Offbeat Places in Rishikesh That You Didn’t Know About

Over time, Rishikesh has developed into a popular destination for different types of vacationers. From religious pilgrims who make Rishikesh their yearly destination and partake in the customary plunge in the Holy Ganga, to family and friends who come to scatter the ashes of their departed loved ones in the river, to those seeking a transcendental adventure and practicing yoga and meditation, to those hoping to increase their blood’s level of adrenaline. Rishikesh offers it all: yoga, temples, cafés, and adventure sports.

However, the city’s success has resulted in over tourism, with visitors present at all times of the year. This condition necessitates a departure from the mundane and a visit to some refreshing, undiscovered, and offbeat places in Rishikesh that will help you harness your inner traveler!

Neer Garh Waterfall

This natural waterfall, nestled around 5 kilometers from Lakshman Jhula, is absolutely breathtaking. This natural phenomenon is accessible through a short trek from the starting location, but it is well worth the effort. A minor section of the waterfall may be seen around 200 meters into the trek, which takes you along tight, winding pathways into the forest.

This is a popular area, and a few stores have popped up nearby, but the main treasure is concealed about a kilometer farther into the trek. When you get there, a much larger, cleaner, and more isolated waterfall can be seen, where you may even go swimming in the glistening waters!

Garud Chatti Waterfall

Garud Chatti Waterfall, located around 9 kilometers from Rishikesh, is most attractive during the monsoon season when the water runs through seven distinct levels. The 1.5-kilometer climb begins about 3 kilometers ahead of Lakshman Jhula on the Neelkanth Mandir Road, near a Garuda shrine. Its proximity to the Neelkanth Mandir also makes it an ideal location for a romantic getaway when visiting Jhilmil Caves.

Even though it is little, the seven levels that make up this waterfall come together to produce a spotless natural pool, making it a wonder to behold. Hidden among lush foliage and pristine natural beauty, the Garud Chatti waterfall is one of the must-see offbeat places in Rishikesh.

Phool Chatti Waterfall

This is a little but equally stunning waterfall located just a few kilometers from Garud Chatti Waterfall. The walk to the falls is hazardous, with majorly large boulders coated with algae, therefore one should always hike with sturdy footwear that has a good grip on the sole and with extreme caution.

However, the sheer beauty of this little waterfall, which cascades down a steep rock like a snake, is quite wonderful. If you go early in the morning, you may even see the sun rising behind the spectacular peaks seen from Phool Chatti Waterfall.

Rishikund Hot Water Springs

Rishikund, a gorgeous and historic hot spring, is located just outside of the well-known Raghunath Temple. Lord Rama is said to have visited these springs while in exile and taken a bath. Sages in the past ceremonially washed their hands in this spring’s water as part of their holy rituals.

On a clear day, the shadow of the nearby Raghunath Temple may be seen on the surface of the Rishikund pond, which translates to “Pond of the Sage.” This location is extremely near to Triveni Ghat and is easily accessible through a short rickshaw ride.

Jhilmil Gufa

The Manikoot Parvat Gufas are a group of three caverns that are a little over 4 kilometers from the Neelkanth Temple and about 21 kilometers from Lakshman Jhula in the center of Rishikesh. After driving up to Neelkanth, one must trek for roughly an hour or less via a deep jungle track. The trail is not tough and is also suitable for seniors.

Jhilmil Gufa is one of the best offbeat places in Rishikesh and also the calmest location close to the bustling city of Rishikesh, which is surrounded by complete serenity and tranquility. This forest, known as the Manikut Kajri Van, is home to a large number of elephants. Each of the three caverns is unique in shape and size and is rarely visited by visitors. One of the three caverns is dedicated to a ruler of Uttar Pradesh, Alha Udal, another to Guru Gorakshanath, who was found by Saraswati Nijanand Swami, and the third to Guru Jhilmil, which is how the cave received its name.

Astha Path (Marine Drive)

You’ve probably heard of Mumbai’s famed Marine Drive, which runs along the Arabian Sea and offers some of the greatest sunset views in the country. But have you ever heard of enjoying a morning walk along Rishikesh’s Marine Drive?

This walk along the river Ganges, which is roughly 24 kilometers from Rishikesh, is ideal for people looking for solitude and serenity. This location is certainly a piece of heaven for anyone who enjoys yoga, meditation, walking, running, and other forms of physical fitness.