Rishikesh is one of the most popular tourist spots in Uttarakhand. Being a religious tourist place, it is an important pilgrimage spot for Hindus. It is very famous for its various shrines and yoga ashram. The place is also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the Country’. Tourist often comes here to meditate themselves and to learn yoga techniques.
There are many adventure option in Rishikesh that makes it a suitable destination for all kind of adventure seeker. Camping and River Rafting are the two most adventurous things to do in Rishikesh. So here we spend some time on research to find out the best places to visit in Rishikesh to enjoy a memorable vacation. Here we prepare a list of all major tourist attraction in Rishikesh that you have to explore. Check below mention tourist sites in Rishikesh with detailed information to make your holiday vacation perfect.
Best Time To Visit – You can visit this tourist spot all throughout the year except monsoon season.
Lakshman and Ram Jhula
Located at a distance of 4 km from Rishikesh Railway Station, Ram, and Lakshman Jhula are the two most beautiful places to visit in Rishikesh. Built in the year 1929, it is a 450 feet long iron suspended bridges that connect two villages – Tapovan and Jonk. The tourist spot is an important pilgrimage for Hindus as it is believed that Lakshman used the jute bridge at the same site to cross the Ganga River.
Further, you can find many ancient temples in this region like Trayambakeshwar temple, Ram temple, and Laxman temple situated in the vicinity. So both the location is the most sought tourist destination in Rishikesh that you have to visit at least once. The enchanting sound of mantras and shlokas coming from the temple truly rejuvenate your mind and soul.
Things To Do At Ram & Lakshman Jhula – Visit nearby temple, shopping and Be a part of Ganga Aarti
Shivpuri
Shivpuri is a scenic town located at the bank of river Ganga on the foothills of the Himalayas. The picturesque location is just 19 km away from the main city of Rishikesh. For the adventure enthusiast, it is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh that can’t be missed at any instant. It is an ideal place for camping and river rafting, which are the two most adventurous things to do in Rishikesh. The tourist spot gets its name after a famous Lord Shiva Temple that is another major tourist attraction in this region. Further, the surrounding natural beauty of this place attracts lots of tourists and makes it a great tourist hub.
Things To Do At Shivpuri – Camping, River Rafting, Trekking and Rappelling
Triveni Ghat
Located on the confluence of three most sacred rivers- Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, Triveni Ghat is a spiritual site to visit in Rishikesh. Triveni Ghat considered as the most pious among all the other ghats within the vicinity. A special Ganga Aarti also held at this Ghat every evening that takes place you to a different world.
It is also believed that the water of this Ghat has the magical power and taking a dip in the holy water will cleanse your all sins. So devotes from all across the world come here to take a dip in this holy water with devotion and faith. According to Hindu Mythology, Triveni Ghat plays an important role in the epics Ramayan and Mahabharat. Spend some relaxing time on the bank of holy river Ganga to get some peace and spirituality.
Things To Do At Triveni Ghat – Attend Ganga Aarti, Take a dip in the holy water and Visit nearby sightseeing
Kaudiyala
Kaudiyala is an ideal destination for whitewater rafting in Rishikesh. Located at an altitude of 380 m above sea level, the destination is just 36 km away from the main town of Rishikesh. The tourist spot has a 16 km long stretch, hence the location offers the best experience of river rafting and camping.
Further, the whole location surrounded by dense forest, where you can spot many wild species of flora and fauna. One can also go for rock climbing in this region, which is another best things to do in Rishikesh. So if you are looking for a perfect destination to perform some adventure activity, then it will be one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh that offer much more than your imagination.
Things To Do At Kaudiyala – White Water Rafting, Camping, Rock Climbing and Hiking
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Located at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the holiest places to visit in Rishikesh. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the famous spot frequently visited by lots of tourists. It is just 12 km away from the main town of Rishikesh and about 7 km from Swarg Ashram. Further, you have to complete a 3-hour long walk to reach this temple and the route passes through a dense forest that gives you a chance to explore nearby sightseeing.
According to the Legend at the same place, Lord Shiva drank the poison that evolved from the sea during the ‘Samudra Manthan’. At inside tomb depicting the saga of Samudra Manthan, which is another major key attraction here. Further, you can also found a natural freshwater spring at this temple that attracts lots of devotees.
Things To Do At Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Jumpin Heights, Be a part of the annual feast, Sightseeing and Take Photographs of surrounding Hill
Neer Garh Waterfalls
After visiting all spiritual site in Rishikesh, Neer Garh Waterfalls is one of the famous places to visit in Rishikesh. If you want to spend some quality time with your friends, family member, and loved ones on the lap of nature, then it will be a great choice for you. Situated at a distance of 4 km Laxman Jhula and about 6 km from Tapovan, the waterfalls can be easily accessible from Rishikesh Market by taking a 2 km uphill trek.
The beautiful waterfall cascade from a rocky terrain that gives you a mesmerizing view. Further, the surrounding natural beauty makes it a perfect destination for the peace and tranquility seekers. The serene beauty of this place gives you the best experience in photography. So overall it is one of the best-hidden treasure in Rishikesh that you have to visit at least once.
Things To Do At Neer Garh Waterfall – Trekking, Photography, Bathing and Sightseeing
Parmarth Niketan Ashram
There is much famous yoga ashram in Rishikesh and Parmarth Niketan Ashram is one of them. It was founded in 1942 by Swami Shukdevanand Ji Maharaj, which is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh and one of the biggest learning centres for Yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation. Located on the bank of river Ganga, the place is fully surrounded by lush greenery and well-known for its serene, salubrious, calm and tranquil ambience.
There are around 1000 rooms at this ashram that offers a comfortable stay to its devotees, who are coming from all across the world. Tourist often comes here to learn yoga techniques, meditation and to get inner peace. You will get a unique peace by staying here that awake your all senses.
Things To Do At Parmarth Niketan Ashram – Yoga, Meditation, Get Ayurvedic Treatment and Be a part of Ganga Aarti
So these are some major tourist attraction and places to visit in Rishikesh to explore this beautiful location in the desired way. Here we mention all the famous sightseeing in Rishikesh. There are many famous temples, Ghats and Ashram in this region that attracts thousands of tourists every year. Again for the adventure seeker, Camping and River Rafting are the two most adventurous things to do in Rishikesh.
