Top 3 unmissable waterfalls in Rishikesh

Top 3 unmissable waterfalls in Rishikesh

A quick and useful guide summarizing the absolute best waterfalls in Rishikesh. From popular swimming holes to secluded forest pools, here are the 3 best Rishikesh waterfalls to visit.

Visiting waterfalls is undoubtedly not what attracts most travelers to Rishikesh. Although Rishikesh is more known for its vibrant yoga scene and scenic river views, I believe Rishikesh is still an epic destination for adventure travelers.

In fact, Rishikesh's natural beauty extends far from the banks of the Ganges and high into the forest-covered hills, where epic hikes and waterfalls await.

In this blog post, I am sharing the top three waterfalls in Rishikesh that you should visit on your next trip. I have also written individual posts for each waterfall to help you get more information about how to find them and what to expect.

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Best Adventure Tours in Rishikesh

Are you looking for adventure in Rishikesh after checking out these amazing forest waterfalls? The following list will ensure you have an epic time in India's adventure capital!

• Wildwasser-Rafting Rishikesh – Fantastische Rafting-Tour auf dem Marine Drive auf Stromschnellen der Klasse 3+ auf dem Ganges.
• Mehrtägige Camping-Abenteuertour in Rishikesh – Bestbewertete Übernachtungstour in Rishikesh und eine der besten Möglichkeiten, andere Reisende kennenzulernen
• Kunjapuri Temple Trek – Geführte Wanderung von Rishikesh zum unglaublichen Kanjapuri-Tempel am Fuße des Himalaya.

Best waterfalls in Rishikesh

Without further ado, let’s move on to the top three waterfalls in Rishikesh.

I haven't ranked these waterfalls in any particular order. This is because each waterfall is quite different from the next. It depends on what you prefer, whether it's a remote hike or a thriving swimming hole.

1. Neer Garh Waterfall

Neer Garh waterfall is perhaps the most famous waterfall in Rishikesh. Located on the hills above the northern banks of the Ganges, this multi-tiered waterfall offers some of the deepest swimming holes and some of the most beautiful limestone falls on this list.

This waterfall is great if you prefer a bit of variety as some of the “hidden” lower levels are usually secluded.

However, once you climb the concrete and dirt paths to the upper tiers, you'll find cafes and crowds of people enjoying the atmosphere.

It is also possible to hike further past the top level and high into the hills above for great views of the surrounding mountain landscape.
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alt=“NEER GARH WATERFALL RISHIKESH”>

2. Garud Chatti Waterfall

The next two Rishikesh waterfalls on this list are both located on the southern bank of the Ganges. While Garud Chatti waterfall is less popular than Neer Garh waterfall, it can certainly still attract a crowd.

Luckily, after reaching the first waterfall after a 1.5 km trek into the Rajaji forest, there are several levels to explore. The two main levels have shallow pools, great for swimming and enjoying a fresh waterfall shower.
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3. Patna Waterfall

Located just a short distance from Garud Chatti waterfall, Patna Waterfall is a less impressive but less visited waterfall near Rishikesh.

Patna Waterfall is a tall limestone waterfall that trickles gently down a steep cliff and into a shallow pool below.

This waterfall doesn't offer much for swimming, but the short hike through the Rajaji Forest makes the trip worthwhile. If you are looking for a waterfall near Rishikesh that offers a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere, this one might be for you.
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Where to stay in Rishikesh for waterfall adventures

After spending a few weeks relaxing and experiencing all the epic things to do and see in Rishikesh, I ended up staying in a few different hotels and hostels. The most important thing to pay attention to in Rishikesh is the location.

Many backpackers including me recommend staying in the Tapovan area. There are so many things to do in Tapovan as this is the main tourist area in Rishikesh. It doesn't matter if you live on the south or north side as everything is within walking distance.

My favorite hostel in Rishikesh: Live Free Hostel After checking out a few hostels, Live Free definitely had the best atmosphere. In addition to a courtyard and comfortable rooms, there is also a large meeting point on the ground floor where communal cooking activities and movie nights take place. There's also free morning yoga on the rooftop. Beds are also incredibly cheap, at less than $4 per night! However, when I booked, for some reason it was cheaper on Booking.com than Hostelworld for this hostel.
alt="Hostel in Rishikesh, India">
Best Budget Private Room: Hotel YogIf you prefer to relax alone or as a couple, Hotel Yog is one of the best budget hotels in the Tapovan area. The rooms are considered budget-friendly, but are slightly more expensive than nearby hostels. But for only about $20 a night for spacious rooms with mountain views, a continental breakfast, and a rooftop terrace, you really can't go wrong.
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Top-Rated Yoga Resort: Rudram Hotel Yoga and Ayurvedic Retreat Want to do a full range of yoga in Rishikesh but still stay in the Tapovan area? This place offers yoga classes and free yoga classes by the Ganges. The rooms are super comfortable and have air conditioning and mountain views.

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Best Time for Waterfall Hunting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh has three main seasons; Summer, winter and monsoon.

Monsoon months: July to September

Summer: March to May

Winter: October to February

The general consensus is that the best time to visit Rishikesh is between September and June. This avoids the monsoon months where torrential rains are common. Typically, the waterfalls are crowded, the trails are muddy, and whitewater rafting isn't really possible.

Also note that April and May can also be a bit hot. So if you're a bit heat-shy, try visiting between September and March. March is also the time when the yoga festival begins, so this is by far the most popular time to visit Rishikesh.

How to get to Rishikesh waterfalls

It is possible to walk to all the waterfalls listed above from Laxman Jhula Bridge in Tapovan district of Rishikesh. I've listed detailed directions and hiking information in the individual blog posts, so you shouldn't have any problems finding them.

However, if you are not that keen on walking, you can rent a scooter for around 350-500 IR per day or a Royal Enfield for around 1500 IR.

Alternatively, there are rickshaw drivers in Rishikesh who can take you on the short journey to the waterfall hikes for 150-250 each way.

More India travel guides and blogs

I hope this quick and easy guide to the top three waterfalls in Rishikesh has motivated you to get out and explore this incredible destination. For more travel guides and blogs, including itineraries and custom trips on your trip to India, check out the list below.

Otherwise, this guide to the best things to do in Rishikesh is a good starting point for more ideas in Rishikesh.

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