1. Iconic Suspension Bridges of Rishikesh
Rishikesh hits you like a rare Himalayan punch where Vedic spirituality sits right next to extreme outdoor sports. From iconic suspension bridges and historic yoga ashrams to pristine white sand river beaches and campsite clusters in Shivpuri, these are the top 15 verified sightseeing destinations across Uttarakhand.
Built 1986
Ram Jhula (Swarg Ashram Bridge)
An 228 meter long iconic iron suspension bridge now connects Sivananda Ashram in Muni Ki Reti to the bustling temple complexes of Swarg Ashram. Walk it at sunrise, watch the river reflect the sky, and toss feed to the fish below.
Open 24/7 | Free Entry
Opened 2020
Janki Jhula (Modern Suspension)
Then there's the modern 3 lane pedestrian suspension bridge built to ease foot traffic between Muni Ki Reti and Swarg Ashram. Wider pathways, separate lanes for two wheelers and walkers, and sweeping panoramic views.
Open 24/7 | Free Entry
Historic Heritage
Laxman Jhula & Bajrang Setu
The legendary 1939 built Laxman Jhula bridge stands where mythological lore says Lord Laxman crossed the Ganges on jute ropes. The vintage bridge stays preserved for history. The adjacent glass deck bridge (Bajrang Setu) is still under construction.
Top Photography Spot2. Sacred Ghats & Evening Ganga Aarti
Witness the soul stirring ritual of worshiping Mother Ganga with giant brass lamps, conch shells, and Vedic chants at dusk.
Triveni Ghat Evening Maha Aarti
Largest Ghat in RishikeshIn the heart of Rishikesh town, Triveni Ghat marks the sacred confluence of three holy rivers: the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The daily evening Maha Aarti here (6:00 PM to 7:00 PM) draws hundreds of devotees, rhythmic drum beats, and floating leaf lamps drifting across the water.
- Timing: 6:00 PM Daily (Sunset)
- Holy dip (snan) in clean barricaded steps
- Entry: Completely Free (Arrive 30 mins early)
Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti
Swarg Ashram RiverfrontI watched Parmarth's ceremony from the private river steps against the iconic backdrop of Lord Shiva's colossal seated statue on the Ganges. Ashram gurukul students led soulful bhajans and Vedic chants. Extremely serene, musical, peaceful.
- Timing: 5:30 PM (Winter) / 6:30 PM (Summer)
- Includes universal peace prayers and kirtan
- Walkable across Ram Jhula suspension bridge
3. Ancient Temples & Pilgrimage Shrines
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Perched at 1,330 meters and surrounded by dense pine forests (32 km from Rishikesh), this is the legendary site where Lord Shiva consumed the Halahala poison from the Samudra Manthan, turning his throat blue.
Distance: 32 KM | Shared Cabs available
Kunjapuri Devi Temple
One of the 52 sacred Shakti Peethas sits atop a 1,665m ridge. Jaw dropping 360 degree sunrise views open across snow clad Himalayan peaks: Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Chaukhamba, and the Ganges valley below.
Highlight: Famous Sunrise Trek & Cabs
Trayambakeshwar (Tera Manzil)
The striking 13 story orange multi tiered temple stands tall near Laxman Jhula. Each floor houses shrines dedicated to various Vedic deities. Climb to the top for grand aerial panoramas of the holy river.
Location: Laxman Jhula right bank
4. The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutiya)
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram
In February 1968, the Beatles (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr) traveled to Rishikesh to practice Transcendental Meditation at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram. They wrote over 40 iconic songs during that stay, including most of the legendary White Album.
Now maintained as an eco tourism heritage site by Rajaji Tiger Reserve, visitors can explore the famous 84 stone meditation domes (Chaurasi Kutiya), the Beatles Cathedral hall covered in stunning psychedelic street art and graffiti, plus the Beatles photo gallery museum.
5. Cascading Waterfalls & Nature Trails
Neer Garh Waterfall (Neer Gaddu)
Just 5 km from Laxman Jhula on the Badrinath highway, you'll find a stunning 3 tiered natural limestone waterfall. A scenic 1 km forest hike leads past wooden bridges and rock pools with crystal clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming.
Entry Ticket: ₹30 (Indians) | ₹100 (Foreigners) | Cafe stalls available
Patna Waterfall & Limestone Caves
This one sits 6 km upstream near Garud Chatti. Natural limestone drip caves, virgin forest setting, way less commercialized than Neer Garh. Peaceful surroundings and quiet mountain streams.
Trek Difficulty: Moderate 1.5 KM forest trail | Free entry
6. Himalayan Viewpoints & Sacred Caves
Vashistha Gufa (Cave of Sage Vashistha)
An ancient natural meditation cave lies 21 km upstream on the bank of the Ganges. Sage Vashistha (one of the Saptarishis) meditated here for centuries. Complete pitch black silence inside, burning oil lamps, and a secluded private white sand beach right outside on the river.
Pure Silence Meditation ZoneRajaji National Park (Chilla Wildlife Safari)
Spanning over 820 sq km of pristine deciduous forests, Rajaji Tiger Reserve begins just across the river from Rishikesh. Open for thrilling 4x4 open Gypsy jeep safaris to spot wild Asian elephant herds, leopards, deer, and over 315 bird species.
Safari Season: Nov 15 – June 157. Sightseeing FAQs
Combine Rishikesh Sightseeing With Luxury Riverside Camping
Look, our Shivpuri campsites put you right under those ridgelines, and morning hits different when the mist peels off the peaks. We run guided sightseeing in private AC cabs, and the river rafting combos slot in clean.