Lakshman Jhula
Bridge

Lakshman Jhula

Iconic suspension bridge over the Ganges

must-visitbridgelandmark
30-60 minutes HighFree
bridge

Lakshman Jhula

The most famous landmark of Rishikesh, this 137-metre iron suspension bridge spans the Ganges at a height of 21 metres. Legend says Lord Lakshmana crossed the river here on a jute rope. Originally built in 1929, the bridge was closed to traffic in 2020 due to structural concerns but remains an iconic symbol of Rishikesh.

Duration

30-60 minutes

🎟Entry

Free

👥Crowds

High

☀️Best Time

Morning or sunset for best views

Timings

Open 24 hours (currently closed for pedestrian crossing due to structural concerns)

Highlights

Lakshman Jhula

137m suspension bridge
Ganges river views
Surrounding temples and ashrams
Iconic Rishikesh landmark since 1929
#must-visit#bridge#landmark#photography
Ram Jhula
Bridge

Ram Jhula

Pedestrian suspension bridge connecting ashrams

must-visitbridgelandmark
20-30 minutes ModerateFree
bridge

Ram Jhula

Built in 1986, Ram Jhula is a 228-metre suspension bridge connecting Swarg Ashram on one side to Sivananda Ashram on the other. It offers stunning views of the Ganges and surrounding hills, and is flanked by major ashrams and temples on both banks.

Duration

20-30 minutes

🎟Entry

Free

👥Crowds

Moderate

☀️Best Time

Morning or evening

Timings

Open 24 hours

Highlights

Ram Jhula

228m pedestrian bridge
Connects Swarg Ashram and Sivananda Ashram
Panoramic Ganges views
Less crowded than Lakshman Jhula
#must-visit#bridge#landmark#photography
Triveni Ghat
Ghat

Triveni Ghat

Sacred confluence and evening Aarti site

must-visitghatspiritual
1-1.5 hours HighFree
ghat

Triveni Ghat

The most sacred bathing ghat in Rishikesh, located at the confluence of three holy rivers — Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The evening Ganga Aarti here is a mesmerizing spiritual experience with fire offerings, chanting, and floating diyas on the river.

Duration

1-1.5 hours

🎟Entry

Free

👥Crowds

High

☀️Best Time

Evening for Ganga Aarti

Timings

Open 24 hours. Evening Aarti: 6:00-7:00 PM

Highlights

Triveni Ghat

Evening Ganga Aarti
Confluence of three rivers
Holy dip spot
Krishna-Arjuna chariot statue
#must-visit#ghat#spiritual#ganga-aarti
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
Ashram

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Where the Beatles found inspiration in 1968

must-visitashramheritage
1.5-2 hours Moderate₹150 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)
ashram

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Officially known as Chaurasi Kutia, this abandoned ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi became world-famous when The Beatles visited in 1968 to study Transcendental Meditation. Now reopened as a heritage site within Rajaji National Park, the crumbling meditation domes are covered in vibrant Beatles-themed graffiti art, making it a unique blend of spiritual history and street art.

Duration

1.5-2 hours

🎟Entry

₹150 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

👥Crowds

Moderate

☀️Best Time

Morning for good light on graffiti

Timings

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed Mondays)

Highlights

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Beatles visited in 1968
Meditation dome with graffiti art
84 meditation kutias (cells)
Part of Rajaji National Park
#must-visit#ashram#heritage#beatles#photography
Parmarth Niketan
Ashram

Parmarth Niketan

Largest ashram in Rishikesh with evening Aarti

must-visitashramspiritual
1-2 hours ModerateFree (donations welcome)
ashram

Parmarth Niketan

The largest ashram in Rishikesh with over 1,000 rooms, Parmarth Niketan sits on the banks of the Ganges and is known for its beautiful evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Founded in 1942, it offers yoga, meditation, and spiritual programs. The ashram hosts the annual International Yoga Festival every March.

Duration

1-2 hours

🎟Entry

Free (donations welcome)

👥Crowds

Moderate

☀️Best Time

Evening for Ganga Aarti

Timings

5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Evening Aarti: 6:00-7:00 PM

Highlights

Parmarth Niketan

Evening Ganga Aarti on the riverbank
International Yoga Festival (March)
1,000+ rooms for pilgrims
Yoga and meditation programs
#must-visit#ashram#spiritual#yoga#ganga-aarti
Sivananda Ashram (Divine Life Society)
Ashram

Sivananda Ashram (Divine Life Society)

Historic ashram founded by Swami Sivananda

ashramspiritualyoga
1-2 hours LowFree
ashram

Sivananda Ashram (Divine Life Society)

Founded in 1936 by Swami Sivananda, the Divine Life Society ashram is one of the most respected spiritual institutions in India. Located near Ram Jhula, it houses a temple, library, Ayurvedic pharmacy, and the Sivananda Ashram museum. The ashram continues to be a center for yoga, Vedanta, and spiritual study.

