Exploring Risikesh
One of the pilgrimages of Hindus - Rishikesh is another supreme pilgrimage located on the bank of Ganges. People believe god will pour his special blessings on those who pure heartedly devote himself to the god and stays for a night at this Bramtheerth.
Rishikesh is not only a pilgrimage; it is not sprung as a tourist destination. It offers opportunity for adventure sports, yoga & meditation and wild life Safari in National parks.
The serene and calm environment of Rishikesh is as sacred as the Mecca is for Muslims. This tranquility makes it favourite of those in search of peace.
Since Rishikesh is located in the foothills of Himalaya of Dehradun district, hence is known as the Gateway to Himalayas. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists from India as well as from other countries visit each year. India has gifted world many things, Yoga is one among these. Numerous centers of this holistic approach earned Rishikesh the nickname "the world capital of Yoga" . This is the reason for attraction of tourists towards the holy land-Rishikesh.
Places to Visit in Risikesh
This is the oldest temple of Rishikesh which was built by Adiguru Shankracharya in 12th century. Bharat mandir is situated on the Banks of the Ganges. Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity in the temple. The exclusive feature of the idol stalled here is that it is carved out of a single Saligram. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur lane in 1398 A.D. The excavations revealed lot of old statues, coins, pots etc. in the surroundings.
Rishikund is the most ancient place in Rishikesh. People say according to ancient records this place is related with Kubz Saint. Goddess Yamuna blessed that this pond will be filled with its water. Raghunath temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita is standing on the bank of the pond.
It is the main ghat in the town where pilgrims from far and wide to take holy dip. Pilgrims participate in Ganga Arti at the Ghat in the evening.
The bridge also is a major tourist attraction for its design. The legendary Lakshman Jhula built in 1939 is a landmark of Rishikesh. It is an iron bridge suspended over the river Ganges to cross the river. It is said that during Vedic era Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama made a temporary bridge of jute ropes to cross Ganga and later on it was replaced by an iron bridge.
Parmarth Niketan is devoted to teach kids about the Vedas. Neelkanth Mahadev Mela is the famous fair organized every year. Trayambakeshwar Temple and Swarg Ashram are the other tourist attractions.
A range of adventure sports can be enjoyed here. White Water Rafting on the clear shining water of the River Ganga, Rappelling, Rock climbing, Cliff Jumping in which you jump into freezing water from a cliff! Kayaking and Trekking makes every adventure lover crazy.
People can also love to stroll amid the natural bounty and do a bit of bird watching there.
Shopping in Risikesh
A plethora of religious paraphernalia, cheap clothing with religious quotes and pictures of Gods, incense, bronze Shiva statues, etc. are bought at reasonable prices from here.
Plan your visit
A useful journey leaves room for local discoveries. Start with these essentials, then verify operational details from primary sources.
Cluster attractions that are close to one another. Build in time for local food, markets and spontaneous stops.
Research the nearest airport or rail station, then compare public transport and licensed local vehicles for short journeys.
Look for regional specialties and local markets; observe local customs in religious and residential areas.
Verify venue opening hours, online ticketing, local holidays, seasonal weather and accessibility before leaving.
More journeys to discover
Frequently asked questions
What is Risikesh known for?
Risikesh is explored in this guide through its local heritage, visitor attractions, culture and images. The highlights and linked articles below offer starting points for your itinerary.
How should I plan a first visit to Risikesh?
Choose a few nearby highlights in Risikesh, group them by area and allow flexibility for travel, meals and rest. Confirm the latest access information with official providers.
When is the best time to visit Risikesh?
The most comfortable time depends on local weather, festivals and your planned activities. Check current seasonal forecasts and any attraction-specific closure notices for Risikesh.
Where can I confirm ticket prices and opening times in Risikesh?
Check the official tourism authority or the individual venue before departure. This page intentionally does not repeat potentially outdated prices or hours.
Is this Risikesh guide updated?
This page was rebuilt from legacy IndiaCityTrip content on October 23, 2026. Older descriptive material has been reorganized; operational details still require direct verification.