7 Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
Overview
Rishikesh, also known as Kashi a place of spirituality and peace. This is one of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand because of its large number of tourist attractions. Rishikesh is situated in the mountain peaks of the Himalaya and has the Shivalik range all around. The Hindu’s most sacred river, Ganga, with its crystal clear water, considered to be a spiritual water (Ganga Jal) by Hindu pilgrims, where millions of devotees visit every year, flows from the heart of the city. This place is supposed to be blessed by God, where tourists of all walks of life visit for calmness, spirituality and enlightenment.
From ancient times, so many rishis, yogis, sanyasi, saga were attracted to this place for yoga practice and therefore, Rishikesh is famous as the abode of sages. The International Yoga Festival is organised in Rishikesh during March every year. Rishikesh is an entryway of four holy temples known as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, known as Char Dham, where millions of devotees and other tourists visit to devote themselves in the worship of God.
Now, the tourism department of Rishikesh is promoting tourism in the city by aiding various activities like rafting, bungee jumping, camping and trekking. By making all these efforts by the state government and local tourist agencies, a large number of tourists are visiting Rishikesh all the time.
Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
1. Triveni Ghat – Rishikesh
Offering the beautiful view of the river and the mountain, this Ghat is the biggest Ghat of Rishikesh for taking a bath. Located on the bank of the Ganga, a large number of devotees visit this ghat to perform various spiritual activities. It is supposed to derive its name from the combination of three secret rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The surprising fact is that Ganga and Yamuna are visible, whereas Sarswati is invisible. Generally, devotees wear traditional Indian clothes to participate in Ganga Aarti and also remove their footwear because the Ganga River is supposed to be very sacred.
Since May 2024, women priests have also been allowed to perform Ganga Aarti. The Ghat is in the form of steps from where the devotees can take their holy bath. The best ritual of Ganga Aarti is performed at this ghat every day at its scheduled time, i.e at 6 pm in summer and 5 pm in winter. The cool Breeze of the Ganga makes this place the best for sitting and watching an eye-catching view of the mountain and river. Tourists can also enjoy this view by riding on a boat, which is easily available at this place. The nearby attractions of this place are the Rishikesh main market and the Shani Mandir.
2. Laxman Jhula – Rishikesh
The most famous bride made by iron suspension is meant for crossing sacred river Ganga and is about 4.4 km away from Rishikesh. This bridge is made by an old architect as a hanging bridge. it’s length is about 445 feet connected with two distinct namely Tehri and Pauri district. It gives best view of a large number of beautiful holy places and sacred river Ganga. This bridge was dedicated to Laxman because he crossed this bridge and it was named as Lakshman Jhula.
The tourist can buy local traditional things available on both sides of Lakshman Jhula. This bridge is used to cross by walking but sometimes bikers also use it. This bridge is famous due to it’s historical and spritual values. Tapovan and Laxman Jhula are the best Places to stay for tourists. These area are well equipped with the best restaurants, hotels, yoga school and much more. Though Haridwar is near to Rishikesh but both are meant for different purposes like for spirituality and adventure respectively.
3. Ram Jhula – Rishikesh
Ram Jhula famous for its spritual and historical values is an iron suspension bridge. This bridge is dedicated in the name of Lord Rama supposed to be the god for hindu devotees and in Hinduism. Ram Jhula is the best cultural and spritual heritage of Rishikesh where large number of tourists and hindu devotees visit every year. A large number of the best religious centers and ashram for Hindu are visible in both sides of sacred Ganga.
It connects two major destinations of Rishikesh i.e Shivananda Nagar and Swargashrm. It is situated over holy Ganga and is about 455 feet long. From this hanging bridge we feel a fresh breath along with water sprinkle which fill our mind and soul with spirituality, freshness. We will also store the best view of Ganga blowing with crystal clear holy water and other natural beauty spread around the Ram Jhula. We can’t pass this bridge by four wheeler but only by way of walk, cycle and two wheeler.
4. The Beatles Ashram – Rishikesh
This ashram is also famous as chaurasi kutia and is situated near to the holy city Rishikesh. In the top side of Himalayas and in different side of Muni ki Reti this ashram is situated on the river side of holy Ganga. This ashram got an international fame from February to April (1968) when beatles band came in this ashram and learned meditation here with other lovers of beatles.
When they live in this ashram they made many songs for their album which is known as White Album. In 1990 this place became a favourite place for beatles lovers. Great maharishi Mahesh Yogi were imparting yoga training to students from this ashram. He also designed Transcendental Meditation Technique. This ashram was deserted in 1990 and reverted with the help of local forest department in 2003.
