Top Places To Visit In Rishikesh: Rishikesh, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ - is a peaceful spot for reflection situated at the doubly edged juncture of spirituality and adventorous activities. This beautiful little town is located at the foot of some of the highest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalayas and this town offers more than spiritual experiences alone. Minor sights From the banks of the holy Ganges river to the many ashrams providing travellers with yoga and meditation courses, Rishikesh is designed to embrace the spiritual traveller.
It is not just the spiritual location that keeps tourists coming, but Rishikesh offers plenty of adventure tourism such as river rafting, trekking, and flying fox. Whether you are in the process of a self-discovery or an adrenalin junkie you will not be disappointed when you get to this wonderful place. Discover the list of Top Places To Visit In Rishikesh to embark on a wonderful journey in the city's spiritual and adventure-filled city.
Explore the List of The 10 Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh (2024) for an Unforgettable Experience
Rishikesh also known as ‘the gateway to the Himalayas’ stands as a spiritual and natural as well as adventurous hub. This peaceful town for some reason contains an example of everything – from the famous temples to the exciting activities. Dive into the list of Top Places To Visit In Rishikesh for a journey you’ll cherish forever!
1. Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula being one of the Top 5 Places to Visit in Rishikesh, is one of the most famous suspension bridges built over the Ganges River to join Swarg Ashram and Sivananda Nagar villages. This spot provides a great view of the river and the temples nearby. It is famous for its religious feel and is a gateway to many ashrams among them being Parmarth Niketan Ashram. The Ram Jhula was constructed in the year 1986 and rides the modern technology of engineering on the spiritual theme making the structure culturally important in Rishikesh.
Details | Description |
Location | Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh |
Timings | Open 24 hours |
Entry Fee | Free |
Best time to visit | Early morning or sunset for serene views |
How to Reach: | |
- By Bus | Near Rishikesh Bus Stand (3 km) |
- By Train | 4 km from Rishikesh Railway Station |
Time Required | 1-2 hours |
Best for | Spiritual seekers, photographers, and walkers |
Nearby Attractions | Gita Bhavan, Parmarth Niketan |
Nearest Restaurants | Chotiwala Restaurant, Bistro Nirvana |
2. Laxman Jhula
Among the Top Places To Visit In Rishikesh, Laxman Jhula is the historical suspension bridge where Lord Lakshman crossed the Ganges by jute ropes. It is an adventure hub for its picturesque view and access to yoga centres and cafes. This place is a spiritual and architectural marvel that mixes the olden days with modern infrastructure.
Details | Description |
Location | Tapovan, Rishikesh |
Timings | Open 24 hours |
Entry Fee | Free |
Best time to visit | Evening for illuminated views |
How to Reach | |
- By Bus | 5 km from Rishikesh Bus Stand |
- By Train | 6 km from Rishikesh Railway Station |
Time Required | 1-2 hours |
Best for | Spiritual and adventure enthusiasts |
Nearby Attractions | Tera Manzil Temple, Laxman Temple |
Nearest Restaurants | Little Buddha Cafe, 60’s Beatles Cafe |
3. Ganga Aarti Sthal
Key ghats in Rishikesh showcase an incomparable, ethereal Ganga Aarti - an unforgettable spiritual experience marked by chants, lamps, and devotional music. Known for its divine ambience and synchronous rituals, this aarti draws millions of devotees worldwide. The Aarti hold high value and respectful emotions toward the holy Ganges as a symbol of the same culture and civilization in Hinduism.
Details | Description |
Location | Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan |
Timings | Daily at sunset |
Entry Fee | Free |
Best time to visit | Evening during the Aarti |
How to Reach | |
- By Bus | 1 km from Rishikesh Bus Stand |
- By Train | 2 km from Rishikesh Railway Station |
Time Required | 1-2 hours |
Best for | Devotees and spiritual seekers |
Nearby Attractions | Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula |
Nearest Restaurants | Ganga Beach Cafe, Ayurpak |
4. Triveni Ghat
One of the Places To Visit From Rishikesh, the largest ghat, Triveni Ghat is a conjunction of three holy rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—and is famous for its evening Aarti. The serene atmosphere and holy dip rituals make it a significant spot for devotees. It holds mythological importance as a purification site for sins and spiritual growth.
Details | Description |
Location | Rishikesh Main Town |
Timings | Open 24 hours |
Entry Fee | Free |
Best time to visit | Sunrise or during the evening Aarti |
How to Reach | |
- By Bus | 500 m from Rishikesh Bus Stand |
- By Train | 2 km from Rishikesh Railway Station |
Time Required | 1-2 hours |
Best for | Pilgrims and photographers |
Nearby Attractions | Ganga Aarti Sthal, Bharat Mandir |
Nearest Restaurants | Madras Cafe, Chotiwala Restaurant |
5. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at an altitude of 1,330 meters amidst dense forests. The temple is famous for its legends and vibrant festivals, especially Maha Shivratri and is one of the Top places to visit in Rishikesh with family. It marks the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison during the Samudra Manthan, saving the universe.
