10 Hidden Places to Visit in Rishikesh

Yash Shrivastav 13/05/2025

Rishikesh is widely recognized as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and a sacred city on the banks of the Ganges. However, beyond its famed suspension bridges and bustling ghats lies a treasure trove of unexplored spots that retain their raw, spiritual, and natural energy. These Hidden Places to Visit in Rishikesh invite you to go deeper—not just geographically, but spiritually and emotionally.

Table of Contents

1. Patna Waterfall – A Tranquil Gem for Nature Lovers

Location: 6.5 km from Laxman Jhula on Neelkanth Road
Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon (August to October)

Patna Waterfall is one of the most beautiful yet underexplored waterfalls in Rishikesh.
A 1.5 km hike through a lush jungle trail leads to this quiet, misty cascade.
The trek is easy to moderate and passes through sal trees, bird calls, and ancient rocks.
The site includes a small limestone cave, where sages once meditated.
Few tourists reach here, making it a peaceful retreat ideal for photography, reading, or silent contemplation.
Carry drinking water and good footwear, as there are no commercial stalls nearby.
Locals believe the waterfall has spiritual energy because it flows through forest land associated with ancient yogis.

2. Kunjapuri Devi Temple – Sunrise at 1,676 Meters

Location: 27 km from Rishikesh on Narendra Nagar Road
Altitude: 1,676 meters above sea level
Best Time to Visit: Early morning before sunrise

A sacred Shakti Peetha dedicated to Goddess Durga, perched high in the Garhwal hills.
The temple offers jaw-dropping sunrise views of peaks like Chaukhamba and Bandarpoonch.
A 300-step climb from the parking area adds a spiritual rhythm to the experience.
It’s one of the top hidden places to visit in Rishikesh for both spiritual seekers and photography enthusiasts.
You can cycle or drive here via the scenic hill road or hike from Tapovan (approx. 9 km one-way).
Devotees believe meditating here during sunrise charges the heart chakra.

3. Garud Chatti Waterfall – A Secret Near the Temple Route

Location: En route to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Best Time to Visit: July to November

Hidden behind a small temple shrine, Garud Chatti Waterfall flows gently across rocks.
Unlike the more commercial Neer Garh Falls, this one retains its natural simplicity.
The site includes several small falls along a narrow, uneven path.
It’s an ideal picnic spot for couples, solo travelers, or quiet family retreats.
Accessible via a short detour from the Neelkanth road; vehicles can be parked nearby.
Named after the mythical Garuda—the mount of Lord Vishnu—this area is considered spiritually cleansing.
A great spot for yoga practice, water meditation, or breathwork.

4. Phool Chatti Ashram – A Hidden Spiritual Stay by the Ganga

Location: 7 km upstream from Laxman Jhula
Type: Yoga and Meditation Ashram

While Parmarth and Sivananda are more well-known, Phool Chatti offers a deeply immersive spiritual program.
Meaning “Land of Flowers,” the ashram is nestled in nature, near a quiet bend of the Ganga.
It offers 7-day residential programs including pranayama, mantra chanting, yogic philosophy, and silent nature walks.
Limited to small batches, it’s ideal for introspective travelers who want to disconnect from the chaos.
The Ganga here is clean, clear, and less crowded—ideal for soulful bathing.
Rooms are basic but clean, and the food is sattvic (pure vegetarian, without onion/garlic).
The ashram was founded in the late 1800s and has hosted sages, foreign seekers, and monks over decades.

5. Neer Garh Waterfalls (Upper Tiers) – Beyond the Usual Spot

Location: 3 km from Laxman Jhula on Badrinath Highway
Best Time: September to March

While most tourists stop at the lower tiers of Neer Garh Falls, few know there are multiple upper tiers accessible through forest trails.
A 20-30 minute moderate hike leads to cleaner, untouched pools where you can swim, meditate, or simply listen to the flowing water.
It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers seeking natural rock pools and jungle ambiance.
Carry a water bottle and light snacks; no commercial stalls beyond the second tier.
This area is also frequented by wild peacocks and langurs in the early morning.
The upper tiers offer moments of pure silence away from the noise of the crowd.

6. Vashishta Gufa (Cave) – A Journey into Silence

Location: 25 km from Rishikesh towards Devprayag
Best Time: Throughout the year

An ancient meditation cave on the Ganga’s bank, believed to be used by Sage Vashishta (Guru of Lord Rama).
Unlike touristy sites, this place resonates with deep stillness and timelessness.
The cave is cool, dimly lit, and maintained by a small ashram. You can sit here and meditate for hours.
There’s also a small Shiva temple near the cave.
A pristine stretch of river flows nearby—excellent for a sacred dip or riverside yoga.
Ideal for serious meditators, seekers, or those on a spiritual sabbatical.
The path to the cave is well-marked and serene, filled with birdsong and clean mountain air.

