The Ganga River is the heart of Rishikesh city, but stepping away from the main attractions reveals a whole new side of the area.
After visiting Rishikesh 4 times, here are my top things to do for those who want to explore less crowded attractions. From waterfalls to ancient meditation caves, This guide will uncover the hidden gems of Rishikesh that often go unnoticed.
Top Hidden Gems Around Rishikesh
Vashishta Caves
Vashistha cave was Named after Sage Vashishta, one of the seven great sages in Hindu mythology. This spiritual site offers a glimpse at an authentic holy site that is much less popular among foreign tourists.
All visitors are welcome to enter and experience the cave! it’s fairly dark and quiet inside when most visitors meditate or just sit silently.
The cave is located about 25 km from Rishikesh and can be reached by taking a direct taxi to the site. From there, it’s a short, manageable walk downstairs to the caves.
The path is relatively easy, making it accessible for most visitors. I found this place super magical and worth visiting, you can easily spend over an hour without noticing. Like in any religious/holy sit, remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes where asked (you see signs but still be mindful). The cave is open from dawn to dusk. Make sure you don’t miss the second, smaller cave that is located closer to the river just around the main cave.
Watch the Aarti Ceremony in Haridwar
The iconic gang aarti puja ceremony can also be watched in Rishikesh, but attending the Aarti in Haridwar city is an unforgettable experience that shouldn’t be missed. The ceremony takes place at Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat (a staircase near the river bank) about an hour and a half drive from Rishikesh by taxi.
The Aarti is held twice daily, once in the morning around sunrise and again in the evening around sunset. Arriving early to secure a good spot is recommended, as it gets quite crowded, especially in the sunset round. As An alternative to Haridwar, you can watch this ceremony every day at the same time in Rishikesh. I recommend the Parmarth Niketan ashram, As they hold a large one daily.
Water Activities
Patna Waterfall
Around one kilometer from the entry, after a beautiful walk, you will arrive at the Patna waterfall. Named after the nearest village, This light trip is perfect for anyone looking for a small shaded hike with the option to cool yourself down in the waterfall pool.
There are many spots for dipping in the water and sitting around, it’s very nice to hang out there for a few hours. The waterfall is around 5 km from Lakshman Jula, any rickshaw or taxi driver will know the way. At the entrance, there are some snack and tea stands so you can arrive spontaneously without too much planning around supplies for this trip.
Rafting in the Ganga River
This attraction has become super popular in Rishikesh in the last few years, especially in the hot season (March to September). Although it is a more adventurous activity, you can find different packages to accommodate your past and needs. by choosing the length and the extreme level you are interested in experiencing- From slow and relaxed cruising to intense white water rafting. Some packages offer to cultivate other outdoor activities like camping and hiking.
The Secret Waterfalls
This location covers a small area that is just full of waterfalls to be followed uphill, in your past and preferences. It’s close to Tapovan (the main tourist area) and also has cafes along the waterfalls trail. Start at the first waterfall called “The Secret Waterfall Rishikesh” in Google Maps right in front of Rishikesh Valley ecovillage (where I also stayed before and absolutely recommend) and make your way up the waterfall hopping until “Anshul waterfall and Pool” which also appears on google maps. If you can not find the second waterfall simply walk up for another 10 minutes to “OM Organic Cafe”, the next waterfall chain is accessible from right outside this cafe.
Visit the Lower Himalayas
Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. starting at a single-day trip up to as much as a few weeks, Rishikesh can be a great starting point for a beautiful tour to the lower Himalayas. Whether you prefer to trek or be driven around the best viewpoints, take advantage of the opportunity to discover higher-altitude destinations above Rishikesh.
Tours can and should be customized to your needs and resources. I recommend stepping into one of the many tour company offices around Rishikesh and inquiring about them.
Visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram
One of my favorite places in all Rishikesh! sightseeing won’t be complete without visiting this place. As it is an open ashram, any visitor can enter and get a glimpse of the ashram lifestyle.
It is very beautiful and pleasant to visit, the whole area is vibrant and authentic and often goes unnoticed by foreign tourists so walk around. make sure you don’t miss the ashram canteen- kind of a restaurant with really good quality Indian food (cheap and spicy!)
Every evening before sunset a puja ceremony is hosted at the ashram entrance so I recommend planning your visit around finishing it at sunset time.
How to Get Around
Renting a scooter is a popular option for those comfortable navigating the hilly roads. For a more relaxed experience, hiring a taxi or an auto-rickshaw can be convenient.
It is common and recommended to hire a driver for both directions of the tour.
Make sure your driver will wait for you and drive you back since in some of these mentioned places available drivers may not pass often.
How to Plan Day Trips Around Rishikesh
After Choosing a day trip that suits your intentions, decide if you want to drive there yourself with a rented scooter, hire a taxi/rickshaw driver, or go with an agency.
The city is full of tour agencies that accommodate groups and individuals. They often also have drivers for hire and scooters to rent so it is kind of a one-stop shop.
Booking a tour through an agency is a great way for solo travelers to feel safe and comfortable while exploring less visited places.
Key Takeaways
Don’t hesitate to Leave the tourist hub and go explore! Rishikesh has much more to offer under its surface.
Pro tips for exploring Rishikesh
- try to avoid the crowds by arriving at any of these places from Monday to Friday. Weekends can get crowded all over the weekends.
- Be mindful about dressing modestly, especially in religious sites.
- Watch out for smiling at the monkeys! They don’t like bare teeth. Also, don’t flash food around them
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear, as you’ll need to take off your shoes when entering temples and some other sacred spaces.
- Since Rishikesh is considered a holy city, meat, eggs, and alcohol are harder to find.
