07 Jan,2025
Travel Rishikesh
Rishikesh, the abode (dhaam) of the saints (sadhu). Rishikesh is located in Uttarakhand, India, which is also considered the yoga capital of the world. Rishikesh is a very sacred (pavitra) place of Hindu religion which is famous among tourists and travelers. It is said that Lord ram also came here at Rishikesh to do penance (tapasya) after defeating Raavan. And the magnificent Raghunath Temple is the witness of this.
Now lets talk about some famous places in Rishikesh to visit:
1. Shiv Murti
Parmarth Niketan is the place from where you can see the magnificent Shiv Murti. In this Murti, you will find Lord Shiv sitting and meditating in which eyes of Lord Shiv are closed. This sculpture is situated in the middle of River Ganga. And without any doubt, this scenario is beautiful. The scenario of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, where this sculpture is situated, itself gives a peaceful and beautiful scenario. This sculpture is almost 14ft high. And it is very famous amongst the tourists.
2. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a very magnificent temple which is situated at Manikoot Mountain (parvat) near Rishikesh. According to ancient books, Rishikesh is that place where Lord Shiv drunk poison (vish) during ocean churning (Samudra manthan) and after drinking that poison his throat turned blue. Hence this place is called Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. There are 2 special things about Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Firstly, this temple is surrounded by 3 mountains namely Manikoot, Bharahmakoot and Vishnukoot. And secondly, this temple is built very colorfully, sculptures of ocean churning scenario are made upon the entrance. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is at least 32 km away from Rishikesh. And it will take you approximately 1 hour to reach there. If you are going to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple then you go there at 6AM in the morning so that you can witness the magnificent aarti.
3. Neelgarh Waterfalls.
Neelgarh Waterfalls is a 25ft high waterfall which is made from combining 3 waterfalls. And it is a must to witness the beauty of Neelgarh Waterfalls. When you will go to Neelgarh Waterfalls then you will know that the beauty of that place is unparalleled. You might have to do trekking on foot for 15 minutes to reach Neelgarh Waterfalls in which you will cross 2 bridges from where water keeps flowing non-stop. This entire journey will be incomparable to any other journey. You will have to travel a distance of 8.5kms from Rishikesh bus stop to reach Neelgarh Waterfalls. You can cover this distance via private taxi or local cab out there. The best time to visit Neelgarh Waterfalls is after the monsoon between October and September. Because only then you will be able to see the beautiful waterfalls. Entry to Neelgarh Waterfalls is free, you can go there without giving any entry fees. You can also carry food and water with you while going there so that this trekking of yours turns into a picnic. We would suggest you that you should keep an extra pair of clothes to reach there. Because who knows soon after reaching there you might want to enjoy the beauty of nature.
4. Beatles Ashram
Beatles Ashram is also famous by the name of Chaurasi Kuttiya. It is a very famous tourist spot in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Beatles Ashram is situated on the eastern banks of River Ganga which is opposite to Muni ki Reti area. This Ashram was a training center for the students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This Ashram got international recognition when in 1968 an English rock band, The Beatles came here for meditation. It is believed that the period of time they spent here was their most productive period of time And here they wrote their most famous songs. Beatles Ashram was handed over to the Forestry Department in 1990 after which this place became famous by the name of Beatles Ashram. And in December 2015, it was opened for people and after that, this place has become a very famous tourist spot for the fan base of The Beatles. The timings to visit Beatles Ashram is from 10am to 4pm and there are no entry fees to come here. It is free of cost.
5. Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple, Rishikesh which is also popular by the name of 13 floored temple. Trimbakeshwar means three-eyed Lord who according to Hindu Mythology is Lord Shiva. The view of the River Ganga from Trimbakeshwar Temple is unprecedented (abhootpurva). And you can also see Laxman Jhula from this temple. The staircase of the Trimbakeshwar temple goes 13 floor upwards towards Lord Trimbakeshwar. And the locals believe that this temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya between the 8th and 9th centuries. There aren’t any lifts or elevators at Trimbakeshwar Temple, you can’t bring wheelchairs or prams. So accordingly, you can plan on coming here.
