Places To Visit In Rishikesh – Top 13 Places In The Yoga Capital Of India

by Pankaj Upadhaya
places to visit in rishikesh-ct

When the vacation spirit is in the air, tourists really like visiting Rishikesh. Rishikesh is ideal for a short trip from Delhi on weekends, and it can be easily reached in a couple of hours. Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of India”. One of the most well-liked places to visit in Rishikesh is an Ashram in the town known as “The Beatles Ashram”. It was given that name in honor of the infamous English band “The Beatles”. They spent a few days in the ashram for meditation and were heavily impacted by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s teachings. There are numerous things to do in Rishikesh in addition to the various places to visit, which will make your trip to this city more enjoyable.

Here we are listing out some of the popular Rishikesh tourist places which gained most of the attractions from travellers across the world. Let’s try to know the primary reasons for visiting these Rishikesh tourist places, the best times to visit, and how we can reach there. 

Places to visit in Rishikesh

1. Lakshman Jhula

Photo by Deepak Mehra on Unsplash

This bridge is named after Lord Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama because they crossed the Ganga River from this place with the help of two jute ropes. In the same place, this bridge exists now. It is one of the finest attractions in the city, and at night it looks like a majestic creation.

How to reach Lakshman Jhula 

The Lakshman Jhula is situated only at a distance of 16 km from the Bus terminal of Rishikesh. You can either take a cab or go by renting a scooter there, which is the best option available.

Best time to visit Lakshman Jhula

It is open all day but prefers to take a walk at night when the lights are on.

Lakshman Jhula is a bridge that is suspended over the holy River Ganga. It plays a massive importance in the lives of normal people living in Rishikesh. It is because they can cross from one side to another through this. Otherwise, they have to take another whole round of the way, which will take so much time to reach the other side of the Ganga.

2. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located around 30 km far away from Rishikesh. It represents a great demo of how our architecture strongly influenced many people of other worlds. It is made based on the Dravidian style; the top of the temple showcases the sculpture of many Gods and Demons.

This place is a popular place to visit in Rishikesh because of the mythological connection, which is that the temple stands in the same place where Lord Shiva drinks the poison which comes out of the process of churning the ocean to obtain Amrita. So Lord Shiva drank that poison and became Neelkanth which translated as “The Blue-throated person”.

How to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple 

Neelkanth Mahadev, one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh, is 32 km far from Rishikesh and can be reached by sharing taxis or by vehicle. 

Best time to visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

July to August is the time which is religiously significant for visiting this temple. The time from 5 AM to 6 PM during the Aarti is most preferable. 

3. Goa Beach

It is a beach that Rishikesh has and is considered a Rishikesh tourist place which has a secluded place in every Rishikesh lover’s heart. Goa Beach offers the view of the merging of white sand beaches with turquoise water, which is alluring to witness. You can spend your evening here in a peaceful and calm environment.

The beautiful sunset or sunrise from this beach is totally worth it and can’t be compared with anything else. It is situated near Lakshman Jhula and is the best place to visit in Rishikesh. Picnics and camping over the day are the things to do in Rishikesh at this stunning spot.

Important Note: You are not advised to swim in the Ganga in this area because the water flow is quick.

How to reach Goa Beach

You can take a shared taxi from Lakshman Jhula, which can drop you up there, or otherwise, you can walk up there as it is not too far.

Best time to visit Goa Beach

September to march is the best time to visit this place.

4. Ram Jhula

Image by Saarvendra from Pixabay

Ram Jhula is iconic and a must-visit Rishikesh place to visit or stop by to witness the beauty and art of making this quite incredible bridge. It is an iron bridge suspended upon the holy river Ganga which connects Muni ki Reti with Swargashram on the other side of the bridge.

Ram Jhula is a famous Rishikesh tourist place where people stop by and take pictures, as it is the most appropriate spot for taking pictures. This bridge has more significance than Lakshman Jhula because of the fact that it is a bit longer than that and is the major crossing path that connects two sides with each other.   

How to reach Ram Jhula

You can find many sharing taxis or cabs which drop you at Ram Jhula at a feasible price.

Best time to visit Ram Jhula 

The best time to visit this bridge is in the evening when it is dark, and the lights of the bridge get on; then only the true beauty of this bridge appears.

