Offbeat Places in and Around Rishikesh That Will Surprise You

Offbeat Places in and Around Rishikesh

Jhilmil Gufa

Nestled in the tranquil Manikoot Parvat, just 21 km from Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh, Jhilmil Gufa is a trio of small yet mystical caves offering a peaceful retreat amidst lush jungles and elephant habitat. ‘Gufa’ means cave in Hindi. Surrounded by dense forests and rocky hills, these natural caves are believed to have been used by sadhus (ascetics) for meditation in ancient times.

The soothing sound of a waterfall near the caves enhances the meditative ambience of the place. You need to trek through the jungle for around 30 minutes to reach Jhilmil Gufa. There are three caves, of which cave 1 and 2 are worth exploring. Carry a flashlight as the caves have poor lighting.

If you love places off the beaten track and don’t mind a short trek, Jhilmil Gufa is a must-visit in Rishikesh. The tranquil setting amidst nature makes it great for meditation.

Keywords: Jhilmil Gufa, Rishikesh, caves, meditation, trekking

Garud Chatti Waterfall

Located just 9 kilometers from Rishikesh, the enchanting Garud Chatti Waterfall cascades down from a height of about 500 feet. The waterfall can be reached after a 2 km uphill trek from Garud Chatti village and offers captivating views, especially during the monsoon season when the waterfall is in full flow.

Garud Chatti gets its name from the rock shape at the top of the waterfall which resembles ‘Garud’, Lord Vishnu’s eagle. The falls appear like the wings of Garud and offer a rejuvenating misty breeze as you trek up towards it. Photographers frequent this place to capture breathtaking shots of the water descending through the verdant jungle like a white serpent.

While the trek uphill can be moderately difficult, the sight of the majestic waterfall surrounded by the hills and forest makes it worth the effort.

Keywords: Garud Chatti, waterfall, trekking, monsoon, photography

Phool Chatti Waterfall

A small yet picturesque waterfall near Garud Chatti, Phool Chatti cascade is a hidden gem cascading down gracefully like a flower in full bloom, hence the name ‘Phool Chatti’ meaning ‘flower waterfall’.

Located just half a kilometer from Garud Chatti, the highlight of Phool Chatti is catching the first rays of sun in the morning rising from behind the Himalayan peaks and reflecting on the gushing water of the fall. The sight is truly magical and attracts photographers wanting to capture the perfect shot.

Though relatively lesser known than Garud Chatti, Phool Chatti offers a spectacular sight in monsoon when the water gushes down with full force. The surrounded forest adds to its pristine beauty. If you love chasing waterfalls, don’t miss this hidden beauty near Rishikesh.

Keywords: Phool Chatti, waterfall, monsoon, photography, hidden gem

Rishikund Hot Water Springs

Rishikund, located near Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh, is a sacred hot water spring believed to have been visited by Lord Rama during his exile in the forest. ‘Rishi’ means sage and ‘kund’ means pond in Sanskrit.

Surrounded by temples and forest, the crystal clear hot water of Rishikund has a temperature of about 68°C. The spring water is considered to have healing and purifying properties. Devotees take a dip in the kund and also use the water for bathing the idol of Lord Rama at the Raghunath Temple nearby.

Other attractions near Rishikund include Lakshman Temple said to be the spot where Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama, meditated, and Triveni Ghat, the famous bathing ghat in Rishikesh.

Rishikund offers a peaceful ambience soaked in ancient Indian tradition, perfect for meditation, yoga, and experiencing the spiritual essence of Rishikesh.

Keywords: Rishikund, hot springs, temples, meditation, Triveni Ghat

Astah Path

Have you ever heard of taking a sunrise walk along the Marine Drive in Rishikesh? Located about 24 kilometers from Rishikesh, Astah Path is a cemented walkway running along the Ganges for around 2 kilometers between Shivpuri and Marine Drive.

Offering breathtaking views of the rising sun and the mighty Ganges, Astah Path is perfect for those searching for peace and tranquility. Watching the sun cast its first rays on the gurgling river while the chirping of birds fills the air creates a soothing ambience ideal for meditation.

Joggers, walkers, nature lovers, and meditation enthusiasts frequent this place in the wee hours to immerse amidst the serene natural beauty by the holiest Indian river. The pathway ends at Marine Drive built along the Rishikesh-Dehradun highway overlooking the river.

So escape the crowds and immerse in nature’s peaceful embrace with a tranquil walk along Astah Path as the sun rises over the Ganges.