A Traveler's Guide: Best Places To Visit In Rishikesh 2024!
Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Triveni Ghat, Beatles Ashram, Gita Bhavan, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Shivpuri, Neer Garh Waterfall, Swarga Ashram, and several others.
Almost everyone is perplexed as to which of the best places to visit in Rishikesh to visit, as this vibrant city is famed for offering visitors just what they need. Known as the country’s oldest city, it is graced with the Garhwal Himalayas and the holy Ganges.
This small city, also known as the ‘Yoganagari’ or the ‘Yoga Capital of the Country’ and the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’, is famous for its abundance of beauty, spirituality, adventure opportunities, and stunning locations. The city provides a diverse and engaging list for its guests. This quiet city, home to sacred temples, devout ghats, tranquil ashrams, and evergreen woods, has something for everyone.
While most visitors to this yoga hub are religious pilgrims seeking the blessings of the Gods, the remainder are adventure, leisure, and cultural enthusiasts. Here’s a list of some of the places that will make your holiday more enjoyable.
Here are the top 20 Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
1. Lakshman Jhula
The Lakshman Jhula is a famous hanging bridge across the Ganga that connects two villages: Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal and Jonk in Pauri Garhwal. Located in the town of Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the entire bridge is built of iron, measures 450 feet long, and stands 70 feet above the river. Unfortunately, it has been permanently closed due to the threat to safety and security. A new glass bridge is planned near Lakshman Jhula. However, it is still utilized by people, but bikes are prohibited.
The Lakshman Jhula is the best tourists destination because it is claimed that Lord Lakshman, Lord Rama’s younger brother, crossed the Ganga at this location.
2. Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat, located on the banks of the holy river Ganges, is Rishikesh’s largest ghat. Every evening, ‘Maha Aarti’ takes place at Triveni Ghat.
Triveni Ghat is an important part of Hindu mythology and is featured in the epics Ramayan and Mahabharata. The Triveni Ghat also houses Lord Krishna’s chattri. The ghat is thought to be the cremation site for the great Lord Krishna. Along with the holy dips, devotees offer milk to the river and feed the fish at the Ghat.
3. Ganga Aarti, Rishikesh
Ganga Aarti is the most favourable and holy rite conducted on Rishikesh’s ghats in the evening at twilight. The aarti is done at numerous ghats, the most popular of which are Parmath Niketan Ghat and Triveni Ghat. The riverbed is lit up with tiny floating diyas, and the smoke from the jawans fills the sky. The chiming of the temple bells, the chanting of mantras, and the overall atmosphere of the location provide a memorable moment.
4. Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the most famous Hindu monuments dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the Pauri Garhwal region, approximately 7 kilometres from Swarg Ashram. It is one of the most prominent Shiva temples, with customers coming from all over the world.
5. The Beatles Ashram
The Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kuti, is perched on a cliff in Rishikesh’s Swarashram neighbourhood, one kilometre from Ram Jhula. This is the ashram where the Beatles spent 1968, writing hundreds of songs and meditating. The ashram complex includes a former temple, library, kitchen, Maharishi Yogi’s home, and meditation cottages. Most of the buildings are in disrepair, however there is colourful graffiti on the walls. There’s also a small gallery and café.
The Beatles Ashram was Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s training centre. It remained abandoned until 2015 when it reopened to tourists. Rajaji Tiger Reserve, which is located beyond its border wall, runs the ashram. To get to the Beatles Ashram, leave your car in the new parking lot at Janki Setu on the Ganges’ western bank and walk 1 km.
6. Tera Manzil Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple, also known as Tera Manzil Temple, is a thirteen-story temple on the banks of the Ganges River near Rishikesh. Located just across from the Lakshman Jhula, the temple has multiple deities under one roof. The temple is well-known for its stunning architecture, and the top of its 13th level provides a panoramic view of the region around it.
7. Kaudiyala
Kaudiyala, which stands at 380 meters high, is a famous rock climbing site surrounded by deep forests. It also has white river rafting routes, which are organized by the nearby camping places.
8. Kuari Pass
Backpackers from all over the world have been drawn to Kuari Pass’s alpine meadow for decades. Kuari Pass, which is near the Nanda Devi ecosystem, is the hub of one of Garhwal’s most spectacular areas, renowned for its singular untamed beauty.
