Mala Village Stay – Marine Drive
Mala Village is a small helmet, located near Rishikesh, at a distance of 25 km, and it is famous for rafting as the starting point of Marine Drive in the Garhwal region of the northern state of Uttarakhand. Which is situated at an average elevation of 1000 m. The mountains of the Himalaya & the river Ganges together make it a very spiritual & adventurous spot with a beautiful view of the Himalayan mountains, gurgling mighty sacred Ganges river nearby village and neighborhood filled with nature’s beauty, considered to be a perfect place for nature retreat around Rishikesh.
Marine Drive is a part of the Mala village, basically, it is known as a marine drive because it has a mountain trail along the Ganges river an ideal spot to do a half day-long rafting / 4 hours from Marine Drive to Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh
Earlier, there were so many beach camps at Marine Drive but after the intervention of NGT, the Uttarakhand Government has banned to set up camp along the beachside. The rafting from Marine Drive is not easy because of the 3rd-grade rapids, and also chilled water of the Ganges makes all these things more exciting and full of adventures.
The Mala village offers several adventures points for the trekkers such as half-day trek, full-day trek and many more. While exploring the Mala Village I found a Kitchen, about 2 km off from the Badrinath Highway, across the river Ganges, is the suitable location for the peace lover people, the café is known as Sri Durga Kitchen Café, it is totally organic café, the owner Mr. Mohan Singh Rana grows all the vegetable surround area and serve very fresh meal to his guest. Apart from Café, he is also keen to take tourist for the trekking nearby villages for half-day, full-day & overnight as well. He offers an overnight to his guest in the typical Himalayan village, where they can have an awesome experience that can take away with.
Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise Trek
Kunjapuri temple sunrise trek is loaded with full of excitement & an adventurous escape With sunrise vista in the Himalaya, is located atop 1645 meters from the sea level.
The Kunjapuri Temple sunrise trek – With sunrise vista, you immerse profoundly in a majestic and boundless picturesque panorama of the manifolds Himalayan peaks. During sunrise, far-reaching countless Himalayan mountaintops unfold the divine aura of the Himalaya. The temple is located atop 1645 meters from the sea level, the oldest temple in Kunjapuri Village, is blessed by God of the Himalayas, and it is considered to be the protector of Kunjapuri Village near Rishikesh . During the Kunjapuri temple sunrise trek, here you can spot some important Himalayan peaks of Uttarakhand namely Monkey Punch (6,320m) peak, Swarga Rohini (6,248 m) peak, Gangotri (6,672 m) and Chaukhambah (7,138 m) peak in the north and in the south Rishikesh & Haridwar along with the Doon valley.
The Kunjapuri Temple sunrise trek starts early morning around 05:00 AM in the winter season and around 04:00 AM in the summer season those who travel from Rishikesh, take about 1 hr. in a private taxi to reach Kunjapuri Temple. After temple sunrise views from the Kunjapuri Temple then you start trek/hike 14 km back to Rishikesh through the Himalayan forest, along with natural water streams, Neer waterfalls , and Barkot village. You will arrive in Rishikesh between 12: 00 PM to 01:00 PM.
Beatles Ashram Ram Jhula
Formerly known as Chaurasi Kutia, Beatles Ashram happens to be a popular ashram located at Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The place received a lot of hype and achieved wide recognition after the Beatles band of Liverpool came to stay there in the year 1986.
The members of the band practiced meditation and composed many good songs in this place.
In the later period, the ashram was left abandoned but was reopened for tourists in the year 2015. At present, the Beatles Ashram is visited by locals as well as tourists, out of which most of the travelers are Beatles band fans. The place usually attracts history buffs, experience seekers, serenity and peace seekers, nature lovers, photo fanatics, and meditation enthusiasts.
The major attractions of the ashram include its stunning dome-shaped construction, amazing graffiti works, and the beautiful picture of the members of the Beatles band painted in one of the interior walls of Ved Bhavan.
The Beatles Ashram is believed to have a unique energy and inspiring vibe of its own that makes visitors realize the real power and value of spirituality.
Ram Jhula Built in the year 1986, Ram Jhula happens to be an iconic tourist attraction near Beatles Ashram. It is basically a hanging bridge running across river Ganga and establishing a connection between Shivananda Nagar and Swargashram.
Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula happens to be one of the famous hanging bridges across the holy river Ganga. The jhula is a link in between two important villages in Rishikesh. It connects the Tapovan village in Tehri Garhwal and Jonk village in Pauri Garhwal.
The bridge is made up of iron and it is almost 450 feet long, which is suspended at an elevation of almost 70 feet above the river. Lakshman Jhula has been one of the centres for tourist attraction since its inception for its amazing association of the Hindu Mythology.
As per the popular Hindu mythology, Ramayan, it is believed that Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman had crossed the Ganga river at the same place, where the bridge has been built.
The bridge was opened for public in the year 1929. In recent times, in order to boost the tourist footfall, many other developments have been carried out around the famous Lakshman Jhula.
Tourists now love to spend a considerable amount of time in these places in the course of their Rishikesh Trip.
You can not only visit the Lakshman Jhula, but you can also spend time in some of the other nearby tourist attractions like Tera Manzil Temple, Ram Jhula, and Lakshman temple.
Let us get to know more about this religious place of worship.
Lakshman Jhula has its significance in the most popular Hindu Mythology, Ramayana. As per the tales, Lord Ram and Lakshman had crossed the river Ganga at this place. The duo crossed the river Ganga with the help of just two ropes. In order to praise this act of fearlessness, Lakshman Jhula was built.
This 284 feet long suspended bridge was the main point of contact between the villages until the year 1889. However, one of the floods in the year 1924 completely washed away the bridge.
Ganga Aarti
Ganga aarti is a pleasant ritual of worshipping the Ganga. Lots of people visit the Ganga aarti everyday at 06:00 pm - 07:00 pm (Daily). It is beautiful to see so many diyas floating in the Ganges. In Rishikesh, at evening you can find many priest offering aarti to Ganges, but the most famous place for Ganga Aarti is Parmarth Niketan Ashram. It is famous for its Ganga Aarti at dusk among tourists as well as devotees.
You can go by taxi, by bus & by your private vehicles. The ashram is located at the banks of river Ganga. Its only 500 mts from Ram Jhula, 15 km from Haridwar and 20 km from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Triveni Ghat is another place in Rishikesh which is famous for its 'Maha Aarti', which takes place at this Ghat. This aarti starts with chanting of bhajan, beating drums, bells and diyas offering to the Ganga. The priest hold large fire bowls in their hands, the bells in the temples at the Ghat start ringing and the chants of mantras flowing out in the air. The Ghat is lighted up every evening at the time of Maha Arti.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Rishikesh is known for many things amongst which stands tall is the famous Shiva Temple called the Neelkanth Mahadev temple. The stupor and enchantment of the delightful city tells the most ancient of all tales and significant happenings in Hindu Mythology.
Located at a distance of 32 km from Rishikesh, the temple is a sacred pilgrim spot. The Shiva abode is situated at a height of 1330 meters amidst the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot. The temple is surrounded by dense forests and sturdy mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan on the confluence of Rivers Pankaja and Madhumati.
During the months of Shrawan and Shivratri, huge numbers of followers turn out and grace this place and express their devotion to the mighty Shiva. One can offer prayers or get a significant Pooja done by the revered Hindu Priests to clear doshas (faults) in the stars. The splendid architecture of the temple will stun you because of the execution of fine detail without the use of technology. Outside the temple, you will find several stalls stocking memoirs and Pooja ingredients.
The way to the temple also is thrilling which is why several visitors prefer trekking their way up the temple. Within the temple is a natural spring of water where devotees usually take bath. People can make offerings of coconut, milk, honey, flowers, and fruits to the Lord. This ancient temple of Lord Shiva is unmissable not just for the mystical tale that encapsulates it, but also for the lovely sights of the mountains and valleys it showcases while you are here.
The sacred pilgrim spot of the Hindus and the revered holy shrine visited by thousands of pilgrims, the Neelkanth Mahadev temple is located on a hill above the Swarg Ashram in Haridwar. The temple is fondly dedicated to Lord Shiva who was considered the most convoluted and authoritative of all gods in the Hindu Pantheon. The construction and placement of the temple have a different story to tell. According to popular mythological stories, Lord Shiva drank the poison which appeared as a result of the churning of the ocean or the ‘Sagar Manthan’.
Geeta Bhawan
Geeta Bhawan is a large complex located at the banks of holy river Ganaga in Swargashram, Rishikesh. Huge complex of Geeta Bhawan has several discourse halls and over 1000 rooms for the comfortable stay of devotees free of cost. Geeta Bhawan is a major place for devotees from far away places as they get free stay during their holy dip in river Ganga with listening to discourses and meditation.
