Source –flickr.com/photos/gaurav6464/
Rishikesh; (ऋषिकेश), means Lord of the senses, is one of the sacred cities in India and is famously known as the World Yoga capital. A city where there’s no space for alcohol & non-vegetarianism, one where you can spend a day just visiting ghats, attend evening Aartis or just sit by a lone corner under a tree feeling as if you would attend “Moksha” right there,
Such are the vibes, such is Rishikesh. So a weekend trip to Rishikesh is not simply a trip but a cleansing of your body and soul, one will only have returned as a new man after the trip.
Places to visit in Rishikesh
Religious Places
1)Neelkanth Mahadev Temple –
Source – flickr.com/photos/raftingcampingrishikesh/
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Nilkanth, which is an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple is located at an elevation of 1330 meters at about a distance of 39 km from Rishikesh. This sacred temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged out of the Samudra Manthana, as a result of which his throat turned blue. The temple is said to have a divine force and is thus crowded throughout the year with tourists and localities seeking the blessing, which is why the best Rishikesh package always includes this temple.
Location – Kotdwar Pauri Road, Kotdwara, Uttarakhand
2) Kunjapuri Devi Mandir –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/dukeryder/
Kunjapuri temple is one of the 52 “shakti seeth” that is spread all over the country. This temple is located in one of the most pristine locations of the Himalaya range. The temple doesn’t only provide engulf you with a shroud of holiness but also the mountains, the sunrise, the snow clad mountain everything comes as the complete package. According to the city tour guide there is quite a climb to reach the temple. Along with many other pilgrims and travelers the trek will emit energy which is indescribable. The journey to this temple is where you find a lost piece of yourself which is why this place is a must visit and the trek is definitely a thing to do while at Rishikesh.
Location –
Hindolakhal Road, Adali, Uttarakhand
3)Lakshman Temple –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/arimoore/
The temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshman who according to legends had visited the place. The temple is housed at the bank of the Ganga River and it is also known for its ornamental wall engravings.
Location – Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
4) Bharat Mandir –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/raftingcampingrishikesh/
This is a tall 8-storey temple with shining white body which has been around for 35 years. Different storey has a different story to it, like one is dedicated to Hindu legends to freedom fighters and others to deities, famous women, politicians and preachers. This is basically a temple museum which is an amalgamation of various cultures and heritage of our nation.
Location – Dehradun Bypass Rd, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
5) Trayambakeshwar –
Source – flickr.com
This is a 13 storey temple housed at the bank of the Ganga River and is one of the main attraction areas in Rishikesh. The best Rishikesh package is incomplete without this temple being included. The sheer charm of the temple as well as the Lakshman Jhula being located just beside the temple contributes to its popularity which invites huge crowd thus making this spot one of the most popular spot in Rishikesh.
Location – Laxman Jhoola, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Natural Structure and Sightseeing
1) Kaudiyala –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/sydcc/
Situated 40km away from the Rishikesh is a small beautiful village between Rishikesh – Badrinath is Kaudiyala. The valley is delimited by lust greenery, Himalayan Mountains and perfect cool weather. The valley is famous for its sports and other adventure activities mainly river rafting on a 36 km stretch stream if the river Ganga. The river rafting is notorious for its tough waters and sharp turns like “The Wall” and ‘Daniel’s Dip’ Rapids.
Tourists and backpackers also love the place for its splendid recreational value as one can enjoy volleyball, football, jungle trekking and bird watching which is refreshing and delightful. Being located quite far from the popular settlement one also bound to experience a varied Himalayan flora and fauna which is equally entertaining and well as educating. In short the best Rishikesh package is complete after a visit to this spot. Quite enthralling, relaxing and refreshing along with fair bit of adrenalin pump. One must definitely visit this place to actually fall in love with mountains and valleys to experience the best Rishikesh trip.
Location – Kaudiyala, Uttarakhand
2) Lakshman Jhula –
Source – flickr.com
Inaugurated in 1939 is a suspension bridge that connects Tehri and Pauri districts. Rishikesh as is thought is not merely a popular religious place; it has many other wonders too which not only would entice the pilgrims but also other travelers with its aura.