The entrance to the daunting Rishi Gorge, which was thought to be impenetrable until 1934, is located in the background below the valley. At 12,200 feet, Kuari Pass is located at a relatively reasonable altitude. The main draw of the hike is the stunning camping areas at Gulling, Chitrakantha, and Tali. The paths that go from Tali Top to Kuari Pass resemble an extensive Himalayan mountain excursion through truckloads of snow.
9. Neer Garh Waterfall
Neer Garh Waterfall is a stunning tiny stream of chilly water that cascades over a rocky landscape amid a lush green forest. To reach the waterfall, you must hike through the forest and down a cliff for about a kilometre. The route is exhilarating and the ideal activity to undertake before joining the waters for a nice, peaceful soak in one of the pools.
10. Geeta Bhawan
The Geeta Bhawan, also known as the Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, is a massive and magnificent compound built on the banks of the Ganga River in Swargashram, Rishikesh, amid the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. The Ashram is known as an important institution for preserving Hindu literature since it houses the Gita, which represents the Hindu Vedas and epics. Every year, a great number of people visit the Geeta Bhawan to take a dip in the Ganges’ sacred waters, listen to speeches, and relax.
11. Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh
Adiguru Shankaracharya founded the shrine in the 12th century, which holds Lord Vishnu carved from a single piece of Saligram. Shree Yantra can be found in the temple’s inner canopy.
The temple’s construction and interiors are recorded in Kearkhand’s ancient records. Tamur destroyed the ancient temple, therefore the current edifice was built on its ruins. Excavators have discovered many old statues, ancient jars, and coins at this site.
12. Muni ki Reti
Muni ki Reti is a religiously important journey centre near Rishikesh that serves as the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage. As a result, it has a number of ashrams that provide basic services to pilgrims as they go on their spiritual journey. Muni ki Reti, which means land of the sages’, is thought to be the location where King Bharat conducted penance.
13. Jadh Ganga Trek
The area and the trail have managed to preserve their natural beauty throughout the years, along with the peace and purity of the setting. This already gorgeous location is made even more lovely by the cascading streams, immaculate glaciers, and breathtaking environment.
Heinrich Harrer and his friends used the Jadh Ganga Trek route in May 1944 to escape from the prison in Dehradun. It is regarded as one of the most taxing and challenging treks in north Uttarakhand. They went through the Aglar Valley, crossed the Nag Tibba Ridge, and finally arrived at Nelang in the Jadh Ganga. They then continued in the direction of Naga, Sonam, Dosindhu, Tripani, and ultimately Pulamsunda. Then, after leaving Dehradun, they climbed upward along the Mendi, the first tributary of Jadh, to reach Tsangchok La.
14. Swarg Ashram
Swarg Ashram is a spiritual retreat constructed in honour of Swami Vishudhanand, also lovingly referred to as Kali Kamli Wala because of his constant black blanket wear. The ashram, a well-known yoga and meditation centre set in the lush, verdant Ganges, is surrounded by nature and offers a plethora of spiritual and religious activities, including meditation, sacred chanting, arti ceremonies, and yoga.
15. Rishikund
The village reveres Rishi Kund, a naturally occurring hot spring pond, as a sacred body of water. It is thought that the pond got its water only after River Yamuna blessed a sage. The Ganges and Yamuna rivers converge here, and the locals also think that Lord Rama took a bath in the kund during his banishment. Whatever the story behind the pond, it is impossible to overlook the tranquil atmosphere it exudes while visiting.
16. Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge that connects Shivananda Nagar and Swargashram, is an iconic landmark. It was erected in 1986. The 750-foot bridge is a magnificent marvel of engineering that joins the religious ashrams on both banks of the river and provides a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the mighty Ganges and the tranquil nature at the Himalayan foothills.
17. Piran Kaliyar Sharif
Piran Kaliyar Sharif, a famous dargah in Kaliyari village near Haridwar, is the final resting place of Sufi saint Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir. It is a centre of enormous spiritual energy and religious unity, with both Hindus and Muslims making frequent visits to the dargah. It is one of India’s most important Muslim shrines, and it is also revered by the region’s Hindu population.
