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Places to Visit in Rishikesh in One Day

Shivpuri, just 16 km from Rishikesh, is a scenic riverside destination known for its adventurous experiences and peaceful surroundings. The area is covered by lush forests and the ferociously-flowing Ganga River, making it a perfect spot to unwind amidst nature. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Rishikesh for activities like white-water rafting, riverside camping, cliff jumping, bungee jumping, and yoga retreats. 

Shivpuri offers a relaxing getaway for people who are seeking meditation and peace amidst a natural setting. Additionally, Shivpuri offers a refreshing escape from temple crowds and brings a different side of Rishikesh into view. Whether you're into thrill or relaxation, this peaceful village has a balance of both, making it a memorable stop on your journey.

Situated on the banks of the holy Ganges, Triveni Ghat is among the most magnetic places to visit in Rishikesh. The confluence point of three of the most sacred rivers in Hindu mythology: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi, this ghat is considered as the most pious among all the other ghats within the vicinity.

According to the legends, the water of this ghat has the magical power of purifying one's heart and soul, and make it free from all the sins. Devotes from every corner of the country throngs Triveni Ghat and takes a dip with utmost devotion and faith. Come morning, you can witness them offering milk to the river, performing 'Surya Namaskar' and feeding the fishes around the ghat. By evening, this auspicious ghat turns into a riot of colours as it is time of the 'Maha Aarti' or the aarti to Mother Ganga.

Priest and the devotees perform several rituals during this sacred event, and offers lamps clad with flowers and incense stick to the Goddess as mark of their gratitude and devotion. The melodious hymns of the temple bells and the shanks can be heard everywhere, and the entire vicinity turns into a plethora of colour during this time. The peace and devotion that exists during the aarti makes Triveni Ghar one of the must visit Rishikesh tourist places.

Named after Lord Rama, a sacred figure in Hindu mythology, Ram Jhula is one of the most iconic places to visit in Rishikesh, stretching across the sacred Ganges. Built in 1986, this suspension bridge is about 230 meters long and 2 meters wide, not only connecting spiritual hubs of Sivananda Ashram and Parmarth Niketan but also offering panoramic views of the river, peaceful Himalayan hills, and glimpses of local life. 

The area around Ram Jhula is full of energy. While some visitors indulge in yoga and meditation in nearby ashrams, others are found enjoying the local delicacies in the surrounding restaurants and cafes. The attraction is also flooded with local vendors selling souvenirs. Overall, Ram Jhula is a great stop for its visitors to delve into Rishikesh’s culture by observing monks and locals passing by.

Laxman Jhula, a 450-foot suspension bridge in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, spans the Ganges River at a height of 70 feet, connecting the villages of Tapovan and Jonk. Originally built in 1929 and rebuilt in 1939 after the 1924 floods, the bridge holds deep mythological significance, as it is believed to be the spot where Lord Lakshman crossed the river using jute ropes.

However, it has been closed to the public since July 12, 2019, due to safety concerns. A new glass suspension bridge is currently under construction to accommodate traffic and ensure better connectivity.

The peaceful Ganga Aarti, the 13-storey Tera Manzil Temple, and the vibrant market with boho wear, handmade jewelry, and Ayurvedic goods add to its charm. The local flavours like chaat, samosas, and aloo puri make the experience even more delightful.

Most of your teenage or college days might have passes admiring the songs of the favourite band called 'Beatles', but do you know your favourite band once visited a quaint ashram in Rishikesh to attend a special meditation programme? Yes, it was in the year 1968, the entire group of Beatle flew down to India to meet a saint called Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and practice some advanced meditation programme under his flagship.

Surrounded by dense forests, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred Shiva temple just near Rishikesh. It’s believed that Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison here, turning his throat blue, due to which it is named Neelkanth. In addition to being surrounded by mountains and surrounded by nature, the temple attracts pilgrims throughout the year, especially during Maha Shivratri and Shravan Month, which are holy months in the Hindu calendar. 

Apart from its spiritual value, the peaceful location and scenic drive make it one of the most serene places to visit in Rishikesh. It’s perfect for those looking to mix spirituality with a bit of offbeat travel in nature.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram, located in the lap of the verdant Himalayas, along the banks of the Ganges, is one of the most popular ashrams in Rishikesh. The ashram specialises in traditional ayurvedic practice treatment, yoga, meditation and various other natural healing techniques. The ashram was founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanandji Maharaj. With over 1000 rooms, lush gardens, clean and pure ambience, the ashram provides a calm and serene refuge to devotees and patients alike. 

The ashram keeps its doors open for people of all religions, gender, caste, class and nationalities. The ashram is the home to a 14-feet statue of Lord Shiva that has been placed along the river bank. The divine or holy tree, Kalpavriksha, also boosts the sense of spirituality on the ashram campus.  

Various activities of the ashram include different healing yogas, universal prayers and meditation classes, kirtan, daily satsang, spiritual talks and seminars among other events. The ashram with its various activities aims to help people connect with their inner self and rejuvenate their senses. During your stay at the ashram, you can feel being associated with the peaceful surrounding of the ashram as well as nature.

Location: Rishikesh, Pauri district, Uttarakhand, India

Timings: The ashram remains open every day from 7am to 8pm. 

Price: Entry is free to the ashram. Rs 800 for basic rooms. Rs 1200 or Rs 1500 for rooms with air conditioning and a view of mountains and rivers

Gita Bhavan, founded by Swami Sivananda in 1936, is a sacred ashram on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. The walls of the ashram are adorned with shlokas and depictions from the Bhagavad Gita, offering a serene space for meditation, devotion, and spiritual learning.

