Complete Guide to the Best Places in Rishikesh
Top 15 Places to Visit in Rishikesh
1. Laxman Jhula (suspension bridge): Rishikesh's most photographed landmark — a 450-metre suspension bridge built in 1939 over the Ganga, connecting the east and west banks. Now pedestrian-only after vehicle closure in 2019. The 13-storey Trayambakeshwar temple at the Laxman Jhula east bank end is the area's distinctive visual. The surrounding market has cafes, bookshops and guesthouses. Entry free; visit morning or evening to avoid midday crowds. See Laxman Jhula guide.
2. Ram Jhula (suspension bridge): The older and wider suspension bridge, 450m long, connecting Sivananda Ashram on the west bank to Swarg Ashram on the east. Ram Jhula is the more sacred of the two — the Sivananda Ashram (Divine Life Society, est. 1936) and Parmarth Niketan are at the Ram Jhula ends. Quieter and more spiritual in character than the market-fronted Laxman Jhula. See Ram Jhula guide.
3. Triveni Ghat (Ganga ghat): The principal ghat in Rishikesh's main town area (Muni Ki Reti). Evening Ganga Aarti at approximately 6 PM (sunset-based time) — hundreds of diyas floated on the river. The most accessible Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh proper; the Parmarth Niketan Aarti at Ram Jhula area is more elaborate. See Rishikesh ghats guide.
4. Parmarth Niketan Ashram & Ganga Aarti: The largest ashram in Rishikesh (east bank, Ram Jhula area) and the home of Rishikesh's most famous Ganga Aarti ceremony — performed at dusk every evening with hundreds of diyas, flower garlands and Sanskrit chanting. The aarti is open to all; arrive 30 min early. Parmarth Niketan also hosts the International Yoga Festival (March 1–7) and runs yoga, meditation and Ayurveda programs year-round. Entry to aarti: free. See Ganga Aarti guide.
5. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia): The abandoned ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi where John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Mia Farrow stayed in early 1968 to study Transcendental Meditation — and where the Beatles wrote many songs for the White Album. Now a heritage site within the Rajaji forest, covered in vibrant murals. Entry ₹150 (Indians) / ₹600 (foreigners). 2 km walk from Laxman Jhula or 5-minute auto ride. See Beatles Ashram guide.
6. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (32 km): A major Shiva temple at 1,330m in the dense sal and deodar forest above Rishikesh. The 32-km road ascends through Rajaji National Park. The temple is built at the spot where, according to Hindu mythology, Shiva drank the poison (neelkantha = "blue throat") that emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean. Temple visit: 6 AM–7:30 PM. Drive 1 hour; entry free. See Neelkanth guide.
7. Kunjapuri Devi Temple (25 km): A Devi temple at 1,676m with one of the finest sunrise panoramas in the Rishikesh area — the Himalayan range (Bandarpunch, Gangotri range) to the north, the Doon Valley to the south and the Ganga winding through the valley below. Reach by road (25 km, 40 min), then 100m steps. Most visitors arrive before sunrise (4–5 AM) for the view. Entry free.
8. Swarg Ashram (east bank): The quiet ashram quarter on the east bank of the Ganga, accessible via Ram Jhula. No vehicles; pedestrian-only lanes lined with small temples, sadhus, rudraksha bead sellers and quiet cafes. The Gita Bhavan temple complex (near Ram Jhula east) is the largest structure here. A calming, ancient-feeling quarter distinct from the commercial Laxman Jhula market area.
9. Sivananda Ashram (west bank, Ram Jhula): Founded in 1936 by Swami Sivananda, the Divine Life Society here is one of India's most respected yoga and Vedanta institutions. The ashram gives daily yoga and meditation classes open to visitors; the library contains thousands of yoga and spiritual texts. Entry free; donation expected.
