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With time, Rishikesh has grown to be a well-liked holiday spot for a variety of tourists.
However, the city's prosperity has resulted in overtourism with people arriving at any time of year. This condition needs a break from the routine and a visit to some refreshing, unexplored and offbeat places in Rishikesh that will help you unleash your inner traveler!
From religious pilgrims who visit Rishikesh on a yearly basis to take their traditional plunge in the Holy Ganga, to friends and family who come to disperse the cremated remains of their departed loved ones in the river, to those seeking a higher adventure and practicing yoga and meditation, to those hoping to boost their blood adrenaline levels. Rishikesh has it all—yoga, temples, cafés, and adventure sports.
The Neer Garh Waterfall is a natural waterfall, located around 5 kilometers from Lakshman Jhula and is very stunning. This natural phenomenon is accessible via a short hike from the starting point and is well worth the effort. A tiny portion of the waterfall may be seen around 200 meters into the trip which leads you via narrow, curving paths into the forest.
This is a popular place and a few shops have sprung up close, but the real gem is hidden about a kilometer farther up the trail. When you arrive, you'll notice a much larger, cleaner, and more secluded waterfall, where you may even swim in the glittering water!
Rishikund, a beautiful and ancient hot spring, is located right outside the well-known Raghunath temple. As per ancient folklore, Lord Rama is supposed to have bathed in these waters during his exile. Sages in the past ceremonially bathed their hands in this spring's water as part of their sacred ceremonies.
On a clear day, the shadow of the adjacent Raghunath Temple may be seen on the surface of the Rishikund Pond, which means "Pond of the Sage." This area is quite close to Triveni Ghat and is easily accessible by a short rickshaw ride.
The Garud Chatti waterfall, nestled among thick vegetation and unspoiled natural beauty, is one of the must-see offbeat places in Rishikesh. Located about 9 kilometers from Rishikesh, the waterfall is particularly impressive during the monsoon season when the water cascades over seven separate levels.
The 1.5-kilometer climb starts around 3 kilometers from Lakshman Jhula on the Neelkanth Mandir Road, near a Garuda shrine. The waterfall’s proximity to the Neelkanth Mandir makes it an excellent choice for a romantic break when visiting the Jhilmil Caves. Even though it is small, the seven different levels that make up this waterfall combine to create a clean natural pool, making it a sight to behold.
The Manikoot Parvat Gufas are a collection of three caverns located a little over 4 kilometers from the Neelkanth Temple and around 21 kilometers from Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. After driving up to Neelkanth, one must walk for about an hour or less via a thick jungle trail. The trail is not too difficult and is also ideal for the elderly.
Jhilmil Gufa is one of the greatest hidden places in Rishikesh, as well as the most peaceful setting near the bustling city. This forest habitat, known as the Manikut Kajri Van, is home to many elephants. Each of the three caves has a distinct shape and size and is rarely seen by people. One of the three caves is devoted to Uttar Pradesh's king, Alha Udal, another to Guru Gorakshanath, who was discovered by Saraswati Nijanand Swami, and the third to Guru Jhilmil, which is how the cave got its name.
The Phool Chatti Waterfall is a slightly smaller but equally beautiful waterfall located just a few kilometers from the Garud Chatti Waterfall. The trek to the falls is dangerous, with many enormous stones encrusted with algae, thus one should always hike with solid footwear with a firm grip on the sole and use utmost caution.
However, the sheer beauty of this relatively small waterfall, which pours down a steep rock like a snake, is truly breathtaking. If you go early in the morning, you can even witness the sunrise behind the majestic peaks seen from Phool Chatti Waterfall.
You've definitely heard of Mumbai's renowned Marine Drive which stretches along the Arabian Sea and provides some of the best sunset views in the country. But have you ever heard of taking a morning walk down Rishikesh's Marine Drive?
The Astha Path along the Ganges River which is around 24 kilometers from Rishikesh, is undoubtedly a piece of heaven for anyone who appreciates yoga, meditation, walking, jogging and other sorts of physical activity.
In conclusion, Rishikesh offers a treasure trove of hidden offbeat locations just waiting to be discovered.
So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to set out on an unforgettable adventure to explore these hidden places in Rishikesh. Your bucket list will thank you for it!
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