A Traveler's Paradise - Exploring The Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Rishikesh

By Marcus Richard

Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, is a haven for travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment, natural beauty, and adventurous escapades. Known as “the Yoga Capital of the World,” this enchanting city in Uttarakhand, India, offers a unique blend of serene landscapes, sacred sites, and thrilling activities. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or a seeker of inner peace, Rishikesh is the best place to visit around to have something unique to offer. 

While spending time at this ashram is a must while visiting this spiritual city, plenty of other Rishikesh tourist attractions should be noticed. Begin your day with river rafting in Shivpuri, followed by a modest breakfast at one of the riverbank cafés, and then explore the shops that line Laxman Jhula. Finally, unwind at the Ghat in the evening and immerse yourself in the spectacular and wonderfully calm Ganga Aarti.

In this article, we will take you on a journey through the top 10 best places to visit in Rishikesh, where you can immerse yourself in the charm and allure of this traveler's paradise.

Top the best places to visit in Rishikesh for tourists

Top the best places to visit in Rishikesh for tourists

Best Places to Visit in Rishikesh for International Tourists

Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh

The Lakshman Jhula is a prominent hanging bridge spanning the Ganga that connects two villages, Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district. The bridge is located in the town of Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, and it is 450 feet long and 70 feet above the river. The Lakshman Jhula is a prominent hanging bridge spanning the Ganga that connects two villages, Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district. The bridge is located in the town of Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, and it is 450 feet long and 70 feet above the river. As of July 20, 2019, this bridge is only accessible to walkers, with both sides closed to automobiles, due to the deterioration of this bridge. A new glass bridge will be built near Lakshman Jhula. However, walkers continue to use it, but bikes are completely prohibited However, walkers continue to use it, but bikes are entirely prohibited.

The Lakshman Jhula is well-known among tourists since it is claimed that Lord Lakshman, Lord Rama's younger brother, crossed the Ganga at this location.

The bridge was finished in 1929, and the Lakshman Jhula now serves as an accompanying bridge across the river, along with the traditional path to the sacred sites of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Grand temples and popular marketplaces have sprouted up nearby, and the entire region is now a very well-known destination in Rishikesh.

The Terah Manzil temple, the Lakshman temple, and the Ram Jhula are also famous places to visit in Rishikesh, which is near the Lakshman Jhula, and the entire region is filled with the sounds of the mesmerizing chants and shlokas from the temple.

Laxman Jhula is one of the famous destinations to visit in Rishikesh

Laxman Jhula is one of the famous destinations to visit in Rishikesh

  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year
  • How to Reach:
  • By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (5.2 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (5.9 km)

Ram Jhula, Rishikesh

Ram Jhula is one of the most beautiful places to visit with family in Rishikesh. This place is a few kilometers downstream from Laxman Jhula. This suspension bridge, which is nearly identical in structure and construction to Laxman Jhula, was erected in 1980, a year after Laxman Jhula.

On clear days, you can see the Himalayas peeping through the clouds and the Ganga River rushing in full force as you cross this bridge. It provides a gorgeous perspective you should notice when in Rishikesh.

The bridge also connects two of the town's most notable ashrams, Swarg Ashram on one end and Sivananda Ashram on the other. This 450-foot-long bridge provides fantastic views of the surrounding valleys and temples. If you want to take it all in, walk slowly.

  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year
  • How to Reach:
  • By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (3 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (3.7 km)

Tera Manzil Mandir, Rishikesh

Tera Manzil Mandir is one of the best places to visit

Tera Manzil Mandir is one of the best places to visit

Trimbakeshwar Temple, also known as Tera Manzil Temple, is a thirteen-story temple in Rishikesh located on the banks of the Ganges. The temple, located just across from the Lakshman Jhula, has multiple deities under one roof. It is known for its stunning architecture and offers a panoramic landscape view from the top of its 13th level.

  • Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year
  • How to Reach:
  • By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (5.3 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (6 km)

Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh Overview 

Triveni Ghat is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh. This place is the largest ghat in Rishikesh, on the banks of the holy river Ganges. Every evening, the 'Maha Aarti' ceremony occurs at here.

Triveni Ghat is referenced in the epics Ramayan and Mahabharat and plays an essential part in Hindu Mythology. The chattri of Lord Krishna was also built on the Triveni Ghat. The ghat is said to be the cremation site of Lord Krishna. Along with the holy baths, people give milk gifts to the river and feed the fishes in the Ghat.

  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year
  • How to Reach:
  • By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (1.7 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (2.5 km)

Triveni Ghat is one of the largest ghats in Rishikesh

Triveni Ghat is one of the largest ghats in Rishikesh

Kaudiyala, Rishikesh

Kaudiyala, at 380m, is a famous rock-climbing site surrounded by lush woods. It also has white river rafting trails, which are offered by the camping establishments in the area.

Kaudiyala is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Rishikesh for adventure enthusiasts. This location, 40 kilometers from the center of the holy city, is on the banks of the Ganga and has been transformed into a camping and adventure activity zone. The white beaches enhance the town.

