Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the small yet profound town of Rishikesh holds a special place in the Hindu religion. With the sacred river Ganga flowing through it, this place is often referred to as a beacon of tranquillity and enlightenment. People from all over the world come here to spend some time away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Rishikesh has something for everyone, regardless of their age or preferences. Those looking for some spiritual solace should visit places like Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan, while Neergarh Waterfall and Vashishtha Gufa are best for nature lovers. Other than this, the Beatles Ashram, Ram Jhula, etc., are also among the must-visit places in Rishikesh.

Commonly referred to as the Yoga Capital of India, Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Nestled on the banks of the River Ganga, this place is known for being home to several ancient Hindu temples. Apart from its religious significance, this Himalayan town has gained huge popularity due to its hippie cafes, adventure sports activities and yoga camps as well. As a result, Rishikesh now experiences a huge visitor influx throughout the year. This scenic town is not just popular among Indian tourists, but people from other countries also come here. Some of them come here to learn yoga and meditation, while a few of them indulge in adventurous activities like rafting, trekking, etc.

Top Places to Visit in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a place that offers different things to different people. The key to planning a memorable vacation is choosing the right tourist spots based on your interests. For your convenience, here is a list of all the famous places to cover on your trip:

• Ram Jhula
• Triveni Ghat
• Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
• Trayambakeshwar Temple
• Parmarth Niketan
• Neer Garh Waterfall
• The Beatles Ashram
• Vashishtha Gufa

Ram Jhula

Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Distance from City Centre: 4 km

Ram Jhula is an iconic suspension bridge that also serves as one of the main landmarks of this town. This bridge runs across the sacred River Ganga while connecting Shivananda Nagar to Swargashram. It was built in 1986, and its total length is 750 feet. Known for offering a splendid bird's eye view of the river, this is a popular place to visit in Rishikesh.

Insider Tips:

• This is a pedestrian bridge, which means it needs to be crossed on foot. No vehicles are allowed here.
• Visit in the early morning or at sunset for magical views.
• Stay alert for monkeys and keep your belongings safe.

Triveni Ghat

Timings: No fixed timings
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Distance from City Centre: 2.5 km

Rishikesh is home to several ghats, and Triveni Ghat is the biggest amongst all of them. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the great Lord Krishna was cremated. In present times, it is one of the most popular sacred bathing spots on the banks of the River Ganga. Hundreds of devotees come here every day to take a holy dip. This is also the place where the famous Ganga Aarti takes place every evening. With several priests chanting mantras and bhajans in a rhythmic manner while ringing bells, this ritual of worship is one of the best things to see in Rishikesh. The usual time for Ganga Aarti on Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh is 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Insider Tips:

• Arrive early to get a good spot from where you can get an unobstructed view of the aarti.
• The timing for Ganga Aarti can vary on special occasions, so it is always best to confirm it once while planning a visit.

Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Timings: 05:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Distance from City Centre: 26 km

This highly revered Hindu temple is another famous place in Rishikesh. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is visited by a large number of devotees every day. It is believed to be the exact place where Lord Shiva drank the poison during the churning of the ocean (known as Sambudra Manthan). As a result, the colour of his throat turned blue, earning him the name Neelkanth.

Insider Tips:

• While visiting the temple, wear modest and respectful clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
• Expect a larger crowd if you’re going there during peak hours. Follow the designated queues and wait your turn respectfully for darshan.

Trayambakeshwar Temple

Timings: 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Distance from City Centre: 8.4 km

Trayambakeshwar Temple, or Terah Manzil Temple, is among the most popular attractions in Rishikesh. As the name suggests, this beautiful structure has thirteen floors. Situated right opposite the Lakshman Jhula, this temple enshrines several deities under one roof. Apart from its religious significance, this temple is also popular for its striking architecture and the stunning panoramic views its top floor offers.

Insider Tips:

• Visit this temple during the day to enjoy the best views from the top.
• It is a popular attraction, so be prepared for crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll have to climb a lot of stairs here.

Parmarth Niketan

Timings: 07:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Distance from City Centre: 14.5 km

For people looking for some inner peace, Parmarth Niketan Ashram is no less than a paradise. This is a beautiful ashram located along the banks of the holy Ganges. It is visited by people from all parts of the world to learn yoga, ayurveda, and meditation. Apart from this, this place also organises activities like satsang, kirtans, Ganga Aarti, etc., on a daily basis.

