Rishikesh is a tehsil located in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal region right on the banks of the holiest of Indian rivers, the Ganges. This ancient city has several mythological and religious legends associated with Lord Vishnu, Lord Bharat, and various prominent sages and is said to have been established in the 9th-century AD by Adi Shankaracharya.
The scenic beauty of Rishikesh is due to its location at the foothills of the lofty Garhwal Himalayas is accentuated by the mighty Ganges cutting right through the city. The picturesque city looks suspended between the stunning riverside promenades, acres of forests, lush mountains, and clear blue skies lending it a surreal appearance.
The city is synonymous with its grand temples, rituals, architectural marvels and yoga ashrams. Every temple here, be it the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple, or the 13-storey Trimbakeshwar Temple, has its beautiful legend that attracts people from all over the world. The twin Ram & Lakshman Jhulas are outstanding architectural feats in themselves. These suspension bridges span for over 750 ft. over the Ganges. There are numerous ashrams here that lead people into the spiritual world of ancient forms of yoga, meditation, vipasana to cleanse their soul and de-stress.
Rishikesh has its share of offbeat and adventure activities too. If you are not enjoying the adrenaline rush of white water rafting available up to grade 6, you can spend time enjoying amazing experiences like cliff jumping, kayaking, body surfing, etc. There are picturesque waterfalls here like Patna fall and Neer Garhi fall, etc. that are perfect to escape into the raw wilderness of nature. If you are the spiritual kind, you can’t miss attending the jaw-dropping spectacle of the Maha Aarti.
The summer months (March-June) here are extremely hot & humid with temperatures reaching up to 36°C. Winter months (October-February) are cold and sunny with temperatures dipping to a low of 6°C, making them the best months to visit. Monsoon months (June-September) see a lot of rains accompanied by humidity.
1. Swami Dayananda Ashram
This ashram is located around Purani Jhadi in Rishikesh and was established in the 1960s. Founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, this ashram is known for its meditation as well as yoga sessions that happen in a huge hall. The ashram is beautifully constructed and holds architectural as well as historical importance. This is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh.
2. Andhra Ashram
Andhra Ashram is considered to be a unique ashram in Rishikesh, which is managed and maintained by a group of South Indian people. The ashram was constructed in the year 1930 with its founder being Shree Sachidananda Saraswathi. This place is also known for its temples – Sree Venkateswaravari and Sree Chandramouleshwara .
3. Garud Chatti Waterfall
4. Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Temple is one of the top places to visit in Rishikesh for religious ceremonies. It is located in Triveni Ghat – so after you pray here do keep time for the famous and magnificent Ganga Aarti. The temple has a “Kund” – a hot water pond. There have been numerous stories about the significance of the pond dating back to the times of Ramayana.
5. Rajaji National Park
One of the top natural places to visit in Rishikesh is the Rajaji National Park. Located only 16 km away from the city center, the national park has an abode of flora and fauna. The park is a live example of nature’s bounty with refreshing vibes that make your day. If you are lucky enough, a tiger might pass you on your visit. You can also witness the rivers Ganga and Song passing through the middle.
6. Patna Waterfall
The Patna waterfall is one of the smallest waterfalls in rishikesh. It is named after a village of the same name. You may witness the limestone caves near the falls and the trek starts nearly 5 km away at Laxman Jhula. It might not be the most common and ideal tourist places in Rishikesh, yet the ambiance is nice and peaceful.
7. Rishikesh View Point
You will love this place. Who doesn’t like a serene view of a hilly city? It feels like time has slowed down while the fresh breath of air rejuvenates the mind from within. The place almost feels like heaven as cloud-touching mountains covered in greenery completely overpower the surroundings. If you are looking for scenic places to visit in Rishikesh in 2 days, do check out this viewpoint
8. Bairaj Lake
The list of beautiful tourist places in Rishikesh adds another dimension with the Bairaj Lake which is connected to river Ganga. Out of all the lakes in Uttarakhand, Bairaj lake is a supreme creation of mother nature. And while you are not allowed to go near the fishing waters, the landscape is pretty tranquil. There is a beautiful lake park for you to relax under the sun while you can see the Pashulok Barrage releasing water into the lake.
9. Laxman Jhula And Ram Jhula
The 450 feet long iron suspended bridges – Laxman and Ram Jhula – are the glory of this beautiful tourist hub. The bridges are 4 km from the Rishikesh railway station. Apart from offering scenic beauty, these architectural marvels are important pilgrimage spots and are the top places to visit in Rishikesh. One can also visit the famous Trayambakeshwar temple, Ram temple, and Laxman temple, situated in the vicinity. This is indeed one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh at night.
10. The Beatles Ashram
The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram got globally acclaimed after the Beatles visited this serene place. The calmness and tranquility of this place will leave you spell-bound and explain why this ashram is one of the best tourist places in Rishikesh. A quiet session of meditation here will make you fall in love with the spiritual beauty of one of the best Rishikesh visiting places. Though it lacks maintenance and information, this quiet getaway is worth visiting. This place is also a great location for pre -wedding shoot in Rishikesh.
11. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Situated at 1670 m, amidst the sylvan forest, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located 12 km from the town of Rishikesh. It is one of the most sacred Shiva shrines in India and also one of the best religious places to see in Rishikesh. The inside tomb depicting the saga of Samudramanthan is one of the key attractions here. The temple also has a freshwater spring which attracts many devotees for a bath.
12. Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is a crowded ghat alongside the river Ganges, with pilgrims bathing around and is one of the points of interest in Rishikesh. It’s altogether a different site during the evening aarti. The spirituality and aura around this place will take you to a different world.
Triveni ghat is among the most sacred ghats in Rishikesh with a congruence of three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. A visit to this place will give you an insight into the spiritual beauty of Rishikesh.
13. Neer Garh Waterfall
Just two kilometers from the Laxman Jhula, a visit to this mesmerizing waterfall which happens to be one of the best Rishikesh sightseeing spots, will leave you awestruck. It will hold you captive in its eternal beauty. Overall, the place is perfect for a much-needed timeout from the hustle of the hectic traveling. One of the best tourist places in Rishikesh, Neer Garh waterfall also attracts many wanderer photographers. This place is also surrounded by some of the best resorts in rishikesh
14. Kaudiyala
White water rafting in Rishikesh is largely concentrated around Kaudiyala and its banks. It is a major Rishikesh tourist place in the holy town. This 16 km stretch of Kaudiyala is one of the best white water rafting zones in the world and one of the best Rishikesh visiting places.
