spot. But the bridge broke down in a heavy flood after some time and later after a long period of time, this suspension bridge was made and named after brother Lakshman.
How to reach Lakshman Jhula
To reach this iconic bridge, you can hire a private taxi or a shared cab from bus station or any place. Also, you can take a public transport like a bus or an auto which takes close to Lakshman Jhula from where you can walk to this bridge.
2. Triveni Ghat
A meeting point of three sacred rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, Triveni Ghat is famous for its evening Arti. It is one of the magnetic places, where in morning you can find an aura of meditation alongside beautiful sunrise and in the evening, stupefying view of Arti full of diyas and enchanting chorus of Maha Aarti to the river. People from all over the world gather here in the evening around 6 pm to offer devotion and gratitude in the form of lighting Diyas, flowers and singing Arti in unison to the sacred River. It is said that, visiting this Ghat, performing the Arti and taking a bathe in the holy River purifies the body and cleanses soul of all the sins. The charming hymns buzzes all over this place.
How to reach Triveni Ghat
The Ghat is located 6 kms from Ram Jhula and 9 kms from Lakshman Jhula. You can reach here by shared or private cab or Tuk tuk available all time.
3. Neer Garh Waterfall
Approximately 3 kms from Lakshman Jhula, the waterfall is an astonishing place to visit. Situated away from crowd of Rishikesh, hidden in an uphill, the waterfall is so tranquilizing and offers a masterpiece view of nature. The sparkling and cascading waterfall along with the pool and its mesmerizing beauty must be embraced when visiting Rishikesh. To reach this gorgeous waterfall view, one has to trek for approx. 2 hours. In between, there is a food joint or a small eating place where the chairs has been kept in passing water which is very soothing. You can sit in passing water and enjoy your food. There is a minimal entry fee for this place.
How to reach Neer Garh waterfall
You can reach waterfall by taking a cab or by walking up to the waterfall. 7 kms from Tapovan and 3 kms from Lakshman Jhula, hike up to the steep mountains to the parking lot from where you can see the beautiful fall.
4. The Beatles Ashram
The holy Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi became famous and came to be known as ‘The Beatles Ashram’ when the very phenomenal band of that time, in the year 1968, the Beatles flew down to this place to learn some advanced meditation from the sage. This abandoned Ashram is located in the foothills of Himalayas and is one of the hardest place to be located in Rishikesh. The place is famous for its beautiful graffiti art and calmness surrounding it. The meditation cave, ruins of this place and mesmerizing graffiti takes you to the past and gives a feeling of peace. A minimal entrance fee is charged for entrance to this place.
How to reach the Beatles Ashram
The ashram is just 2 kms from Ram Jhula and 3 kms from Lakshman Jhula. One can walk up to there or take an auto or TukTuk. At the end of the road towards Gita Bhawan, you can find the closed iron gate of this Ashram.
5. Vashishta Gufa
It is an ancient cave situated on the bank of River Ganga and in the middle of Gular trees where Saint Vashishta and his wife used to meditate and lived for years. 25 kms from Rishikesh, this Gufa offers so much spiritual vibration, positivity and calmness. Stepping down to 200 steps approximately, you can enter the cave with candles lit and tranquility all around. The place is so serene and pristine, you can sit here and meditate and introspect in silence for hour and feel the peace inside.
How to reach Vashishta gufa
Public transport like buses, jeeps and taxis are available to reach the Gufa. Since the Gufa is situated on Rishikesh-Badrinath Road, vehicles going towards Dev Prayag, goes through this place and thus can be easily reached.
6. Ram Jhula
A 450 ft suspension bridge, it is yet another architectural beauty of Rishikesh. The bridge was once made of Jute and was built in 1980s by regional government. It gets pretty crowded in day time but in night, the place is a beautiful view to watch. It looks all lit and the Parmarth Niketan also looks magnificent from the bridge.
How to reach Ram Jhula
To reach this iconic bridge, you can hire a private taxi or a shared cab from bus station or any place. Also, you can take a public transport like a bus or an auto which takes close to Ram Jhula from where you can walk to this bridge.