It radiates spiritual energy through daily bhajans, kirtans, satsangs, and Gita discourses. The serene Laxmi Narayan Temple and an ancient prayer-wrapped Banyan tree enrich the peaceful vibe. Its library, a valuable collection of Gita Press and rare manuscripts reflects 88 years of spiritual and literary heritage.

It offers over 1,000 , clean rooms with shared baths and nourishing sattvic meals, creating a serene and budget-friendly spiritual retreat. It also houses a free Ayurvedic dispensary, providing herbal remedies crafted from natural ingredients like amla and aloe vera and sacred Ganga water for all visitors.

Vashistha Cave, located in Rishikesh, is a sacred meditation site where Sage Vashistha is believed to have meditated. Surrounded by nature, the cave houses a Shivlinga and can accommodate around 12 people on white mats. The gentle glow of oil lamps and the scent of incense create a serene space ideal for deep meditation and spiritual retreat.

According to Hindu mythology, Sage Vashistha who was one of the revered Saptarishis and a mind-born son of Lord Brahma.Chose this cave for deep meditation after being saved by Goddess Ganga from ending his life in sorrow. Enchanted by the area's serene atmosphere, his wife also remained there, and over time, the cave evolved into a spiritually significant and sacred retreat.

Neer Garh Waterfall in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, is a picturesque two-tiered cascade known for its serene environment and crystal-clear waters. Easily accessible via a short trek through lush forests, the first tier forms a peaceful pool, while the second tier offers a more dramatic view with a larger pool.

The trek covers 3 kilometers in total, with a 1-kilometer hike to the first tier and an additional 2 kilometers to reach the second. Visitors can relax by the pools, take a refreshing dip, and enjoy the stunning views. It’s also a great spot for photography, capturing the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

Rajaji National Park is both a national park as well as a tiger reserve which ranks high amongst the Places to see in Haridwar. The park was created by the amalgamation of 3 sanctuaries- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. The park is located in the Shivalik range of Himalayas and spreads over 820kms. 

The park is famous for its 600 elephants, 250 leopards, and 11 tigers along with other animals, who have been kept in the natural forest environment. It has now become the second tiger reserve of Uttarakhand after Corbet.

Location -Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun

Timing- 6 am to 9 am &  3 pm to 6 pm. Visitors booking a full day safari can wait at the rest house inside the forest.

Best Time to Visit - Park remains open from 15th November to 15th June. Park is closed during the monsoon season.      

Entry Fee - Rs. 150 per head for 3 hours visit. Gypse rate for 3 hrs safari trip is Rs. 2100 and vehicle entry is Rs.250 per vehicle with Indians and Rs. 500 per vehicle with foreigners. The guide cost is Rs. 600 for general guide and Rs.1000-1500 for experience in wildlife.

History of Rajaji National Park

The Rajaji National Park initially started as three separate national parks in Uttarakhand. The pre-existing natural abundance of the area, along with its thriving community of wildlife, flora and fauna and its idyllic weather served as the perfect premise for the establishment of these national parks.

In 1964, a stretch of the Dehradun Forest spanning 90 square kilometres was declared as the Motichur wildlife sanctuary. The Rajaji Wildlife sanctuary had existed since 1948 and the Chilla sanctuary since 1977 in Shivalik and Lansdowne respectively.

In 1983, these three parks were combined to form the Rajaji National Park as it stands today, which covers an area of over 820 square kilometres. In April 2015, Rajaji National Park received the status of a tiger reserve, making it the second reserve for tigers in Uttarakhand.

It remains one of the most picturesque and well-maintained national parks in the country. The government decided to name the park after one of the most renowned freedom fighters of the country- C. Rajagopalachari, who was known as Rajaji.

After playing a pivotal role in fighting for India’s independence, he was also the last Governor-General of post-independence India. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his services to the nation.

Rishikesh's Rishikund is a beautiful ancient pond located near Raghunath Temple in the city of Rishikesh, which has an important spiritual, mythological, and cultural significance. It is said that the saint Kubz was blessed by the goddess Yamuna, who filled the tank with divine water in the shape of a fish. 

Today, it remains a spiritual site for pilgrims and spiritual seekers. The calm waters mirror the temple structure nearby and offer a peaceful setting for prayer or meditation. It’s a quiet gem that is away from the busier attractions and offers a chance to connect with the deeper, timeless side of Rishikesh.

Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple in Rishikesh, is dedicated to Lord Hrishikesh Narayan and was reinstalled by Adi Shankaracharya in 789 AD. Every year on Basant Panchami, this historic event is commemorated with a vibrant ritual procession. The temple is home to 250-year-old sacred trees representing the Tridev- The Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh and also houses a museum displaying excavated artifacts and Shaligram stone idols of Tirupati, Badrinath, and Hrishikesh Narayan.

This temple in Rishikesh is believed to be the very spot where Lord Vishnu appeared before Sage Raibhya and chose to reside as Hrishikesh Narayan, giving the city its name. It is also said that King Bharat and the Pandavas once worshiped at this sacred site, adding to its spiritual significance. Once a Buddhist monastery during Ashoka’s reign, the temple is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures like Ramayana and Mahabharat. On Akshaya Tritiya, 108 circumambulations and darshan of the Lord’s uncovered feet are believed to grant all wishes.

Trayambakeshwar Temple, also known as Tera Manzil Temple, is a significant and one of the most beautiful places to see in Rishikesh. Built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 12th century, it is located near the banks of the Ganges and is a 13-storey temple that houses multiple shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. 

Each floor offers a peaceful spiritual vibe along with scenic views of the river and hills. It’s not just a place of worship, but also a calm spot to unwind and enjoy Rishikesh’s spiritual atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking blessings or just admiring the views, this temple is a must-visit.