Rishikesh : The Spiritual Heartbeat of India

Parmarth Niketan

This sprawling ashram on the banks of the Ganga is not just a yoga school—it's a sanctuary. Daily yoga and meditation classes, Ayurveda consultations, and Ganga Aarti that lights up the river every evening with fire, chants, and devotion. It's hard to describe the feeling—you just have to be there. It moves you.

The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Once abandoned, this site has now been partly revived and opened for visitors. The walls, covered in psychedelic art, whisper stories of another era—where music, meditation, and mind-expansion collided in the most unexpected of places. And then, of course, there's the International Yoga Festival, every March. A confluence of global teachers, students, and energy that is electric, healing, and vibrant. Yoga here isn’t a performance; it’s a way of being.

Luxmanjhulla & Around

Luxmanjhulla – Luxman mean Lord Luxmana, the brother of Lord Rama, jhulla mean bridge, The bridge was build-up by Lord Luxmana by his arrow during Lord Rama period. The bridge itself is great and big attraction itself, its move and sake while you walk over there surround by many monkey.

Sitaram Dham – Sitaram Dham above the Luxmanjhula which have a beautiful view of Holly Ganga and Great Mountain Himalaya.

Tarah manjila temple – Terah mean thirteen flour temple situated to right side of the bridge, from where you would be able to se glorious view of Rishikesh town.

Satrah Manjila Tample – Satrah mean seventeen floret ample situated to the left hand of the bridge and its allow to go everyone to visit nice shinnery and view.

Satya Sai Ghat – It is one of the most beautiful place to sit and meditate on the Sri Satay Sai Ghat on the bank of holly ganga River.

Market & Restaurant – While you walk from the Patanjali Foundation toward Luxmanjhulla, you would find do many.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth – is a Lord Shiva temple dedicated to Nilkanth, an aspect of Shiva. The temple is situated at a height of 1330 meters and is located about 32 km by Car/taxi and 10Km by walk from Patanjali Intrnational Yoga Foundation Rishikesh. It is surrounded by dense forests and is adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan.

According to mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently stands is the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that originated from the sea when Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the ocean in order to obtain Amrita. This poison that emanated during the Samudramanthan (churning of the ocean) made his throat blue in color. Thus, Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth, literally meaning The Blue Throated One.

Kunjapuri Temple – Sun Rise or Sun Set

Kunja Puri – one of the thirteen most important Goddesses of Shivalik range , the lower Himalayas. One can witness excellent sunrise or sun set on the Greater Himalayan Peaks and the vast Indo Gangatic plains. One can see almost all the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here. Kunjapui Tample is located Approx 25 KM from “Patanjali International Yoga Foundation Rishikesh”.

Waterfalls Around PIYF

Neer Garh Waterfall – is a beautiful narrow stream of cool water cascading down a rocky terrain in the midst of a dense green forest. It requires trekking a distance of about a kilometre through the forest and down a cliff to reach the waterfall. The trail to this waterfall in Rishikesh is exciting and a perfect activity to do before entering the waters for a cool soothing dip in one of its pools. Waterfall is located Approx 3KM from “Patanjali International Yoga Foundation Rishikesh”.

Garud Chatti Waterfalls is one of the most majestic and beautiful waterfalls in Rishikesh. The waterfalls cascade down the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. At the base of the trek to the waterfalls, there is also a revered Garud Temple. Waterfall is located Approx 3KM from “Patanjali International Yoga Foundation Rishikesh”.

Patana Waterfall are right next to the Patna village in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The highlight of this waterfall in Rishikesh is also a limestone cave situated right next to it. Waterfall is located Approx 4KM from “Patanjali International Yoga Foundation Rishikesh”.

Himshail Waterfalls in Rishikesh is one of the calmest and most serene places in the city. It is popular for yoga and meditation practices because of the peaceful environment. There is also a Tat Baba Cave situated right next to it. Waterfall is located Approx 4KM from “Patanjali International Yoga Foundation Rishikesh”.

Phool Chatti Waterfall are located in between Garudchatti and Neer Garh Waterfalls and are mostly hidden away from view in between dense trees and bushes. The region has several resorts where you stay to enjoy nature at its best. Waterfall is located Approx 4KM from “Patanjali International Yoga Foundation Rishikesh”

Trekking and Camping

Trekking – The hills around Rishikesh hold more than just scenic views—they’re full of quiet wonders waiting to be discovered. Tucked away in the folds of the mountains are waterfalls you stumble upon by chance, ancient caves with stories etched in silence, and trails that open up to panoramic Himalayan views that take your breath before the altitude does. It’s not about tourist checklists here—it’s about wandering, pausing, and letting nature speak first.

Camping - And then there’s the river. Camping by the Ganga, with the fire crackling, the stars overhead, and the sound of water flowing beside you—it’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you’ve packed up. No Wi-Fi, no notifications, just conversations under the night sky and the simple rhythm of being present. It’s adventure without noise, beauty without filter.

Festivals and Celebrations

Every season brings a new flavor to Rishikesh.

• International Yoga Festival (March): A celebration of global unity through yoga.
• Ganga Dussehra (May/June): Honoring the descent of the Ganga from heaven to earth.
• Diwali: The city glows with diyas, chanting, and joy.
• Holi: Color, laughter, dancing in the streets, and yes, even on the ashram lawns.

Even ordinary days in Rishikesh feel festive. Because every sunrise here is an invitation—to grow, to heal, to connect.