Ask ten travellers why they love Rishikesh and you will get ten different answers. One will talk about the Ganga Aarti at dusk. Another will tell you about the rush of their first rapid. A third will say they simply sat on a ghat for two hours and felt calmer than they had in months. That mix is exactly what makes this small Himalayan town so special.
Rishikesh sits in Uttarakhand, where the Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains. It is about 25 km from Haridwar, 45 km from Dehradun and roughly 240 km from Delhi. In this guide, I have picked the 10 best places to visit in Rishikesh in 2026 and added what you actually need to know: timings, rough costs, distances and small tips that save time. At the end you will also find how to reach, the best season, and answers to common questions.
1. Ram Jhula
If Rishikesh has a signature postcard view, this is it. Ram Jhula is a long iron suspension bridge across the Ganga, and crossing it is almost a ritual for first-time visitors. Do not expect a quiet walk. You will share the bridge with pilgrims, scooters, monkeys and the occasional cow, and that is part of the charm.
The bridge links the Sivananda Ashram side with the Swarg Ashram side, where many of the cafes, ashrams and shops are. Go before 8 AM if you want soft light for photos and fewer people.
Entry: Free
Best time: Early morning or sunset
Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes
2. Laxman Jhula and Bajrang Setu
The old Laxman Jhula, built in 1929, was closed to traffic in 2019 because of structural problems. It still stands as a landmark, and the lanes around it are packed with bakeries, momo stalls and souvenir shops. The new Bajrang Setu, a 132-metre cable suspension bridge with glass walkways, has been built just nearby to replace the crossing.
Reports about its formal inauguration and ticketing have been mixed, so please check the current status when you arrive rather than relying on any single article, including this one.
Entry: Free or a small fee, depending on current rules
Best time: Late afternoon
Good to know: Expect crowds on weekends
3. Triveni Ghat and the Ganga Aarti
This is where the spiritual heart of Rishikesh beats loudest. Every evening, priests lift large oil lamps, bhajans fill the air and small leaf boats carrying flowers and diyas drift down the river. Many pilgrims also take a dip here at dawn, as it is believed to wash away sins.
Reach the ghat 30 to 40 minutes before sunset to get a good spot on the steps. Keep your shoes in a safe place and your phone ready, but try to put it down for a few minutes and just watch.
Entry: Free
Best time: Sunset
Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours
4. Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Parmarth Niketan is one of the biggest and best-known ashrams in town, set right on the riverbank with courtyards, gardens and a tall statue of Lord Shiva facing the Ganga. It runs daily yoga and meditation sessions, and its own evening Aarti often feels warmer and less crowded than the one at Triveni Ghat.
It is a working spiritual centre, not a theme park. Dress modestly, speak softly and ask before taking photos of people.
Entry: Free, donations welcome
Best for: Yoga, meditation, a calmer Aarti
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
5. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
In February 1968 the Beatles arrived here to study Transcendental Meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and they stayed for a little over seven weeks. Many of the songs on the White Album were written during that period. After years of neglect, the ashram was reopened to visitors and is now covered in colourful street art.
It sits inside the Rajaji forest area, so it is open only in the daytime, roughly 10 AM to 4 PM. Entry has been around Rs 150 to 250 for Indian visitors and higher for foreign nationals, who should carry a passport. Fees change, so confirm at the gate.
Timings: About 10 AM to 4 PM
Best for: Music fans, photographers, history lovers
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
6. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev is one of the most revered Shiva temples in the region. According to legend, this is where Lord Shiva drank the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean, turning his throat blue. The temple stands at roughly 1,330 metres, about 32 km from Rishikesh, and the forested drive up is half the pleasure.
It gets very crowded during the Shravan month and Mahashivratri, so start early on those days and allow extra time on the road.
Distance: About 32 km, 1 to 1.5 hours by road
Best for: Pilgrims, scenic drive
Time needed: Half a day
7. Neer Garh Waterfall
When you need a break from temples and crowds, head to Neer Garh. This tiered waterfall is a short walk from the Laxman Jhula area, and the trail passes through forest and small streams before ending at natural pools where people cool off.
It is an easy outing for families and groups. Wear shoes with good grip and avoid it after heavy rain, as the rocks get slippery.
Entry: Small ticket at the gate
Best for: Easy walk, a cooling dip
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
