Are you in search of a holiday location where you can be spiritually enlightened along with enjoying the natural scenery, majestic hills, picturesque views, and a pleasant atmosphere? If yes, then you’re at the right place!
Referred to as the ancient city of India, Rishikesh is widely renowned for its abundance of beauty, magnificent tourist attractions, and adventure opportunities that impress people from far and wide. It is a vibrant city that provides the same experience you’ve been craving for a long time – all thanks to its pilgrimage sites, tranquil ashrams, pious ghats, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Here you can have the best of the leisure and recreational world to enjoy your time to the fullest. Not to forget about its food and shopping therapy that keeps you entertained all the time. Book an all-inclusive Rishikesh local sightseeing tour package with us to explore all this and more in your utmost comfort. Below we have a detailed guide on the sightseeing places one can consider exploring to discover the real essence of this city:
1. Laxman Jhula
The iconic landmark of the city, Laxman Jhula is a frequently visited tourist attraction in Rishikesh that attracts a huge crowd of visitors every year. It is named after Lord Rama's younger brother, Laxman, who is said to have crossed the river at the same spot using jute ropes. The original jute rope bridge was replaced by an iron suspension bridge in 1929, and the bridge has since become an important part of the city's cultural and religious heritage.
Take a walk on the bridge and enjoy the scenic views of the river Ganges and the mountains. It is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts as well who come to capture the picturesque beauty of the surrounding areas. You can also indulge in adventure sports like bungee jumping, rafting, and zip lining to make your visit more fun and exciting. Not to forget about the temples and ashrams encompassing the bridge, which make it a hub of spiritual activities.
2. Triveni Ghat
Another place to explore in Rishikesh with our Rishikesh local sightseeing tour packages is the Triveni Ghat. It is a sacred bathing spot that is believed to have been built at the confluence of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, which makes it an important site for Hindus who come to take a dip in the river to purify their sins.
The best time to visit the Triveni Ghat is during the evening aarti ceremony, which is performed by a group of priests who use various elements to create an atmosphere that makes you forget everything about your daily hassle for some time. It’s a kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience that one must experience no matter what.
Please note that this ghat is located near the Rishikesh railway station and is easily accessible by road. Also, it remains open throughout the year. However, try planning your getaway during the winter months to make the most of your time. In winter, the weather is pleasant and the level of the water in the river is also low, making it favorable for you to do the exploration in your comfort.
3. Swarg Ashram
Visit the Swarg Ashram to treat yourself to a spiritual retreat. It is counted as one of the oldest ashrams in the city that has been a point of interest for spiritual seekers and yoga enthusiasts for over 80 years.
Lying on the banks of the holy river Ganges and amidst the beautiful Himalayan mountains, the Swarg Ashram offers a peaceful and serene environment that is ideal for meditation, yoga, and spiritual contemplation. It is open to people of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds, and welcomes everyone who is seeking inner peace and spiritual growth.
The main building of the ashram houses the Satsang Hall where daily yoga and meditation sessions as well as spiritual talks are held. Here you can also find a library with a large collection of books on yoga, spirituality, and Indian philosophy. The ashram has a beautiful garden and a small temple which provides a peaceful space for prayer. Several workshops are also conducted within the complex for the interest of people.
4. Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is among the famous Hindu temples that deserves to be included on your itinerary list of popular sightseeing places in Rishikesh.
According to Hindu mythology, the temple is situated at the spot where Lord Shiva drank the poison that emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean. The poison turned his throat blue and this is why it was named “Neelkanth”. It is believed to have been built on this site in the 17th century and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
Perched at an altitude of 1,330 meters above sea level, the architecture of Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a blend of traditional and modern styles. Here you can find several small shrines dedicated to other deities along with a large courtyard where devotees can offer prayers and perform rituals.
Head to it during the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar (July-August), when thousands of pilgrims undertake a strenuous trek to the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple also attracts tourists who are drawn by its scenic beauty and spiritual significance.
The list of tourist attractions to explore in Rishikesh is never-ending. So, if you’re interested, you can extend your getaway to a few more days to cover the places like the Ram Jhula, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Beatles Ashram, Gita Bhawan, Shri Bharat Mandir, Lakshman Temple, Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram, and Swami Dayananda Ashram.
For adventure buffs, there are plenty of outdoor activities that set your heart racing. These include white water rafting, trekking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, flying fox, and bungee jumping. Depending on your overall strength and stamina, you can choose to indulge in recreational sports that suit you the most.
In case you need any help with your trip planning, we are just a call away. At Rishikesh Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, our team of travel experts strives to offer you the best of our services so that you can have the best time without worrying about anything.
To cater to everyone’s varied holiday needs, we present a diverse range of Rishikesh tour packages that can be altered as per your prerequisites. Other than the Rishikesh local sightseeing tour packages, you can also explore our Rishikesh Darshan Packages and 1 Day Rishikesh tour packages. To know more, we request you to fill out the Contact Us form.
How to Reach Rishikesh?
Traveling by road is considered as the most convenient and preferred way for many tourists to get down to the city. For your ease, several private and state-owned buses run from Delhi, Haridwar, Meerut, Dehradun, and other metro cities to Rishikesh on an everyday basis. The roads are good and hence, one can easily access their destination without any problem.
All those who love enjoying train journeys can catch a direct train to Rishikesh Railway Station. In case the location you’re traveling from doesn’t have connectivity with the Rishikesh Railway Station, the Haridwar Railway Station, which is 25 km away, is the feasible option. After reaching Rishikesh, hire a private taxi from top car rental companies in Rishikesh to travel within the city.
Lastly, the facility of boarding a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is also available for international tourists looking to cover the maximum distance in their utmost comfort. Outside the airport, you can hire a cab to commute further.