5. Triveni Ghat

Photo by Yash Bhardwaj on Unsplash

Triveni Ghat is another major attraction or a popular place to visit in Rishikesh. It is quite famed for the Ganga aarti that is performed here every evening, which is the most beautiful thing to see in the whole of Rishikesh. It has remained crowded over the year because all the tourists come here to take a bath in the holy river as they think it will clear all their sins.

This Ghat is mythologically relevant as Lord Krishna, when hit by an arrow of a hunter, visits this Ghat. Triveni, literally translated as Tri, means three, and Veni means confluence of three rivers as three holy rivers meet at this place. Those rivers are The Yamuna, The Ganga, and The Saraswati. Because of this reason, this that becomes one of the places to visit in Rishikesh and a holy or sacred place for everyone.

How to reach Triveni Ghat 

Triveni Ghat is only 1.5 km away from Rishikesh railway station. If you want to explore the market of Rishikesh, then you can walk up to Triveni Ghat or else you can take a taxi.

Best time to visit Triveni Ghat 

The best time is in the Evening when Ganga Arti takes place at this Ghat.

6. Patna Waterfall

Patna Waterfall is an amazing waterfall situated in a village named Patna Village. To reach this Rishikesh tourist place, we need to do a trek of 1.5k, which is hard and steep. One has to go through the exotic path of Rajaji forests. Tourists can witness a variety of flora and fauna along the way.

Patna Waterfall is situated on the Neelkanth Mahadev way. This is the best place to visit in Rishikesh. It is known for the natural limestone caves in front of the waterfall. It is an ideal spot for a picnic with family or friends. You can come here and surely have a good time which will make your trip memorable.

How to reach Patna Waterfall 

It is located at a distance of 6.5 km from Lakshman Jhula. You can take the sharing taxi which will drop you at the starting point of the trek. From there you need to walk upwards to reach Patna Waterfall.

Best time to visit Patna waterfall 

It is not advised to visit in the summer as the water isn’t available at that time at this place.

7. Tera Manzil Mandir

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Tera Manzil Mandir is another spot that can be considered a Rishikesh tourist place. It is named after two other names: Trimbakeshwar Mandir and Kailash Niketan Temple. This temple is another place to visit in Rishikesh, situated near the Lakshman Jhula. It has 13 floors, each of which is devoted to several idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

Tera Manzil Mandir is one of the major landmarks in Rishikesh, with a religious value for every local of this place. You can see on the occasion of Maha Shivratri and Shravan Somvar at this temple. Another fact related to this temple is its creation which is said that Adi Shankaracharya made it in the 8th century.

How to reach Tera Manzil Mandir 

It is near Lakshman Jhula. You can easily find it anywhere.

Best time to visit Tera Manzil Mandir 

Winters is the most amazing time to witness this temple’s spiritual sense.

8. Neer Waterfall

Neer Waterfall is located at a distance of 7 km from the major stop of Lakshman Jhula on the way to Badrinath. This waterfall is the perfect getaway from the hot climate and tiredness. Come here and take a bath in the summer. It will surely clear all your tiredness and weakness from your body.

This waterfall, also known as “Neer Gaddu”, has three waterfalls falling from the rocky cliffs. You need to do a short trek of one km to reach that waterfall. From there you have to walk more for the second and third one. There are short bridges made upon the waterfall. You can have the perfect view of this Rishikesh from this place to visit and capture it in your eyes.  

How to reach Neer Waterfall 

The best way is to take a scooty on rent and then go there. It is only 7 km from Lakshman Jhula, so you must take a short trek.  

Best time to visit Neer Waterfall 

Summer is the best time to have a dip in this waterfall’s cold water.

9. Kunjapuri Devi Temple

Kunjapuri Devi Temple is a religious and holy site for all Hindus. It is one of the 52 shakti peethas in India. This temple has so much value because of the mythological relevance, i.e., the chest of burned Sati had fallen up at this place. It completes the triangle of three Siddha Peeths lying on the mountains of Tehri- Garhwal with two other temples named Surkanda Devi temple and Chandrabadni. Many devotees came from different parts of India during the Navratri and other occasions.

