Top 15 Places to Visit in Rishikesh

Two of the most important places in Rishikesh that made this destination stands out with their presence and are considered as iconic landmarks in the area. Both are iron suspension bridge built on the river Ganga connecting two banks of the river. They are open for pedestrian walk and motorbikes too. As per the Hindu mythology, it was the place where the Lord Lakshaman along with his Brother Lord Rama and her wife Goddess Sita crossed the might river on jute ropes. One can feel the vibrations, movement and cool breeze as they cross the area from one side to other. Ram Jhula is located at 2 Km downstream from Lakshaman Jhula connecting two villages for smooth movement. Most of the tourist attraction in Rishikesh are nearby these two bridges with ashrams, temples and many activities.

One of the most resounding places in Rishikesh is the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. It became famous for its visit of world-renowned musicians ‘Beatles’ who recorded some of their best songs in the confines of this ashram. Calmness and tranquillity will mesmerise you satisfying inner peace.

Situated in between the Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, Swarg Ashram is the oldest ashram in India. Built-in the memory of Saint Swami Vishudhanand with residential spaces for pilgrims, priests, students, and travellers plus you may also find stores, shopping complexes, libraries, ayurvedic dispensaries, meditation centres, restaurants and complementary activities.

With free shelters to more than 1000 pilgrims every day, Geeta Bhawan a large complex built on the riverbank of the mighty Ganga. It has been part of numerous folk tales and famous saints who stayed at this Bhawan during their visit to the place.

One of the prestigious ashram in Rishikesh built under the guidelines of its illustrious founder Swami Sivananda who sent his disciples all around the world to propagate Vedic teachings. A monastic institution with its own unique rules as they don’t offer direct accommodations to tourists only through a selective process. Silent meditation 5-6 am, a charitable hospital, pujas, several times a day, evening satang with celebration for all festivals and open to public too.

Parmarth Niketan is one of the oldest ashrams in the Rishikesh along the banks of the river Ganga. Famous for its humongous hawan, Ganga aarti, traditional Indian school, Ayurvedic treatments, music therapy, healthy diets and accommodations facilities are provided in the premises.

• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: It is one of the most popular temples of Lord Shiva situated within dense forests, in middle of the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot, Vishnukoot and mountain ranges of Nar-Narayana. As per the legend, this was the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison that was churned from the ocean after which his neck turned blue hence the name ‘Neelkanth’.

• Bharat Mandir: Another temple in the Rishikesh with long historical importance. Built by the Adi Guru Shankaracharya has an idol of Lord Vishnu, carved out of Saligram, a single black stone with astute Himalayan features. Devotees throng the area during the season festival of Basant Panchami to pay their offering to the Lord.

• Kunjapuri Temple: Situated 15kms from the Rishikesh, this famous temple is part of the 52 Shaktipeetha of Goddess Sati. Mesmerising views of the sunrise and sunset, the sightings of the Great Himalayan peak from are must-do activities from this temple.

• Trayambakeshwar Temple: One of the 12 Jyotirling of Lord Shiva, built by the Adi Shankaracharya during the 12th century is a thirteen storey temple on the river banks of Ganga in the background of the Great Himalayas.

• Shatrughana Mandir: As one of the oldest temples in the vicinity of Rishikesh established by Adi Shankaracharya himself in the 11th century. Only the second temple of Lord Shartughana, the brother of Lord Ram along with the one built in Kerala. Temple has a large area for devotees to roam around and involved in Yoga as well as meditation in the heart of nature.

As the name spells out the ‘adobe of Lord Shiva‘ is place 19km away from Rishikesh centre. But now has gain prominence as a centre for adventure sports in Rishikesh. Many camps are there built along the river Ganga which forms many rafts in the area. These are used for white river rafting in Rishikesh with tourists coming from all over India and internationally to add this thrilling experience in their journey. Camp activities include trekking, boating, volleyball, evening bone-fire and many other complementary activities to make your visit a wholesome entertainment.

Located at 40 Kms from Rishikesh Kaudiyala, is another popular destination that attracts tourists for its unique experience. Beach site camping along the Ganga in the vicinity of the mountains makes for some incredible scenery. Raft zone between Kaudiyala and Shivpuri has the most thrilling river rafts giving adventure tourist a remembrance for their lifetime.

Another place attributed to extreme adventure sports with Bungee jumping, flying fox, and giant swings available to get your inner mojo to get out in these life-changing experience. It is often touted as India’s first extreme adventure zone with highest bungee jump at 83m, extreme giant swing, and Asia’s longest flying fox run by ex-army offices to keep tourist safe and sound in this zone.

One of the most crowded places is Triveni Ghat for its ritual bath and evening aarti offering devotees a spectacular sight to remember from Rishikesh. Chants of Vedic hymns, boat ride, Statues of Krishna Arjun rath, Mahadev and Parvati Ma are few of the important experience of this ghat.

Taking a bath in the hot water springs at Rishi Kund is a must during your visit of this religious land of Rishikesh. Easily accessible, amazing photographs, and visit to the nearby Raghunath temple adds to the fulfilment of this breathtaking place.

A small ancient cave 16km away from Rishikesh along the river banks of Ganga is another place of spiritual calmness and serenity. Attractions near Vashishta Gufa are camping facilities, nearby ashrams and the whole location with the path leading to cave a resounding experience.

Just 2km away from the Laxman Jhula, The Neer Garh Waterfall, this spectacular waterfall has all the charms of natural calmness, serenity and impeccable photographs to add into your travel memories. Away from the hustle and bustle from the city waterfall has the beauty of unperturbed nature.

Rishikesh is also called as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World‘ encompassing as the place where it was originally born. Numerous schools and institutes are offering recognised certification for this ancient learning of Yoga to its practitioners & followers who have successfully spread this to the world. Ananda in The Himalayas is a famous spa and yoga destination treat that attracts tourists from all over the world for its unique services with ancient methodologies. Considered one of the best spas in the world. Set in 100 acres, the property also includes the royal palace of Narendara Nagar, the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal and Viceregal palace.