7. Shivpuri Forest Trails – Offbeat Jungle Exploration

Location: 16 km from Rishikesh
Type: Forest and Adventure Zone

While Shivpuri is famous for rafting, few explore its silent forest trails filled with sal, teak, and bamboo trees.
These trails are great for guided birdwatching, morning meditations, or forest bathing (shinrin-yoku).
You may spot barking deer, langurs, and colorful Himalayan birds.
Many of these paths are used by local villagers and shepherds, offering an authentic experience of Garhwali life.
Local guides can be hired for short treks or herbal plant identification.
Best done early morning or late afternoon for optimal wildlife sightings.

8. Tera Manzil Temple (Tryambakeshwar) – Explore the Upper Floors

Location: Near Laxman Jhula
Unique Factor: 13 floors of symbolic architecture

Tourists often stop at the base, but climbing all 13 floors offers unique darshans of different deities and unmatched aerial views of the Ganga.
Each floor is devoted to different gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon.
The top floor offers a 360° panoramic view of Rishikesh, Laxman Jhula, and the river.
Few people go beyond the 3rd or 4th floor, making the upper floors quieter and more meditative.
Shops inside the temple sell rudraksha beads, copper lotas, and Vedic books.
Perfect for spiritual photographers or religious scholars.

9. Beatles Cathedral Graffiti Art (Inside Maharishi Ashram)

Location: Rajaji Tiger Reserve Area
Access: Requires entry fee & ID, approx. ₹150–300

While Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram has known for hosting the Beatles in 1968, a lesser-known treasure has the graffiti-filled meditation domes left behind by modern artists.
These structures have filled with psychedelic, devotional, and reflective artworks.
It’s a powerful blend of history, spirituality, and creativity—making it one of the most thought-provoking hidden places to visit in Rishikesh.
Wear good shoes; the area is large and largely unmaintained.
Ideal for photographers, spiritual historians, or yoga enthusiasts tracing the roots of Rishikesh’s global influence.

10. Jhilmil Gufa and Sadhu Paths – For the Wild Hearted

Location: Deep forest trail from Phool Chatti or Swarg Ashram
Type: Unmarked, spiritual route

This is not for every traveler. Only seasoned trekkers or serious seekers should attempt the jungle trail to Jhilmil Gufa.
The cave has used by sadhus who live in complete silence, off-grid, deep in the Rajaji forest.
No signage, no entry fee—just the call of your heart and a good guide.
This spiritual route shows a side of Rishikesh few ever see—pure, silent, raw.
Highly recommended if you’re on a spiritual detox or doing a maun vrat (vow of silence).
Remember: zero facilities. Carry water, snacks, and go with an experienced guide.

FAQs: Hidden Places to Visit in Rishikesh

Are the hidden places in Rishikesh safe to explore alone?
Most are safe, but places like Jhilmil Gufa or upper Neer Garh require a local guide for safety and navigation.
What is the best time to visit these hidden places in Rishikesh?
October to March is ideal, though waterfalls are best during monsoon (July–September).
Are these hidden places suitable for families?
Yes, most are, but trekking-based spots like Patna and Phool Chatti waterfalls are better for older kids and teens.
Can I include these spots in a regular Rishikesh tour package?
Absolutely. At Experience My India, we customize itineraries to include offbeat gems.
Are there food options near these hidden places?
Not always. It’s best to carry snacks and water, especially while trekking.
Do these places have any entry fees?
Most are free. Some, like the Beatles Ashram and Rajaji National Park, charge nominal entry fees.
Is it possible to camp at these hidden spots?
Yes, especially in Byasi or the Gohri Range. Permits may be needed for forest camping.
Which mobile network works best in these areas?
BSNL and Jio generally have better coverage in offbeat forest or village areas.
Are ATMs available near these hidden places?
ATMs are limited once you leave the main town, so carry enough cash for rural areas.
Can I hire local guides for these places?
Yes, we recommend it. Local guides enrich the experience with stories and ensure safety.

Conclusion: Go Beyond, Go Within

The true essence of Rishikesh isn’t just in what you see—it’s in what you feel. These hidden places to visit in Rishikesh are not just offbeat locations; they are experiences that open your heart, reconnect you with nature, and align your inner spirit with the sacred land of the Himalayas. Whether you seek silence, adventure, art, or wisdom, Rishikesh corners that remain untouched—just like the truths within you, waiting to be discovere.

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