During the summer season, Geeta Bhawan is filled completely with thousands of devotees from all over the world comes to attend Satsang and other meditational programs. Geeta Bhawan provides number of conveniences to the devotes such as food and eatable at a nominal price with free ferry boat service, cloth, book, Ayurvedic shops etc. Geeta Bhawan also serves all saints free food and cloth. Bathing Ghats 1 and 3 are in Geeta Bhawan complexe for holy dip in Ganges.
Several Religious and Spiritual books are available at Geeta Bhawan Book Shop. The most popular "Ramayana", "RamcharitManas" and "Bhagwat Geeta" are available at the shop at very reasonable prices.
Geeta Bhawan is located in Swargashram, Rishikesh and one can reach at Geeta Bhawan by walk or cycle rickshaw from
Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan is a true spiritual haven, lying on the holy banks of Mother Ganga in the lap of the lush Himalayas. It is the largest ashram in Rishikesh, providing its thousands of pilgrims who come from all corners of the Earth with a clean, pure and sacred atmosphere as well as abundant, beautiful gardens. With several hundred rooms, the facilities are a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional, spiritual simplicity. Parmarth Niketan is located in Swargashram, on the main road, just on the banks of the sacred Ganges River.
It is no surprise that pilgrims are drawn here from all over the world. The awe-inspiring beauty of the ashram, the clear flowing Ganga, the majestic mountains, and the lush green forests will embrace and rejuvenate your entire being. Parmarth Niketan offers comfort, inspiration and upliftment for your body, mind and spirit as well as a deeper connection with the Divine. As you stay in the ashram, you will feel your soul bathing in the peace of sacred energies, including those that emanate from nature and those that linger from the timeless healing powers of saints, sages and holy ones. Parmarth Niketan contains within it the voice and the spirit of divine communion.
The daily activities at Parmarth Niketan include morning universal prayers, daily yoga and meditation classes, daily satsang and lecture programs, kirtan, the world-renowned Ganga Aarti at sunset, as well as Nature Cure and Ayurvedic treatment.
There are frequently special cultural and spiritual programs given by visiting revered saints, acclaimed musicians, spiritual and social leaders and others.
Additionally, there are frequent camps in which pilgrims come from across the world to partake in intensive courses on yoga, meditation, pranayama, stress management, acupressure, Reiki and other ancient Indian sciences.
Tera Manzil Temple
On your visit to Tera Manzil Temple, visit each of its thirteen floors and witness the devotion that engulfs the entire place! Unlike other Rishikesh temples that are dedicated to a single deity, this temple has multiple deities and offers you an amazing opportunity to worship all of them at the same time.
Symmetric architecture, pleasant location and the sanctity that fills in the ambience makes it one of the pious temples in the entire vicinity. Also known as the Trayambakeshwar or Trimbakeshwar Temple, one can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings from the temple top. A short walk from other landmarks of the city like Lakshman Jhula will get you to this devout temple in Rishikesh.
At a distance of 6 km from Rishikesh Railway Station, Tera Manzil Temple is a major landmark and a multi-storey temple located on the banks of river Ganga near Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. This temple is also known as Kailash Niketan Temple and is one of the most significant places of worship in Rishikesh. It is believed that this ancient temple is established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century AD.
The temple is famous for its huge and beautiful architecture. It is a 13 floor structure and each floor has many small temples dedicated to many Hindu gods and goddesses. Tera Manzil temple is not dedicated to any single deity unlike other temples. The top floor of the temple offers panoramic view of sunset over the mountains of Rishikesh. This temple attracts a large number of tourists especially during Shravan Somvar and Maha Shivratri festivals.
Muni Ki Reti
Muni Ki Reti is a small town located closed to pilgrimage city Rishikesh. Literally 'Sands of the Sages', Muni Ki Reti is the home of several temples, asharams and Yoga centers, meditation and Ayurveda. On the banks of river Ganga, Muni ki Reti is considered the place where Sages (Muni) used to meditate.
Muni ki Reti is a traditional gateway of Char Dham pilgrimages in Uttarakhand. It also considered the same place where famous Indian King Bharat did penance. Earlier there were only some Asharams in Muni ki Reti such as Kailash Ashram, Swargashram, Shivananda Ashram but later on more Ashrams established in Muni ki Reti. Yoga and Meditation practitioners attracts to Ashrams in Muni ki Reti and after Ram Jhula construction, Muni ki Reti has easy accessibility.
