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Learn about the places to visit in Rishikesh, top things to do, entry timings, and expenses for various activities. As per your interest and inclination, you can explore Places to Visit in Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is a beautiful city in Uttarakhand that draws the attention of visitors not only from India but also from outside nations. Yoga, Meditation, Big Temples, and adventure sports activities make Rishikesh Tour Packages a fascinating and famous choice among visitors. It is among Haridwar Places to Visit due to the proximity of just 21 kilometers. The ancient cave where great sage Vashistha meditated attracts truth-seekers from different places across the world.
Tourists throng to the city throughout the year. Most of the tourists come here with the only purpose of understanding the meaning of life. This small city got famous in West after the visit of the then-popular rock band The Beatles at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram in 1968.
The International Yoga Festival, held at Rishikesh annually, attracts many international tourists globally. This week-long festival gives them the chance to rejuvenate with the Universe so deep, thus enabling them to strike a perfect balance between spiritual and material life.
Here, we describe 10 prominent places to visit in Rishikesh, which draw scores of tourists. Some of these places are ancient temples, Beatles Ashram, waterfalls, trekking spots, and ancient ghats.
10 Famious Places to Visit in Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of the World·
- Laxman Jhula: Iron suspension bridge and lookout point
- Swarg Ashram: An Ashram made in the divine memory of Swami Atam Prakash Ji.
- Shri Bharat Mandir: A Picturesque Temple for spiritual bliss.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: A Small, famous Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Ram Jhula: Iconic suspension bridge with views
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Spiritual center for yoga and meditation
- Triveni Ghat: Riverfront site for spiritual activities
- The Beatles Ashram: Storied ashram visited by the Beatles
- Gita Bhawan: Peaceful ashram with a temple, discourse halls, and shops.
- Rishikesh River Rafting: Rafting and adventure
Laxman Jhula
Laxman Jhula is a must-visit tourist hotspot and a famous landmark in Rishikesh. You are unlikely to visit Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula if you are in Rishikesh. It is only 4 km away from the Rishikesh Railways station. The most convenient modes of transportation in Rishikesh are Auto-Rickshaw and Vikram(Three Wheeler Tempo). You can take any of the two to get around between tourist destinations in Rishikesh.
Must-do Thing:
- Halt there to behold the fascinating view of Ganga and temples.
- Attend Ganga Aarti in the evening
- Go inside Tera Manzil Temple and Trayambakeshwar Temple along River Ganga.
Swarg Ashram
This ashram, also known as Shri 108 Baba kali Kamli Wale Swami Atam Prakash Ji, is located on the Ganges river’s left bank. This heavenly ashram lies between Rishikesh and Lakshman Jhula. This destination is very famous for its simple and pure living atmosphere. Sages used to sit for meditation in the days of yore at this place. Swarg Ashram is also in the old scriptures Puranas.
Things to do in Swarg Ashram:
- Yoga
- Photo Session
Shri Bharat Mandir
Of all the most revered temples in Rishikesh, this temple ranks 10th in the list of the famous temples in Rishikesh. Lord Vishnu is the worshipping deity in this temple, and Adi Shankaracharya Ji founded this temple in the 12th century. The Saligram shaped idol is present there. When excavating this site, archeologists found very pots, coins, and statues of ancient times.
Address: 9, Ghat Rd, Mayakund, Rishikesh, 249201
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Lord Shiva is the worshipping god at Neelkanth Temple. It is a very famous Lord Shiva temple in Rishikesh. Devotees in large numbers visit this temple on Maha Shivaratri. The size of this temple is smaller than other Mahadev Temples situated in Rishikesh. Going to this temple with family gives a more fabulous experience of joy when crossing the dense forest. Besides the temple, you will also witness the cascade and astonishing wonders of nature on your journey.