Duration

1-2 hours

🎟Entry

Free

👥Crowds

Low

☀️Best Time

Morning for meditation sessions

Timings

5:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Highlights

Sivananda Ashram (Divine Life Society)

Founded 1936 by Swami Sivananda
Yoga and Vedanta study
Ayurvedic pharmacy
Spiritual library and museum
#ashram#spiritual#yoga#historic
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Sacred Shiva temple in the Garhwal hills

must-visittempleshiva
Half day (including travel) Moderate to HighFree
temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Nestled in the dense forests of the Garhwal hills at 1,330 metres, this ancient temple marks the spot where Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the cosmic poison during Samudra Manthan, turning his throat blue (Neelkanth). The 26km drive from Rishikesh through winding mountain roads is itself a scenic experience.

Duration

Half day (including travel)

🎟Entry

Free

👥Crowds

Moderate to High

☀️Best Time

Morning, weekdays to avoid crowds

Timings

6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Highlights

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Ancient Shiva temple at 1,330m
Scenic mountain drive (26km)
Hot sulfur springs nearby
Mythological significance — Samudra Manthan
#must-visit#temple#shiva#scenic#trek
Kunjapuri Temple
Temple

Kunjapuri Temple

Sunrise viewpoint with Himalayan panorama

must-visittemplesunrise
3-4 hours (including travel) LowFree
temple

Kunjapuri Temple

A Shakti Peeth temple perched at 1,676 metres offering spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayan peaks including Chaukhamba, Banderpunch, and Swargarohini. One of the 52 Shakti Peeths where parts of Goddess Sati's body fell. The pre-dawn drive followed by the sunrise is a transformative experience.

Duration

3-4 hours (including travel)

🎟Entry

Free

👥Crowds

Low

☀️Best Time

Sunrise (leave Rishikesh by 4:30 AM)

Timings

Open 24 hours (arrive by 5:30 AM for sunrise)

Highlights

Kunjapuri Temple

Spectacular sunrise over Himalayas
Shakti Peeth (52 sacred sites)
360-degree mountain panorama
Views of Chaukhamba and Banderpunch peaks
#must-visit#temple#sunrise#views#shakti-peeth
Neer Garh Waterfall
Nature

Neer Garh Waterfall

Refreshing two-tier waterfall near town

naturewaterfalltrek
2-3 hours Moderate₹30
nature

Neer Garh Waterfall

A beautiful two-tier waterfall located just 5km from Lakshman Jhula. The waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs into natural pools where visitors can take a refreshing dip. The short trek through forested paths makes it a popular half-day escape from the town. Best visited during or just after monsoon when the water flow is strongest.

Duration

2-3 hours

🎟Entry

₹30

👥Crowds

Moderate

☀️Best Time

Monsoon and post-monsoon (July-October)

Timings

7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Highlights

Neer Garh Waterfall

Two-tier waterfall
Natural swimming pool
Short trek through forest
5km from Lakshman Jhula
#nature#waterfall#trek#swimming
Rajaji National Park
Nature

Rajaji National Park

Wildlife sanctuary with elephants and tigers

naturewildlifesafari
Half day (one safari) Low₹150 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners). Jeep safari: ₹2,500-3,500
nature

Rajaji National Park

Spread over 820 sq km across the Shivalik ranges, Rajaji National Park is home to Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards, and over 400 bird species. The park offers jeep safaris and nature walks through diverse habitats — from sal forests to riverine areas. The Rishikesh entrance provides easy access to the Chilla range.

Duration

Half day (one safari)

🎟Entry

₹150 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners). Jeep safari: ₹2,500-3,500

👥Crowds

Low

☀️Best Time

November to June, early morning for wildlife

Timings

6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed July-October)

Highlights

Rajaji National Park

Asian elephants in natural habitat
Bengal tigers and leopards
400+ bird species
Jeep safari through Shivalik hills
#nature#wildlife#safari#photography