Named after Hrishikesh, the Lord himself, Rishikesh, the province of the Lord, is a seraphic place where the air sings hymns in His glory and where the land holds the grace of his presence. Every corner of the site has a scent of bhakti and mukti in it. Despite being one of the holy pilgrims, Rishikesh owns not only religious culture but also withholds a fun side as well. In the recent times, Rishikesh has gained a lot of popularity and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations. There are a lot of adventure sports to enjoy, lots of food, hidden places, markets etc. It’s a wholesome package of everything you will need during your vacations.
Best Places To Visit In Rishikesh
Spend time in the tranquil premises of ancient temples, rise with the sunrise, and witness the divine aura of Rishikesh, enjoyable noons, rafting, trekking and hiking around the city with the evening endings near the Ganga ghat for the majestic Ganga Aarti. Rishikesh has been the hub of tourists since its very origin attracting not only national tourists but tourists from all over the world. Here’s a quick virtual tour for our readers for them to imbibe in them the mesmerizing details of Rishikesh. Let us get started.
1. Lakshman Jhula
The majestic Lakshan Jhula is a hanging bridge which is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Rishikesh. The two towns, namely Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal, are connected by this bridge. Owing to security and safety issues, the bridge is temporarily closed strictly for vehicles however pedestrians in limited ratios still use it. A similar glass bridge will be set up adjacent to Lakshman Jhula.
2. Bungee Jumping
If you are a thrill seeker planning a trip to Rishikesh, this fun sport is for you. Usually, it involves harnessing you and then letting you fall from a height of a building, and then getting restrained back and brought up. Any trip is incomplete without visiting this best place in Rishikesh.
3. Flying Fox
A nerve-chilling experience, Flying Fox is another great activity for those seeking adventure in Rishikesh. After harnessing up, one is swept on a cable from above. It feels like you are flying and gliding in the air. Even the speed of the vehicle is automatically controlled in order to practice safety measures.
4. Ganga Aarti
The world-famous Ganga Aarti of Haridwar is also a typical tourist attraction in Rishikesh. People from all corners of the world come to witness the divine vibrations at the Ghats along the holy river Ganges. The chantings of holy mantras, the fragrance and the unparalleled sound of prayers in unison are a must to experience. Ganga Aarti is organized at several ghats, but the most famous Ganga Aarti is the Parmath Niketan Ghat and Triveni Ghat.
5. Cliff Jumping
As mentioned earlier, Rishikesh has much more to offer than just being a holy spot. The adventure sports over here make it a perfect destination for thrill seekers. Cliff jumping is also one of the thrilling activities you must try. It involves jumping from a 35-40 feet high cliff into the freezing water. The most famous cliff-jumping area in Rishikesh is the lower region of Brahmapuri.
6. Neelkanth Mahadev
One of the most popular Shiva Temples of Rishikesh, Neelkantha Mahadev has situated 7 km from the Swarg Ashram in the Pauri Garhwal Region. It is believed that after the consumption of the deadliest poison that emerged from the Sagar Manthan, Halaahal Kaalkoot, Lord Shiva trembled with its effect causing him to seek a place full of composure and serenity. Neelkantha is the cave where he found the calmness for him to meditate and nullify the effect of the poison. It is among the best places to visit in Rishikesh.
7. Beatles Ashram
This is the place where the famous band the Beatles came to meditate in 1968 and where they wrote several songs and created many compositions. It is mostly a deteriorating building but still captivates tourists owing to the colorful abstract art on the wall. The premises house meditation huts, a kitchen, a library and a temple, along with the former home of Maharishi Yogi. This famous place in Rishikesh is popular for having great photography and perfect shots.
8. Tehra Manzil Temple
Located opposite the Lakshman Jhula, this temple is another very popular tourist destination in Rishikesh. The temple enshrines various deities and has mind-boggling architecture. The temple has thirteen floors thus named Tehra manzil temple.
9. Neer Garh Waterfall
Being a hidden place in the dense forest, the Neer Garh Waterfall is not much recognised by people. However with more people exploring Rishikesh, now it is receiving much love, making us add it to our list of best places to visit in Rishikesh. It s a natural waterfall with cool sweet water gushing amidst a green meadow. The location can be reached by a small trek. The journey is easy and enjoyable before you finally dip in its white water.
10. Geeta Bhawan
Situated on the banks of the Ganges, in the Swarashram, Geeta Bhawan is a revered place in Rishikesh and a most popular tourist destination in Rishikesh. Each year tourists from all parts of the world come here to witness the greatness and might of Hindu culture and literature. Geeta Bhawan houses the Holy scripture Geeta which defines the supremacy of Hindu Literature. It is also one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh for a day trip.