It is located at a high elevation, for reaching this temple, you have to walk on 80-100 steps. This temple offers a stunning view of snow-capped peaks or mountains like Gangotri, Swarga Rohini, and Bandarpunch.

How to reach Kunjapuri Devi Temple 

It is located at a distance of 25 km from Rishikesh. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun is only 39 km away, and Rishikesh is the nearest railhead.

Best time to visit Kunjapuri Devi Temple 

The best time is between October and March, but it is highly advised to visit this Rishikesh tourist place in the morning so that you don’t miss out on the scenic view of the elegant sunrise.

10. The Beatles Ashram

Photo by Nitin Kumar on Unsplash

The Beatles Ashram was earlier an ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Here the people used to come for meditation so that they could know themselves better and can have a better command of themselves. It is located on the eastern bank of the Ganga and gained so much hype after the arrival of the Beatles. Beatles was an English song play band who wrote too many songs at the time of their stay here.

Beatles Ashram is also popular as “Chaurasi Kutia”, placed on the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a great place for meditation. It is one of the places to visit in Rishikesh, which has a high number of shrines made up for the use of meditation. Travellers can spot great artwork at this place which tells us about the relation of this place with The Beatles.

How to reach Beatles Ashram 

The Beatles Ashram is nearly about one km far from Ram Jhula. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, and Rishikesh is the closest railway station to this place.

Best time to visit Beatles ashram 

You should visit the ashram between the period of 10 AM to 4 PM.

11. Shivpuri

shivpuri-ct
Image by Rahul Sharma from Pixabay

Shivpuri is a small village near Rishikesh nestled in between the forests and near the River Ganga. It is a perfect place for spending a day at this place. This is an ideal holiday destination near Rishikesh. It is the hub for indulging yourself in many activities. The village of Shivpuri is the most happening holiday destination near Rishikesh, full of fun and adventures.  

Shivpuri is the perfect place to visit in Rishikesh and is an ideal location for visiting to go camping. There are several other things to do in Rishikesh, Shivpuri, which are Kayaking or rafting. It is the point where all these things started. Other things to do in Rishikesh are Bungee Jumping, Camping near the Ganga, Bonfires and can stay under the sky full of stars near the Ganga.

How to reach Shivpuri

Shivpuri has located about 20 km from Rishikesh. It can be covered by a taxi, or you can ride up there by taking a scooty rent.

Best time to Visit Shivpuri

Winters is the ideal time for this best place to visit in Rishikesh.

12. Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Photo by Rahul Mishra on Unsplash

Parmarth Niketan Ashram was founded by Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj in 1942 and is home to everyone without discrimination. It is an ashram on the banks of the river Ganga and in the lush greenery, giving it a natural sense of beauty to showcase. It is the same place where you can see the statue of Lord Shiva meditating between the Ganga.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram has an option of staying, having more than 100 rooms and providing a calm and peaceful environment, beautiful gardens and a sacred sphere. These things make this the best place to visit in Rishikesh. It is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, which is a spiritual hub visited almost by many people every year.

How to reach Parmarth Niketan Ashram 

It is located at a distance of 7 km from Haridwar railway station. From here you can have a shared taxi to reach this place.

Best time to visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram 

The period between September to November is the most suitable time for visiting this Rishikesh tourist place.

13. Tapovan

Tapovan is located between the highway going from Rishikesh to Badrinath. It is one of Rishikesh’s main places or markets. Here you can find everything like hostels, hotels, cafés, restaurants, shops and general stores. It is one of the Rishikesh places to visit, as everyone who comes here stays in this area because of the availability of hostels and hotels.

Tapovan literally translates as a forest of Penance. A location made up of mountains, slopes and small streams everywhere with cold water flowing out from the mountains. It is the liveliest area in Rishikesh. If you want to eat some delicious food, then sit at a café at this place and enjoy your food while having a good time in that friendly café environment. 

How to reach Tapovan 

The distance is only 8 km between the Rishikesh bus stand and Tapovan. It can be covered by some local taxis.

Note: If you want a cheap stay, look for a hostel rather than a hotel because hostels are cheap and provide a vibrant environment. Tapovan is the crucial area where all the hostels exist.

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