Tourist Places To Visit In Rishikesh

The starting point for the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh, is a small town in the state of Uttarakhand. It is not only a popular pilgrimage centre but also an ideal tourist destination for those interested in adventure sports like trekking and white river rafting. People often visit Rishikesh for spiritual awakening, yoga and meditation. The place is known as the yoga capital of world and becomes a hub of Indian as well as foreign tourists coming in to find peace. From Triveni Ghat to Trimbakeshwar, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula and Gita Bhavan, there are so many tourist places to visit in Rishikesh.

This is the place of confluence of three holy rivers of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati. It is the most sacred bathing spot in Rishikesh. Hundreds of pilgrims flock here to take a dip in the holy water with the belief that it will wash away all their sins. Every morning and evening a Maha Aarti is performed here.

Situated on the east bank of River Ganges is a 13 storey high temple with different deities placed throughout the building. The temple is essentially dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples and goes by the name of Trimbakeshwar Temple. Many kathakaars and sadhus have read and propagated holy scriptures here. A truly mediative and holy feeling emanates from the land of Trimbakeshwar and it is palpable when you step foot in the premises.

Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge constructed across River Ganga at Muni Ki Reti for crossing between Shivananda Ashram and Sawargashram. It is named after Lord Ram and makes for a great walk across the city. What is also special when on this bridge is that the suspension bridge is not still but swings and sways very lightly with pedestrians. A must-have experience when in Rishikesh. 

This 450 feet long iron suspension bridge is one of the most prominent and popular landmarks of Rishikesh. Built in 1939 it is believed that Lakshman, brother of Lord Ram crossed River Ganges on jute ropes where this bridge now stands. The bridge offers some spectacular views of the region.

Swargashram or the Heavenly abode is a beautiful ashram built at the foothills of the Himalayas on the left bank of River Ganges between Rishikesh and Lakshman Jhula. Several temples and ashrams lie scattered across this place. Peaceful and picturesque, it is a place where Yogis and Rishis have meditated over years. 

Located on the outskirts of Rishikesh atop a hill at a height of 1675 m is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, during Samudra Manthan - one of the most famous episodes in Hindu Mythology, venom that oozed out was ingested by Lord Shiva at this very place turning his throat blue in color. This is where Lord Shiva got the name Neelkanth Mahadeo. Neelkanth means The Blue Throated One.

A popular ashram among the Hindu Bhramin community, people meet here twice a year to read the Ramayana together. One of the many spritual places in Rishikesh, Gita Bhavan makes for a quiet and peaceful sanctum to relax, meditate and just be. If you do come here on one of the occasions of communal reading of Rmayana then all the better. 

Camping in Rishikesh is very popular. Given that Rishikesh is situated in the hills of Uttarakhand, the Himalayan influence makes it an even better spot for hiking and camping. Spending time in the midst of nature, waking up to the chirping of birds and the soft gushing of River Ganga is soothing and rejuvenating to frayed nerves. You will find many camping tours arranged by tour agents as well as special camping agencies. If you are experienced in this arena, then you can pick up your own camping paraphernalia and start hiking.

Originally it was called Chaurasi Kutia. Now it is the Beatles Ashram, named so after the popular music band of Liverpool that visited here back in ’86. The band lived here for a time, meditated, and even wrote songs. That in itself has made this a pilgrimage for their fans. Tourists and fans visit the ashram for its graffitis that were painted by the musicians themselves, as well as for the meditation course offered here. History enthusiasts, musicians, artists — they all find something to their taste here. Do not miss this place.

This is the pond of sages in Rishikesh. It is one of the most coveted attractions for tourists who come here seeking myth and history. It has a hot water spring that erupted naturally, and was named so by Rishi Kubz who was promised by Yamuna river that she would forever stay in Rishikesh. Rishikund is also touted to be the pond where Lord Ram bathed. In that memory, Raghunath temple is also constructed nearby.

Among the many different type of ashrams in Rishikesh, this is one where you can deal with your stress and anxiety in a philosophical way. The Osho Gangadham Ashram was started by Osho (Rajneesh), a popular philosopher and thinker of modern India. Here you get a choice of scientifically proven therapies to boost your mental health, strengthen your body, spirit and soul. With River Ganga flowing out of the window, spacious halls filled with only those who really want to help themselves with meditation, and a quiet that fosters positivity — you are in for some healing.

Vying for some adventure in Rishikesh? Here’s all the adrenaline and thrill you need to get your heart racing! 

Flying Fox Rishikesh is a nerve-wracking zip line, taking you across a rope over the Ganges and Himalayan foothills at around 160 km/h. This is such a great adventure that they call it the best zip line in the country. All safety precautions are taken and professionals are involved in organising all equipment and the activity. So you just need to be there, be ready and let yourself off into the wind.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram is a special place where Ayurvedic healing techniques are applied on ailing beings. From yoga to meditation to the Ayurvedic ways of nutrition and massage and medicine, it all comes together here in this ashram founded by Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj. The natural remedies are promising and leave you with almost zero side effects, which may not be said about allopathy. The lush green gardens, river breeze, ganga aarti on the private bank, Kalptaru trees and Shiva temple add to the healing process.

Neer Garh Waterfall flows in a tiny cove of the jungles of Rishikesh. Actually it is a mix of 3 different waterfalls coming together and jumping down a 25 ft high cliff. The virgin greens around this spectacle add to its charm. You will need to hike for about 15 minutes to reach Near Garh, walk through dense foliage and wild raw trails. But once here, all that will be worth it. What’s more, you will encounter exotic mountain flora and fauna on the way.

Muni Ki Reti is another spot by Ganga, a bank of sorts, where Emperor Bharat did his penance. Literally translated, Muni ki Reti means the sand of the sage. Sanatan Hindu religion reveres this spot and many temples, ashrams and holy areas have cropped up around it since centuries. Mostly pilgrims choose to come here, but those who enjoy myths, legends and history will definitely enjoy strolling around.

Shivpuri is the abode of Shiva. It is a mix of adventure, serenity, spirituality and nature. About 20 km away from the city, Shivpuri is perfect if you want to go river rafting. River Ganga flows freely down the hilly terrain, and experts as well as groupies try their hands at rafting. The rafting route from here goes right upto Ram Jhula and is 16 km long. The rapids like Tea Off, Roller Coaster, Golf Course, Return to Sender, Clubhous eta can easily be experienced. People also enjoy activities like jungle treks, walks, mountaineering, beach camps and yoga here.

The 13 floors temple, as it translates, is a shrine of many deities. Usually a temple only honours and worships one god. But the Tera Manzil Temple honours many gods on each of its 13 floors. It is famously called Trayambakeshwar Mandir, and its architecture is also worth observing. The top floor gives you 360 degree views of Rishikesh, as well as of the famous Laxman Jhula.

The Vashistha Cave is the cave where Rishi Vashistha and his wife meditated and performed penance. Vashistha, in Hindu lore, is believed to the the human son of Lord Brahma, and was also a Saptarishi (one of the 7 great sages of Sanatan). This cave reveres the sage, located in the serene setting of flowing Gangaji and Gular groves. Swami Purushottamanand Ashram built recently near the cave is a good place to meet more sadhus who perform penance around. You will have to climb 200 steps to reach the mouth of the cave, where you can worship the shivling and meditate.