Top 8 Places to visit near Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a scenic location frequently visited by tourists all round the year. Situated in Uttarakhand, the northern state of India, Rishikesh was previously known more for the spiritual destinations it has to offer. Since the past few years, it is earning rave reviews from across the nation for all kinds of adventures and sporting activities. Some of the popular locations that surround Rishikesh and are worth visiting are Dehradun, Haridwar, Lachhiwala, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Deoprayag, Kunjapuri Temple, Mussoorie and Rajaji Natioçnal Park. Ideally tourists should visit the location between the months of February and June when the snow begins to melt and paves way for greenery.

# 1 Dehradun

Dehradun

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand and a mesmerizing city is located in the north region of India about 236 kilometers of Delhi. It is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the Garhwal region. Some of the prominent places to visit in Dehradun are Malsi Deer Park, Tiger Falls, Robber’s Cave, Fun Valley, Sahastradhara, Jwalaji Temple, Bhadraj Temple, Lakshman Sidh Temple, Santala Devi Temple, Tapkeshwar Temple, Kalinga War Memorial and Clock Tower. In the winter season, the temperature is known to fall between 1°C and 20°C. Hence the best season for tourists to visit Dehradun will be during the late winters and early spring.

# 2 Deoprayag

Deoprayag

Deoprayag is a picturesque tourist spot situated mainly in the district of Tehri Garhwal. Partially it also falls in the Pauri Garhwal district. Located at an altitude of 830 meters from the sea level, it is the confluence point for the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. After this point, both the rivers combine to be known as Ganga. The town of Deoprayag is the gathering spot for the pundits of Badrinath Dham. The meaning of its name is ‘Godly Confluence’. The spiritual tourists can also find the Raghunathji Temple believed to have been built 10000 years ago situated just above the confluence point.

# 3 Haridwar

Haridwar class=

The meaning of the town of Haridwar is the Gateway to God. Situated on the banks of the river Ganga, the town is one of the seven holiest places of the Hindu community. Haridwar in Uttarakhand along with Nashik, Ujjain and Prayag is one of the four locations where ‘Amrit’ drops (the elixir of immortality) spilled over the pitcher when it was being carried by Garuda - the celestial bird. Besides the spiritual aspect, the town is very soon gaining popularity owing to the rapidly developing industrial estate of State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand and the township of BHEL – Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (Ranipur).

# 4 Kunjapuri Temple

Kunjapuri Temple

Kunjapuri Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga and is prominently known for the celebration of Dusshera. Situated about 15 kilometers from the town of Rishikesh, Kunjapuri Temple is approximately 1645 meters long. One can choose to reach this location either by Rishikesh Railway station or Dehradun airport. As it is situated on the mountain top, one of the best parts is the sunrise and sunset. Infact many people reach the temple before the sunrise to be able to make the most of it. As a tourist one should be ready to walk about 500 to 1000 steps to be able to reach this holy site.

# 5 Lachhiwala

Lachhiwala

About 22 kilometers from Dehradun is one of the famous tourist destinations for people traveling the northern part of India - Lachhiwala. Surrounded by Sal trees, Lachhiwala is a location that the nature lovers will certainly like to visit. Due to its pleasant weather, the town is often flocked by tourists to enjoy trekking or bird watching. The solitude and quiet environment that defines Lachhiwala is the best for tourists to seek peace and tranquility. On a general note, the place is thronged more by families for picnics vis-à-vis single travelers. During weekends or holidays, it tends to remains heavily crowded.

# 6 Mussoorie

Mussoorie

Rishikesh is very well attached with pious and pure things. The religious sentiments and worshipping in this location are carried with spiritual values. There is a particular time period for ganga aarti which is quite heavenly in feeling. People can witness a series of aarti plates in the hands of people performing puja at the same time. The view is quite effective and it calls for a great event. There is a particular time associated with the same that helps in bringing the sense to a standstill with major photo shoots. The significance gets more worth as it is performed by the students of the ashram who learn and enchant the Vedas at the banks of the river.

# 7 Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the very holy places of worship that has visitors coming around the year. It is typically located at the confluence of the rivers of Madhumati and Pankuja inside the valleys of Brahmakoot, Manikoot and Vishnukkoot. At an altitude of 925 meters from the sea level, the Temple is situated on a hill above the Swargashram in Rishikesh next to the mountain ranges of Nar Narayan. The road leading to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is narrow and curvy with steep slopes. Hence travelers are advised to use a cab and cross the distance of 32 kilometers from Rishikesh to reach the temple.

# 8 Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park

The Rajaji National Park was formed as the combination of three sanctuaries of Rajaji, Motichur and Chila in the year 1983. The approximate area of this park is about 820 square kilometers and covers areas of Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal district and Saharanpur. A major part of the eco system of the Shivaliks, Rajaji National Park got its name from the first Governor General of India Sri Rajagopalachari. Haridwar and Rishikesh are at a distance of 9 and 6 kilometers away respectively. The rivers of Ganga, Song and Chila flow via the park which is home to nearly 315 types of birds and 23 kinds of mammals.