Known For : Ganga Aarti in Haridwar Har Ki Pauri Chandi Devi Temple
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. However, there is a lot more to the city than just visiting temples which include the plethora od adventure sports and tourist attractions.
Distance from Rishikesh: 19 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
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.
Best Time: Mid November to Mid June
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. The town is often referred to as the River Rafting destination in India. It also has a number of camps that draw tourists pretty often for a weekend getaway from nearby cities.
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: 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 center of the most remarkable regions of Garhwal known for its unique wild grandeur and the perfect place to visit near Rishikesh.
Located at 30 kms from Rishikesh, Byasi is a tiny village on the banks of river Ganges in Uttarakhand. The quaint little village popular for water sports and adventure tourism owing to the demography of the region, dirty white sands to laze and camp and the favourable flow of the river which facilitate easy rafting and camping activities.
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.
At 380 m high, Kaudiyala is a popular rock climbing destination surrounded by dense forests. It also offers white river rafting tracks, and the sports is organized by the camping facilities around the place.
The resting place of the Sufi saint Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir, Piran Kaliyar Sharif is a famous dargah located in Kaliyari village near Haridwar. Besides the dargah, there is a small village which too is a nice place to explore and observe the culture and livelihoods of the region.
Distance from Rishikesh: 43 km
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 km
Best Time: April to December
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
Known For : Forest Research Institute Robber's Cave Sahastradhara
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
Known For : Kempty Falls Gun Hill Lal Tibba
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, 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
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
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
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, it is one of the most visited cities of religious relevance in the area. 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.
Distance from Rishikesh: 171 km
Best Time: March to June, September to November
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
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
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
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
Known For : Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple Bhulla Lake Darwan Singh Regimental Museum
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
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
Known For : Naini Lake Tiffin Top Snow View Point
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.
Distance from Rishikesh: 253 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Rishikesh is a tourist friendly town as lots of people are looking for weekend getaways near Rishikesh. A lot of tourists first visit Rishikesh and then combine top places near Rishikesh for a perfect short trip.The destinations are attractive and popular. It offers its travellers a mix of tourist attractions ranging from Hill Stations to Lakes to Wildlife sanctuary. Places to visit near Rishikesh offer a quiet retreat from the busy city lives. Some of them can even try the various picnic spots near Rishikesh which are rife with people every other weekend. Also get a taste of the local cuisines and festivals while visiting the best tourist places near Rishikesh. Places near Rishikesh has something for each kind of traveller that is why they attract domestic as well as international tourists all-round the year. There are many tourist places near Rishikesh which provide a perfect outing for those who are trying to escape from their daily routine. These places take 1-2 day(s) and make a perfect weekend getaway from Rishikesh. Escape to these places around Rishikesh and explore them if you haven't.