Rishikesh

Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is the go-to place for the rejuvenation of the mind, the body, and the soul. Dubbed as the Yoga Capital of the World, it is a spiritual centre bustling with ashrams and renowned yoga gurus. With the sacred Ganges flowing through the heart of this city in Uttarakhand, Sit is a popular pilgrimage site for the Hindus and is dotted with numerous temples. An amalgamation of spirituality, adventure, culture, and nature, Rishikesh attracts tourists from all over the world in large numbers. Places to visit in Rishikesh include Laxman Jhula, Rajaji National Park, Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan, Vashishtha Guha Temple, The Beatles Ashram, and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple among others.

Rishikesh Overview

When to Visit Rishikesh

Rishikesh attracts tourists all-round the year. The summers are hot, the winters are chilly, and it sees considerable rain during the monsoons. The best time to visit in Rishikesh would depend on your motive for visiting Rishikesh. If you wish to take a dip in the Ganges and enjoy river rafting, summer would be the ideal time. Rafting is closed during the monsoons. If you wish to take a safari in Rajaji National Park, 15^th November to 15^th June is the time. You can cross out the safari from the places to visit in Rishikesh during the rest of the year. Being the starting point for the Chardham yatra, Rishikesh also experiences heavy footfall between May to October, which is the season for the Chardham yatra. The winters are quite alluring when Rishikesh temperature dips considerably making it an ideal time for trekking, camping, parasailing, paragliding, bungee jumping, etc. Between September and March, Rishikesh weather is cool and pleasant, making it the perfect time to explore the numerous temples, mountains, waterfalls, flora-fauna, and adventure sports that the city has to offer. You may choose any time that suits you to participate in the activities and explore the places to visit in Rishikesh.

How to Reach Rishikesh?

Rishikesh is well connected by roadways, and also has a railway station. However, there are limited train routes operational there. The Haridwar railway station is hence the best option for those preferring to travel by railway. It is well connected to most major cities in India and is easily accessible from Rishikesh. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 21 km away. It is a domestic airport with connecting flights from several major cities in India. You can hire a cab or hop on to an auto-rickshaw to explore the places to visit in Rishikesh.

What are the things to see & do in Rishikesh?

There are scores of places to visit in Rishikesh, catering to diverse interests. Fondly called the Yog Nagari, Rishikesh has a divine and uplifting aura that attracts thousands of international tourists every year. Various ashrams offer opportunities to learn and practice different styles of yoga and meditation here. Rishikesh is also the hub for adventure activities, with several options to set the adrenaline rushing. It is equally fascinating for nature enthusiasts, who can enjoy the abundant natural beauty of the surroundings. For the religiously inclined, temples like the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Tera Manzil Temple, Vashishtha Guha Temple, and Kunjapuri Temple are the key attractions among the places to visit in Rishikesh.

Places to visit in Rishikesh

Laxman Jhula

The Laxman Jhula and the Ram Jhula are two suspension bridges connecting the two banks of the Ganges and are meant for pedestrians. According to legends, the Laxman Jhula is built at the same spot where Lord Rams brother Laxman had once crossed the river using a rope. This is why the iconic Laxman Jhula tops the list of places to visit in Rishikesh.

Rajaji National Park 

The Rajaji National Park is best known for its Asian elephants. A haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, it is home to over 50 species of mammals including the tiger, spotted deer, sambhar, wild boar, leopard, nilgai, barking deer, goral (mountain goat), civet, hyena, jackal, Himalayan black bear, sloth bear, along with over 400 species of birds. You can spot these animals in their natural habitat by taking a jeep safari. If you are visiting Rishikesh between 15^th November and 15^th June, this should be on your itinerary among the other places to visit in Rishikesh.

