Renowned as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh earned its fame when the popular English rock band Beatles visited the place back in the 60s. The famous band, seeking spirituality, spent their time at the Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
While spending some time at this ashram is a given when visiting this spiritual city, there are plenty of other places that demand your attention. Start your day with river rafting at Shivpuri followed by a simple breakfast at one of the riverside cafes and then roam around the various shops lined along Laxman Jhula.
Finally, unwind at the Ghat and submerge yourself in the magnificent and stunningly tranquil Ganga Aarti in the evening. And if you need a detailed guide to help you plan your entire itinerary, take cues from this one. Read ahead to know about the popular places to visit in Rishikesh:
Places to Visit in Rishikesh:
| Laxman Jhula | Ram Jhula |
| Tera Manzil Mandir | Shri Bharat Mandir |
| Triveni Ghat | The Beatles Ashram |
| Shivpuri | Neelkanth Mahadev Temple |
| Jumpin Heights |
1. Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
Laxman Jhula | #1 of 20 Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
One of the most prominent places in Rishikesh, Laxman Jhula is a 450-feet long suspension bridge at the height of 70 feet from the river. Built in the year 1939, the bridge is an important attraction as it is believed that it is the same place where Lord Laxman crossed the Ganga River on a jute rope.
While you will find plenty of cafes on both sides of the bridge, the famous places you should definitely visit are Laxman Temple and Tera Manzil Mandir situated close by.
When crossing the bridge, do stop in the middle and just soak in the view of the hills all around you. Nothing is more surreal than this!
If you are planning for trip in January, Check more details – Places to Visit in January
2. Ram Jhula, Rishikesh
Ram Jhula | #2 of 20 Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
A few miles downstream from Laxman Jhula is the Ram Jhula. Almost similar in its structure and construction, this suspension bridge was built in 1980, a little later than Laxman Jhula.
As you cross this bridge, you will witness the Himalayas peeking out of clouds on clear days and the Ganga River gushing down in full flow. It does make for a scenic vista which you don’t want to miss when in Rishikesh.
The bridge is also renowned for linking two popular ashrams of the town – Swarg Ashram on one end and the Sivananda Ashram on the other. About 450 feet long, this bridge offers breath-taking views of valleys and the temples around. Walk slowly if you want to take it all in.
3. Tera Manzil Mandir, Rishikesh
Tera Manzil Mandir | #3 of 20 Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
Also known as Trimbakeshwar Temple, this is one of the most renowned temples of Rishikesh. Perched on the banks of River Ganga, the temple (as its name suggests) has 13 storeys and a strikingly beautiful architecture. It can be easily distinguished from afar thanks to its colourful facade.
- Location: Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
- Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
4. Shri Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh
One of the oldest and the most revered temples in the entire city, Shri Bharat Mandir is dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. This glorious temple has several mythological stories behind it. For instance, it is believed that the Pandavas, on their way to heaven, stayed at this temple and worshipped Lord Hrishikesh. It is also believed that at one point when Lord Buddha visited the temple, it was converted into a monastery for a few years. Fascinating, isn’t it?
- Location: Ghat Road, Mayakund, Rishikesh
- Timing: 5 AM – 12 PM; 4 PM – 9 PM; All Days
5. Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat | #5 of 20 Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
It is one of the most famous ghats in Rishikesh and makes for a beautiful place to watch the evening Ganga Aarti. The sanctity of the Ghat comes from the legend that it sees the confluence of three major rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.
The ghat is considered sacred and if Hindu mythology is to be believed, it is said that a dip in the holy water of Ganga near the ghat can purge all your sins. After all, this ghat has been mentioned in both our epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Sit by the ghat in the evening and soak in the splendour of the Aarti.
6. The Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh
The Beatles Ashram | #6 of 20 Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
Located at a distance of around 18 km from the city centre, The Beatles Ashram is among the most important places to visit in Rishikesh. After the Beatles visited the ashram to do transcendental meditation, the outlook on Indian spirituality changed the world over.
The time the Beatles spent at the ashram is touted as one of their most productive periods where they wrote plenty of songs. If you are a Beatles fan, you have to visit the ashram and soak in its tranquillity. The place is not maintained properly but still, the ruins look beautiful. Just find a spot inside the ashram and spend some hours meditating.
- Location: Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh
- Timings: Open on all days till sunset
If you’d like to know where you can camp under the starlit sky, read our blog on camping in Rishikesh.
7. Shivpuri, Rishikesh
Shivpuri | #7 of 20 Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
No trip to Rishikesh is complete without trying the adrenaline-spiking water sport – river rafting. And the best place to indulge in one of the most exciting adventure activities in Rishikesh is Shivpuri. A hub for river rafting, the place is crowded with people who want to try this adventure sport. Whether you want to go for the short 9-km or the long 21-km expedition, you will find all the equipment and arrangements at Shivpuri.
Of course, if you want to do it all, we recommend you book a 1N/2D camp. After river rafting, you can chill out in tents and spend your evenings around a bonfire.
8. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple | #8 of 20 Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
Located around 30 km from Rishikesh, this holy temple is considered as one of the most important pilgrimage places for all the devotees of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the temple is built at the same spot where Lord Shiva drank the venom ‘Halahala’ that was extracted after churning the ocean to obtain the elixir of life.
Not only this, the temple also has a freshwater spring where devotees take a holy dip.
