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The city of Rishikesh is a tehsil in the district of Dehradun in the state of Uttarakhand. Situated in the northern part of India in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Rishikesh is also popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ as well as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’. It lies at around a distance of twenty-five kilometers from the holy city of Haridwar, which you can plan to visit along with Rishikesh. Since 2015, both Rishikesh and Haridwar are known as the “Twin National Heritage Cities” of the country. Due to the holy and religious significance of the city of Rishikesh both non-vegetarian food and alcohol are prohibited here. The streets of the city of Rishikesh are lined with a number of ancient temples both large and small. You can visit all these temples back to back while in Rishikesh.
While tourism in the state of Uttarakhand is on a rise since always, temple tourism has been one of the greatest aspects of the state. Various devotees from all across the country visit Rishikesh to worship and explore the famous temples in the city. The city is home to a number of religious sites including ancient temples. A number of saints and sages stay and visit Rishikesh for many years. The holy feel that one gets here can be compared to no other place in the country. Apart from the various temples, the city also features a number of ashramas where various religious events take place all throughout the year. You can explore these ashramas and also witness the events that take place here. Also, make sure to shop in and around the markets of the city, which sell some colourful items majorly related to the Hindu religion, temples, and deities.
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the most popular religious sites in Rishikesh. Neelkanth is another name for Lord Shiva and hence, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at a distance of around 7 kilometers from the renowned Swarg Ashram. The route to the temple is a long three hours walk along a path through a forest. Another alternative to reach the temple is via the popular Lakshman Jhula or you can also hire a cab to take you to the temple. Devotees offer the pious Ganga water to the temple as an offering. This is one of the most popular Lord Shiva Temples in Rishikesh that one must visit. Apart from visiting and exploring the pious temple, you can also explore the other marvels of Mother Nature like beautiful waterfalls and the surrounding dense forests.
Distance from City Centre – 7 kilometers
Visiting Hours – All days of the week from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Time to Explore the Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple – 1 Hour
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
Bharat Mandir is another addition to the list of temples of Rishikesh. It was founded back in the 12-century by Adiguru Shankaracharya. The temple houses the idol of Lord Vishnu, which is beautifully carved using a single Saligram piece. The temple also features an inner canopy, which in turn features a Shree Yantra. The interiors, as well as the beautiful architecture of the temple, has been recorded in the ancient list of Kearkhand. The original temple was destroyed by Tamur and was later rebuilt on the ruins of the same. Archaeological excavations have found at the site various remnants of the past like ancient pots, old statues, as well as ancient coins. This temple is a perfect blend of aesthetical values as well as perfect traditional architecture, which you cannot miss out while on a trip to Rishikesh.
Distance from City Centre – 2 kilometres
Visiting Hours – All days of the week in the following time slots – 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM as well as 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Time to Explore the Bharat Mandir – 1 to 2 Hours
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
The popular temple of Kunjapuri Devi is another religious site to be explored while in the pious city of Rishikesh. It is beautifully nestled on the Kunjapuri Hill and is a revered religious spot dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. In the whole of Uttarakhand, this temple of Goddess Parvathi is one of the fifty-two Shaktipeeths. It is quite popular among both locals as well as tourists. It offers a mesmerizing view of the mighty Shivalik Ranges, the Bandarpunch Peak as well as the Chaukhamba Peak. At this religious spot, you can get to learn much more about the Hindu religion in many details. At the time of Dussehra and Navratri, the temple and its surroundings are well lit offering a wonderful sight to the visitors and viewers. The grand celebrations of the temple during these festivals are worth witnessing by all.
Distance from City Centre – 11 kilometres
Visiting Hours – 24 Hours
Time to Explore the Kunjapuri Devi Temple – 1 to 2 Hours
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
Tera Manzil Temple is one of the most attractive temples of Rishikesh that you can incorporate in your itinerary while visiting the city. It is also popularly known as the Trimbakeshwar Temple. It is a massive temple featuring thirteen stories, which lie on the banks of the pious River Ganga. It is situated exactly opposite the popular Lakshman Jhula. The temple roof houses a number of deities together for the pilgrims to come and worship. The temple is quite well-known for its outstanding architecture. The topmost floor of the temple offers a mesmerizing view of the beautiful landscape. This temple is said to be around four hundred years old featuring amazing ancient architecture, which you should make a visit to when you come to Rishikesh city.