  • Location: Badrinath Road
  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year
  • How to Reach:
  • By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (36 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (36.8 km)

Rishikund, Rishikesh

Rishikund, often known as the "pond for rishis," is a sacred water body near Ragunath Temple. The pond mirrors the entry tower of the Raghunath Temple and is a peaceful area to spend time in. The River Goddess Yamuna is reported to have blessed the pond.

Rishikund is also considered a sacred water source in the town; residents say that Lord Rama bathed in the kund during his exile and that the Ganges and Yamuna rivers meet here. Whatever the tale is, the pond offers a peaceful atmosphere that cannot be overlooked while visiting.

  • Location: Mayakund, Rishikesh
  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year
  • How to Reach:
  • By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (1.8 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (3 km)

Byasi, Rishikesh

Byasi in Rishikesh is the greatest place to explore for international tourists

Byasi in Rishikesh is the greatest place to explore for international tourists

Byasi is a small hamlet on the banks of the Ganges in Uttarakhand, 30 kilometers from Rishikesh. Because of the region's demographics, filthy white beaches to lounge and camp on, and the favorable flow of the river, the picturesque small community is famous for water sports and adventure tourism. There are several eateries and homestays in the area.  This is the place to be if you enjoy adventure. 

  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year
  • How to Reach
  • By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (30.5 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (31.3 km)

Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh

The Shivanand Ashram, located in the holy city of Rishikesh, serves as Saint Swami Shivanand's residence and is preserved and operated by the Divine Life Society. This location is excellent for religious yoga and meditation. The ashram is beautiful and peaceful near the Ganges, India's sacred river, and Ganga Vatika. The satsangs, feasts, and yoga sessions are well-organized, and the ashram is well-kept.

Sivananda Ashram currently provides yoga and meditation classes every day except Sunday. Aside from that, books, pamphlets, and magazines are produced to compete with the scientific components of yoga and Vedanta, global religion, philosophy, and ancient medicine worldwide. Various cultural and spiritual conferences, talks, and training are also offered regularly. 

  • Location: Shivananda Nagar
  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year
  • How to Reach:
  • By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (2.7 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (3 km)

Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Rishikesh

Kunjapuri Devi temple, perched atop Kunjapuri hill, is a venerated Hindu site of devotion dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. Aside from being one of the fifty-two Shaktipeeth in Uttarakhand, the temple is well-known for its enthralling setting, which features a stunning panoramic view of the Shivalik range and the towering peaks of Chaukhamba and Bandarpunch.

The famed Kunjapuri Devi Temple is on a tiny hill and requires an 80-step trek. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful places near Rishikesh. Tourists also like seeing the sunrise at this shrine.

Discovering Kunjapuri Devi Temple with the trekking sports

Discovering Kunjapuri Devi Temple with the trekking sports

  • Location: Hindolakhal Rd, Rishikesh
  • Timings: 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Best time to visit: September to June
  • How to Reach
  • By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (26.7 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (29 km)

The Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh

The Beatles Ashram is one of the most famous places to visit in Rishikesh, located around 18 kilometers from the city center and 1 kilometer from Ram Jhula. This is the ashram where The Beatles resided in 1968, where they created and pondered on hundreds of songs. After the Beatles visited the ashram to practice transcendental meditation, the world's perception of Indian spirituality shifted, and it quickly became one of the top ten places to visit in Rishikesh.

The ashram complex includes a former temple, library, kitchen, Maharishi Yogi's residence, and meditation cottages. Most buildings are in disrepair, yet colorful graffiti is on the walls. A small gallery and a cafe are also available.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi received his instruction at the Beatles Ashram. It was closed down until 2015 when it reopened to tourists. Rajaji Tiger Reserve manages the ashram, which is located beyond the reserve's perimeter wall. To get to the Beatles Ashram, leave your car in the new parking lot at Janki Setu on the Ganges' western bank and walk about 1km. If you are a Beatles lover, you must visit the ashram and relax in its peace. The site could be better maintained, yet the remains are stunning. Pick a quiet location within the ashram and meditate for a few hours.

  • Timings: Open on all days till sunset
  • Entry Fee: 100-150 rupees per person
  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year
  • How to Reach:
  • By Bus: Rishikesh Bus Stand (2.7 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (3.8 km)

The Beatles Ashram is one of the most tourist places in Rishikesh

The Beatles Ashram is one of the most tourist places in Rishikesh 

Conclusion

Finally, Rishikesh is a treasure mine of experiences that draw people from all over the world. This coastal treasure provides a broad assortment of the best things in Rishikesh that appeal to every taste and desire, from historic forts and spiritual temples to pristine villages and natural marvels.

Consider using India Immigration Services to make your trip to Rishikesh even more convenient. Their website offers a simple and effective platform for applying for a visa online. With only a few clicks, you may complete your visa application from the comfort of your home using any internet-connected device.

India Immigration Services streamlines the visa application procedure, allowing tourists to receive visas more quickly and easily. Whether arranging a relaxing holiday, a business trip, or an exploration of Rishikesh's cultural legacy, their user-friendly website simplifies the process, enabling you to concentrate on enjoying your trip.

Refrain from allowing the complications of visa applications to derail your goals. Take advantage of the ease provided by India Immigration Services and apply for your visa right now. Visit their website and click on the "Apply Now" button to begin your journey to Rishikesh with simplicity.