Address: Kotdwar Pauri Road, Kotdwara, Uttarakhand 246149
Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula is a suspension bridge made of iron built over the River Ganga. If you are stepping on it for the first time, you might feel a little scared as it swings a bit because of the large number of people and vehicles moving on it. You will surely get mesmerized by the view at night from Ram Jhula. Nearby Places are wonderfully lit at night, thus giving a spectacular view to the tourists.
Must-do things:
- Shop at nearby places and admire the beauty of the scenario.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram
This ashram is the most famous of all Ashrams in Rishikesh. Foreign tourists mostly prefer it to stay in Rishikesh on their vacation. Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj Ji founded this ashram in 1942. The price they charge for their room is very affordable and fair for everyone. You can also go inside the ashram if you only want to explore. Evening Ganga Aarti is very famous here. It gives a spiritual feel and positive vibes to tourists.
To-do things: Attend Spiritual Lecture, be a part of the Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening, sit at Satsang, take part in Morning Prayer.
Things to see near Parmarth Niketan: 14 ft. Long Lord Shiva statue, Parmarth Niketan Garden, Ancient cave of Vashisht Cave.
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat lies on the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh. Triveni Ghat receives numerous pilgrims throughout the year because they believed that taking a ritual bath can absolve them of the sins. The fragrance of this destination will give you a delightful experience.
Triveni ghat is the most revered ghats in Rishikesh where Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati river create a confluence. A visit to this place will introduce you to the mystical attraction of Rishikesh.
Must-do things: Attend the spiritual Ganga Aarti and get astonished by the sight of lamps at the river. Purchase precious stones as souvenirs.
The Beatles Ashram
The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram shot to international fame after the visit of Beatles in this tranquil dwelling. This place’s serenity and ambiance will leave you enthralled and elucidate why this ashram is one of the popular tourist attractions in Rishikesh. A noiseless meditation assembly here will make you forget all the worries of your life. And yet there is no one to upkeep it, and this peaceful vacation spot is worth visiting.
Must-do things:
- Sit, relax, and relish the quietness of this destination
- Explore the whole hall where the band used to sit for meditation
- Visit the beach right outside the entrance gate of Beatles ashram.
- Relish the soda lemonade at Beatles Ashram
- Enjoy the beautiful sunset from Beatles Ashram.
Entry fees: INR 150 for Indian citizen, INR 600 for foreign nationality.
Geeta Bhawan
Geeta Bhawan is a big riverfront ashram situated at the banks of holy river Ganga in Rishikesh. A big set of buildings of Geeta Bhawan has numerous halls and nearly a thousand rooms for devotees and tourists to stay without any charges. Geeta Bhawan is a prime destination for pilgrims and devotees from distant places. They get free stay after the sacred bath in river Ganga.
People generally come to this place to visit during the summer. Talking to the locals here will change your perception of life.
Operation Timing: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, Open for the whole week.
Rishikesh River Rafting
Rishikesh is the most famous destination for River rafting. Thousands of thrill-seekers come for adventurous water sport activities for a good experience. September to June are the ideal months for river rafting in Rishikesh.
If you want to do white water rafting, come here in the months between October and April. For Rishikesh Rafting, you can go to the following places:
- Brahmapuri
- Shivpuri
- Marine Drive
- Byasi
- Kaudiyala
- Devprayag
For the thrill-seeker in you, you can also engage in other high-spirited adventure activities in Rishikesh. These activities include cliff jumping, camping, Bungee Jumping, Rock climbing, trekking, Zip lining, Paragliding, etc.
Approximate cost of River Rafting for one person: Rs.1000-1500
Must- do things during river rafting: Wear light, wear comfortable shoes, and listen to the instructor.
In this city, you can connect with numerous yoga enthusiasts, nature lovers, international mural artists, photographers, bloggers, and content creators. For wildlife spotting, you can visit Rajaji National Park and take a jeep safari to explore flora and fauna. Happy Traveling!! Suggested Read: River Rafting in Rishikesh – A Tryst with Ganges