Rishikesh is located in the Himalayan foothills and is the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’. It is located on the banks of the holiest river Ganga. It is the abode of saints and is called the ‘Yoga capital of the world‘. The city is filled with big temples, yoga and meditation training centres, ritual ceremonies at every step, and beautiful sculptures. Rishikesh is famous among tourists for land, aerial and water adventures.

Best Time to Visit Rishikesh

The best time to tour around Rishikesh is from February to mid-May. It is safe to go for any adventure in this period be it rafting, climbing, trekking, etc. Rafting and a few other adventure activities are banned during the rainy season because the land and slopes get slippery and the river Ganga is flooded with water. The winter season gives you chill vibes with the cold wind blowing making it a perfect place for winter vacations.

How to Reach Rishikesh

• By train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway station and the distance between Haridwar and Rishikesh is 20 km. You can then take a taxi or bus service.
• By flight: The nearest airport is Dehradun-Jolly Grant Airport which is 35 km away from Rishikesh. For international tourists, the nearest airport to Rishikesh is New Delhi.
• By Bus: Rishikesh is a very popular place among tourists. Rishikesh is connected by the bus route from every major city like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

Accommodation and Food

• Accommodation: Being a major domestic and international tourist place, there is no dearth of staying options. You can book hotels and resorts easily online or on reaching the place. There are many staying options like riverside, hilltop, forest stays, commercial areas, etc. The best thing would be to book hotels at different places to make it a more fascinating trip if you are planning to stay for 4-5 days. The hotel room prices start from INR 800.
• Food: There are plenty of places and restaurants offering delicious food to calm your tastebuds. The famous Chotiwala Restaurant, near Ram Jhula, served people for 50 years with the same taste on the plate. To make it an attractive food spot, a person with a high-raised pony sits in front of the restaurant. A cafe in Rishikesh at a beautiful location adds fun to your trip and you will remember the taste forever. Name a few famous cafes-Gaia Smoothies, Secret Garden cafe, Little Buddha Cafe, Ganga View Cafe, The 60’s Cafe, etc.

Adventure activities to do in Rishikesh

1. Rafting: The marked places in Rishikesh to begin with depending upon the length of rafting are Brahmapuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Kaudiyala. You will experience major and minor rapids during rafting. There is a spot for Cliff Jumping on the rafting route and you can enjoy hot masala-Maggi there and click pictures too.
2. Yoga and Meditation: Rishikesh is also known as the ‘Yoga capital of the World’ as it hosts thousands of workshops in ashrams for meditation and yoga. Rishikesh provides a surreal place for solitude seekers to attain higher self-awareness. Since ancient times, saints and hermits have come here to meditate in search of higher knowledge and salvation.
3. Bungee Jumping: The famous location for Bungee jumping is Mohanchatti which is 25 km away from Rishikesh. It is 83 meters high making it the highest platform for bungee jumping in India. If you want to experience an adrenaline rush in your body then go for it and enjoy the jump.
4. Trekking: Trekking in Rishikesh is an experience to cherish for a lifetime. The famous trekking trails of Rishikesh are Chandrashila, Roopkund, Tapovan, Gomukh, Yamunotri, and Sahasra Lake. Straighten your back and get ready for the treks taking you to beautiful destinations. You will definitely feel a sense of happiness and accomplishment on completing the trek.
5. Zipline Tour: It is the only adventure operated over the river Ganga at the height of 200 m above the water rapids. Shivpuri, 16 km away from Rishikesh, is the main spot to start a ziplining tour. Children below 12 are not allowed. Another location for ziplining is Camp Panther which is 20 minutes away from Rishikesh.
6. Giant Swing: At Mohanchatti, the Giant Swing with a seat fixed to the rope awaits to give chills and butterflies in the stomach. The length is 83 meters, making it the highest mounted pendulum swing in India. Gather the guts to enjoy the beautiful landscape swinging in the open air.
7. Paragliding: Paraglide in the sky to enjoy the serene view of the Himalayas, river Ganga, and the landscape from a height of 1500 ft. above the ground. Spread your wings to fly high to feel the thrill and a chance to touch the sky.
8. Camping: Select a camping spot before marking your trip. Look for booking camps on the banks of the river Ganga to sleep beside flowing water and gazing at stars.

