21 places to visit in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

A famous landmark in the city of Rishikesh, "Lakshman Jhula" is widely famous for its hanging bridge and a spot for adventurous activity among tourists around the earth. A hanging bridge of Lakshman Jhula connects two villages, i.e., Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district. As per mythological belief, the younger brother of Lord Rama, "Lord Lakshman" once visited here for deep penance and crossed the River Ganga on a suspension bridge made of jute. That jute bridge abraded and on the same site, a new iron suspension bridge with the name "Lakshman Jhula (or bridge)" was built in 1939. This bridge provides a sublime panoramic view of the temples, ashrams, mountains and the Ganges.

With many famous ashrams and temples, "Ramjhula" is one of the favourite spots among tourists. Moreover, the hanging bridge of Ramjhula increases the charm of the place. This bridge was constructed after the bridge of Lakshman Jhula in the year 1986. The height of the bridge is around 450 ft. It connects the area of Swarg Ashram with the area of Shivananda Ashram. Stand silently on the bridge by holding the railing of the bridge make you amazed by the splendid view of the sanctified River Ganga and nearby chakras. Ramjhula has many temples, ashrams, yoga & meditation centres and much more where one can silently sit & meditate. Some of the famous ashrams in Ramjhula are Gita Bhawan, Yog Niketan and Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram (now popularly known as Beatles Ashram) came into emblazonment after the visit of the famous music band, "Beatles" in 1968. This popular bands throughout the world visited Rishikesh along with their family, support staff and a few reporters for the purpose of learning meditation at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram. After their visit, this place became a popular spot for tourists. Also, after this, yoga & meditation become a trend in Rishikesh and this ashram becomes a plausible hub for meditation which is regularly helping and inspiring people who are looking for a peaceful life. Not only for meditation or yoga but "The Beatles Ashram" has also become a favourite photography destination.

Established in the year of 1983, Rajaji National Park is the amalgamation of 3 famous sanctuaries of Uttarakhand, i.e., Rajaji sanctuary, Chilla sanctuary and Motichur sanctuary. This renowned sanctuary is spread over the area of 820 km square and covers three districts of Uttarakhand namely, Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. Raja Ji National Park is famous as a Tiger Reserve which encompasses the Shivalik Range, near the foothills of the Himalayas. This National Park has been named after a prominent leader of the freedom struggle, "Late Sri C Rajgopalachari". He was also the second and last Governor General of Independent India. Raja Ji National Park is segregated for its rich biodiversity and the picturesque landscape of the park will leave you awestruck.

Amidst the sylvan forest, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred abode of Lord Shiva and is situated at an altitude of 1330 m. Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot are the three valleys surrounding the temple. During the event of Samudra Manthan, Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the oceans in order to obtain Amrita (Elixir), then the poison that originated from the sea was then consumed by Lord Shiva and as a result, his throat turned blue in color and so Shiva is also known as Neelkanth. It is to be believed that this is the same place where Lord Shiva consumed poison and hence a temple with the name, "Neelkanth Mahadev Temple" built here. This beautiful temple is bound by thick forests and mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan.

"Triveni Ghat" in Rishikesh is a confluence of three holy significant Rivers the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati. Situated on the banks of the River Ganga, this ghat is a revered bathing ghat where it is believed that taking a dip in the holy water of ghat washes away all the sins and also depurates the soul and will give emancipation. The main attraction of Triveni Ghat is "Maha Aarti" performed every evening by "Ganga Sabha". The aarti at ghat is accompanied by beating drums, bells, chantings of bhajans & mantras and glowing diyas all over the place. It will be quite relaxing and demulcent to sit on the banks of the Ganga River at Triveni Ghat and feel the tranquility and everlasting beauty of the sacred place.

Neer Gaddu or Neer Garh Waterfall is a famous and stupendous waterfall situated just 9 km away from the main city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The captivating eternal beauty of the waterfall, "Neer Gaddu Waterfall" is a perfect trekking getaway that will definitely leave you awestruck. The water flowing from the natural petrous scaur entices the people to take a cool and refreshing dip in the narrow stream. There are two bathing pools in this waterfall. 200 m trek from the road will take you to a small pool & waterfall where one can take bath and further 1.2 km trek will take you to the main waterfall with large pool. The trekking to the beautiful Neergaddu waterfall through the jungle is really very adventurous and exciting.