Kaliyari hamlet, located around 20 kilometres from Haridwar, is a quiet location in the Himalayan mountains that houses Alauddin Ahmed Sabir’s dargah. The location attracts millions of followers, both Hindus and Muslims, who are drawn to its spiritual aura and the belief that it may fulfil one’s dreams. Aside from the dargah, there is a little hamlet where you can visit and learn about the local culture and way of life.
18. Byasi
Byasi, located 30 kilometers from Rishikesh, is a small village on the Ganges River in Uttarakhand. The small little community is popular for water sports and adventure tourism because of the region’s demographic, dirty white sands to relax and camp on, and the river’s favourable flow, which allows for easy rafting and camping activities.
19. Omkarananda Ashram
It is home to the Patanjala Yoga Kendra yoga centre, which opened in 1993. It is located in Rishikesh’s Muni-ki-Reti neighbourhood and boasts a spectacular view of the Ganga River. Iyengar Yoga is taught here under the guidance of world-renowned Shri Guruji, B.K.S. Iyengar. Guruji’s approach is based on the Indian tradition of Yoga, which emphasizes strength and stamina, flexibility and balance, concentration, and meditation. The ashram hosts lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, as well as a daily aarti.
20. Sivananda Ashram
The Shivanand Ashram, located in the holy city of Rishikesh, serves as Saint Swami Shivanand’s residence. It is preserved and operated by the Divine Life Society. This is an outstanding religious yoga and meditation centre. The ashram, located near the Ganges, India’s holy river, and Ganga Vatika, is a beautiful and relaxing place to stay. The satsangs, feast, and yoga sessions are organized, and the ashram is beautifully maintained.
Sivananda Ashram currently provides yoga and meditation classes every day, except Sunday. Aside from that, books, pamphlets, and periodicals are published worldwide to compete with the scientific parts of yoga and Vedanta, universal religion, philosophy, and ancient medicine. Various cultural and spiritual conferences, talks, and training are held regularly.
Conclusion
Rishikesh, noticed as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ is more than just a spiritual hotspot; it also provides a variety of wonderful experiences amidst the serene banks of the Ganges and the spectacular Himalayas. Here’s a list of the top locations to visit in this gorgeous city, whether you’re looking for adventure, spirituality, or relaxation.
You can also check our Rishikesh Tour Packages.
People also ask about Best Places To Visit In Rishikesh
1. What is the most famous thing in Rishikesh?
Visit Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Rafting, Camping, Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox, and Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. See Neer Garh Waterfall, Beatles Ashram, Gita Bhavan, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and many other attractions.
2. What makes Rishikesh special?
Rishikesh, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ is a tranquil Himalayan town set on the Ganges River’s banks. It is well-known for its ancient temples, hippy cafes, and adrenaline-fueled adventure activities.
3. Which is better: Ram Jhula or Laxman Jhula?
Ram Jhula also serves as a connecting bridge between the Sivananda Ashram in Muni Ki Reti and the Gita Bhawan, Parmarth Niketan, and other Swargashram temples. Though identical in style, this bridge is larger than Lakshman Jhula, which is located 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) up the river.
4. What month is great for visiting Rishikesh?
Rishikesh, known for its snow-capped mountains, lush landscapes, and bright skies, is an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation. The greatest time to visit Rishikesh is between October and February when temperatures range from 12 to 30 degrees Celsius.
5. What is Rishikesh's top tourist attraction?
Rishikesh is rightfully known as the ‘yoga capital of the world’. The destination is crowded with travellers who want to learn yoga and meditation.
6. What makes Rishikesh so beautiful?
Visitors travel from far and wide to see Rishikesh’s natural splendour. Rising from behind the hills of the morning sun, the murmur of running water, mountain peaks cloaked in fog—this is the experience that may be felt in Rishikesh. The wonderful splendour of the Ganga River, as it passes through Rishikesh, is only now seen.
7. Which is the warmest month in Rishikesh?
June is the hottest month in Rishikesh, with temperatures reaching up to 40° Celsius. In Rishikesh, the monsoon season brings moderate to heavy rainfall!