According to Hindu mythology, brother of Lord Rama, crossed the holy Ganga River at this spot over a Jute Bridge from which came the name “Lakshman Jhula”, it was only ages later that the solid suspension bridge was structured to concrete the incident to people’s mind as added another great tourist spot.
Location – Laxman Jhoola, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
3) Rishikund –
Source –
flickr.com
The name of this place literally means ‘Pond of the Sage’ and is one of the most important places to visit in Rishikesh. It was believed that a sage Kubz was blessed by the Goddess Yamuna who promised to stay in Rishikesh forever, which is where a natural hot spring came to life to serve the sage and to this day it serves as a great spot to enjoy the local history.
Location – Rishikesh near Raghunath Temple, Uttarakhand
4)Ram Jhula –
Source – flickr.com
It is a 450ft suspension bridge that connects the banks of the Ganges with Shivananda and Swarga ashrams.
The suspension bridge built during the 80s by the regional government is also known as the ‘Shivananda Jhula’, with time it has become one of the most significant landmarks of the city and is a frequently visited site under Rishikesh tourist places. The Ram Jhula is a great place for photographers and travelers for the absolutely mesmerizing view of the Ganga and the surround greenery on the foot of the Himalayan Mountains that one will witness while crossing the bridge.
Location – Ganga Vatika, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
5)Gita Bhavan –
Source – flickr.com
This place is near the Ramjhula, Rishikesh and is the branch office of Gita press, Gorakhpur. It is adjacent to Parmarth Niketan, where the exhilarating Ganga Arathi is conducted every sunrise at Sunset.
The Gita Bhavan has lodging facilities for its members and a well-stocked Book shop where all the publications of Gita press are available at a highly subsidized rates. In short this is an abode of study for the people who want to learn about Hinduism its culture and history while being in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Location – Gangapar, P.O. Swargashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
6) Neergarh Waterfall –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/karnail/
It is vertical hike through charming landscape to and past the waterfall. According to the city tour guide the path leads to a small cluster of farm houses and into the Himalayas. You have to pay to access the path from this side, 30 rupees for Indian nationals and 50 for foreigners. One can then drive up as far as the base of the waterfall, however, it is recommended to leave the car and trek as the path does not follow the road, but rather climbs alongside the stream. So the trekking adventure, the scenic view, the fresh air and may be a refreshing bath under the water fall will all add up to be the best Rishikesh trip, thus trekking to this waterfall is surely of the things to do to make it the best Rishikesh package while on your weekend getaway.
Location – Neergarh Waterfall Road, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand || Time – 8AM – 6PM
7) Beatles Ashram –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/sabaticoblog/
It is an abandoned ashram which is hauntingly beautiful but one should definitely visit the place for the architecture and quiet natural setting.
Beatles visited Rishikesh in 1968 and stayed here to learn meditation under the supervision of Yogi Maharishi Mahesh but it was abandoned in 1977 and the ashram is now in ruins. However, the spiritual energy is high as it is set in a quite yet fantastic location. This is a must visit when at Rishikesh.
Location – Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Price – INR 600 (foreigners); INR 150 (Indian); INR 80 (senior citizens and students)
8)
Triveni Ghat –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/raftingcampingrishikesh/
The confluence point of three of the most sacred rivers in Hindu mythology: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi is one of the most holy places to Hindus especially to the people of Rishikesh. One of the most serene, peaceful, quiet and relaxing place where one can purify his soul with a dip into the holy water.
One can also witness people paying their tribute to the holy water with offering milk and “Surya Namaskar” and while at night the place becomes the house to “arati and puja” where devotees from all around the country come to be a part of the pious event.
Thus the best Rishikesh package is complete only after one touches the holy waters of Triveni Ghat.
Location –Mayakund, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
9) Shivpuri –
Source –
flickr.com
Home of Lord Shiva, Shivpuri is surrounded by dense forest and tall trees and is cut by flowing river water which makes it a stunning place to be in. It is also is one of the most important points to enjoy all kinds of adventure sports and is thus a paradise for all adrenalin junkies.
Camping, jungle walking, trekking are some of the attractions here but the most popular of it all is the water rafting at this point which has famous rapids like Roller Coaster, Tea Off, Golf Course, Clubhouse, Cash flow, Initiation, and many more.