On the eastern banks of the sanctified River Ganga and patronized between Ram Jhula & Laxman Jhula; Swarg Ashram is located. This was established in the remembrance of Swami Vishudhanand (also known as Kali Kamli Wala). This is one of the oldest and most popular ashrams in Rishikesh. From Ramjhula, Swarg Ashram can be reached in two ways; firstly, by crossing the river Ganga by boat or secondly, simply by walking through the Ramjhula Bridge built across the river. Around swarg ashram, one can find many temples, yoga ashrams, other holy shrines, cafes, libraries, stores, shopping complexes, Ayurvedic dispensaries, parks, restaurants and hotels. It is the perfect place from where you can feel the mesmerizing beauty and tranquility of nature.

Located on the banks of the sanctified River Ganga, amidst the Himalayan Mountains, "Geeta Bhawan" is a famous tourist place and also it offers shelter free of cost to visitors. It has around 1000 rooms for devotees to stay in. It is located in the Swarg Ashram area of Rishikesh. Geeta Bhawan is a part of Gita Press which is a well-known publication press of Hindu Books especially Religious ones like Ramanaya, Gita, Srimad Bhagvat and all the other Upanishads. All these books are printed in many languages such as Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Gujarati, Tamil, Bangla, Marathi, Kannada, Oriya, Telugu and many other regional languages of India. During summer, you can join and take the pleasure of various Satsang Programs that are organized here.

Away from the horde of the people, Vashishta Gufa is located on the banks of the River Ganga covered by the Himalayas in a peaceful and archaic location. About 17 km from Tapovan and 6 km from Shivpuri, this pristine place is located among the trees of Gular. A small village named "Gular Village" is also situated near the ashram. If we go through Hindu mythology, then we came to know the History of this place which depicts that, One of the seven great sages or Saptarishi, "Sage Vashishta" with his wife "Arundhati " did austerity at this place for hundreds of years in order to overcome their sorrow of the death of their children. There was also a small ashram namely "Swami Purushottamanand Ashram" built near the Vashishta cave.

One of the noted Siddhi Peeths or Shakti Peeth, "Kunjapuri Temple" is positioned at a height of about 1700 meters and around 15 km from Rishikesh. The temple witnesses a mesmerizing view of sunrise and sunset from the greater Himalayan peaks. Swarga Rohini, Banderpunch, Chaukhamba and Gangotri; these peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas can be seen from this temple. It is to be said that Devi Sati after listening to offensive remarks about her husband, Shiva by her father, Prajapati Daksh immolated her mortal body through the invocation and revocation of her yogic powers, then Shiva carried her body and proceed to Kailash. At this place, the chest of buried Sati had fallen and so a Shakti Peeth was established here.

Founded in the year of 1942 by Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj, Parmarth Niketan is one of the oldest ashrams in Rishikesh. Swami Chidananda Saraswatiji Maharaj is the President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan since 1986. This largest ashram is situated in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas along the bank of the holy Ganga river. Parmarth Niketan offers Ganga Aarti, daily yoga & meditation classes, satsang, prayers, kirtan and spiritual programs. The evening Ganga Aarti of Parmarth Ashram is famous globally and daily many devotees from all over the world join this spiritual program. The famous attraction on the premises of this beautiful ashram is a statue of Lord Shiva, a statue of Hanuman and a wonderful Parmarth's Garden.

At a distance of 13 km from Rishikesh and 6 km from Lakshman Jhula, Patna Waterfall is one of the famous waterfalls with a steep and exciting trek that is located in the small village "Patna Village" of Rishikesh. Apart from the waterfall, it is also famous for the limestone caves located next to the waterfall. One should pass through the beautiful 1.5 km trek in order to reach the waterfall. During summer, the waterfall would become almost dry and so it is not advised to visit in summer. The little shower falling from the stones looks really stunning and incredible. There is not much water in Patna Waterfall but the scenic view and wondrous beauty of the place make it a preferable place for the tourists.