Muni ki Reti is located in Rishikesh city and one can reach here by sharing auto. Nearest railway station to reach Muni ki Reti is Rishikesh railway station (3 kms) and airport at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (22 kms).
Kunjapuri Devi Temple
Kunjapuri Devi Temple is sacred temple of immense importance in Hindu religion. Located at an height of 1676 mtrs on a hill, Kunjapuri Devi Temple is one of the 52 Shaktipeeth in Uttarakhand. Here at Kunjapuri Devi Temple, the chest of burned Sati had fallen. Kunjapuri Devi Temple also offers panoramic views of snow capped mountains and peaks such as Swarga Rohini, Gangotri, Banderpunch and Chaukhamba.
Kunjapuri Devi Temple recieves devotees from far away places and during Navratri and Dussehra Festival, a grand celebration held at the temple. Kunjapuri Devi Temple is also completes the triangle of three Siddha Peeths lying on top of mountains in Tehri Garhwal district. Kunja Puri-Surkanda Devi-Chandrabadni makes the the triangle of Siddha Peeths.
There are 80 steep steps to reach out the main shrine of Kunjapuri Devi Temple from the road. Kunjapuri Devi Temple is situated at top of a hill and has a beautiful temple complex.
Kunjapuri Devi Temple is located at a distance of 25 kms from Rishikesh and 8 km from Narendra Nagar. One can hire taxi from Rishikesh or Narendra Nagar to reach Kunjapuri Devi Temple. Nearest railway station to reach Kunjapuri Devi Temple is Rishikesh railway station (25 kms) and airport at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (39 kms)
Sivananda Ashram
The Sivananda ashram is located 3 kilometers from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath near Ram Jhula. It was founded by Swami Sivananda in 1936. This ashram comes under India's top most yoga center which is run by the Divine Life Society. The ashram has a great book shop which you must browse if you are a reader and interested in Vedic philosophy. They offer a wide range of programs like spiritual growth through Karma yoga. This ashram is recognized worldwide for teaching yoga. Ashram has a long list of famous visitors, which includes Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
- Rooms are neat and clean for a comfortable stay.
- All rooms are equipped with the modern amenities.
It is situated 3 km from Rishikesh, 6 km from the Rishikesh Railway station and 10 km from Jolly Grant Airport. You can check-in any time after 12:00 and check out any time before 12:00.
It is near Ganga Vatika, P.O. Shivanandanagar -249 192,
District Tehri-Garhwal, Uttarakhand. India.
Bharat Mandir
At a distance of 1.5 km from Rishikesh Railway Station and 500 m from Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir is an ancient temple located in the heart of Rishikesh. This temple is also known as Hrishikesh Narayan Temple.
Bharat Mandir is one of the oldest temples of Rishikesh. According to the ancient records of Kedarkhand, the main structure of the temple was built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in 8th century. This temple is said to be devastated in 1398 AD by the attack of Timur. The main deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, who is referred as Hrishikesh Narayan. The idol of Lord Vishnu was carved out of Saligram, a single black stone and has Himalayan cast of features.
Bharat Temple finds its name in many Hindu scripts and epics like Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana, Shrimadbhagwat, Vaman Puran and Narsingh Puran. It is also believed that Pandavas after the Mahabharata, on the way to heaven stayed at this place and worshipped Lord Hrishikesh Narayan. Many believed that during the reign of Ashoka, Bharat Mandir and other temples in the region was converted as Buddhist monasteries. On excavation, Buddha statue and few relics were found here. One can still find this piece under the old Banayan tree.
Several tourists visit this temple at the time of the famous spring festival, known as Vasant Panchami. On this occasion, Lord Vishnu idol is taken to nearby Mayakund for holy bath and then a grand procession is organized to take back the idol to the temple. According to beliefs, if any one takes 108 rounds the temple on the day of Akshya Tritiya, all wishes would be fulfilled. It is said to be equivalent to holy pilgrimage of Badrinath Dham.
The temple complex has a museum which attracts many historians and archaeologists. This museum showcases sculptures, pottery and decorated bricks found during excavation. The sculptures of Yakshini, Yaksha and four-armed Vishnu in the temple are also worth visiting.