10. Rajaji National Park: The national park begins effectively at the edge of Rishikesh — the road to Neelkanth Mahadev passes through it. Elephants (winter migration October–January), leopards, sambar deer, mugger crocodiles (in the Ganga and Shyampur section). Safari from Chilla range (10 km from Rishikesh): jeep safari ₹1,500–₂,500 per vehicle. Best wildlife: October–March. Closed June–October for monsoon and breeding season.
11. Shivpuri (16 km from Rishikesh): The most popular river rafting launch point — Grade III rapids on the 16-km stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh beach. The Shivpuri area also has the best camping setups along the Ganga, combining an overnight riverside camp with morning rafting. See Rishikesh camping guide.
12. Tera Manzil Temple (13-storey tower, Laxman Jhula): The distinctive 13-storey temple on the east bank at Laxman Jhula, dedicated to multiple deities on each floor. A landmark visible from the bridge and the approach roads. Open throughout the day; climb the floors for Ganga and Himalayan views. Entry free.
13. Geeta Bhavan (Ram Jhula area): A major religious institution on the east bank near Ram Jhula, famous for the Ramayan and Bhagavad Gita wall paintings (murals depicting scenes from the epics) that cover the internal corridors. A significant cultural and religious stop on the Swarg Ashram walk. Entry free.
14. Phool Chatti Ashram (7 km north): A quieter ashram 7 km north of Laxman Jhula on the Badrinath highway. Known for traditional yoga, Ayurvedic treatments and a peaceful riverside setting away from the main tourist areas. One- and two-week yoga programmes run throughout the year.
15. Brahmapuri (9 km upstream): The starting point for the shortest rafting stretch (Grade II, 9 km to Rishikesh); also a very peaceful stretch of the Ganga with clear, shallow water ideal for swimming and kayaking. The dhobi ghat at Brahmapuri is a historic riverside washing area. Accessible by auto from Rishikesh (₹100–₁₅₀).
One-Day Rishikesh Sightseeing Route
6:30 AM Ganga at Triveni Ghat (sunrise); 7:30 AM Sivananda Ashram morning aarti; 9 AM Laxman Jhula walk + Tera Manzil temple; 10:30 AM Beatles Ashram; 12:30 PM lunch at Laxman Jhula cafe; 2 PM Swarg Ashram walk; 3:30 PM Ram Jhula; 5:30 PM Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti; 7 PM dinner at riverside cafe.
How to Reach Rishikesh
239 km from Delhi (5–6 hrs), 24 km from Haridwar (45 min). Nearest airport: Jolly Grant (DED), 35 km. See Rishikesh overview.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Walking is central: The Laxman Jhula–Swarg Ashram–Ram Jhula circuit is largely pedestrianised. Most east-bank sightseeing is a pleasant 2–3 km walk. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
- No shoes in temples: You will remove shoes at every temple. Carry a small bag for footwear or use the free shoe storage provided at major temples (small tip expected).
- Photography: Photography is permitted at most ghats, bridges and the Beatles Ashram. Ask before photographing inside temples and at ashrams — some restrict photography during aarti and meditation sessions.
FAQs
- What are the top 5 must-see places in Rishikesh?
- 1. Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti (Ram Jhula, at dusk — the most spiritually powerful experience in Rishikesh). 2. Laxman Jhula suspension bridge and Tera Manzil temple. 3. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) — unique cultural heritage site. 4. River rafting on the Ganga (at least the Shivpuri stretch — 16 km, Grade II–III). 5. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple drive (32 km, forest road through Rajaji Park — the journey is as good as the temple). Together these five cover both the spiritual and adventure faces of Rishikesh.
- Is Laxman Jhula open for visitors?
- The Laxman Jhula bridge area (market, cafes, temples, ghats) is open and very active. The bridge itself was closed to vehicle traffic in 2019 due to structural safety concerns but remains open to pedestrians. You can walk across the Laxman Jhula bridge; two-wheelers and cars are not permitted. A new pedestrian bridge has been constructed nearby. See Laxman Jhula guide for current status.