Insider Tips:

• If you’re planning an overnight stay, book your accommodation in advance.
• Be sure to respect the rules of this ashram, which includes dressing modestly and maintaining a peaceful environment.

Neer Garh Waterfall

Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
Distance from City Centre: 9 km

Neer Garh Waterfall is a beautiful nature spot tucked in a corner of Rishikesh. Located at a small distance from this main town, this is one of the popular places to visit near Rishikesh. This is a narrow stream of crystal-clear water flowing through rocky mountains and lush green forest. While there is a road that takes you to this beautiful waterfall, most people choose to come here via trekking. After reaching there, you’ll find a few small pools of water where you can take a refreshing dip.

Insider Tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes while visiting this place.
• Carry water and snacks if you’re planning to stay here for a few hours.

The Beatles Ashram

Timings: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹150 for Indian adults, ₹600 for foreigners, ₹75 for Indian senior citizens, and ₹40 for Indian students
Distance from City Centre: 13.9 km

The Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kuti, is a major tourist attraction in Rishikesh. Located on a cliff in the Swarashram area, this is an ashram that used to serve as the training centre of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It became famous due to its association with the famous English rock band, the Beatles. This is where the members of this band lived and meditated in 1968. After remaining abandoned for years, this ashram was reopened in 2015, and since then, it has been an important part of Rishikesh tourism.

Insider Tips:

• Arrive early in the day so that you have enough time to explore this place.
• Pre-arrange your return transport as the ashram is a little away from the main town and the area has a poor mobile network.

Vashishtha Gufa

Timings: 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Distance from City Centre: 21 km

This is an ancient cave located in Rishikesh and has recently gained popularity among tourists. This is believed to be the place where Sage Vashishta, the human son of Lord Brahma, meditated for a long period. There are several legends mentioning the reason behind his mediation. The most popular one is that the sage came here to commit suicide after losing all his children, but River Ganga didn't allow him to die. Therefore, he decided to stay and meditate in this cave. Nowadays, it is a popular spot for nature lovers due to its serene and peaceful environment.

Insider Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes as the path leading to the cave is a little rocky with small stones.
• Carry water and snacks with you because finding something there can be a little difficult.
• Since the cave is dimly lit, it is best to carry a flashlight with you.

Best Time to Go to Rishikesh

The best season to visit Rishikesh depends on the kind of trip you are planning.

Winters (October – March)

Slightly warm days and chilly evenings

Suitable for sightseeing, yoga and adventure sports

Summers (April – June)

Rafting season in Rishikesh

Perfect to indulge in other outdoor activities like swimming

Monsoon (July – September)

Occasional heavy downpours

Best time to witness natural beauty

Offering the perfect combination of culture, nature and adventure, Rishikesh has always been a magnet for tourists. People from different parts of the world come here, and this place never disappoints anyone, in terms of places to visit or activities to do. With this list of must-visit places in Rishikesh, planning a trip is a lot easier. Or, you can also opt for our all-inclusive Rishikesh tour packages that come with well-crafted itineraries. Choose the one that suits you the best and make the most of your time here!

 

FAQs

Q1. Which places in Rishikesh are ideal for a first-time visitor?

Popular essentials include Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, the Beatles Ashram, and the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat make it a well-rounded mix of culture, spirituality, and scenery.

Q2. Is the Beatles Ashram still worth visiting?

Yes. Though partly in ruins, it’s one of the most atmospheric spots in Rishikesh, covered in murals and surrounded by forest silence. This makes it ideal for photography and slow wandering.

Q3. What’s the best riverside area to relax without crowds?

The quieter ghats near Shivpuri and Tapovan’s upper stretches offer calmer river views, fewer tourists, and peaceful cafés overlooking the Ganga.

Q4. Which viewpoints offer the best sunrise or sunset views?

Kunjapuri Temple is the most popular sunrise viewpoint, offering broad Himalayan panoramas; Tapovan cliffs and riverbanks near Neem Beach are best for sunsets.

Q5. Are there places in Rishikesh that blend adventure and culture together?

The stretch between Tapovan and Shivpuri combines rafting, cliff-side cafés, yoga centres, and temples, allowing visitors to shift from adventure to spirituality within minutes.