Located at the foothills of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is the 7th largest city in Uttarakhand. It is also called the “gateway to the Himalayas”. This city is a famous tourist spot and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. The river Ganges flows through the town of Gangshikesh and is famous for it’s various temples and yoga ashrams. Rishikesh is one of the few places in India that offers a lot of adventure sports to it’s visitors. With the town of Haridwar just a few miles south of Har Rishikesh, the place is also considered a ‘holy city’ and vegetarian. Here is the list of places to visit in Rishikesh.
1. Rajaji National Park
Natural Rajaji National Park is one of the top natural places to visit in Rishikesh. Located just 16 kilometers from the city center, the national park is home to flora and fauna. The park is a living example of nature’s grace that refreshes your day. If you are lucky enough, a tiger can pass you on your tour. You can also see the Ganges and the rivers flowing through the song. This is one of the famous places to visit in Rishikesh.
2. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Located at 1670 m in the middle of the Silvan forest, the Nilakanta Mahadev Temple is located 12 km from the town of Rishikesh. It is one of the holiest Shiva temples in India and one of the best religious places to visit in Rishikesh. One of the attractions here is the inner tomb that tells the story of the churning of the sea. The temple also has a freshwater fountain which attracts many devotees for bathing.
3. Triveni Ghat
Tribeni Ghat is a crowded ghat on the banks of the river Ganges, where pilgrims bathe and is one of the most interesting places in Rishikesh. This is a completely different site during the evening prayers. Tribeni Ghat is one of the holiest ghats in Rishikesh, consisting of three rivers – Ganga, Jamuna, and Saraswati. A visit to this place will give you an insight into the spiritual beauty of Rishikesh. This is one of the top tourist places in Rishikesh.
4. Bairaj Lake
Rishikesh’s list of beautiful tourist destinations adds another dimension to Lake Bairaj, which is connected to the Ganges. Of all the lakes in Uttarakhand, Lake Bairaj is one of the highest. And when you are not allowed to go near the fishing waters, the scenery is quite calm. There is a beautiful lake park to rest under the sun when you can see that the animal barrage is releasing water into the lake.
5. Himshail Waterfall
Check out one of the top places to see in Rishikesh with another amazing creation of nature and an iceberg waterfall. The silky-smooth water coming down the hill is really attractive for a tourist. As calm and quiet as the place is, it is largely undiscovered and ancient. The waterfall creates a buzzing area below.
6. Bhootnath Temple
Another great addition to the list of tourist attractions in Rishikesh is the Bhootnath Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on the top of a hill. Although trekking to the temple is a bit challenging, you will get rewards if you reach the top with a panoramic view of the city of Rishikesh. The temple has a Shivling, surrounded by bells – north, south, east, and west.
7. Neer Garh Waterfall
Just two kilometers from Laxman Jhula, a visit to this breathtaking waterfall, which has become one of the best sights in Rishikesh, will amaze you. It will keep you captive in its eternal beauty. Overall, the place is perfect for a much-needed period from the hustle and bustle of a busy trip. Tourists One of the best tourist destinations in Sikkim, Nir Garh Falls also attracts many nomadic photographers. This place is surrounded by some of the best resorts in Rishikesh.
8. Kaudiyala
White water rafting in Rishikesh is mainly centered around Kaudiyala and its shores. It is a major tourist destination in the holy city. This is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh.
9. Jumpin Heights
Rishikesh is an adventurer’s paradise. There are endless options for adventure activities, thrills, and bungee jumping is one of the most popular. Jumpin Heights where you can explore a wide range of adrenaline-pumping options. The Jumpin Heights team offers a varied range such as bungee jumping, flying fox, and giant swing.
10. Swarg Ashram
Located between Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, this oldest ashram in India is known as Swarg Ashram which is one of the most interesting places in Rishikesh. Built-in the memory of Swami Bishudhananda, this place is an ideal place to stay. Located on the banks of an isolated river, it is also a perfect mediation site. One can only watch the sunset and enjoy the natural beauty of this place.
11. Parmarth Niketan Ashram
The Parmarth Niketan Ashram is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and surrounded by greenery, it is located on the banks of the holy river Ganges and is visited by devotees from all over the world. The ashram is famous for its secluded and serene environment and pleasant location, where there are more than 1,000 rooms for the devotees. Therefore, improve the spirits of your mind and body.
12. Bharat Mandir
Temples One of the oldest temples in Sikkim, these temples have a significant religious and cultural value. It is one of the major tourist spots in Rishikesh which is visited by thousands of tourists and fans every year. It is rumored that the present deity residing in this temple was re-established by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya in 789 AD on the auspicious day of Basanta Panchami.
13. Tera Manzil Temple
The complex and equivalent architecture, a secluded location, and serene vibe give you a wonderful opportunity to worship your deity and witness the most captivating religious rituals in India.