Best 12 Places to Visit Near in Rishikesh

 

Ram Jhula Suspension Bridge in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

It is a 750 m long iron suspension bridge standing across the river Ganga. The bridge is the iconic landmark of Rishikesh and the spiritual attraction of the city. According to mythology, it is said that Lord Rama along with his brother, Laxman came to Rishikesh to do penance after killing Ravana. The ancient Raghunath Temple near it is considered as the proof of it. The bridge connects Tehri Garhwal to Pauri Garhwal. It was built in 1986.

Map of Ram Jhula

Laxman Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Laxman Jhula is a 450 m long iron suspension bridge across the river Ganga connecting Tehri Garhwal to Pauri Garhwal. It is the first jeepable suspension bridge of Uttar Pradesh. It was built in 1929. It is said that Lord Laxman, brother of Lord Rama, built a jute bridge here to cross the river Ganga and do meditation. The famous 13-storeyed Trimbakeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is visible from here.

Map of Lakshman Jhula

Mata Janki Jhula (माता जानकी झूला)

It is a newly constructed suspension bridge across the river Ganga and was inaugurated in late 2020. It is wider than the other two bridges. It is made to reduce the load on both the other bridges and to improve the connectivity of both sides of the river.  It is named after the name of Lord Rama’s wife, Sita. The bridge connects Muni ki Reti to Swargashram. It has separate lanes for pedestrians and motorbikes. Heavy load vehicles are not allowed. This bridge is best for sightseeing and has an amazing view of the sunrise and sunset.

Map of Mata Janki Jhula

Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

According to mythological belief, it is the place where Lord Shiva drank poison during the churning of the ocean of milk. It is situated at Manikoot mountain. The temple is surrounded by three mountains-Manikoot, Vishnukoot, and Brahmakoot. It is 32 km from Rishikesh.

Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Tera Manzil Mandir is a 13-storeyed temple on the banks of river Ganga. It is dedicated to the three-eyed Lord Shiva. Visit this magnificent temple crossing g Laxman Jhula. Built by Adi Shankaracharya during the 8th or 9th century.

Triveni Ghat Tourist attraction in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

It is 4 km away from Rishikesh. There is always a huge gathering of devotees to bathe in the holy water of Ganga to do away with their sins. It is an old ritual of worshipping ceremony with lighted lamps and rhythmic chants performed by hundreds of priests together. The glittering and ever-flowing water of Ganga, cool breeze, lighted lamps, and everyone present here praying for health, peace, and prosperity make it an unforgettable memory.

Dehradun

It is 44 km away from Rishikesh. Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and is the most populated city in the state. It is the Gateway to Nainital and Mussoorie. The major attractions of the city are Ghanta Ghar, Khalanga War Memorial, Mindrolling Monastery- a Tibetan Buddhist center and Gurudwara Nanaksar. Dehradun is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata as the Home of Guru Dronacharya who was a famous teacher.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

The statue of Lord Shiva in front of the Ashram is a major attraction for pilgrims and tourists. The morning and evening ritual of worshipping Lord Shiva and the river Ganga, camps for yoga and meditation organized daily, and ayurvedic treatment are done here.

Neelgarh Waterfalls

It is a 15 minutes trek from Rishikesh. The suitable time to see the raw beauty of the waterfall is September and October. It is a 25 ft. high waterfall. It comprises 3 sub waterfalls. Maggi and tea stalls are available to calm the hunger pangs and relax. There is a pond in front of the waterfall to beat the heat.

The Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

It is 12 km away from Rishikesh. It is a training and workshop center for meditation and spiritual awakening. The Beatles, an English rock band, came to Rishikesh in 1968 and stayed at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram for transcendental meditation and wrote songs in their album called “White Album”.

Rajaji National Park

It encloses the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas. It is known for Indian Elephants and is also a tiger reserve. Hire a jeep safari to enjoy birds and animals in their natural habitat. Rajaji National Park is named in the honor of the first governor-general of India Late Shri C. Rajagopalachari Ji. It is 16 km away from Rishikesh.

Haridwar

It is 20 km away from Rishikesh. It is a holy Hindu pilgrimage site where the river Ganga is worshipped at night with lamps lighted on the stepped banks of river Ganga at Har Ki Pauri and rhythmic chants are performed. It is also known as the ‘Gateway of Gods’ and ‘Gateway to Char Dham’ pilgrimage.

Rishikesh is a destination where adventure and spirituality meet. It needs no explanation for its positive effect on the personality of people visiting here. It gives you thrills doing adventures and brings you peace doing yoga and meditation. Follow www.apnayatra.com to plan your trip to Rishikesh.

FAQs Best Tourist Places to Visit in Rishikesh