Set in the foothills of the Himalayas with the holy Ganga flowing through, Rishikesh became a place of a mix of peace, spirituality, and adventure. Famous as the Yoga Capital of the World, this city is not only about the temples, ashrams, and meditation centres, but it is also about the fun activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, camping, and trekking.
If you are looking for peace, you will surely find many spiritual places to visit in Rishikesh, like several decades-old temples, ashrams, and ghats. And if you're here for the excitement and fun in the Uttrakhand trip, there are plenty of places to visit in Rishikesh to cater to your mood and enjoy some adventurous activities
In this blog, we will cover the top 20 places to visit in Rishikesh, including the best adventure activities you can explore here, from a hidden waterfall to the ancient Rishikesh famous places, and some of the sites which are usually not accessible to all travellers because of their location, but they provide the best scenery capture.
Top 20 Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Here are the top 20 places to visit in Rishikesh, categorised into two parts: Historical & Spiritual places in Rishikesh, and Fun and Adventure places in Rishikesh. This helps the visitors explore both sides as per their convenience, and offers thrilling experiences that make Rishikesh travel places truly unforgettable.
Historical & Spiritual Places in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is one of the most famous spiritual towns among Indians, known for its peace, prayers, and rich history. It offers many must-visit places in Rishikesh that are perfect for soul-searching, meditation and cultural experiences.
1. Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is considered one of the most famous places in Rishikesh. A must-visit place for both pilgrims and tourists. The Triveni Ghats are world famous for the Ganga Aarti, where devotees create a magical atmosphere by chanting and offering diyas to Ganga Mayy. Experiencing this will give you the vibes you never felt before. One of the best places in Rishikesh to visit at night.
This Ghat is a meeting point of three holy rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswat, which makes it one of the most Rishikesh famous places. It is believed in Hindu mythology that taking a dip in the Ganga cleanses all your sins.
Famous for: the evening Ganga Aarti, photography, and spiritual experience.
Entry fees: There are no entry fees for devotees.
Timing: The timing of Aarti is from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
2. Laxman Jhula
It is one of the top tourist places in Rishikesh. Laxman Jhula is almost 450 feet long and 70 feet above the river. According to Hindus, they believe that Lord Laxman crossed this river with a jute rope in the Ramayana era.
Walking across the bridge gives you a panoramic view of the river, nearby ashrams and the Himalayan foothills. providing a perfect view of the Himalayas and the river to snap from the bridge. This results in a must-visit place in Rishikesh for photography, sightseeing, and peaceful strolls.
Famous for: photography, scenic views and its historical presence
Entry fees: no entry fees; entry is free for all travellers.
Best time to visit: Open throughout the year.
3. Ram Jhula
A few kilometres downstream from Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula is one of the top places to visit in Rishikesh. This 450-foot-long bridge connects Swarg Ashram and Sivananda Ashram, making it a spiritual and scenic landmark. While walking the bridge, you will witness the flowing Ganga, lush Himalayan views, and peaceful surroundings. making it one of the best places in Rishikesh to visit.
Famous for: scenic views and photography.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees.
Best time to visit: Open throughout the year.
4. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. situated 32 km from Rishikesh. Neelkanth Mandir is one of the main pilgrimage sites for devotees in Rishikesh and also a must include in places to visit in Rishikesh in one day. As per Hindus, it is the same spot where Mahadev drank the poison Halahal.
This temple is surrounded by dense forest and mountains, offering spiritual calm and natural beauty.
Visitors can experience the trekking, prayers, and the holy Ganga springs. The temple's view and its location make it one of the best tourist places in Rishikesh
Famous for: spiritual experience and pilgrimage.
Time Required: It takes almost 3 hours to reach here from Rishikesh.
Best Time to Visit: September and June are the best months to visit.
5. Tera Manzil Mandir
It is also known as Trimbakeshwar Temple, situated on the Ganga’s banks. This colourful temple offers peaceful vibes and photography opportunities. The temple has 13 storeys, as its name indicates. It is situated on the bank of the Ganga, making it one of the best places in Rishikesh to visit.
The tourist can also enjoy the view sitting in nearby cafes and capture the breathtaking views, making it one of the Rishikesh famous places. Being close to Ram Jhula, it is among the top 20 places to visit in Rishikesh.
Famous for: spiritual experience, beautiful views, photography
Entry Fees: Free
Best time to visit: throughout the year.
6. Parmarth Niketan Ashram
It is one of the most popular places to visit in Rishikesh, known as the largest and most welcoming ashram in Rishikesh. The best part of this ashram is that it offers regular yoga classes, satsangs, and moving Ganga Aarti each evening on the riverside lawns.
