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Rishikesh has so many wonders to offer and the places around this hill station are no less. If you are on an extended holiday and you have visited the major sightseeing in Rishikesh, you can head out and visit some of the nearby places as well. They will amaze you with their beauty and you will have a great experience exploring the region. Here are some of the places to visit near Rishikesh within 100 km.
Located only about 19 km from Rishikesh, this tiger reserve had played a significant role in the increase of the tiger population in India during recent times. It is known for its dense jungles and there are Royal Bengal Tigers, jackals and hyenas to be found here. There are also a large number of deer, birds and reptiles as well. You can take a river rafting tour of the jungle and you can also engage in bird watching. You can easily reach the reserve by taking a private taxi from Rishikesh.
If you also have a religious or spiritual bend of mind or are simply interested in temple architecture and history, then you have to visit the Shiv temples of Shivpuri. The river Ganga flows right by it and there are provisions for camping here as well. The temple city also provides ample scope for adventure. There are mesmerizing views of starry nights because there is hardly any pollution here. You can indulge in rock climbing and rappelling and also cliff jumping. There will be seasoned guides with you throughout the tour so there is no need to worry at all.
Located about 20 km from Rishikesh, Haridwar is another major temple city and is extremely sacred for the people of the Hindu religion. This city is known for its spirituality and people from all over the world come here. Haridwar is very peaceful and you can spend you days by the river Ganga, taking in the sights and sound of this ancient city. Do not forget to witness the Ganga Aarti in the evenings and it will be a whole new experience for you.
Byasi is located about 30 km from Rishikesh and it is a little village nestled in the Himalayas in the upper regions of Uttarakhand. There are ample campers here who come to trek along the various trails or to simply camp by the Ganga and relax. Water rafting is a very popular activity here which is why the adventure seekers come in huge numbers. You can also interact with the locals and enjoy the quiet mountain rustic life and gain deeper understanding of how simple and uncomplicated life can be. It is naturally a very popular weekend getaway from Rishikesh.
The Neelkanth Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is a must visit near Rishikesh and is located about 32 km away. The temple has the idol of Lord Shiva as its principal deity but there are beautiful carvings of Asuras and Devas all along the walls. The temple is made to pay respect the Lord as he had swallowed the Kalkut poision to save the cosmos. People here come to seek the blessings of the Great Lord and to have their prayers answered.
Located about 40 km from Rishikesh, Kaudiyala is a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. You will come across a wide range of flora and fauna and there are many wild animals to be seen here like the hare, deer and a large number of birds. Kaudiyala is also famous for river rafting. It is a wonderful place to camp as well so you should carry extra clothes so that you can come back and spend the night on the beautiful banks. Rock climbing is also a popular activity here because of the interesting terrain of the place. On cold nights, there is nothing more pleasurable than lighting a bonfire and camping under the stars.
Located at a distance of 45 km, Piran Kaliyar Sharif is an 800 years old shrine that is surroundedby majestic mountains and lush green valleys. People come from far and wide to pray here and it is said that all prayers are answered by praying to the 13th century Sufi saint Sabir Kaliyari of the Chisti order. He is also known as the Sarkar Sabir Pak. He is considered sacred by the people of both Hindu and Muslim communities here and the shrine set an example of secularity in the region. You can get an auto from the Roorkee Railway Station.
Dehradun is located about 46 km from Rishikesh and is known for its immense natural beauty. The city is often named as the Rainy City of India because of the large amount of rainfall it receives and that contributes to its fresh and cool weather. There are a number of places of interest to visit here like the Robber’s Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, Malsi Deer Park among others. You can also catch a glimpse of the Defense Academy from outside. Dehradun is also a popular picnic spot near Rishikesh.
Chamba is located about 65 km from Rishikesh and is dubbed as the Land of Pahari paintings. This is a very rare form of painting but thanks to the local craftsmen, this art form is still surviving. The art and culture of this region is well known as well as is the soothing and calming ambience of the region. There are a number of heritage sites in and around the main city and two huge fairs are organized here- the Suhi Mata Mela and the Miniar Mela. You will find these two fairs to be a riot of colors and smells.
Located at a distance of 81 km from Rishikesh, Kanatal is actually a quaint little mountain village and the charm of this village lies in its rustic simplicity. It is situated at a height of 8500 feet. The village is very picaresque and you will catch splendid views of the mountain peaks from here. The village is truly a photographer’s delight and it is one of the most beautiful places you could be visiting in the region with your family and friends. The locals are warm and welcoming and you could stay in homestays for an authentic experience.
Devprayag is also a very spiritual and holy city in the region and is located about 75 km from Rishikesh. You can catch stunning glimpses of the verdant and lush valleys from here and the high mountain peaks bordering the valley. It is the place where the two mountain rivers Alakananda and Bhagirathi meet and take on the name of Gange. You could take a dip at the point of confluence and feel refreshed and washed of all sins. After the dip, you could pay your respects at the Chandrabadani Temple at the banks. You will have a very unique and spiritual experience while you are here.
Located about 76 km from Rishikesh, New Tehri is perched high on the hills and will give you a bird’s eye view of the mountains around. It also has one of the largest dams in the whole of Asia, the Tehri Dam. You will find this is an amazing getaway from the chaos of city life. The dam can be visited but you need to be mindful about the dam timings. Like all other regions of the Himalayas, there are quite a few trails leading away from New Tehri and you can go for short treks here in the hills and that makes it a popular tourist spot near Rishikesh.
This hidden gem is a prime spot in the Shivalik mountain range of the Himalayas and was originally named Khohdwar. The river Khih flows through the tehsil and it is the gateway to Khoh. Mountains, valleys, wildlife and beautiful scenery, all come here together to create a most stunning ambience. Quite a few temples are also situated here, the most famous of them being the Shri Sidhbali Dham Mandir. The temple attracts throngs of devotees throughout the year and there is also a Hanuman mandir nearby. Also, the St. Joseph’s Cathedral Church can be seen nearby as well. A popular tourist site here is the Kanvashram, which is considered to be the birthplace of Emperor Bharat. There are a number of budget accommodations here and you will not find a better place to enjoy tranquility and get in touch with your spiritual side.
Do make it a point to visit at least some of these places when you are on your trip to Rishikesh. The entire region in this side of the Himalayas will mesmerize you and you will be awed at the treasures the Himalayas reveals for you in these parts.
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April 15, 2024 
