Waterfalls in Rishikesh – Experience what’s beyond absolute delight!
Silken smooth water cascading gracefully through the mountain tops and several layers of basaltic rocks, to fall into a sparkling lake at the bottom, the waterfalls in Rishikesh make for a spectacular sight you cannot miss in a trip to this beautiful city.
Rishikesh, known as the Rafting Capital of India, is a land at the foothills of the Himalayan region, in the state of Uttarakhand. This city is the destination of a lot of tourists and spiritual seekers alike. This is for its picturesque scenic beauty and its numerous ashrams, temples, yoga and rejuvenation centers. The sacred Ganges flowing through the heart of the city is a hub of adventure activities like rafting and kayaking. It is also known well for a dip in its holy waters.
But what most people don’t know about Rishikesh are these enchanting waterfalls. These are the hidden treasures in its surrounding forests and nearby roads. Apart from rafting, rappelling and rock climbing, trekking to these waterfalls is another great adventure one shouldn’t miss out on. Below are the best waterfalls in Rishikesh. These will leave you in awe of this magical city and enjoy nature’s creation to the fullest.
Best Waterfalls in Rishikesh
NEER GARH OR NEER GADDU WATERFALL
It is located at a distance of about 5 km from the famous Laxman Jhula Bridge, on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. This waterfall has got its name from the nearby Neergaddu village. It is one of the best waterfalls in Rishikesh. Its jaded blue water falls down in a narrow stream across the rocky cliffs to give in to a crystal clear bliss-pool. One can reach the waterfall either by walking, by driving or taking a taxi up to the first waterfall. From the Topovan area, hike along the Karprayag-Haridwar road for about a mile till you spot the Neer Gaddu falls on the left.
It is ideal for some good-old trekking and hiking up the mountain roads. It is a walk across the lush, green forests filled with delightful flora and fauna. The narrow trail, stretching for 1 kilometer through the jungle and down a cliff, is an adventure in itself. It leads you to the actual waterfalls in the middle of the forest. There are many benches and shops along the way to rest and have hot tea and noodles. Upon further climbing, you will reach the second bridge and the main waterfall, which stands tall at 25 feet. The water falls into a lake where you can relax and throw yourselves in for a refreshing bath in its cool, mineral-rich water. After a chilly swim in the waterfalls, you can also climb up to the local village. You can indulge in some Himalayan culture and cuisine of the locals.
PATNA WATERFALL
In the midst of the Rajaji National Park, this is one of the most spectacular and popular waterfalls in Rishikesh. Although the Raja Ji forests are filled with eye-catching waterfalls and streams at every corner, this waterfall is one of its kinds due to its width and unique drizzling effect. Patna Waterfalls is located at a distance of 6.5 km from Lakshman Jhula, on the Neelkanth Temple Road, in Rishikesh.
Deep into the forest and removed from the noise of the town, this is a serene escapade one must experience. The hiking trail up to the waterfall is about 1.5 km up the rocky, mountain roads with monkeys every now and then for company. Don’t forget to stop for some quick photography of the beautiful scenic views of the Ganges below. There are no signposts or access to Google maps, hence do it the old-fashioned way. Ask for directions from the pedestrians. On the way to the falls, there are a few stalls where you can get bottled water. These help in quenching your thirst.
When you reach the waterfalls, you will be mesmerized by its natural beauty and resplendence. Hundreds and thousands of small water droplets drizzle down from mountain rocks like icicles, making for a sight to behold. This waterfall is also known for the limestone caves it’s located next to. According to legends, there is a temple deep inside the caves, where an idol of Lord Vishnu is placed. During the monsoon season, the waterfall comes alive as the water plunges down the rocks with great force and intensity. This makes for amazing photography to the delight of the tourists.
The tranquility of the forests and the soothing sound of the water provides for an overall pleasant and enjoyable experience. The village is another 1.5 kilometres from the site of the waterfall. It is a small hamlet known as ‘Patna’ and it is from here that the waterfall gets its name. You can see the local village women laboriously working in the wheat fields, cooking food in their chulhas and tending to their young ones while the men are out to work in the city. This depiction of the simple joys of village life in Rishikesh. Some hearty interaction with the villagers will leave a lasting impression in your mind and liven up your spirits.
