Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination along the banks of the sacred River Ganga. This enchanting town is renowned as the Yoga Capital of the World. It’s known for its spiritual significance and natural beauty. It’s also a hotspot for adventure activities, especially among Indian youth.
Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, thrilling adventures, or a serene retreat, you have plenty of good places to visit in Rishikesh. The town offers a range of experiences. It’s an amalgam of spirituality, tranquillity and adrenaline-pumping activities.
This list of famous places to visit in Rishikesh is a unique blend of culture, nature and spiritual destinations. Each location has a story of its own, waiting to share it with you in the mystical Himalayan landscape.
1. Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is one of the must see-places in Rishikesh city. It’s a sacred bathing spot, and it’s considered a place for spiritual cleansing. Many devotees come here to offer something to the river and pray for a fruitful day.
It’s also the biggest ghat in Rishikesh, and the evening aarti to the River Ganga offered here is a must-watch. The environment is filled with ritual chants and rhythmic bells during the aarti. Devotees also offer diyas and flowers to the river.
Triveni Ghat is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh in the morning, too. The mesmerizing sunrise view makes it worth the visit.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Rishikesh: 4 km from city center
2. Laxman Jhula
Laxman Jhula is an iconic suspension bridge built over the River Ganga. It’s a pedestrian-only bridge, and it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Rishikesh. According to legends, the bridge is at the same place where Laxman, the brother of Lord Rama, crossed the river.
It’s 450 feet long and it connects the Tehri and Pauri districts of Uttarakhand. Both local people and tourists use Laxman Jhula to access temples and markets on both sides of the river.
It was opened to the public in 1929.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 8 km from city center
3. Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula is another suspension bridge on the River Ganga. It’s named after Lord Rama, and it connects two ashrams on both sides of the river.
Watching Rishikesh from Ram Jhula is an experience in itself. You can view this holy city in its full glory, surrounded by the river and the mighty mountains. It’s close to Rishikesh and you’ll love it if you like long walks alongside a flowing river.
Unlike Laxman Jhula, where only pedestrians are allowed, Ram Jhula also allows bikes and cycles. It’s an ideal destination for taking panoramic pictures of Rishikesh.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 7 km from city center
4. Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Parmarth Niketan Ashram is a spiritual retreat located at the foothills of the Himalayas, offering natural healing treatments. It’s on the banks of the River Ganga and it’s a popular ashram place to visit in Rishikesh.
Many people visit the place for their holistic healthcare. With lush gardens, clean rooms and pure ambience, it provides a serene refuge to devotees. You get traditional ways of treating through Ayurvedic practice, yoga and meditation. Several spiritual programs and lectures are also held here.
The doors of Parmarth Niketan Ashram are open for people of all religions, genders and castes. It helps people connect with their inner selves through its various activities.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 6 km from city center
5. Tera Manzil Temple
Tera Manzil Temple (also known as Trayambakeshwar Temple) is a 13-storey temple on the banks of River Ganga. Perched on a hilltop, the temple offers panoramic views of Rishikesh and the river. It’s among the main places to visit in Rishikesh with family. Its intricate, symmetric architecture makes it stand out.
The temple gives you an opportunity to worship many gods and goddesses at the same time. It enshrines several deities under one roof.
Tera Manzil Temple is among the best places to visit in Rishikesh near Laxman Jhula. It’s only a short walk away from this iconic bridge.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 9 km from city center
6. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the most revered Hindu sites in Rishikesh. It’s an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it’s visited by devotees from all over the world. It’s at a height of over 1300m near the confluence of rivers Pankaja and Madhumati.
This sacred temple is amidst the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot. And it’s surrounded by dense forests and rough mountain ranges. Small shops outside the temple sell flowers and other items for pooja.
The trek to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. A small freshwater spring nearby also attracts many devotees for a bath.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 13 km from city center
7. Geeta Bhavan
Geeta Bhavan is a vast and spacious ashram complex on the banks of Ganga. It’s a renowned religious institution that organizes discourses and spiritual events. And it offers free food, stay and education to the pilgrims staying here.
The most prominent attraction in Geeta Bhavan is the Laxmi Narayan Temple. Paintings on the walls narrate the story of Lord Krishna and the teachings of the Bhagavad Geeta.
Many devotees come here also to meditate and attend the discourses. People who live here participate in daily prayers and share their roles in daily activities. You can also take part in the activities and enjoy meals with them.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 8 km from city center
8. Beatles Ashram
Beatles Ashram (also called Chaurasi Kutia and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram) is another of the popular places to visit near Rishikesh city. It’s a tranquil place located on a cliff.
The ashram gained popularity because The Beatles rock band stayed here in the 1960s. It’s said that the band practiced Transcendental Meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi here.
The ashram complex houses a library, kitchen and several meditation huts. It also has a small gallery and a cafe. Although the ashram lacks maintenance, you can still sit back and enjoy the calm vibes.
- Entry Fee: ₹150 per person
- Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 7 km from city center
9. Rishikund
Rishikund is a hot water spring with various mythological beliefs attached to it. The pond is said to have been filled by a sage who was blessed by Mother Yamuna. It’s also said that this place was once a havan kund, where many devotees prayed for the river to flow in this area.
The pond is one of the important places to visit in Rishikesh also because of its proximity to many temples. It’s considered sacred, and the water is said to have healing properties.
