Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh | Top Tourist Attractions & Adventure Spots

By TraviyaEditorial policyUpdated

Rishikesh is a sanctuary for the soul, known for its spiritual energy, ancient wisdom, yoga retreats, penance, and thrilling adventures. It offers the uninterrupted flow of the sacred Maa Ganga, jungle safaris, mountain treks, the sound of temple bells, and the serene Ganga Aarti. For adventure lovers, Rishikesh is a paradise with activities like rafting, bungee jumping, and jungle safaris. Let’s explore the highlights of Rishikesh one by one.

Ganga river and surrounding hills in Rishikesh
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Quick Highlights

Altitude
372 meters
Distance from Delhi
240 km
Nearest airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Nearest railway station
Rishikesh Railway Station.

Top Tourist Places

1.Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Laxman Jhula is a historic iron suspension bridge in Rishikesh, believed to mark the spot where Lord Laxman once crossed the Ganga on a jute rope. Check current bridge access with local authorities; do not enter a closed crossing. Beneath it, the Ganga flows in her majestic and fierce form, a sight that may intimidate first-time visitors. From Laxman Jhula, you can also spot Ram Jhula, another well-known bridge that adds to the charm of Rishikesh’s riverfront.

Main Attractions

  • View the river and bridges from permitted areas; use only crossings currently open to pedestrians.
  • Visit the temples and ashrams lining both banks of the river.
  • Photography of the bridges with the Himalayan backdrop and flowing Ganges.
Evening view of Ram Jhula suspension bridge over the sacred Ganga River with Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh

Nearest Attractions

  • Tera Manzil Temple – ~0.5 km
  • Triveni Ghat - confirm the route using currently open crossings
  • Beatles Ashram – ~3.5 km

Visitor Information

Modest dress recommended near temples on the bridge

2.Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is a riverside place of worship on the Ganga, associated in religious tradition with the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The Dehradun district administration describes its evening Ganga Aarti. Confirm the current ceremony time locally and remain in permitted areas near the river.

Main Attractions

  • Evening Ganga Aarti
  • Riverside views and local devotional traditions
Devotees gathered at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh for the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony

Nearest Attractions

  • Parmarth Niketan Ashram – ~1.5 km
  • Ram Jhula – ~3 km
  • Laxman Jhula area - confirm the route using currently open crossings

Visitor Information

Modest dress recommended; remove footwear on the ghat

3.Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutiya - Paid Entry)

Also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, this site houses more than 84 meditation huts made of bricks. Once used for meditation by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, these huts are now decaying due to a lack of maintenance. This ashram gained fame when The Beatles visited to learn meditation, and it's often referred to by their name.

Main Attractions

  • Explore the ruins of the ashram where The Beatles stayed in 1968.
  • Admire the vibrant street art and murals covering the ashram walls.
  • Nature walk through the forested campus on the banks of the Ganges.
Colorful Beatles-inspired street art covering the ruined meditation huts inside Chaurasi Kutiya Ashram, Rishikesh

Nearest Attractions

  • Ram Jhula – ~3.5 km
  • Parmarth Niketan Ashram – ~3 km
  • Triveni Ghat – ~4 km

Visitor Information

Comfortable casual clothing; ticket required at entry gate

4.Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Situated on the banks of the Ganges, Parmarth Niketan is known for its lush green gardens, deities' statues, and a spiritual atmosphere. It is located just 300 meters from Ram Jhula. The beautiful statue of Lord Shiva in the middle of the Ganga looks awesome. Visitors can attend the evening Ganga Aarti and, if desired, book a stay for yoga or meditation.

Main Attractions

  • Attend the famous evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats.
  • Walk through the riverside gardens and see the giant Shiva statue in the river.
  • Join a yoga or meditation class at the ashram's programs.
Evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan ashram with the giant Shiva statue rising from the river, Rishikesh

Nearest Attractions

  • Ram Jhula – ~0.3 km
  • Triveni Ghat – ~1.5 km
  • Beatles Ashram – ~3 km

Visitor Information

Modest dress required; remove footwear on the ghat

5.Neer Garh Waterfall (Paid Entry)

Located 8 kilometers from Ram Jhula, Neer Garh Waterfall is a stunning cascade amidst forests and mountains. Visitors need to purchase a ticket, which is checked along the way. A short 600–700-meter trek leads to a refreshing natural waterfall, perfect for a peaceful escape. For those who prefer not to climb, the lower part of the waterfall is also accessible. Food and drink stalls are available, but crowds are expected because of its popularity.

Main Attractions

  • Trek through the scenic jungle trail to reach the waterfall.
  • Enjoy the waterfall from permitted paths; avoid entering the water during unsafe flow or local restrictions.
  • Photography of the multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
Neer Garh Waterfall cascading through dense jungle, 8 km from Rishikesh on the Laxman Jhula road

Nearest Attractions

  • Laxman Jhula – ~3 km
  • Phool Chatti Ashram – ~2 km
  • Rishikesh town – ~8 km

Visitor Information

Comfortable trekking shoes; change of clothes recommended if you plan to swim

6.Shivpuri

Located 15 kilometers from Rishikesh, Shivpuri is a hub for adventure activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, camping, ziplining, and sky cycling. The village also offers a beach-like experience, often referred to as Shivpuri Beach, where the mighty Maa Ganga flows through the mountains, creating an awe-inspiring view.

