Top 9 places to visit in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India, is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. With its beautiful views of the Himalayas, the holy Ganges River, and various temples and ashrams, Rishikesh has a lot to offer to visitors. To make your journey smoother, you can rent a bike or scooty in Rishikesh. It will help in moving from place to place as four wheelers can’t go in most of the places.

Here are the top 9 places to visit in Rishikesh:

The Ganges River

The Ganges River is considered to be the holiest river in Hinduism. It is also a popular spot for rafting and other water sports. Visitors can take a dip in the river to purify their souls and visit the various ghats (steps leading to the river) to witness the daily rituals performed by devotees.

Laxman Jhula

Laxman Jhula is a suspension bridge across the Ganges River. It is said to be the place where Laxman, the brother of Lord Rama, crossed the river on a jute rope. The bridge offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding hills. It is also a popular spot for souvenir shopping.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Parmarth Niketan Ashram is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh. It offers various spiritual and yoga programs, as well as accommodations for visitors. The ashram also has a daily evening aarti (prayer ceremony) on the banks of the Ganges, which is a beautiful sight to behold.

Beatles Ashram

The Beatles Ashram, also known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, is where the famous band stayed in 1968 to learn Transcendental Meditation. Today, the ashram has been converted into a park, where visitors can see the abandoned rooms and graffiti left behind by the band members.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located at the top of a hill and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva consumed the poison (neel) that emerged from the churning of the ocean (samudra manthan) and hence the temple got its name. The temple offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the Ganges River.

Kunjapuri Temple

Kunjapuri Temple is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of beauty, Kunjapuri, and is considered to be one of the 52 Shakti Peethas (sacred places of the goddess). Visitors can also trek to the nearby village of Surkhanda Devi.

Vashishtha Gufa

Vashishtha Gufa is a cave located near the Ganges River and is believed to be the place where the sage Vashishtha meditated. The cave has beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations, and is a popular spot for meditation and yoga.

Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is located near Rishikesh and is a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to various species of animals, such as elephants, tigers, and deer. Visitors can take a jeep safari to spot the animals and enjoy the beautiful views of the park.

Tera Manzil Temple

Tera Manzil Temple is a unique 13-story temple located near the Laxman Jhula bridge. Each floor of the temple is dedicated to a different deity, and visitors can climb up to the top floor to get a panoramic view of the surrounding area.