We all love to travel. In our daily life we try to find some time to travel. Here I’m giving you list of 10 places to visit near Rishikesh. Rishikesh is one of the most popular tourist hot spots. Many grand temples and adventurous spots attract us. It’s the place of adventure activities like bungee jumping, mountain biking, water rafting etc.
But what makes places near Rishikesh so thrilling? Why are they a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi? We have the answers for you. So, let’s start!
Best Places near Rishikesh Enjoy a Weekend Getaway
Rishikesh, from years has been inseparable from Himalayas, lying in the foothills of the mountain range and being its shadow. As the old saying goes if you don’t travel you have read one page of the book. When it come s to travel what better place than Rishikesh – A divine destination. It’s a must visit for once in a life time and if possible over and over again.
Rishikesh being a divine destination with its peace and serenity is the best place for a weekend to refresh yourself. Here are the best places near Rishikesh which will rejuvenate you and motivate you for the challenges of the coming hectic week.
1. Starting off with Haridwar – The entrance to the Kingdom of Gods
Entering Haridwar, the presence of God is felt with the chimes and bells ringing, fragrance of the Champhor in the air along with the faith of the devotees. Oh! It feels we have landed in the Kindgom of God. Taking part in the Ganga Aarti is a lifetime experience here. All this makes this place one of the soulful journey of a lifetime. Leave Haridwar with showers of blessings.
Some of the places in Haridwar that are a must visit are Har ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Gau Ghat, Sapt Rishi Ashram.
Distance: 19 km from Rishikesh.
2. Shivpuri – Rafter’s delight
Shivpuri is known for its lush greenery, thick dense forests and offers some of the most beautiful beaches along the river Ganges along with monuments and temples. It is a destination for amateur and experienced rafters, as it is popular for White Water Rafting. Far from the Hustle and Bustle of the city life, it is an ideal place for spending weekend.
3. Rajaji Tiger Reserve: Relishing wilderness
Rajaji Tiger reserve is one of the popular destination for the safari experience in India, spread over 820 km. This place offers 2-3 hours safari by Jeep which can give you the sight of Asian Elephant and Tiger, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Wild Boar, tiger, leopard, Barking deer, Goral Two kinds of Bears Himalayan Black and Sloth, and over 400 bird species. A perfect destination being close to wilderness.
Distance: 19 km from Rishikesh.
4. Narendra Nagar
Narendra Nagar named after Maharaja Narendra Shah is a place filled with historic events, lush greenery and picturesque landscape. Odathali, a place on Narendra Nagar is nestled in Shivalik foothills. It is a place of historic and mythological significance. Odathali is known for its proximity to plain foothills, it gives the aerial charismatic view of Rishikesh, Haridwar and Ganga flowing from mountains to Plains of Haridwar.
The famous tourist attraction here is The Palace of Maharaja Narendra Shah which is turned into a luxury destination spa named ‘Ananda – in the Himalaya. The view of the Doom Valley from 3000 ft from this spa is spectacular.
Some of the places in Narendra Nagar that are a must visit are: Maa Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Neer Garh Waterfall.
Distance: 20 km from Rishikesh.
5. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – A platter of peace for the soul
The Neekanth Mahadev Temple is scenically situated on a hill at a height of 1330 mtr enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot and is located at the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati. It is one of the prominent Hindu Pilgrimage site. One can be sure to get the benefit of scenic beauty along with beauty at ‘The Neekanth Mahadev Temple’.
6. Dehradhun – Capital of the mysterious Uttarakhand
Dehradun is located in the Doon Valley on the foothills of the Himalayas nestled between the river Ganges on the east and the river Yamuna on the west. Dehradhun leads to Himalayan tourist destinations such as Mussoorie, and Auli and the Hindu holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh along with the Himalayan pilgrimage circuit of Chota Char Dham. This place has a mythological significance and every corner of it speaks history. The list of best places near Rishikesh is incomplete without the mention of Dehradun.
Some of the places in Dehradhun that are a must visit are Tapkeshwar temple, Robber’s cave, Malsi deer park.
Distance: 47 km from Rishikesh.
7. Chamba – The Jungle Book
Chamba is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. The The town has numerous temples and palaces that can leave any soul speechless. It is also well noted for its arts and crafts, particularly its Pahari paintings, handicrafts and textiles. One can get there to purchase memories for lifetime.
Some of the places in Chamba that are a must visit are Bhuri Singh Museum, Akhand Chandi Palace, Champavati Temple.
Distance: 64 km from Rishikesh.
8. New Their – Diet for cleansing the soul
If you are looking for the diet for cleansing soul, than New Theri is the destination for you as the Tehri derives its name from “Trihari”, a place that cleanses three types of sins namely sins born out of Mansa, Vacha and Kamana or thought, word and deed respectively.
New Tehri is a modern town spread over an altitude from 1550-1950mts above sea level overlooking the gigantic lake and the Tehri dam as the ruins of the old Tehri lies under sea presently.
Distance: 76 km from Rishikesh.
9. Kanatal – Destination for Nature lovers
This place has been now transformed itself to a piece of land with wide stretch of flora and fauna. This is the hottest destination for the tourist who is looking for peace and serenity. It lies in the proximity to other major hill stations of the state like Dehradun (78 kms), Chamba (12 kms ahead) and Mussoorie (33 kms).
Distance: 37 km from Rishikesh.
10. Uttarkahi- Heightened Divinity
Uttarkashi also termed as Dev Bhoomi, is a destination for one of the religious site. It is one of the most visited cities in the term of religious relevance. Revered by the Hindus as one of their propitious religious sites, it houses two of the total four holy shrines of Hindu mythology. In the past this place was majorly a tourist destination for pilgrimage purpose, but lately the spur of trekking and adventure activities invites a lot of non religion tourists as well. It is among the most favoured places near Rishikesh for a vacation.
Some of the places in Uttarkashi that are a must visit are Dodital Lake, Nachiketa Lake.
Distance: 74 km from Rishikesh
11. Rudra Prayag
Lying at the confluence of River Alaknanda and River Mandakini, Rudraprayag is a sacred place regarded as one of the Panch Prayags and place of great religious significance. Settled in Uttarakhand, this beautiful town is full of mysterious charm and the spiritual vibes that will calm your senses.
Some of the places in Rudra Prayag that are a must visit are August Muni, Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Ukhimath.
Distance: 72 km from Rishikesh