Distance from City Centre – 7 kilometres
Visiting Hours – 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Time to Explore the Tera Manzil Temple – 2 to 3 Hours
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
Raghunath Temple is another addition to the list of temples in Rishikesh. It is a revered temple of the Hindus that lies close to the Triveni Ghat in the heart of the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and Mata Sita, his wife. This shrine of Uttarakhand is of much importance and significance for the Hindus. There is also a small-sized kund or pond featured in the temple, which is popular by the name of Rishi Kund. Rishi Kund is considered as one of the most sacred water bodies in Rishikesh. It is a natural hot water spring. It is believed that the Kund was filled with holy water only after River Yamuna had blessed a sage. The local residents also believe that Lord Ram had taken a bath in this kund while he was on his exile. It is also said that at this point both River Ganga and River Yamuna meet. The serene vibe of the kund is surely not to be missed while on your tour. You can also enjoy taking a stroll around the local market close to the temple, which features various crafted ornaments, several holistic statues, and many more attractions.
Distance from City Centre – 3 kilometres
Visiting Hours – 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM on all the days of the week
Time to Explore the Raghunath Temple – 1 to 2 Hours
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
The beautiful and pious Virbhadra Temple is another addition to the list of temples to be visited in Rishikesh. This one is a thirteen year old temple and is dedicated to the fierce avatar of Lord Shiva. This fierce avatar of Lord Shiva was taken when his wife Devi Sati had given up her life by jumping in a burning yagya kund. Every year the temple celebrates the popular festival of Mahashivratri with much enthusiasm. There is a mela or a fair put up around the temple during this festival where one can enjoy to the core with family and friends. During the festival of Mahashivratri, the temple is overcrowded with devotees from both nearby and distant places. Anyone who is in the city during this time surely visits the temple on the occasion.
Distance from City Centre – 2 kilometres
Visiting Hours – 05:00 AM – 09:00 AM
Time to Explore the Virbhadra Temple – 1 Hour
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
The Shatrughna Temple is one of those temples of Rishikesh where you would sense utmost calmness and peace. It happens to be one of the most visited religious sites in the city. You can worship at the temple and also enjoy a yoga session within the premises of the temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama. The temple is situated at merely a distance of four kilometres from the railway station of Rishikesh. It was constructed by Adi Shankaracharya while on his visit to the city. It is situated quite close to Ram Jhula. This temple is quite rare as the country does not feature many temples dedicated to Lord Lakshmana.
Distance from City Centre – 5 kilometres
Visiting Hours – During the day time
Time to Explore the Shatrughna Temple – 1 to 2 Hours
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
The Bhootnath Temple is another pious temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that can be explored while in Rishikesh. It is said that this was the place where Lord Shiva took rest while on his way to marry his wife Mata Sati. The place is a peaceful one surrounded by lush green vegetation. It is a secluded temple that is yet to be completely discovered by the tourists and hence, is less crowded.
Distance from City Centre – 6 kilometres
Visiting Hours – During the day hours
Time to Explore the Bhootnath Temple – 1 to 2 Hours
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
The city of Rishikesh is a perfect one to explore while you wish to spend time in a religious, peaceful, and holy ambiance. With a number of temples, ashrams, and holy ghats the place counts to be one of the topmost religious places in the country. The city can be visited with family, friends and even solo. The place is further beautified by the presence of River Ganga, which also makes the ambiance calm, cool, and peaceful. All in all, the city of Rishikesh is an ideal destination for anyone who desires to head out on a religious trip in India, which is also one that helps to unwind. Hence, plan your itinerary, make your bookings, and head out to explore this beautiful city.
Happy Holidaying!!
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April 15, 2024 