7. Kunjapuri Devi Temple
Situated 25 kms from Rishikesh, the temple is a sacred heritage for Hindus and is mostly visited at the time of Navratri or Dussehra to experience the holy celebration of Goddess Sati. You can enjoy a magnificent view of Swarga Rohini, Banderpunch and Gangotri peaks and the beautiful Rishikesh from this temple. The beautiful and breath taking color of the sky during sunrise and the mountains drenched in sun rays which glows from far is a view not to miss from here in the early morning. Also, the picturesque view of River Ganges along the way makes this trip more enjoyable. Photography lovers get golden chance to capture beauty of Himalayas and Rishikesh from this place during early sunrise and sunset.
How to reach Kunjapuri Devi Temple
- You can take private cab or shared jeep or cab from Yatra bus stand, Rishikesh. Or you can use public transport buses which goes to Gangotri as they all pass through. When you reach 6 kms from Narendra Nagar, take a shared jeep/cab from there to the foot of the temple.
- Trek from Tapovan to the temple base and then climb up to 300 stairs approx. to reach at top of the hill where temple is situated.
8. Tera Manzil Temple
Tera Manzil temple also known as Trayambakeshwar Temple has majestic architecture, charming location on the side of River and is easily visible from Lakshman Jhula. The temple truly connects with the spirituality and holiness of the town. It has 13 floors and on every floor is worshipped a deity. You can hear chanting all along in the temple. During sunset, the Arti performed here is a bewildering experience.
How to visit Tera Manzil Temple
It is situated right beside the Lakshman Jhula and can be reached easily walking.
9. Bharat Mandir
Bharat Mandir is considered to be one of the oldest temples of Rishikesh. The main attraction of this temple is the idol which is made up of a scarce ammonite fossil which has been found at very few places namely Badrinath temple and Tirupati. Alongside the Temple, is the museum which is not to be missed. The temple is 8 stories high and has a statue of Mother India inside it.
The Temple is believed to be named after Bharat, brother of Lord Rama. Bharat Mandir is open from 9.30 in the morning to 8 in the evening.
How to reach Bharat Mandir
It is situated 2 kms from Railway station and 1 km from bus stand which can easily be covered by foot or shared cab or Tuk Tuk.
10. Jumpin Heights
Besides spiritual experience and holy visits, Rishikesh also offers adventure and thrill in its lap. One of the place for most thrilling activities is Jumping Heights. Located a little away from Rishikesh crowd in backwoods, this place is the perfect place for adrenaline rush. Falling freely from a height of 83 m, swinging smoothly tied to a rope and lowering to river, zip lining across the fierce rapids of Shivpuri, Bungee jumping, Flying Fox and Giant Swing are the top paid adventures of not only Rishikesh but well known in India. The trip gives a glimmer of greenery, mountains and sparkling river. The Jumpin heights also offers a park tour and food joint in order to enjoy the visit. Also, after you complete your adventure, you are gifted a certificate of completion of the stunt and a t-shirt and badge as an award. The timing of these adventures are restricted to 9.30 in the morning to 2.30 in the noon. This pristine location charges a minimal of 100 rupees as the entry fee to the bungee sight.
How to reach Jumpin Heights
It is located at a distance of 15 kms from Lakshman Jhula. You can reach there by private or shared cab or Jumpin Heights Bungy coach which is paid.
11. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Located at a distance of 32 kms from Rishikesh town, the temple is considered to be one of the most sacred Shiva temple in India. The temple manifests famous ‘Samudramanthan’ of Lord Shiva who is also known as ‘Neelkanth’ because of the blue throat that turned out due to drinking of poison during Samudramanthan. The peak of the temple stages sculptures of all the asuras and Gods. The freshwater spring situated in the temple also attracts a lot of visitors who bathe before offering puja.
How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
You can reach the temple by hiring private/shared cab from Ram Jhula Rishikesh. Also, buses are available that drop nearby temple.
12. Rishi Kund
Rishi Kund, the pond of saints, is a natural hot water spring which is located near Triveni Ghat. Hundreds of visitors come here every day to bathe in natural hot water, offer prayers to Raghunath Temple and visit Shani and Triveni Sangam. When visit here, try capturing the reflection of Raghunath temple in the pond. It looks beautiful.
How to reach Rishi Kund
You can take auto, rickshaw or cab to this place which is easily accessible.
