Places To Visit Near Rishikesh

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

Haridwar, considered to be among the seven holiest cities in India, is an ancient city located on the banks of River Ganga. Dotted with temples, ashrams and narrow lanes across the city, Haridwar is a famous Hindu temple town. It's believed that taking a dip in the holy Har Ki Pauri relieves you of all your sins. It's also known for its food.

Distance from Rishikesh: 19 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

35 Haridwar Attractions

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. It is a quaint place to visit near Rishikesh famous for its wildlife, especially for tigers and elephants. You can also spot many birds including many species of migratory birds, especially after monsoons.

Best Time: Mid November to Mid June

Known For : Robber's Cave Sahastradhara Tapkeshwar Temple

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.

Distance from Rishikesh: 46 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

31 Dehradun Attractions

Known For : Landour Mussoorie Mall Road Kempty Falls

Nestled amidst the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, 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 km

Best Time: September to June

32 Mussoorie Attractions

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: 134 km

Best Time: April to June, September to October

13 Pauri Garhwal Attractions

Shivpuri is a picturesque town located on the foothills of the Himalayas. It has a thrilling rafting stretch amidst beautiful natural surroundings and is, therefore, famous for River Rafting. It also has a number of camps that draw tourists for a weekend getaway from Rishikesh and other nearby cities.

Perched at an elevation of around 1700 m, Khirsu is an untouched area of Rudraprayag and is known for its pollution-free air. Bounded by the Himalayas on all sides, tourists can also travel to Kandoliya, Pauri Garhwal and Ulkha Giri from there. The place is off the popular tourist trails, yet to gather tourist rush to its refreshingly beautiful surroundings, ideal for a leisurely and relaxing holiday. 

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the most revered Hindu sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the Pauri Garhwal region, the temple is around 7km from Swarg Ashram. It is one of the most popular Shiva temples and is visited by devotees from all over the world.

The resting place of the Sufi saint Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir, Piran Kaliyar Sharif is a famous dargah located in Kaliyari village near Haridwar. It is a place of great spiritual energy as well religious unity with both Hindu and Muslims being ardent visitors to the dargah. It is one of the most important Muslim shrines in India.

Distance from Rishikesh: 43 km

Located 30 km from Rishikesh, Byasi is a tiny village on the banks of river Ganges in Uttarakhand. The quaint little village is popular for water sports and adventure tourism. Byasi is also visited for camping along the river Ganga. There are some small restaurant and hotels for tourists.

At 380 m high, Kaudiyala is a popular rock climbing destination near Rishikesh, surrounded by dense forests. It also offers white river rafting tracks, and the sports is organized by the camping facilities around the place.

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. It is also known for its traditional handicrafts and art along with the miniature Pahari paintings - a form of Indian painting that originated from the Himalayan hill kingdoms of North India during the 17th to 19th centuries.

Distance from Rishikesh: 62 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

2 Chamba Attractions

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. Situated amidst rolling Himalayan ranges, Devprayag is a popular pilgrimage centre for Hindus.

Distance from Rishikesh: 74 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

3 Devprayag Attractions

Known For : New Tehri Dhanaulti Camping

Once a deserted land, today Kanatal is a usual haunt for those travellers 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: 76 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

10 Kanatal Attractions

Jadh Ganga Trek is regarded as one of the most strenuous and difficult treks of north Uttarakhand. It was taken by Heinrich Harrer and his companions in May 1944 while escaping the prison in Dehradun. For many years, the region and the trail have been able to maintain its raw beauty. The gushing streams, pristine glaciers and splendid landscape add charm to the beauty of this already beautiful place.

Distance from Rishikesh: 84 km

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 centre of the most remarkable regions of Garhwal known for its unique wild grandeur.

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.

Distance from Rishikesh: 141 km

Best Time: April to December

22 Rudra Prayag Attractions

Known For : Dodital Lake Nachiketa Lake Dodital Dayara Pass Trek

Endearingly called Devbhoomi, Uttarkashi, literally meaning 'Kashi of the North', is a quaint little town tucked away in Uttarakhand. Revered by the Hindus as one of their propitious religious sites, it is one of the most visited cities of religious relevance in the area. There are some adventure activities available as well.

Distance from Rishikesh: 171 km

Best Time: March to June, September to November

9 Uttarkashi Attractions

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: 83 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

16 Tehri Garhwal Attractions

Known For : Dhanaulti Adventure Park 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: 92 km

Best Time: September to June

10 Dhanaulti Attractions

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. With mountain climbing as one of the popular activities in Chakrata, it is also becoming a popular destination for camping.

Distance from Rishikesh: 134 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

6 Chakrata Attractions

Known For : Bhulla Lake Tip N Top Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

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. 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: 123 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

14 Lansdowne Attractions

Known For : Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park Corbett Waterfall River Rafting in Corbett National Park

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. Famous for its wildlife safaris, Jim Corbett National Park is one of the few tiger reserves in India which allows overnight stays.

Best Time: Mid October to Mid June

15 Jim Corbett Attractions

Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital

One of the most beautiful places to visit near Rishikesh, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills. It is nestled 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.

Distance from Rishikesh: 253 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

33 Nainital Attractions