Main Attractions

  • White water rafting on the Ganges with exciting Grade III and IV rapids.
  • Use authorised campsites and confirm current location restrictions with the operator.
  • Ask a registered operator which activities are currently permitted and suitable for your experience and the river conditions.
White water rafting on the Ganges at Shivpuri near Rishikesh, with Grade III and IV rapids

Nearest Attractions

  • Laxman Jhula – ~15 km
  • Neer Garh Waterfall – ~12 km
  • Rishikesh town – ~16 km

Visitor Information

Quick-dry clothing; life jacket and helmet provided by operators

7.Tera Manzil Temple

Situated near Laxman Jhula, this 13-story building houses small temples and various shops. The upper floors of nearby temples or ashrams offer stunning panoramic views of the Ganga River, surrounding hills, and Laxman Jhula.

Main Attractions

  • Explore the 13-story temple dedicated to various Hindu deities on each floor.
  • Climb to the top floor for panoramic views of the Ganges and Laxman Jhula.
  • Attend the morning and evening aarti at the temple.
Panoramic view of the Ganga River and Laxman Jhula from the top of the 13-story Tera Manzil Temple, Rishikesh

Nearest Attractions

  • Laxman Jhula – ~0.5 km
  • Ram Jhula – ~3 km
  • Triveni Ghat – ~4 km

Visitor Information

Modest dress required; remove footwear inside temple floors

8.Rajaji National Park

Now known as Rajaji Tiger Reserve, this park offers a glimpse into Uttarakhand’s rich wildlife. Wildlife enthusiasts can embark on jungle safaris to spot animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, deer, jackals, and many others in their natural habitat. Tickets can be booked online at Rajaji Tiger Reserve or offline at the counters. The most visited zone is the Chilla Range, which is the famous range of Rajaji National Park.

Main Attractions

  • Jeep safari to spot elephants, leopards, tigers, and diverse wildlife.
  • Birdwatching with over 315 species, including the great hornbill.
  • Choose only activities currently permitted by the reserve; confirm the gate, season and booking arrangements.
Spotted deer alert in Rajaji Tiger Reserve near Rishikesh during a morning jeep safari in the Chilla Range

Nearest Attractions

  • Chilla Range Gate – ~15 km from Rishikesh
  • Haridwar – ~20 km
  • Rishikesh town – ~15 km

Visitor Information

Dull-colored comfortable outdoor clothing; closed shoes required on safari

9.Kunjapuri Devi Temple

One of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Hinduism, this temple marks the spot where the chest (upper body) of Goddess Sati fell. Located about 25 kilometers from Rishikesh by road, the path to this temple winds through scenic forests and hills, offering captivating views along the way. You can choose between a trek or a staircase to reach the temple, which is adorned with lion statues at the entrance. The temple's mountaintop location provides stunning views of the valleys.

Main Attractions

  • Trek to the hilltop temple for one of the best sunrise views in Rishikesh.
  • Seek blessings at the Shakti Peetha dedicated to Goddess Kunjapuri.
  • Panoramic views of the Himalayas, Garhwal ranges, and Ganges valley.
Sunrise panorama of Himalayan peaks including Chaukhamba and Kedarnath from Kunjapuri Devi Temple hilltop near Rishikesh

Nearest Attractions

  • Narendra Nagar – ~5 km
  • Tehri Dam – ~45 km
  • Rishikesh town – ~25 km

Visitor Information

Modest dress required at the temple; warm layers for early morning visits

10.Vashishta Gufa

Accessible via Shivpuri, Vashishta Gufa is an ancient cave where Maharishi Vashishta, the guru of Lord Rama, meditated. This sacred site is thousands of years old and continues to attract devotees seeking spiritual solace. It is believed that Lord Shiva granted Vashishta a boon, ensuring that anyone who meditates here is freed from worries.

Main Attractions

  • Meditate inside the ancient cave where sage Vashishtha is said to have meditated.
  • Visit the small temple dedicated to Sage Vashishtha and Lord Shiva inside the cave.
  • Enjoy the serene Ganges riverbank setting, perfect for quiet reflection.

Nearest Attractions

  • Laxman Jhula – ~12 km
  • Kunjapuri Devi Temple – ~10 km
  • Rishikesh town – ~17 km

Visitor Information

Modest dress required; remove footwear inside the cave shrine

How to Reach Rishikesh

Rishikesh is well-connected by road to major cities such as Delhi (240 km), Haridwar (20 km), and Dehradun (45 km), making it easily accessible for travelers. For an onward hill circuit, explore the Mussoorie travel guide. Find hotels in Rishikesh for your stay.
Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railhead. However, Haridwar Railway Station is located about 25 km away and is a major station with better connectivity to major cities like Delhi. Local taxis and local buses are readily available from Haridwar to Rishikesh.
Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun, just 20 kilometers from Rishikesh, is the nearest air travel hub, offering easy access to the city. The city is well-connected to major urban centers such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. For local travel, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available.

FAQs

Spring and autumn are popular for sightseeing. Rafting is subject to seasonal closures and river conditions; confirm current reopening notices and permitted routes before booking. Heavy rain can also affect waterfalls and hill roads.
2-3 days are ideal for Rishikesh. Day 1: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, temples, Ganga Aarti. Day 2: River rafting, Beatles Ashram, café hopping. Day 3: Yoga session, visit nearby Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, or trek to waterfalls.
Consider Ganga Aarti, yoga, the Beatles Ashram and riverside walks in permitted areas. Rafting and other adventure activities depend on current permissions, river conditions, operator qualifications and participant requirements. Do not assume cliff jumping or riverbank camping is available.
Many people visit Rishikesh solo, but no destination or accommodation can guarantee personal safety. Check recent accommodation reviews, arrange reliable transport, avoid isolated areas after dark and book adventure activities with registered operators.
Respect the religious character of the town and the rules of your accommodation and places of worship. Check current local regulations with the relevant authorities rather than assuming the same rules apply across all surrounding areas.

Official travel references

Check these official resources for destination information and current notices. Confirm opening times, entry charges and access requirements before travelling.

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