Places to Visit in Rishikesh is one of the most important and most visited Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India. It is often referred to as ‘Yoga Capital of India’. It is a hub of spiritual seekers, nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and peace lovers. Entire vibe of Rishikesh is spiritual.
You will see sages, pilgrims, yoga practitioners in the divine Ghats and temples. Rishikesh apart from its sacred sites offers thrill and excitement to the tourists. White water rafting, Bungee jumping, canoeing, kayaking, hot air ballooning etc. would be some of the best ways to enjoy your Rishikesh Holiday Tour.
The tranquil slopes on the city’s outskirts are decked with Ashrams, yoga institutes, luxurious spa resorts that would delight your traveler spirit. It is the best place to relax your mind and body and seek peace. The state tourism department organizes a Yoga Festival in Rishikesh and tourists and fitness enthusiasts from all over the world take part in it.
It is said that the great Hindu saint Raibhya Rishi performed penance at Rishikesh on the banks of the holy river Ganges and Lord Vishnu appeared in the incarnation of Lord Hrishikesh. Which is why this place has been named Rishikesh.
It is a city; one must visit to become one with the almighty. There are numerous sacred temples on the banks of the holy river Ganges which give blissful vibes to the devotee. The Ganga Aarti in the evening on the banks of the holy river Ganga is one of a kind and it is found nowhere else. The temple bells, chanting of the priests, devotees and sages thronging at the Ghats would blow your heart away. It is one of the best tourist destinations to visit in India. The destinations here are ethereal.
Laxman Jhula And Ram Jhula
One of the most important tourist attractions in Rishikesh is the historic Lakshman Jhula. It is a suspension bridge that bridges the Tapovan Village and Jonk Village. The bridge is currently only allowed by pedestrians.
The bridge is 450 ft long and suspended approximately 70 ft above sea level. The bridge was opened to the public in 1929 when the entry of vehicles was prohibited.
The bridge is now approximately 96 years old and has been a great place for photographers, videographers, and nature lovers. Ideally, people click pictures of the attractions around while on this Jhula. And because Lakshman Jhula Rishikesh is an important connection, people tend to spend some time admiring the beauty of the suspended bridge and also that’s around it.
Location: 3, Laxman Jhoola, near Muni Ki Reti, Adarsh Gram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137
Timings: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: None
Popular For: Sightseeing
Attractions Around: Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple, Geeta Bhawan, The Beatles Ashram, Ram Jhula, Tera Manzil Temple
Tera Manzil Temple
This temple is one of the must-visit places in Rishikesh, dedicated to multiple deities, it is marked as one of the most religious places in Rishikesh. The intricate and symmetric architecture, a serene location and the calm vibes offer you an amazing opportunity to worship your deity and witness the most captivating religious rituals in India.
Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Famous For: Spiritual retreat
How To Reach: Bus, car, train
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is the confluence point of the three sacred rivers of India – namely Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. There are a lot of reasons why Triveni Ghat is considered to be the holiest Rishikesh best place to visit.
One of the best things to do in Rishikesh is to visit the ghat and attend the evening aarti. The significance of the ghat according to Hindu Mythology is so much that it is believed, that if one takes a dip in the holy water here, all their sins get washed away Places to Visit in Rishikesh.
Cannot be better than this right? You can visit the market near the ghat, do some meditation, and if yoga is your thing, Yogshala should be your must-visit place in Rishikesh.
Location: Jairam Ashram Marg, Triveni ghat, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201
Timings: 9 am to 8 pm (The Ganga Aarti takes place between 6 pm and 7 pm)
Entry Fee: No Fee
Popular For: Ganga Aarti Every Evening, meditation centers, shopping
Attractions Around: Rajaji National park, Rishi Kund, Bhimgoda Barrage, Tera Manzil Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
There are multiple places to visit in Rishikesh but one that can’t be missed on your visit is the beautiful and amazing Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a sacred pilgrim spot visited by hundreds of people every day throughout the year. The temple is approximately 32 km from Rishikesh and is a top-notch attraction in the city.
The best time to visit this temple is during Shivratri because there is a grand celebration that happens here at the temple. One of the prime places in Rishikesh; Neelkanth also offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings owing to its location on a hilltop Places to Visit in Rishikesh.
Location: Kotdwar – Pauri Rd, Kotdwar, Uttarakhand 246149
Timings: 6 am – 7 pm
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Popular For: Pilgrimage and Sightseeing
Attractions Around: Shri Sachcha Akhileshwar Mahadev Temple, Tattva Ayurvedic Centre, Prakriti Vedic Spa, Tattva Ayurvedic Centre
Parmarth Niketan Ashram
It is not just the offerings of Parmarth Niketan Ashram that make it one of the best places in Rishikesh but there is so much more to it. Though it is a popular ashram with hundreds of regular visitors, the location of this ashram is what intrigues me more.
Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, Parmarth Niketan Ashram is popular for the peaceful and spiritual ambiance it has to offer. The entire setup is amazing from a meditation point of view. Just don’t forget to keep your camera charged before heading to the Places to Visit in Rishikesh.
Location: Near, Main Market Road, Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 24930
Timings: 9 am – 8 pm
Entry Fee: None for visiting but a small amount is required for staying overnight
Popular For: Yoga & meditation classes, spiritual lectures, shopping
Attractions Around: Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Vashist Cave, Lakshman Jhula