Visitors come here for long stays and take yoga classes, while others visit for the peaceful atmosphere and the Aarti. Ashrams offer traditional practice with friendly hospitality. All of these make it one of the best places in Rishikesh to visit.
Famous for: yoga, evening Ganga Aarti, and spiritual retreats.
Entry Fee: free (donation welcome)
Best time to visit: throughout the year, but the spring season is pleasant.
7. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia / Maharishi Ashram)
the Beatles Ashram, also known as the Chaurasi Kutia complex. Became world-famous after the Beatles stayed here to learn transcendental meditation in the 1960s. Today, its graffiti-covered ruins & meditation cells make it an atmospheric place to explore in Rishikesh.
Famous for: Beatles history, murals, meditation ruins
Entry Fee: 100-150 Rs
Best time to visit: whole year, daytime only (closes at sunset)
8. Muni Ki Reti
Muni Ki Reti is the best riverside quarter of Rishikesh with a calm, relaxed feel, and only this feel makes it the best among all places to see in Rishikesh. It hosts many ashrams, guesthouses, and yoga centres and is a quieter option than the busiest market areas. The Ganga here is gentler, Ideal for walking, gentle meditation, and sitting by the water.
Many families & couples prefer this area as a base because it’s close to Rishikesh sightseeing places yet peaceful at night.
Famous for: Ashrams, calm riverbanks, and yoga centres.
Entry fee: free
Best time to visit: year-round; cooler months are pleasant.
9. Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita and is one of the most religious places to visit in Rishikesh. The mandir is located near the main market. It is one of the quieter Rishikesh famous places and is often visited by many devotees who are seeking calm prayer experiences.
The temples offer insight into local devotional life without the bustle of larger ghats. As it is situated near the market, you can also explore cafes and other sightseeing spots, making it a convenient cultural stop on a day of exploring.
Famous for: Devotional rituals, quiet worship
Entry fee: Free
Best time to visit: throughout the year
10. Rishikund
The Rishikund is a little holy water body near Raghunath Temple. It has an intimate, reflective feel and is ideal for quiet meditation, small prayers, or simply sitting by the water and watching local life.
Rishikund is a gentle break from busier tourist spots. It is close to the market and temples, so you can easily add a short stop here during a half day of Rishikesh sightseeing.
Famous for: quiet reflection, spiritual soak, scenic reflections.
Entry Fee: free
Best time to visit: throughout the year; early morning is most peaceful.
Fun & Adventure Places In Rishikesh
Here are some adventurous places you can explore for trekking, river rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, camping, cliff jumping and much more in Rishikesh.
11. Shivpuri – Adventure Hub
Shivpuri is famous for doing adventure sports in Rishikesh, camping by the Ganga, and full-on adventures. The rapids here suit beginners and thrill-seekers alike, and several outfitters offer multi-day packages, rafting runs, and riverside overnight camps with bonfires.
All these make it one of the most famous places to go in Rishikesh for adventure tourism, and it is ideal if you want to blend adrenaline with riverside relaxation.
Famous for: River rafting, camping, kayaking
Entry fee: adventure fees vary with operator and package
Best time to visit: September to June
12. Byasi
Byasi is a famous village among adventure lovers. This village offers you rafting and camping activities. Its location makes it different from the other rafting spots. It is quieter than the main rafting hubs and offers a more relaxed riverside experience with cosy homestays and small cafes.
It is the place where you can practise yoga, join short treks, and enjoy peaceful rafting stretches. All of these make it the most Rishikesh travel place.
Famous for: camping, rafting, boating, and homestays.
Entry fee: depends on the activities and homestay.
Best time to visit: the whole year, but it's more pleasant in cooler weather
13. Rajaji National Park (Rajaji Tiger Reserve)
This natural playground near Rishikesh is famous for Safari and wildlife viewing. This reserve is home to several animals, like elephants, deer, leopards, and a variety of birds, making it one of the perfect places to visit in Rishikesh.
If you want your trip to be more adventurous, including a jungle safari and animal spotting, Rajaji would be the best pick. Choose a guided jungle safari and early morning drives for the best chances of wildlife sightings.
Famous for: biodiversity, Safari, elephants
Entry fee: tickets vary
Best time to visit: October to June (cooler months, better wildlife spotting)
14. Bairaj Lake
Bairaj Lake is connected to the river systems. It is a tranquil spot for boating and picnics. While not as famous as the main ghats, it offers open skies, lake park areas, and quiet benches to relax.
It is a peaceful choice among places to visit in Rishikesh for families seeking a slow day out and for those who enjoy watching river management structures like the Pashulok Barrage.
