Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination in Uttarakhand, and there is a valid reason for its popularity. It offers you a bit of everything, from spiritual calmness to thrilling adventures. With the serene Ganga ghats, historic temples, peaceful ashrams, iconic suspension bridges, bustling cafés, and vibrant markets filled with global travellers, the city has various attractions for everyone.

For trekkers, passing through the city before or after a trek, Rishikesh deserves to be more than just a stop on your itinerary. So if you do have some extra time, explore the “Yoga Capital of the World” a little before heading towards the mountains. To help you maximize your time, here is a curated guide to 10 unskippable sightseeing spots in Rishikesh.

1. Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula

Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula are two of the most scenic parts of Rishikesh. They connect the liveliest parts of the city, where you can cross them to discover cafés and temples, or simply find a spot by the river and watch the city go by. This is the reason that the area surrounding these bridges gets especially lively in the evening, with travellers, sadhus, shopkeepers, and locals all adding to the atmosphere. So, it is also a good place to start exploring Rishikesh on foot.

Tip: The bridges can get crowded during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Wear comfortable footwear and keep your belongings secure while crossing. Also, Laxman Jhula itself is currently closed to pedestrians, so check the latest access arrangements before planning your visit.

2. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

If you have a day to spare, then this temple can be on your list. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is based on the Hindu mythology of Shiva consuming the poison. It is believed that the incident that turned his throat blue and earned him the name Neelkanth, meaning “blue-throated,” happened right here at this place. This temple, dedicated to Shiva, is surrounded by forested hills and is about 30 km from Rishikesh, so getting here takes a little time. Once here, you can visit the temple, spend some quiet time around the complex, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Tip: Keep a few hours aside for the trip, including travel time. The road is winding in places, so if you are travelling by car or taxi, allow some extra time rather than planning it as a quick stop.

3. Triveni Ghat

If you have less time but want to get the best experience of the spiritual side of Rishikesh, head to Triveni Ghat. It is one of the most popular spots, best known for its evening Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh. As the sun goes down, the ghat comes alive with lamps, chants, and the sound of bells as devotees gather by the river. Even without the aarti, Triveni Ghat is worth a visit. You can sit by the Ganga, take a quiet walk along the riverside, or simply watch the daily rituals taking place around you. It is a different experience from the busier adventure side of Rishikesh and gives you a chance to slow down for a while.

Tip: If you want to attend the Aarti, reach early to find a good spot, especially during weekends and peak tourist seasons. Check the day’s Ganga Aarti timing before you go, as it can change with the season.

4. Neer Garh Waterfall

The Neer Garh Waterfall is a short forest walk from the road and leads to rocky pools and cascading water. The waterfall has a few levels, so you can walk further up if you feel like exploring instead of stopping at the first pool. Out here, you leave the city behind and make your way through the greenery, with the sound of the water getting louder as you go. It is a good option if you have a few hours free and want something outdoors without committing to a full-day excursion.

Tip: Wear shoes with a good grip, as the trail and rocks can be slippery. Also, avoid getting into the pools during or immediately after heavy rain, when the water flow can become stronger.

5. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Not as much of an ashram anymore, but this place became famous after the popular band, ‘The Beatles’, visited Rishikesh in 1968 to learn transcendental meditation. If you visit it today, you’ll find abandoned meditation huts, old buildings, colourful murals, and graffiti that make the place interesting even if you are not a Beatles fan. And no, you don’t need to spend the entire day here. Just a couple of hours is enough. Also, this is one of the best offbeat places in Rishikesh.

Tip: Entry Fee- ₹200 for Indian adults, ₹1,200 for foreigners, and ₹ 50 to ₹100 for Indian students and senior citizens (valid IDs required). Standard cameras are free, while handheld DSLRs and professional gear like heavy tripods may incur extra local permit fees up to ₹2,000. Also, wear comfortable shoes, as there is quite a bit of walking involved.

