The Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is counted as one of the most frequented holiday destinations in India that gains the attention of young people as well as senior citizens in large numbers every year. After all, it has grand temples to attain peace of mind; it has architectural marvels to admire; it has a tranquil ambiance to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate yourself, and it has a plethora of adventure activities to set your heart racing. The list seems to be never-ending!
With such diversity, it’s not at all easy to shortlist the tourist attractions one would like to explore on their Rishikesh tour. So, for your ease, we have come up with a list of places that you can add to your itinerary list of Rishikesh Darshan Packages to enjoy your time to the fullest. These are as follows:
1. Laxman Jhula
Admired as a popular and must-visit sightseeing place in Rishikesh, the Laxman Jhula is a beautiful bridge that draws a huge influx of visitors every year – all thanks to its religious significance. It is believed that this suspension bridge has been constructed at the same place where Lord Rama and his younger brother, Lakshman had once crossed the sacred river Ganga using a jute rope and this is the major reason why many people flock to this location at least once for sure (if not twice).
Make sure to spend some time in the middle of the Laxman Jhula while crossing it and admire the breathtaking view of the hills around you; it is a kind of experience that will stay with you forever, no matter what. Also, don’t forget to explore the nearby attractions like the Lakshman Temple, the Ram Jhula, and the Terah Manzil Temple to enjoy your visit to the fullest.
Please note that entry of bikes or any other type of vehicle is restricted on this bridge due to safety and security concerns. However, pedestrians are allowed to take a walk anytime. As such, there is no specific timing of the Laxman Jhula and it can be visited between 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM on all days.
2. Triveni Ghat
The biggest ghat in Uttarakhand, Triveni Ghat is named after the confluence of three rivers - the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati, which is said to take place at this spot. It is an important pilgrimage site where you can take a dip in its holy waters and wash away all your sins.
The ghat is particularly crowded during the evening aarti ceremony, which is a beautiful and spiritual experience. During this ceremony, priests perform rituals and offer prayers to the river goddess, seeking her blessings and protection.
Apart from its religious significance, Triveni Ghat is also known for its scenic beauty and serene ambiance. Visitors can sit by the riverbank and enjoy the cool breeze and the sound of the flowing water. If interested, try to feed the fish while enjoying the much-needed ME time there.
The ghat is also surrounded by numerous temples, ashrams, and markets selling religious items, souvenirs, and snacks. So, if you wish to bring any souvenirs back home, you can stroll around to see the items at the local vendors.
3. Neelkantha Mahadev Temple
Lying at a distance of 12 km from the center of the city is the Neelkantha Mahadev Temple which is considered as a famous shrine of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, it stands at the exact location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean which turned his throat blue, making it famous among the devotees from India as well as abroad.
Situated amidst the majestic Himalayan range, the Neelkantha Mahadev Temple has an abundance of natural beauty around it that adds to its overall charm. Here you can also enjoy several waterfalls, streams, and forests with a trek that is a must-to-do activity among locals and tourists alike. Not to forget about its stunning architecture adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings that will surely blow your mind.
The best time to visit the Neelkantha Mahadev Temple is during the festival of Shivratri, which is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Devotees perform special poojas, offer prayers, and make offerings of flowers, sweets, and fruits to Lord Shiva.
4. Rajaji National Park
All those interested in exploring a diverse range of flora and fauna in Rishikesh with our Rishikesh Darshan Packages can head to the Rajaji National Park. Named after C. Rajagopalachari, the Rajaji National Park provides a home to over 300 bird species and a variety of animals including tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and several species of deer. It also has a large population of langur monkeys, which are considered sacred in Hindu mythology.
Visitors to the park can undertake wildlife safaris to see the wildlife creatures from close. The Jeep safaris are offered twice a day every day for 3 hours in the morning and evening. The accommodation facility is also available for people looking for a perfect wild ambiance. Not only are these cottages equipped with all the state-of-the-art amenities but also offer an idyllic retreat away from home.
The entry fee to visit the Rajaji National Park is INR 150 per person for Indians and INR 600 per person for foreigners. Also, it remains closed during the rainy season, so keep this in mind before making any plans.
Other points of interest that are worth your time are the Beatles Ashram, Swarg Ashram, Kauri Pass, Neer Garh Waterfall, Bharat Mandir, Parmarth Niketan, Shivpuri, Rishi Kund, Raghunath Temple, Kunjapuri Devi Temple, and Narender Nagar.
In addition to all this, there are many adventure activities available in Rishikesh for thrill seekers to keep themselves occupied all day long. These include River Rafting, Camping, Cliff Jumping, Bungee Jumping, Zip Lining, and Rock Climbing.
Need any help with your itinerary planning, get in touch with our professionals. We at Rishikesh Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, strive to offer you the wholesome experience you’ll ever need on your trip.
Our Rishikesh Darshan Packages are designed to cater to everyone’s needs and in case you don’t like any of our inclusions, you can request our team to change them. Personalization is our key and we don’t mind going the extra mile to present you with the best of services. Please fill out the Contact Us form to learn more about us.
How to reach Rishikesh?
Whether you’re a domestic traveler or an international tourist, it is easy to access Rishikesh via airways, roadways, or railways. Depending on your holiday budget and preferred style of travel, you can choose to go ahead with one option that suits you the most.
The most convenient way is to catch a bus from Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. You can choose from regular, deluxe, and luxury coaches to enjoy road travel in your utmost comfort. Another option is to take a direct train to the Haridwar Railway Station which is further connected with other railheads like Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, etc. It is pocket-friendly to everyone’s pocket as the fares are quite low, making it convenient for all age groups.
Lastly, if air travel is your thing, you can fly to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Outside the airport, book a private cab to cover the required distance with ease. After reaching Rishikesh, hire a taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Rishikesh to commute further.