- Location: Kotdwar – Pauri Road
- Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
9. Jumpin Heights, Rishikesh
Jumpin Heights | #9 of 20 Best Places to visit in Rishikesh
Rishikesh, being the adventurer’s paradise, is also the hub of one of the most daunting yet exhilarating activities of them all – bungee jumping. And the best place to try this adventure sport is Jumpin Heights.
Apart from bungee jumping, this adventure sports point has provisions for flying fox and giant swing. Right from expert instructors to the gears needed for bungee jumping, you will find everything here. Plus, you can also record your reaction on camera.
- Entry Fees: INR 100, Extra charges for bungee jumping and flying fox.
- Location: District Pauri Garhwal, Mohan Chatti, 30 km from Rishikesh
- Timing: 9:30 AM – 4 PM, All Days
10. Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
Parmarth Niketan is among the top places to visit in Rishikesh if you are an ardent Yoga follower. Established in the year 1942, this ashram has grown into one of the biggest spiritual places in the country.
- Location: Swargashram, Rishikesh
11. Byasi, Rishikesh
Byasi is a small village about 30 km from Rishikesh. If you are an adventure lover, this is the place for you. Camping, river rafting, and boating are some activities that happen here all through the year. The village has lots of restaurants and homestays too.
12. Muni ki Reti, Rishikesh
In the list of tourist attractions in Rishikesh, this town is a popular choice. Filled with innumerable Hindu temples and ashrams, the place will keep you grounded and calm. The town is just 6 km from the main Rishikesh city. The Ganges is less crowded here and you can enjoy a stroll through its banks.
13. Kaudiyala, Rishikesh
For adventure seekers, Kaudiyala is one of the best tourist places in Rishikesh. Located 40 km away from the centre of the holy city, this place is located on the banks of Ganga and has turned into a camping and adventure activity zone. The white sands add beauty to the town.
- Location: Badrinath Road
14. Ragunath Temple, Rishikesh
An important temple in Rishikesh, the Raghunath Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Goddess Sita. Many important religious ceremonies take place in this revered temple.
- Location: Near Triveni Ghat
15. Rishikund, Rishikesh
Rishikund is called the ‘pond for rishis’ and is a holy water body located near the Ragunath Temple. The pond reflects the entrance tower of the Raghunath Temple and is a very relaxing place to spend some time in. The pond is said to have been blessed by the River Goddess Yamuna.
- Location: Mayakund, Rishikesh
16. Lakshman Temple, Rishikesh
This very old temple is located near Lakshman Jhula and is said to be the place Lord Lakshman meditated to seek spiritual enlightenment. This temple is known for its ancient carvings, sculptures, and paintings and is a very famous place in Rishikesh.
- Location: Near Lakshman Jhula
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
17. Vashistha Cave, Rishikesh
Dedicated to Saint Vashistha, this is said to be the place where he lived and meditated at the end of his life. Located in a beautiful spot, this is one of the popularly visited places in Rishikesh. You can spend some time on the premises and meditate inside the cave.
- Location: Badrinath Road
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
18. Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Rishikesh
Situated on the top of a small hill, you will have to climb 80 steps to reach the famous Kunjapuri Devi Temple. It is considered one of the 52 Shakti Peets, hence quite crowded on weekends.
- Location: Hindolakhal Rd, Rishikesh
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM
19. Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh
Sivananda Ashram is located about 3 m from Rishikesh and is a very popular Yoga centre in the city. Many famous personalities have paid a visit to this ashram to participate in the powerful and empowering Yoga programmes conducted by the gurus.
- Location: Shivananda Nagar
20. Omkarananda Ashram, Rishikesh
The Omkarananda Ashram is located on the banks of River Ganga and was established more than 50 years ago. Visit this ashram for a spiritually enlightening experience.
- Location: Swami Omkarananda Saraswathi Road, Ganga Vatika
While these are just some of the places in Rishikesh, there are plenty of ashrams in this holy city. Parmarth Niketan and Geeta Bhawan being the prominent one.
Tourist Places Video in Rishikesh:
Frequently Asked Questions About Rishikesh:
Q: What adventure activities in Rishikesh can I enjoy?
A: Rishikesh is best known for river rafting that can be enjoyed from July to mid-September. Other things to do in Rishikesh for thrill seekers are cliff jumping, body surfing, riverside camping, bungee jumping, flying fox, giant swing, rappelling, mountain biking, rock climbing and trekking.
Q: Why should I plan a trip to Rishikesh?
A: Rishikesh is a paradise for those seeking rejuvenation or spiritual enlightenment as it is known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Moreover, if you're willing to do the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage, Rishikesh would be your entry point to the shrines. You can also visit Rishikesh to enjoy a range of adventure activities especially rafting.
Q: How to reach Rishikesh?
A: The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (21 km) while the major railhead serving the town is Haridwar Station (21 km). From both the gateways as well as nearby cities, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Rishikesh.
Q: List some of the best yoga ashrams in Rishikesh.
A: Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda Ashram, Sadhana Mandir, Yoga Niketan and Rishikesh Yogpeeth are among the most popular yoga centres in Rishikesh.
Q: Where to shop in Rishikesh?
A: Some of the best shopping places in Rishikesh are Laxman Jhoola Market (aromatic essential oils and authentic Rudraksh), Moti Bazaar (brass idols and prayer bells), Shyampur Haat Bazaar (spices) and Upper Bazaar (souvenirs and handicrafts).