Approx half a kilometer away from Triveni Ghat, "Bharat Mandir (Temple)" is a famous ancient shrine dedicated to "Lord Bharat" (Brother of Lord Rama). This is the most ancient temple in Rishikesh established by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya in 789 A.D, on the day of Basant Panchami. Every year, on this day the Shaligram from this temple is taken for a holy bath in the sacred Mayakund and then is carried through the city in a grand procession. It is believed that on the virtuous day of Akshaya Tritiya, taking 108 parikramas (rounds) of Lord Shri Hrishikesh Narayana at this temple is equivalent to the pilgrimage to Badrinath. In Vishnu Puran, Vaman Puran, Shrimadbhagwat, Mahabharat and Narsingh Puran; this temple is mentioned.

A famous Gurdwara, "Hemkund Sahib" for Sikh devotees is basically the starting point from where the actual traverse to Hemkunth begins. This beautiful Gurudwara, built by Sikh devotees served langar and tea day & night. From here, Devotees start their journey to the main Gurdwara located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. It is also said that the two handwritten copies of Guru Granth Sahib are present in the Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara in Chamoli. This shrine of Sikhs is situated in quite a big area in Rishikesh and offers a peaceful and beautiful location. Also, the gurdwara is so well-maintained that it increases the charm of the place. This beautiful Gurdwara of Sri Hemkund Sahib was constructed in 1964 in Rishikesh.

One of the famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, "Bhootnath Temple" is located in the area of Swargashram. This multiple floor temple has a small main temple on the top floor that offers a panoramic view of Rishikesh. Every floor of this 7-storey temple has a deity like Nandi, Hanumana and other variations of Shiva. On the 7th floor of the temple, there is a Shivalinga surrounded by 10 bells, each bell having a different sound. One can get the pleasure of the darshan of Bhoothnath baba (or Lord Shiva). According to Hindu Mythology, while going to marry Devi Sati, Lord Shiva and his Baraat took a rest here. Away from the crowd, this temple is a peaceful and quiet place surrounded by Rajaji National Park on 3 sides.

On the banks of the River Ganga, on a white sandy beach, the location of Byasi fascinates you with its beauty. Surrounded by the dense Sal forest, it is located on the NH-58 at Badrinath road in the state of Uttarakhand. Byasi is a small village on the banks of the holy river Ganga and is about a distance of 30 km from Rishikesh. It is a famous spot for adventurous activities especially Rafting & Camping. The consistent flow of the Ganga River and the favourable demography of the place makes it the best a best choice for river rafting. Camping at Byasi will surely give you a wonderful and divine feeling. If you are a camping or rafting enthusiast, then Byasi is a must visit place for you. There are also several hotels or restaurants in Byasi.

Jumping Heights, a point where you can explore a variety of adrenaline-pumping options like bungee jumping, flying fox, giant swings and much more. Jumping Heights was set up by ex-Captain Rahul Nigam in the year 2006. It is India's first Extreme Adventure Zone set up in Rishikesh for the purpose of bringing Adventures fanatics from all over the world to India. Keeping in mind the safety and excitement of adventure junkies, this adventure zone offers many challenging extreme adventures worldwide like Bungee Jumping (at a height of around 83 mtrs), Flying Fox (Fly at 140 Kmph), Giant Swing (at around an altitude of 83 mtrs) and so on. It is also the first highest and most astonishing Bungee Jumping platform in India.

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, "Madhuban Ashram" is a beautiful temple in Rishikesh that follows Iskcon traditions and so is also known as Iskcon temple. It is situated at the sprawling faubourg of the area of Muni-ki Reti (literally means "Sands of the Sages") in Rishikesh. This area is also considered traditionally the Gateway for the Char Dham Pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The temple of Madhuban Ashram is the major attraction of the entire complex of Madhuban. The temple is dedicated to the service of Sri Radha Govindji. The structure of the temple is so fascinating that renders the design an eternal Indian architecture with modern possibilities. Madhuban Ashram also has its own restaurant.

"Vanaprastha Ashram" is located near the sanctified river Ganga in the tranquil city of Rishikesh. This majestic ashram was founded by Baba Kali Kamli Wale. The main attraction of Vanaprastha Ashram is its spacious and scenic garden with varieties of flowers that offers a picturesque view. This ashram also provides accommodation facilities for visitors. The rooms offered at Vanaprastha Ashram are enormous and are equipped with all the modern facilities. All the rooms are proper sanitated and neat & clean for a comfy and pleasant stay. Also, one can take the delight in daily activities such as kirtans & bhajans in the ashram. Aarti is also held daily in the evening as well as in the morning time.