6. Bharat Mandir
Bharat Temple (Mandir) is situated at the center of Rishikesh and it won’t take you long to reach here. This temple is 2kms away from the railway station and 1kms away from the bus stop. After rigorous penance of Rabhyarishi and Somrishi, Lord Vishnu got impressed and appeared before them. And along with that Lord Vishnu said that in Kalyug this temple will be established here by the name of Bharat Mandir. Bharat Mandir has 250 years old Vatt Vriksh, Peepal (Banyan tree), and Bail Patra (vine leaf) tree which according to Hindu Mythology is a witness of the presence of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. That’s why this place is very amongst the devotees and tourists. It can take you approximately 1 hour to visit Bharat Mandir. You will also find a museum in this temple which is a must to visit. The timings to visit Bharat Mandir is from 5am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm in the evening. There are no fees to visit Bharat Mandir. And it is believed to be very auspicious coming here on Vasant Panchami and Mahashivratri.
7. Aarti of Triveni Ghat
Ganga Aarti is a very old ritual of Rishikesh which is being carried on for a long time. This Aarti takes place at Triveni Ghat. And because Triveni Ghat is a very famous ghat that’s why it’s always overcrowded during Aarti. This ghat was built by Peshwa Balaji Baajirao in 1748. And Peshwa Balaji Baajirao was the first person to do Ganga Aarti here. It is believed that if you are there during the Aarti then all your sins are forgiven. Aarti timings of Triveni Ghat is from 6pm-7pm and there are no fees to attend this aarti. There are many other good places to visit near Triveni Ghat like Bharat Mandir, Geeta Temple, and Laxmi Narayan Temple. So, you can visit that place as well after Aarti.
8. Rishi Kund
Rishi Kund is situated in Rishikesh near Triveni Ghat, at Raghunath Mandir. It is believed that this Kund was built by Kubj Rishi (saint). Before the penance of Kubj Rishi, this place used to be a Havan Kund. That’s why the shape of this Kund is like a havan Kund. And after getting impressed by Kubj Rishi (saint) Goddess Yamuna came to this Kund. And to date, no one could find out how the water of Goddess Yamuna came here. According to Hindu Beliefs, when Lord Ram defeated Raavan then Lord Ram did penance here to wash out the crime of killing a Brahman. That’s why whenever you will go to Rishi Kund, you will see the sculptures of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita there. It is believed that Rishi Kund is approximately 400-500 years old. That’s why this place is very famous amongst the tourists. Rishi Kund remains open 24 hours but the best time to visit here is dawn. There are no entry fees to go to Rishi Kund, just cover your head whenever you go there.
9. Chotiwala Restaurant
Yes, if you coming to Rishikesh and you didn’t eat food at Chotiwala then you have definitely missed something. Chotiwala Restaurant is near Ram Jhula. And this restaurant was built in 1958. Since then, the successors of that family are running this restaurant. And that’s why the taste of this place is the same for the past 50 years. There is no branch of Chotiwala. You can eat the food of Chotiwala only in Rishikesh and Haridwar. When Chotiwala Restaurant opened in Rishikesh then the owners of this place thought of doing the branding of this place in a different way. For that purpose, they made a man with a pony (choti) sit outside of their restaurant who has big wide eyes and a very long pony. This mascot lured (lubhaya) visitors a lot. And since then, this restaurant is famous by the name of Chotiwala Restaurant. The timings of this restaurant are from 7:30am to 11pm. And there is no facility for parking here. That’s why if you come here then either come walking or by e-rickshaw. And because this restaurant is very famous so you might have to go through waiting.
10. Laxman Jhula
Laxman Jhula is the most famous tourist spot of Rishikesh. This was made by Britishers for their comfort. Laxman Jhula is nearly 90 years old. In 1923, when the British government felt the need of this Jhula then the foundation of this Jhula was placed. And due to the rapid flow of the River Ganga, its foundation was wiped out 2 times and in 1930, this bridge was finally built. Laxman Jhula is approximately 450m long and it is believed that the younger brother of Lord Ram, Lord Laxman made this bridge out of jute and did penance here. That’s why this bridge is known as Laxman Jhula. You can opt for a local bus, taxi, or e-rickshaw to reach Laxman Jhula which will take you to Laxman Jhula from the Rishikesh bus stop for 20-30 rupees. Along with Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula is also very famous here which is 750 feet long and it was also built-in 1993. Laxman Jhula remains open 24/7. And there are no fees to come here. But the best time to come here is either 5 in the morning or 10 at night.
Best Activities to do in Rishikesh
- White Water Rafting
- Bungee Jumping
- Zip-Lining
- Kayaking
- Paragliding
- Camping
- Trekking and Hiking
- Yoga In Rishikesh
- Cliff Jumping
- Rock Climbing
- Rappelling
- Body Surfing
- Giant Swing in Rishikesh
- Mountain Biking
- Flying Fox