Locals also believe that Lord Rama bathed in this pond during his exile. It’s another reason Rishikund attracts many devotees.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Rishikesh: 4 km from city center
10. Neer Garh Waterfall
Neer Garh Waterfall is a narrow stream of water cascading down the rocks. It’s a short trek away in the forest around Rishikesh, which is as enchanting as the waterfall itself. The place offers the perfect opportunity for nature photography.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush Himalayan vegetation, and it’s a treat for adventure lovers. The trek also allows you to spot the variety of plants and animals found in the region. Watching this raw beauty is a treat after making your way up and down the rocky terrain.
Neer Garh Waterfall is an ideal retreat for those looking for a serene place away from the crowd. It’s one of the excellent hidden places to visit in Rishikesh.
- Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
- Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 11 km from city center
11. Swarg Ashram
Swarg Ashram is a peaceful, spiritual abode on the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. It’s built in the memory of Swami Vishudhanand, and it’s among the most calming tourist destinations in Rishikesh.
The ashram is in an isolated place, making it a perfect site for meditation. It’s a great place for spiritual seekers and those looking for a quiet retreat. You can spend hours taking in the aesthetics of the place. The sunset views along the river banks are also mesmerizing.
It’s the epicenter of yoga and meditation, located in a picturesque setting. Various religious programs, holy rituals and spiritual chants make Swarg Ashram a heavenly place.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 7 km from city center
12. Vashishta Gufa
Vashishta Gufa (or cave, in Hindi) is an ancient cave associated with the sage Vashishta. As per legend, Vashishta meditated in this place. And this serene cave attracts spiritual tourists and devotees looking for a blissful time.
The cave offers a perfect setting to relax and reflect in silence. It’s properly maintained, with mats spread on the ground for anyone who wishes to meditate.
It’s filled with the aroma of scented oils and incense sticks, making it an excellent destination for absorbing positive energy and attaining peace of mind. You’ll also find a Shivalinga here.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 25 km from city center
13. Haridwar
Haridwar is an ancient city close to Rishikesh. It’s considered one of the holiest places in India, and it’s among the best places to visit in Uttarakhand near Rishikesh. It’s a haven for those who want to build a spiritual connection.
This holy city is called the gateway to the gods. And it attracts many travellers seeking their inner selves. Here, you’ll find many temples, ashrams and other spiritual places located along the banks of the River Ganga.
Haridwar isn’t only about religion and spirituality. The city is a blend of tradition and modernity, seamlessly merging holiness with nature's beauty.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Rishikesh: 20 km from city center
14. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park, located near Rishikesh, is like an oasis for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Its area consists of Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries. And it’s among the best places to visit in Rishikesh and Haridwar.
The national park is dotted with numerous trekking trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in its wild beauty. You can also take a jeep safari to explore the variety of flora and fauna it has. Barking deer, elephants and tigers are among the common animal species found here.
You can also enjoy outdoor activities like birdwatching and camping here. The dense trees and shrubs create a green landscape as far as you can see. It’s among the best places to visit in Rishikesh with friends.
- Entry Fee: ₹150 per person
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 22 km from city center
15. Jumpin Heights
Jumpin Heights is one of the top places to visit in Rishikesh for adventure enthusiasts. This is the place where you can experience extreme sports and feel the adrenaline rush of jumping from heights.
This adventure zone offers several activities, like bungee jumping, ziplining, and a giant swing, making it one of the popular places to visit in Rishikesh for youngsters. It’s quite popular among thrill-seekers.
You get to enjoy an extreme experience with the lush Himalayan foothills in the backdrop.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 9.30 AM – 5 PM
- Distance from Rishikesh: 25 km from city center
16. Shivpuri
Shivpuri is another of the adventure and offbeat places to visit in Rishikesh. The river stretch here offers ideal conditions for white-water rafting. Mountaineering, camping and trekking are a few other adventure activities available in Shivpuri.
You can also indulge in recreational boating and river-side stargazing here. Then, there are morning yoga and meditation camps that ensure a peaceful weekend getaway.
Shivpuri is really the place to have a refreshing holiday in Rishikesh.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Rishikesh: 18 km from city center
17. Kaudiyala
Kaudiyala is also a popular adventure destination near Rishikesh. It’s known for river rafting, and it offers a more secluded, adventurous experience. The place is surrounded by dense forests that echo the roaring sounds of the dangerous rapids.
It’s considered to have one of the best zones of river rapids in the world, offering a fun-filled and challenging river-rafting experience. You can also try rock climbing in Kaudiyala.
And if you’re looking for some peaceful time, you can book a trekking and camping expedition. You can enjoy activities like bird watching and boating during your trip.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Rishikesh: 49 km from city center
Rishikesh is a city that offers something for everyone, whether it is spirituality, adventure or culture. While Laxman Jhula – Ram Jhula are the most popular tourist places, you’ll find many holy places to visit in Rishikesh. From Triveni Ghat to Geeta Bhavan, all these places offer peace of mind you can’t find anywhere.
If you want some adventure, go beyond the local places to visit in Rishikesh. High mountains, thrilling rapids and picturesque waterfalls attract adventure travellers from all over the world. A visit to Rishikesh will make you feel alive.
Plan your trip in and around winter (between September and April) to enjoy the best.