Thus to enjoy every bit of adventure and thrill as well as peace and tranquility one must definitely visit Shivpuri, no weekend getaway can ever be deemed a success without a visit to this place. Thus the adventure sports or the trek and jungle walks are definitely some of the things to do at this place.
Location – Shivpuri, Tehri, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
10) Vashistha Gufa –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/raftingcampingrishikesh/
It is an ancient cave (gufa) where Sage Vashistha and his wife meditated for hundreds of years who according to Hindu mythology were among one of the Saptarishi (seven sages) or the son of Lord Brahma.
According to the city tour guide it is a flight of 200 steps need to be climbed to reach the entrance of the cave which only gets pitch dark as you go deeper, is also surrounded by Gular trees and the sacred River Ganga which only gives it an enchanting feel and quite atmosphere. This is the perfect place to experience absolute solitude and peace of mind and soul.
Location – 25 kms from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh-Badrinath Road, Uttarakhand
Adventure activities in Rishikesh
1) Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/raftingcampingrishikesh/
One of the most thrill seeking and heart pumping sport, it is in to do list of every thrill seeker. Freefalling from a lofty height risking one’s life tied to a string that lets you swing in midair is definitely one of the best things to do during one’s lifetime. Such a sport is popular in Rishikesh where one jumps off from a height of 83m which is very popular among tourists and adrenalin junkies.
Location – Mohan Chutti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Time – 09:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 01:00 PM and 02:30 PM || Price – INR 3599 per person
2)Rappelling –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/morinoko/1580099608/
It is an adventure activity which is a controlled drop from a rock or small hill with the help of a rope. However, the event might be nerve racking but there are great mountaineering instructors to help you with this activity. It is however a very demanding activity which class for both strength as well a thirst for adventure. One definitely needs to try the activity to have the best weekend getaway.
Location – Kunjapuri Peak, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand || Time – 9AM – 5PM
Price – INR 1500 (approx.)
3) Water Rafting –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/piermattia/
One of the most thrilling sports which one can try at the Himalayan Rivers which is moth thrilling as well as educating. This sport demands endurance, skill and group dynamics making one of the most popular sport in Rishikesh which has numerous river rapids in Shivpuri as well as in other locations.
Location – Shivpuri, Tehri, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Price –INR 1000 – 1500 per person (on hourly basis)
4) Flying Fox –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/raftingcampingrishikesh/
At a speed 160kmph one cuts through the rushing wind to complete his slope of crossing one hill to another amidst the streams and the surrounding fauna beneath him. It has a thrill that no other sport has; it is literally like flying for humans. Once the person reaches the spot the instructors educate him of the whereabouts and how to go about the whole activity which is really easy and very safe. The instructors are all trustworthy and well trained so there is no option of not making it the best Rishikesh trip by not going for it. So it is a must do thing while on your weekend getaway trip.
Location – Mohanchatti Village (52km) from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Time – 09:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 01:00 PM and 02:30 PM
Price –INR 1500 – 2000 per person
5)Giant swing –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/raftingcampingrishikesh/
It can be easily said to be the brother to the bungee jumping venture, Giant swing is another adventure trivia at Rishikesh that gives you the sense of thrill and the rush of excitement when one free falls from the cliff at a height of 83 meters to swing across like one used to do during one’s childhood only with a little more touch of adventure this time.
Location – Mohanchatti Village (52km) from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Time – 09:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 pm and 02:30 PM
Price – INR 3500 – 3700 per person
6)
Night Stay and Jungle Safari at Rajaji National Park –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/raftingcampingrishikesh/
Jungle safari is definitely got to be the best of it all. Quite scary yet thrilling is an activity quite loved by all tourists and travelers. Watching the Himalayan animals roam in the free world during the night can be quite enchanting as well as adventurous. The safari is well protected and guided by experts to check the sect of all the thrill seekers.
It is delightful as one can also stroll though the exotic alpine wildlife in the park which is spread around a sprawling area of 820 square kilometer. There also forest quarters where travelers can spend a night and have the best Rishikesh trip experience.
Location – Chivalric Ranges of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand
Time – 24 hours
Price – INR 2300