Places To Visit in Rishikesh

Rishikesh also written as Hrishikesh, is a town near Dehradun in the State of Uttarakhand. The Northern part of Rishikesh is situated in the district of Dehradun. While the southern part of Rishikesh is located in the Pauri Gharwal district. It is placed on the right side of the Ganga River. In this town, International Yoga Day has been celebrated with a lot of enjoyment by people since 1999. Here, we will discuss about 10 places to visit in Rishikesh.

1. Triveni Ghat

Triveni ghat is famous because Lord Krishna came to this Ghat after being injured by a hunter’s arrow. It is believed that he acquired a bath at the one point of the river to cure himself. This story enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the area, which attracts seeking divine blessing and healing. 

• Timings for Aarti- 5:45 am to 6:30 am ( morning )
• Timings for Aarti- 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm ( evening )

2. Vashishta Gufa 

Vashishta Cave is located in Uttarkashi district at a distance of about 22 km from Rishikesh on the bus route to Kedarnath and is one of the first establishments of Lord Bhrama. Gufa also known as Surya Darshan, – is a rare ritual. It is a growing-up ceremony of a girl and her life-deep relationship with the sun. The cave is considered a powerful spiritual center, and many come here to seek blessing and spiritual guidance

• Timings- 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

3. Kunjapuri Camps- 

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At this place, Lord Shiva’s wife sacrificed her life in the yagya started by her father. Lord Shiva moved through this place while leaving back to Kailash with the dead body of Sati, the upper part of her body fell at this place where  Kunjpuri Devi Temple now stands. There are 80 steps to climb to reach the temple to take the blessings of Lord Shiva and Sati Mata.

• Timings- 5:00 am to 6:00 pm

4. Ram Jhula

It is very famous in the Rishikesh town. This is an iron suspension built on the river Ganga and the length of Ram Jhula is 450 feet, connecting Shivanand Asharam to Swargasharam. This place holds huge spiritual significance as plenty of Sages and Saints meditated in this place along the  Ganga river. No vehicles are allowed to cross the Ram Jhula, only walkers and cyclers are allowed to cross the Jhula.

• Timings- 5:00 am to 10:00 pm

5. Neer Garh Waterfall-

This place also known as Neer Gaddu, Neel Waterfall, or Secret Waterfall, is famous in Rishikesh, India for its natural beauty, spiritual atmosphere, and cultural significance. The waterfall is around 25 feet high and surrounded by green forests. Some people think that this environment is best for meditation and yoga. People come here for peace and some come to take pictures of beautiful waterfalls.

• Timings- 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry Fees- 30 INR for Indian
•  Entry Fees– 50 INR for foreigners

6. Shivpuri-

This place is located around 19 km upstream from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It is a popular destination for River Rafting. Many people go there to enjoy Rafting with their family, friends, and loved ones. The city also has magnificent historical monuments that are worth watching.

Timings- 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

• Charger for Rafting- 1000 INR per person for 16 km
• Charger for Rafting- 600 INR per person for 12 km

7. Gita Bhavan

Gita Bhavan is a popular Asharam in Rishikesh, India. It is devoted to studying and practicing the teachings of the Holy Hindu text Bhagwad Gita. Gita Bhavan has many paintings and sculptures of personalities from Hindu mythology. The paintings involve the famous Gita message that illustrates Lord Krishna and the great warrior Pandava Arjuna in a chariot at the Kurukshetra battleground. Free rooms are available for tourists at this place, with more than 1000 well-maintained rooms with common bathrooms.

• Timing – for lunch (11:00 am to 12:30 pm)
• Timing – for dinner (7:00 pm to 8:30 pm)

8. Sivananda Ashram

This ashram is located near Ram Jhula Rishikesh, Uttarakhand and it is a wonderful place for meditation and relaxation in the beautiful ambiance. The story of this ashram is that in 1936 Sivananda established an organization named “ Divine Life Society” near the bank of the Ganga river of Rishikesh and Sivananda helping poor people as well as spreading knowledge about yoga and meditation all over the World. He founded Yoga – Vedanta Forest Academy. 

• Opening time- 9:00 am

9. Patna Waterfall- 

The trek to the waterfall starts 5 km from Lakshman Jhula on the Neelkanth temple route. It is a scenic trek of 1.5 km one-way road through Rajaji forest. This path to the waterfall is difficult. the waterfall almost dries up during the summer season and it is not advisable to visit this place during summer. This waterfall is named after the Patna, a small village in Rishikesh. This small village is just above the waterfall. This waterfall is also famous for the limestone caves present near it. According to legends, there is a small town dedicated to Lord Vishnu inside these limestone caves.

• Entry Fees- 30 INR

10. Beatles Ashram- 

The Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kutya, is situated on the north side of Rishikesh, India. The ashram was very popular and built in the Late ’60s after a four-piece band practiced Transcendental meditation under a spiritual instructor Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (immortalized in the song “Sexy Sadie”). This Ashram is best for learning Yoga and Meditation under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The place is also known for the Yoga center.

• Entry Fees- 150 for Indian citizens
• Entry Fees– 600 for foreigners 

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Rishikesh is a very popular town in India. Many tourists visit there with family and friends to enjoy the scenic beauty of Rishikesh. This city attracts people to visit again and again because of the Temples, Ashram, river Ganga Aarti, and Adventurous activities. Hence, Rishikesh is a budget-free town for tourists.