14. Sadhaka Grama Ashram
One of the famous places in Rishikesh, Sadhaka Grama Ashram is a non-profit ashram that was established in 2002. The founder of this ashram is Swami Veda Bharati who has established it based on the principles of Swami Ram. Swami Ram was a resident of the Himalayas. This place is surrounded by some of the best villas in Rishikesh.
15. Muni Ki Reti
‘Muni ki reti’ means sand of the sages. Located about 5 km from Rishikesh, this city is considered by many to be a very important pilgrimage site. You will find various monasteries here. This place also has a rich history, as it is believed to be the place where King Bharat performed austerities.
16. Swami Dayananda Ashram
The ashram is located in the vicinity of the old bush in Rishikesh and was established in the 1960s. Founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, this ashram is known for meditation as well as yoga sessions which take place in a huge hall. The ashram is beautifully built and carries architectural as well as historical significance. This is one of the best places in India.
17. Andhra Ashram
Andhra Ashram is considered to be a unique ashram of unique Rishikesh, which is managed and maintained by a group of South Indian people. The ashram was built in 1930 by Sri Sachidananda Saraswati. This place is also known for temples – Sri Venkateshwara and Sri Chandramouleshwar.
18. Garud Chatti Waterfall
Garud Chati Falls is located very close to the railway station and Laxman Jhula. This is a small but beautiful natural area. The rainy season is the best time to visit the waterfall and a few hours there may be enough for a revival. Lately, the fountain has attracted many youngsters with adventurous spirit because they like to trek to this place.
19. Byasi Village
A small village situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges is a major destination for adventure activities. The village has a favorable water flow and geography which has made it one of the best rafting spots in India. Another reason that makes Bassi one of Rishikesh’s tourist destinations is its affordable restaurants, meals, and accommodation. These factors combined make Bassi one of the best destinations of the weekend.
20. Raghunath Temple
The Raghunath Temple is one of the top places to visit for religious ceremonies. It is located at Tribeni Ghat – so make time for the famous and great Ganga Aarti after you pray here. The temple has a “tank” – a hot water pond. There are numerous stories about the importance of ponds since the time of Ramayana.
21. Patna Waterfall
Patna Falls is one of the smallest waterfalls in Rishikesh. You will see a limestone cave near the waterfall and the trek will start about 5 km away at Laxman Jhula. It may not be the most common and ideal tourist destination in Rishikesh, but the environment is beautiful and peaceful.
22. Rishikesh View Point
You must like this place. Who doesn’t like the clear view of the hill town? Time seems to have slowed down when a fresh breath of air energizes the mind from within. The place feels almost like heaven because the cloud-covered mountains covered in green completely affect the surroundings.
23. Phool Chatti Waterfall
Another ancient waterfall called Phul Chati Falls is located in a completely natural environment. Adventure seekers can trek to this place but beware of slippery paths. The place to set up camp, create a fireplace, and click some pictures that look great on Instagram. A waterfall is a great place for young people to relax and visit through a challenging trek.
24. Omkarananda Ashram
Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas is one of the most famous places to visit Rishikesh for all comfort seekers. Iyengar yoga is taught in this ashram and you can practice and learn this type of yoga from the trained specialists of the ashram.
25. Rishikund
Ages Sikunda, aka ages, is a place you don’t want to miss. The hot water fountain attracts many pilgrims every year with various mythological references. Being part of the Raghunath Temple and close to the confluence of Shani and Tribeni, this place is easily accessible and one of the best places to visit.
26. Vashishta Gufa
A mix of serenity and quiet surroundings, this destination attracts thousands of tourists, looking for a colorful time.
27. Kunjapuri Temple
A 30-minute walk from Rishikesh, Kunjpuri Temple is located at an altitude of 1700 m which is one of the best tourist spots in Rishikesh. It’s an easy trip to the top of the temple, but once you conquer it, the view of the sunrise between the mighty Himalayas and the Dun Valley to the south will amaze you. A trek on the last day of the trip, here, is the perfect culmination of an amazing Rishikesh adventure.
Conclusion
Tourist Rishikesh is one of the most popular tourist hotspots among the young Indian population. A never-ending list of tranquil beauty, architectural wonders, majestic temples, and adventure sports- ish Rishikesh are platformers of two opposite worlds. It’s a rejuvenating session of meditation and an overcrowded but glorious Ganga Aarti or an adventurous river rafting there are plenty of places for everyone to see in Rishikesh. With this kind of diversity, choosing the places that should be visited here is never an easy task.
Located in the Picaresek district of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, culture Rishikesh has held a very important place in Indian culture, religion, and mythology since ancient times. This region is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is also known as the abode of the gods. In addition to its twin city of Haridwar, it is also known as the historic city of India. Art Shikesh Garhwal is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and has been organizing yoga festivals every March since 1989. The region has the footprints of wise saints of the past and is considered extremely sacred to pilgrims.