6. Kunjapuri Devi Temple

If you don’t mind waking up early, Kunjapuri Devi Temple is worth adding to your Rishikesh plans. Perched at around 1,676 metres, the temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is believed to be the place where Goddess Sati’s chest fell. The temple also offers wide views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and the Ganga valley. For trekkers, getting here is part of the experience. You need to climb around 300 steps to reach the temple, but the views at the top make the effort worthwhile. On a clear morning, the sunrise from here is particularly beautiful, so you can turn the visit into a short early-morning outing before returning to Rishikesh.

Tip: Start early if you want to catch the sunrise and avoid the midday heat. Carry a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes for the climb. Check the weather forecast beforehand, as clouds can sometimes block the mountain views.

7. Shivpuri (River Rafting)

If you are looking for something more adventurous, Shivpuri is the place for you. Located around 15 km from the city, this small riverside town is best known for its river rafting in Rishikesh on the Ganga. It is also surrounded by forested hills, which makes the drive here quite scenic.

Rafting is the main attraction, but you don’t have to spend the entire day on the river. You can also grab something to eat at one of the cafés or camps around the area, and spend some time by the Ganga before heading back to Rishikesh. For trekkers, it can be a fun way to spend a free day before or after a trek.

Tip: If you plan to go rafting, book with a registered operator and check the current river conditions before you leave. Rafting is seasonal and may be restricted during heavy rainfall or high water levels. The most suitable time is from late September to early June.

If you want to find more fun activities available in Rishikesh, check out “Things to do in Rishikesh”.

8. Cafés and Local Eateries

How can we skip this part? One thing Rishikesh has recently seen rapid growth in is aesthetic cafés. Since there are a lot of foreign tourists visiting the city, many food ventures have filled up the place.

Some of the most famous ones are:

• Little Buddha Café: It is one of the most famous cafés in Rishikesh, known for its treehouse-style setup, Ganga views, and traveller crowd.
• Freedom Café: This is another classic long-standing traveller favourite, particularly for its riverside/open-air seating and relaxed atmosphere.
• 60's Beatles Café: As the name suggests, this is a Beatles-themed place, has Ganga views, and connects nicely with the whole Beatles/Chaurasi Kutia history of Rishikesh.
• Chotiwala: Not in the mood for just the aesthetics? This is an old, well-known Rishikesh food venture and is particularly known for its thalis.
• German Bakery: Another classic name around the Laxman Jhula area, particularly good for breakfast, baked goods, and the traveller culture that has shaped Rishikesh's food scene.
• Anna's Mess: No matter where you go, idli-dosa always makes for the perfect meal. And this one place in Tapovan is a popular South Indian restaurant for that.

9. Parmarth Niketan

You must have seen the large Shiva statue sitting beside the Ganga in pictures of Rishikesh. That is Parmarth Niketan. But there is more to this ashram than the famous riverside view. It was a small space built by Swami Shukdevanandji, who came here to meditate on the banks of the Ganga.

Over the years, that little space grew into one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh. Today, people come here for yoga, meditation, spiritual programmes, and, of course, the evening Ganga Aarti. If you are in Rishikesh for the first time, this is one of the best places to experience the spiritual side of the city.

Tip: If you want to attend the Ganga Aarti, check the day’s timing before you go, as it changes with the season. Reach a little early to get a place by the ghat, especially during weekends and peak tourist months.

Plan Your Rishikesh Stop Around Your Trek

Are you coming to Rishikesh before your trek? Then don’t forget that the mountains are still ahead. So don’t try to squeeze every attraction into your one spare day. Pick a few places that fit your schedule, keep some time to rest, and pack your trek essentials before you head out. If you are planning an adventure activity like rafting, give yourself enough time to recover before the trek. Also, if you are travelling during the monsoon, check the weather and road conditions before heading to places farther from the city.

Most importantly, use your time in Rishikesh to enjoy yourself without tiring yourself out. After all, you will want your energy for the trail.