Triveni Ghat

The Triveni Ghat is one of the most prominent places to visit in Rishikesh, especially during the evening Aarti when numerous earthen lamps are lit and set afloat on leaf boats along the river in customary reverence to the sacred Ganges. A confluence of three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, the Triveni Ghat is considered to be the holiest place in Rishikesh to take a dip and cleanse oneself of all sins. It is lined with temples like the Gita Mandir, Lakshminarayan Temple and Bharat Temple, and hosts a bustling market full of gems, knick-knacks, and souvenirs.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has special significance for Hindu pilgrims. As per legend, this is the spot where Lord Shiva consumed the poison which was churned during Samudra Manthan, and his throat has turned blue. Hence the name Neelkanth (blue throat). Located at a height of 1330 meters, it is about 32 km away from Rishikesh. There is a natural spring at the temple and a Peepal tree that is believed to fulfill the wishes of anyone who ties a thread around it. It ranks among the top places to visit in Rishikesh.

Vashishtha Guha Temple

About 22 km away from Rishikesh, in the lap of the Himalayas, lies the Vashishtha Guha or Gufa (cave). Guru Vashishtha is believed to be one of the Saptarshis or 7 sages and one of the first creations of Lord Brahma. Located on the bank of the holy Ganges, this ancient cave is believed to be the spot where Guru Vashishtha meditated for several years. This cave, along with Arundhati Guha nearby, form one of the must-visit places among the places to visit in Rishikesh.

The Beatles Ashram

Also called the Chaurasi Kutia or the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, this Ashram is remembered as the place where members of the legendary Beatles Band from Liverpool meditated and composed many wonderful songs. This remains one of the favourite places to visit in Rishikesh among both national and international tourists.

Parmarth Niketan

One of the largest ashrams and yoga centres in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan organises the annual International Yoga Festival in March, which draws hordes of tourists every year.

Tera Manzil

Located near the Laxman Jhula, the Tera Manzil Temple or the Trimbakeshwar Temple is a 13-storey temple that enshrines several deities. Its unique architecture and proximity to Laxman Jhula make it one of the landmark places to visit in Rishikesh.

Kaudiyala

One of the best places for camping along the banks of the Ganges, Kaudiyala is a heaven for all those seeking adventure. White water rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, trekking, beach volleyball and much more can be enjoyed at the sandy beaches of Kaudiyala. It is one of the places to visit in Rishikesh that you should not miss.

Kunjapuri Temple

Perched atop a hill at a height of 1676 metres, Kunjapuri Devi Temple is one of the 52 Shaktipeeths and a significant shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The place offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain peaks and is definitely worth a visit for the scenic beauty it offers. It is one of the less explored places to visit in Rishikesh.

Waterfalls

Rishikesh is endowed with several enchanting waterfalls, which are picture-perfect and offer spectacular locations for Insta-worthy photographs. With charming plunge pools and delightful food joints, these waterfalls are popular places to visit in Rishikesh. Neer Garh, Garud Chatti, Patna Waterfall, Phool Chatti, and Himshail are some of the waterfalls you can enjoy around Rishikesh.

Food to try in Rishikesh

Along with enjoying the places to visit in Rishikesh, you can also try the delicacies here, which will leave a lasting taste in your mouth. The street food here is more famous and includes samosas, pani-puris, chaat, chhole bhature, lassi, and a variety of sweets. The cafés here, such as the Little Budhha café, provide free wi-fi along with great food and are popular hangouts for tourists. Rishikesh food is strictly vegetarian and alcohol is prohibited here, being a holy city.

Things to Buy in Rishikesh

With souvenirs as diverse as the places to visit in Rishikesh, you will be spoilt for choice when you enter the markets here. A treasure trove of handcrafted items, you will find pretty embroidered bags and purses; ethnic stoles, shawls, scarves and jackets; brass puja essentials and idols; rare Shaligram shila, Rudraksh mala, precious and semi-precious gemstones, and spiritual jewellery; environment-friendly wicker bags and baskets; sturdy wooden toys; invaluable old coins; and much more at the local shops. Most souvenir shops are located near the places to visit in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is a haven for adventurous souls! You can expect heavy rainfalls. Water activities remain closed. Rishikesh glistens with sheer divinity.

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour's are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren't just "local" tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn't normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn't get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what's going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!

Conclusion

Rishikesh is a captivating destination, and the places to visit in Rishikesh never cease to fascinate travellers. Whether it is spiritual enlightenment that you seek, a tryst with nature, or camping fun with friends, Rishikesh is the perfect landing place. So, the next time you think of a break, head to Rishikesh and experience its wonders!