Famous for: boating, picnics, quiet lake views
Entry Fee: free, maybe a small fee for boating
Best time to visit: year-round for lake views; winter is cool.
15. Neer Garh Waterfall
Neer Garh is the best place to visit in Rishikesh for a lovely waterfall tucked away behind a short, scenic trek. The path winds through greenery and local homes, ending at a cascade where you can sit on rocks, snap photos, or take a refreshing dip in calmer months.
The most famous waterfalls among locals and travellers are a day's escape from the city's buzz. Neer Garh Waterfalls combine light hiking with nature’s coolness and are an especially good choice during the summer or after light monsoon rains, when the falls are lively yet safe.
Famous for: waterfall, trekking, picnics
Entry fees: free
Best time to visit: the whole year; post-monsoon and summer are great
16. Patna Waterfalls
Patna Waterfall is considered the best place to visit in Rishikesh, a peaceful natural spot near Neelkanth direction, tumbling about 40 feet and surrounded by rocks and greenery. It’s less crowded than the main ghats and perfect for travellers who want a quiet nature escape close to Rishikesh sightseeing places.
One of the perfect places for photography, the stone cliff with the contrast of water and forest makes a serene view to snap. One of the best places to explore in Rishikesh is if you are looking for an offbeat stop.
Famous for: Quiet waterfall, photography, short hikes
Entry fees: Small fee
Best places to visit: October to March for pleasant hiking
17. Garud Chatti Waterfalls
Garud Chatti is a lesser-known waterfall reached by a short trek through villages and wooded terrain. The reward is a quiet cascade and a small natural pool. It’s a favourite for people who want an offbeat spot for a picnic, a local-flavour hike, and time away from busier tourist hubs.
In the spring season, the trail is lush and the water is cool, ideal for a day of nature visits. It is a sweet local gem that many find unexpectedly lovely.
Famous for: Trekking, waterfall views, and local charm
Fees: mostly free
Best time to visit: Mar to June for comfortable trekking
18. Jhilmil Gufa
Jhilmil Gufa is a cluster of caves on Manikoot Parvat—a quiet, meditative set of spots for people who like hiking and gentle exploration. The trail to Jhilmil is accessible for most walkers and offers shaded paths and village views, making it one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh.
The caves themselves have a peaceful look suitable for short meditation or reflection and are often included in lists of tourist places in Rishikesh, favouring offbeat, slow travel. If you enjoy nature, simple trekking, and quiet caves, Jhilmil is a calming, rewarding stop.
Famous for: Cave, short hikes, nature walks
Entry Fee: free
Best time to visit: October to February
19. Kaudiyala
Kaudiyala is a true white water rafting centre. The stretch offers lively Grade III–IV rapids that get adrenaline pumping but are well managed by professional outfitters. Beyond rafting, Kaudiyala’s white sandy banks and clear river stretches are great for picnics and riverside relaxation
If rafting is your priority to visit Rishikesh, Kaudiyala should be your best pick for places to visit in Rishikesh.
Famous for: white water rafting, river adventure
Entry Fee: depends on the operator and rapid length.
Best time to visit: September to June.
20. Kuari Pass
Kuari Pass is a longer-range trek that appeals to serious trekkers and nature fans. While it is not in the town, many adventurous travellers use Rishikesh as a base before heading to the Garhwal treks like Kuari.
For those compiling tourist places in Rishikesh and the region, Kuari Pass represents the high-altitude, wild side of Uttarakhand — a must for trekkers wanting Himalayan silence and panoramic vistas.
Famous for: Trekking, the high Himalayan views, and alpine meadows
Entry Fees: Trek permits/guides vary by itinerary.
Best time to visit: April-June and September-November for stable weather
Conclusion
Rishikesh is a rare location where both spiritual calm and adventure sit side by side. This guide covered 20 of the best places to visit in Rishikesh. From someone culturally famous like Laxman Jhula & Triveni Ghat to offbeat waterfalls, big adventure spots, deep spiritual centres, and nature escapes.
Use the categories, Historical & Spiritual and Fun & Adventure, to plan your trip: mornings for yoga and ghats, afternoons for cafes or treks, and evenings for Ganga Aarti. Remember to choose licensed adventure operators, dress modestly at temples, and carry water and a small daypack.
If you are an adventure lover, the fun and adventurous places to explore in Rishikesh include river rafting at Shivpuri, trekking at Neer Garh and Patna Waterfalls, camping by the riverside, and wildlife spotting in Rajaji National Park. Cafes near Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula add a modern touch to your trip, giving you the perfect balance of peace and excitement and the best Rishikesh travel places.