Details | Description |
Location | 32 km from Rishikesh |
Timings | 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
Entry Fee | Free |
Best time to visit | Maha Shivratri or Monsoon |
How to Reach | |
- By Bus | Local buses are available from Rishikesh |
- By Train | Rishikesh Railway Station is 32 km away |
Time Required | 3-4 hours |
Best for | Devotees and history enthusiasts |
Nearby Attractions | Patna Waterfall, Garud Chatti Waterfall |
Nearest Restaurants | Local Dhabas near the temple |
6. Rafting in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the adventure capital of India, with river rafting on the Ganges being the most thrilling of its activities. The rapids vary between grade I to grade IV to provide experiences to all its visitors, either beginner or expert. Known to be an adrenaline-pumping experience, river rafting in Rishikesh attracts all the adventurous souls from around the globe. In addition to its thrill quotient, it gives breathtaking views of green landscapes and river banks of pristine beauty and is considered one of the Top places to visit in Rishikesh with friends.
Details | Description |
Location | Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Brahmapuri (starting points) |
Timings | 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Entry Fee | ₹600 to ₹1500 per person, depending on the length of the rafting route |
Best time to visit | October to May |
How to Reach | |
- By Bus | Buses drop you at Rishikesh; rafting starts at specific locations |
- By Train | Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (5-10 km from starting points) |
Time Required | 2-4 hours |
Best for | Adventure seekers and nature lovers |
Nearby Attractions | Shivpuri Beach, Marine Drive Beach |
Nearest Restaurants | Hill Trip Cafe, Cafe Karma |
7. Rishi Kund
This is a sacred pond close to Raghunath Temple and is covered with rich foliage. Rishi Kund is very famous for its soothing ambience, and the reflections of Raghunath Temple are very beautiful in its water. According to the local beliefs, this pond was filled by Goddess Yamuna in the gratitude of Rishi Kubz.
Details | Description |
Location | Near Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh |
Timings | Open 24 hours |
Entry Fee | Free |
Best time to visit | Early morning or late evening |
How to Reach | |
- By Bus | Located 2 km from Rishikesh Bus Stand |
- By Train | 3 km from Rishikesh Railway Station |
Time Required | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
Best for | Pilgrims and peace seekers |
Nearby Attractions | Raghunath Temple, Triveni Ghat |
Nearest Restaurants | Ganga View Cafe, Chotiwala Restaurant |
8. Jumpin Heights, Rishikesh
Jumpin Heights is an adventure hub, bungee jumping, giant swings, and flying fox. Jumpin Heights is the first place in India that provides India's highest bungee jump at 83 meters and well-trained international-standard instructors. This one of the thrilling Places To Visit From Rishikesh brings world-class adventure sports to India and promotes Rishikesh as a hub for thrill-seekers.
Details | Description |
Location | Mohan Chatti, Rishikesh |
Timings | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) |
Entry Fee | ₹3550 for bungee jumping; additional fees for other activities |
Best time to visit | October to March |
How to Reach | |
- By Bus | 15 km from Rishikesh Bus Stand; local taxis available |
- By Train | Rishikesh Railway Station is 17 km away |
Time Required | 3-4 hours |
Best for | Adventure enthusiasts |
Nearby Attractions | Neer Garh Waterfall, Garud Chatti Waterfall |
Nearest Restaurants | Local snack joints near the facility |
9. Raghunath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Rama, Raghunath temple, one of the Places To Visit From Rishikesh, is one of the ancient sites that have rich carvings and a very spiritual atmosphere. The temple is also known for its annual Ram Navami celebrations and ancient architecture. It holds a great deal of importance as a place of worship and symbolizes devotion to Lord Rama.
Details | Description |
Location | Near Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh |
Timings | 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
Entry Fee | Free |
Best time to visit | Morning hours for peaceful worship |
How to Reach | |
- By Bus | Located 1.5 km from Rishikesh Bus Stand |
- By Train | 2 km from Rishikesh Railway Station |
Time Required | 1 hour |
Best for | Devotees and history enthusiasts |
Nearby Attractions | Rishi Kund, Triveni Ghat |
Nearest Restaurants | Madras Cafe, Ayurpak |
10. Muni Ki Reti
Meaning 'Sands of the Sages', Muni Ki Reti is an austere strip dotted with ashrams, with the entire locality filled with serene spirituality and energy. Meditation centres, yoga classes, and a quiet ghat by the Ganges make this a destination worth travelling to. It is believed to be a site where a resting place was prepared for those sages who conducted intensive penance many centuries back.
Details | Description |
Location | 3 km from Rishikesh town |
Timings | Open 24 hours |
Entry Fee | Free |
Best time to visit | Early morning or late evening for yoga and meditation |
How to Reach | |
- By Bus | Easily accessible from Rishikesh Bus Stand (3 km) |
- By Train | 4 km from Rishikesh Railway Station |
Time Required | 1-2 hours |
Best for | Yoga enthusiasts, peace seekers |
Nearby Attractions | Ram Jhula, Ganga Aarti Sthal |
Nearest Restaurants | Pyramid Cafe, Bistro Nirvana |