Rishikesh is not only about religious beliefs, ghats or temples; within this ancient city, you can also witness some of the architectural marvels and structures as well! One such structure, the Lakshman Jhula, which is also one of the not to be missed places to visit in Rishikesh, is a suspension bridge that connects Tehri and Pauri districts of Uttarakhand.
Another architectural marvel in the yoga capital of India, Ram Jhula is an important landmark of the city and is also one of the sought after Rishikesh tourist places. Located only 3km from the heart of the city, this 450ft suspension bridge connects the banks of the Ganges with Shivananda and Swarga ashrams at both of its end.
Adventurers know Rishikesh as the land of river rafting as it is one of the most popular destinations for this activity anywhere in India. So if you are planning a trip to Rishikesh, make sure not to skip this adrenaline-pumping adventure of rafting through the blustery waters of River Ganga. As your raft glides along with the swift river, you will also have a chance to catch the undiluted charm of the Himalayan foothills.
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.
A highly popular tourist attraction in Rishikesh, Bungee Jumping is recommended for every adventure freak visiting the town. With a height of 83 metres, this makes for the highest bungee jumping platform in India. Stand on a platform built on a rocky cliff, soak up the majestic scenery of lush green forests and River Hall, muster the courage, and jump as your heart starts to thump loudly.
The sweeping views of the Himalayan foothills and River Ganga that you get to witness during the flight make the experience all the more enjoyable. Making you glide across the rope at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, this zip line is believed to be one of the best in the country. Set yourself free by taking a giant leap over the Ganges, feeling wind gushing past you as you rush towards the end of the rope.
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.
The narrow stream of blue waters, surrounded by the lush foliage of Himalayan vegetation, Neer Garh Waterfall is a treat for any adventure or nature lover visiting Rishikesh. It is a sheer delight to watch the roaring stream making its way through steep rocks before plunging into a clear water pool. Apt for relaxation, meditation, and even landscape photography, this waterfall has to be one of the most spectacular places to see in Rishikesh.
Another not to be missed places to visit in Rishikesh, Gita Bhawan is also located on the banks of the Ganga River and is adorned by the enchanting charm of the Himalayas. Comprising of a large complex, it serves as an institute where a devotee can learn about Hinduism to a large extent along with participating in many religious and cultural events as well.
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.
One of the not to be missed places to visit near Rishikesh, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is around 32km from the city limits and is located at a height of 1,330m above the sea level in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Among all the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple holds a major prominence among the devotees. Tucked between the pictorial valleys of Manikot, Brahmakot and Vishnukot.
According to Hindu traditions and culture, the river Ganga is not a mere river; instead, it is the Divine Mother who gifts life in the form of water. Ganga Aarti is the worship of river Ganga. Thousands of visitors gather to watch the aarti both in the morning as well as in the evening when priests hold three-tier diyas and fire bowls in their hands and chant the Ganga mantras. The bells of the temples at the ghat start ringing at the same time making the atmosphere enchanting.