HIMSHAIL WATERFALL
This one is not very well known among the waterfalls in Rishikesh, but its serene and tranquil surroundings with the exquisite natural beauty of trees and flowers all around make it one of the best waterfalls in Rishikesh so far. You will encounter this waterfall en route to the Neel Kantha Mahadev Mandir. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, this beauty of nature is rarely noticed by the tourists who visit the temple. One can also reach the site of the waterfall through the Bhootnath Mahadev Temple.
The foamy, white water bounces off the rocks and trickles down the wet surface. They create a very pleasant atmosphere and a buzzing ecosystem of flora and fauna around it. You can step into the clean, cool water but beware of crabs and sharp rocks. The wet moss and plants on the rocks fill the air with a sweet musk. The environment quiet and secluded, it is an ideal spot for meditating peacefully. You can connect with nature, while sitting on one of the rocks and following the sound of water flowing through. Situated 4 km away from Rishikesh and Lakshman Jhula, it also has an ancient Tat Baba cave next to it. It has a few yoga shalas and gurukuls nearby.
GARUD CHATTI WATERFALL
At a distance of 9 kms from the Rishikesh railway station and 5 km from the Laxman Jhula Bridge on the Neelkantha Road, this is one of the main hot spots for foreign tourists and the young crowd who want to explore the waterfalls in Rishikesh. The trek to the waterfall starts with a temple dedicated to the Hindu God, Garud. It is an immortal bird-like God and the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Though small and beautiful, the waterfall gushes with great force through seven different levels during the monsoons. It enthralls the locals and tourists alike. The misty, clear water looks like a wall of blue satin thread with silver. It flows along the mountain wall majestically.
One specialty of this waterfall is that it has both hot and cold water at the same place. There are several cafes and shops that you pass by on your way to the falls. The famous Ganga View Restaurant also lies along this trail. Due to its location in the middle of the forest, it is best recommended to take a guide along with you. There is a risk of getting lost in the way.
It is one kilometer from the Garud Chatti Barrage and is a great place for trying your hand at some beautiful, landscape photography. In the lap of nature and the mighty Himalayas, you can spend a few hours here embracing the breathtaking view of the waterfall and soaking in the silence. Situated just near the Neelkantha Temple and 3 km from the Patna Falls, this is one of the most serene waterfalls in Rishikesh and a true reflection of its exquisite natural beauty.
PHOOL CHHATTI FALL
This waterfall is located on the Neelkantha road. It lies between the Neer Gaddu waterfalls and the Garud Chhatti waterfalls and is a quiet paradise in itself. The Phool Chatti waterfall lures the tourists and travelers with its ravishing and splendid beauty. The water thunders down through the mountain rocks into a serpentine stream, sprouting water in all directions. Although the moisture from the current may get you drenched if you went close to the waterfall, it sure doesn’t dampen your spirits. The magical environs with forest-green plants complement the aquamarine blue water perfectly, exhibiting the brushwork of the Creator. It is a 4.5km trek from the Laxman Jhula and Neelkantha Road up to the falls.
The trail through the forests leading to Phool Chatti must be trodden with extra caution and utmost alertness by children and elderly people. It is very wet and slippery. But once you reach the spot, all your senses are overwhelmed by the magnificent beauty and splendor of the falls. It makes the hurdle some trekking experience worth it. Apart from camping in the jungle camps, one can have a bath in the stream. You can engage in some photography and indulge in some snacks and refreshments in the nearby shops.
You may even plan to stay the weekend for trekking in the nearby areas and exploring different waterfalls. There are many resorts and cottages available which provide accommodation. The best time to visit this enigmatic waterfall is either summer or post-monsoon when the area is in full bloom. These waterfalls sheltered by the Himalayan valleys and covered with lush green forests in all sides are a must-see for any traveler. Especially, if you wish to explore this mystical city in more depth and rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit.