Places To Visit Near Rishikesh For An Truly Indian Vacation

Known For : Ganga Aarti in Haridwar Har Ki Pauri Chandi Devi Temple

No spiritual journey can ever be considered complete without a visit to Haridwar, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Literally meaning 'the abode of Lord Vishnu', Haridwar, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is a land of legends and myths. Considered as one of the seven holiest cities in India, Haridwar sees millions of people flock to it every year to pay their respects to the Lord, or to wash away their sins. However, with the passage of time, Haridwar has evolved from being a mere religious city to a multifaceted cultural and spiritual centre, and only after exploring Haridwar will you realize that there is a lot more to the city than just visiting temples and taking a dip in the holy Har ki Pauri. Haridwar has a perennial mystical air around i, and is the perfect place to visit near Rishikesh for anyone seeking spiritual connection as well as a chance to indulge in and get closer to nature.

Distance From Rishikesh: 20.6 km via NH 7 and NH34

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 4,100

Known For : Lal Tibba Lake Mist Kempty Falls

If your idea of the perfect holiday involves tranquil hills, untouched nature and a holiday experience that is unadulterated in the truest sense of the term, Mussoorie is the place you should be heading to. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year. The pristine, natural beauty of Mussoorie makes it a very popular choice of holiday for honeymooners. If you want to enjoy the beautiful sight of the rolling green slopes juxtaposed with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Mussoorie is the place for you to be.

Distance From Rishikesh: 76.4 km via Ambala - Poanta Sahib - Herbertpur - Dehradun - Rishikesh National Hwy and Mussoorie Road

Best Time: September to June

View packages starting from ₹ 8,499

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Shiva as Neelkanth is his another name. This temple is located around 7km from Swarg Ashram and the route is a 3 hour long walk along a forest path making it an exciting place to visit near Rishikesh.

Distance From Rishikesh: 29.4 km  via NH 7

Since past many years, the region and the trail have been able to maintain its raw beauty accompanied by virginity and tranquillity of the place. The gushing streams, pristine glaciers and splendid landscape add charm to the beauty of this already beautiful place.

Distance From Rishikesh: 281.0 km via NH34

The alpine meadow of Kuari Pass has been attracting backpackers from around the globe for decades. Being in close proximity to Nanda Devi biosphere, Kuari Pass is at the center of the most remarkable regions of Garhwal known for its unique wild grandeur and the perfect place to visit near Rishikesh.

Distance From Rishikesh: 131 km

The resting place of the Sufi saint Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir, Piran Kaliyar Sharif is a famous dargah located in Kaliyari village near Haridwar.

Distance From Rishikesh: 44.4 km via NH34

Known For : Robber's Cave Sahastradhara Mindrolling Monastery

Nestled amidst the Doon Valley in the state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a very popular hill station that beckons solo travellers, families and couples alike. Proudly boasting of a scenic backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas, Dehradun is located at an altitude of 1400 feet above sea level and has a pleasant climate all year round. Regardless of whether you want to explore family-friendly tourist spots, try thrilling adventure activities with your friends, or watch a mesmerizing sunset with your partner amidst the mountains, Dehradun is the place to visit near Rishikesh where there is something for everyone.

Distance From Rishikesh: 45.6 km via Ambala - Poanta Sahib - Herbertpur - Dehradun - Rishikesh National Highway

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 7,000

Known For : Tiger Falls Deoban Budher Caves

Chakrata is a small hill town near Dehradun located on top of the Yamuna valley, amidst lush green forests, caves and ancient temples.

Distance From Rishikesh: 132.6 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 8,000

Known For : Jungle Safari, Corbett National Park Elephant Ride in Corbett National Park Corbett Waterfall

Corbett National Park, set amidst the foothills of Himalayas, houses a variety of flora and fauna including rare ones such as tigers and is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Distance From Rishikesh: 128.8 km via Nimbuchaur - Haridwar Road

Best Time: Mid October to Mid June

View packages starting from ₹ 9,000

Known For : New Tehri Dhanaulti Kodia Jungle

Once a deserted land, today Kanatal is a usual haunt for those travelers who seek peace and solitude. Kanatal is said to be named after a lake that once existed there. Apart from peace, the place exhibits a charm in form of majestic hills, fruit trees, apple orchards and lush green forests.

Distance From Rishikesh: 80.7 km via NH34

Best Time: Throughout the year

Known For : Mussoorie Tehri Dam Trekking in Tehri Garhwal

The Hindu Mythology and legends seemed to have showered Tehri Garhwal with several spiritual significances. It is this place where River Ganga arrives in its real form at Devprayag where River Bhagirathi and River Alaknanda merge. One can also see many temples dotted across this place to visit near Rishikesh.

Distance From Rishikesh: 84.4 km via Rishikesh - Chamba - Tehri Road

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 6,100

Known For : Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Raghunathji Temple Chandrabadani temple

Marked by the confluence point of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, Devprayag is a religious hub and is quite popular among tourists coming for pilgrimage or seeking some solitude close to nature.

Distance From Rishikesh: 74.2 km via NH7

Best Time: Throughout the year

View hotels starting from ₹ 699

Encompassing the Shivalik mountain ranges, Rajaji National Park is abundantly rich in flora and fauna and proves a great holiday destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. It is a quaint place to visit near Rishikesh if you want to avoid the hassle of crowds.

Distance From Rishikesh: 18.4 km via Cheela Dam - Rishikesh Road

Best Time: Mid November to Mid June

Known For : Tehri Dam Surkanda Devi Temple

Far from the rush of city life, Chamba is a small town popular for its picturesque views lined with deodar and pine trees, its apple orchards and various temples.

Distance From Rishikesh: 65.1 km via NH34

Best Time: Throughout the year

Known For : Surkhanda Devi Temple Eco Park, Dhanaulti Apple Orchard Resort

With minimal human intrusion, without overloading or overwhelming your senses or expectations, Dhanaulti slowly seeps into your conscience like a long lost pleasant dream, bringing with it comfort and quiet, and giving you the much needed break from your humdrum routine life.

Distance From Rishikesh: 69.3 km via Thano Road

Best Time: September to June

View hotels starting from ₹ 475

Known For : Dodital Lake Nachiketa Lake Dodital Dayara Pass Trek

Endearingly called as Devbhoomi, Uttarkashi, literally meaning 'Kashi of the North', is a quaint little town tucked away in the hill state of Uttarakhand. Revered by the Hindus as one of their propitious religious sites, the townhouses two of the total four holy shrines of Hindu mythology. It is one of the most visited cities of religious relevance in the area and gives you a sense of heightened divinity and an out of the world experience. The region was more in the favour of religious tourism initially but lately the spurring of trekking and adventure activities invites a lot of non religion tourists as well. Replete with ashrams and mandir, the town has got a spiritual vibe to it. All in all, the entire place boasts of divine heritage, mesmerising natural beauty, scenic panoramas and a wonderful irenic atmosphere.

Distance From Rishikesh: 171.1 km via NH34

Best Time: March to June, September to November

View hotels starting from ₹ 200

Known For : Bhulla Lake Tip N Top St. John's Church

Perched amidst the Garhwal Hills of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a quaint little hill town that not many tourists know of. Off the beaten tourist trail, Lansdowne is an untouched, pristine town, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated at 5670 feet above sea level, Lansdowne is more famously known for being home to the Garhwal Rifle regiment of the Indian Army. This hill station is neither commercialised nor heavily urbanised, making it the perfect place to visit near Rishikesh for anyone looking to take a break amidst peace and solitude.

Distance From Rishikesh: 115.6 km via NH 7 and Devprayag Pauri Road

Best Time: Throughout the year

Known For : Chaukhamba Viewpoint Kandoliya Khirsu

Pauri Garhwal is a paradise that showcases the varied colors of nature all packed in to this one place. From snow covered Himalayan peaks and thick cover of lush green forests to deep rooted culture of the place and warm hearted people, this place oozes beauty and charm in every aspect.

Distance From Rishikesh: 115.6 km via NH 7 and Devprayag Pauri Road

Best Time: April to June, September to October

Known For : Eco Cave Gardens Naini Lake Naina Devi Temple

One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Situated at an altitude of 1938 km above sea level, Nainital has a pleasant climate all year round, and can rightfully be called a picturesque place to visit near Rishikesh for all travel lovers.

Distance From Rishikesh: 250.4 km via NH34

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 6,999

Known For : Augustmuni Koteshwar Mahadev temple Ukhimath

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.

Distance From Rishikesh: 141.6 km via NH7

Best Time: April to December