5. Parmarth Niketan Ashram – Rishikesh
Situated in the river side of holy Ganga Parmarth Niketan Ashram is very big in size and maintains the best religious traditions. This ashram is involved in various spritual activities like meditation and yoga courses, spritual retreats and in evening Ganga Aarti. This Aarti is performed daily and gives a eye catching view with vibrant colours. The ashram is managed by a large number of dedicated staff who help in maintaining it’s lush green campus, modern accomodation.
The main focus of the ashram is to work for spirituality by promoting to the welfare of spirit, body and mind. The visitors are allowed to participate in daily routine of doing yoga, prayer in morning, meditation and attend lecture. Visitors are required to follow ashram’s rules strictly and keep themselves away from alcohol, meat and other prohibited things. This ashram is managing various the best short term courses on Bhagwan Gita, Kriya Yoga and Vedanta. Lots of visitors visit this ashram to watch world famous Ganga Aarti done by experts.
6. Rajaji National Park – Rishikesh
This National Park was a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1948 which was given the status of national park in 1983 and tiger reserve in 2015. The nearest cities of this tiger reserve are Dehradun and Haridwar. This national park is spread over a very large area of about 820 square kilometres and contains a hugh varities of funa and flora. This national park is situated in the hills of Shivalik in Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal District.
River Ganga devide this park into two parts motichur sanctuary and western Rajaji and eastern chilla sanctuary. This place is full of dense forest with beautiful green grass and riparian vegitables. Pine forests and green plain are spread in the substantial part of this national park. This national park is the home of large variety of animals like Bangal Tiger, Indian Elephants, Indian Hog Deer, Bangal Fox and much more. About 310 spices of birds are found in this park some of them are red jungle fowl, peafowl, black partridge, great hornbill and more.
7. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Rishikesh
Dedicated to a feature of Shiva, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is worshipped by a large number of Hindu every day. It is situated about 115 km. from Puri town and 30 kn. from Rishikesh in Uttrakhand, India. The architect of this temple is based on Dravidian form of architecture. This temple is a Hindu Pilgrims site. This temple is surrounded by Nar-Narayan mountain peaks and lush green dense forest.
This area is covered by valleys of Brahmakoot, Manikoot and Vishnukoot. It is situated at the river side of Madhumati and Pankaja river. It is believed that God (devta) and Demon (asuras) church ocean to get Amrita. It is said that lord Shiva consumed entire poison came out of this church at this place and therefore this place become sacred point and a big temple named Neelkanth Mahadev Temple was built here. Since then a large number of Hindu devotees visit this temple every year particularly on Maha Shivaratri.
Conclusion
These all destinations are very small in number. There are many other best religious and cultural sides for visitors where millions of tourists visit every year. Rishikesh the best place for spirituality and peace. This is one of the most beautiful places in Uttrakhand because of it’s large number of tourist attractions. Rishikesh is situated in the mountain peaks of Himalya and has Shivalik range all around. This place is supposed to be blessed by God where whenever tourists of all walks of life visit for calmness, spirituality and enlightenment.
FAQ on 7 Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh
1. What are the top 7 places to visit in Rishikesh?
The best places to visit include:
- Lakshman Jhula
- Ram Jhula
- Triveni Ghat
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- Beatles Ashram
- Shivpuri
- Neer Garh Waterfall
2. Why is Lakshman Jhula famous?
Lakshman Jhula is iconic because it is believed that Lord Lakshman crossed the Ganga at this spot. The suspension bridge offers beautiful river and mountain views.
3. What is special about Ram Jhula?
Ram Jhula connects the major spiritual centres of Swarg Ashram and Sivananda Ashram and is dotted with temples, markets, and river ghats.
4. Is Triveni Ghat worth visiting?
Yes! Triveni Ghat is known for its peaceful evening Ganga Aarti, offering a spiritual and calming experience with chants and floating diyas.
5. What can I see at Beatles Ashram?
Also called Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, it is where The Beatles stayed for meditation. The graffiti, meditation cells, and serene forest area make it unique.
6. Why do tourists visit Shivpuri?
Shivpuri is a hub for white-water rafting, camping, jungle trekking, and riverside stays, perfect for adventure lovers.
7. How far is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple from Rishikesh?
It is located around 30 km away and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its peaceful surroundings and mythological significance.
8. Is Neer Garh Waterfall suitable for families?
Yes, it is a scenic waterfall with short trekking trails, small pools, and ideal picnic spots—safe and enjoyable for families.
9. Best months to visit these attractions?
October to April is considered ideal due to pleasant weather.
10. Are these places accessible without trekking?
Most places like bridges, ghats, and temples are easily accessible.
Neer Garh Waterfall requires a short hike.
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