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Rishikesh is a city frequently referred to as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and it certainly attracts spiritual tourists and those who seek thrills amid breathtaking landscapes. While most people are drawn towards its popular ashrams, its river Ganges and the famous Laxman Jhula Bridge, there is also a different element within this Himalayan town which is made up of offbeat places whose calm and quiet beauty is breathtaking. These offbeat places Near Rishikesh can be devoid of the disturbing rave of the natives and offer closeness with nature and culture to the guests.
Offbeat Places Near Rishikesh
Let’s explore the offbeat places Near Rishikesh through the beautiful scenery.
1. Vashishta Gufa
Photo: Lalith Reddy L V / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vashishta Gufa is a holy place in Rishikesh on the road leading to Badrinath. This cave is quite ancient and holds importance as it is said that sage Vashishta, one of the seven great sages (Saptarishi), performed meditation here. The cave has a deep chamber of around 60 feet within which a Shivling is placed in a vertical stance at an angle creating a positive spiritual vibe within the cave itself. The presence of verdant Gular Trees along with the gentle rolling waves of River Ganga makes Vashishta Gufa a perfect meditative and reflective ambience.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Activities: Meditation, exploring the cave
2. Kanatal
Photo: Kalsigaurav / Wikimeida Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located at 2590 m above sea level, Kanatal is a peaceful hill station that is well famed for its beautiful sights as well as for its adventurous pursuits, this place is a climb underground hidden place for nature and adventure-obsessed individuals. This area is enriched with dense green terrain of oak and rhododendrons at its best, which is good for trekking, camping, and fauna observation in the region. The visitors can take part in many activities for example an Excursion to Surkanda Devi Temple – Trek, Valley Crossing, Rock Climbing, and Zip Lining.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Activities: Swimming, picnicking, photography
3. Dodi Tal
Photo: Nikhilchandra81 / Wikimedia Commons
Dodi Tal is a breathtaking high-altitude freshwater lake situated at a height of 3024 meters. Dodi Tal boasts of its exquisite and pollution-free lake along with a peaceful environment as its adjacent area is covered with beautiful oak, deodar and rhododendron trees, which are quite medicinal to most nature and trekking fanatic people. The lake is named after a peculiar kind of trout found in the lake which in the local parlance is bai – ‘Dodi’ saturated with the lake is the decoration of bishops. The Dodi Tal trek usually starts from Sangam Chatti and extends for around 22 km through beautiful vistas, small settlements and green pastures.
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
Activities: Trekking, camping
4. Kunjapuri Devi Temple
Photo: Supraja kannan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kunjapuri Devi Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples devoted to the Goddess Durga which is located at an altitude of 1676 meters. Kunjapuri Devi Temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas that are present in India. As quiet as its location may be, it has and still serves its purpose to its visitors due to its great importance. This is so because the temple offers spectacular views across the Swargarohini, Gangotri, Banderpunch and Chaukhamba mountain ranges.
Best Time To Visit: May to October; avoid monsoons due to slippery paths.
Activities: Trekking, photography, and participating in festivals like Navratri and Dussehra.
5. Harsil
Photo: Debrupm / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Harsil is one of the most beautiful and quaint villages of Uttarakhand, located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. It is located at a height of about 2620 meters and is the most popular village in this region with breathtaking natural beauty adorned richly with deodar trees and apple orchards. Harsil is surrounded by many trekking routes such as the Lamkhaga Pass and Dhumdhar Kandi Pass making it a popular spot not just for nature lovers but also for trekkers and adventure seekers. The village is well known for its calmness as well as for the awe-inspiring presence of the great Himalayan ranges endowed with considerable views clear off every direction.
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Activities: Trekking, camping, birdwatching
6. Chopta
Photo: Ssteaj / Wikimedia Commons
Chopta, some call it “Mini Switzerland of India”, is as high as 2,680 meters above sea level and is often considered a hill station of Uttarakhand state. Since it opens up moderate trekking routes like the one beyond Tungnath and Chandrashila, serving as one of the trekking bases. Chopta is adorned with a lush carpet of meadows and deep woodlands along with spectacular views of Himalayan peaks and is every naturist as well as adrenaline junkie’s heaven. The region is also known during spring for the numerous blooming rhododendrons and jaw-dropping vistas of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba mountains.
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Activities: Trekking, birdwatching, camping, and photography
7. Garud Chatti Waterfall
Photo: Francesco Ungaro / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Garud Chatti Waterfall is one of the most important tourist attractions yet to be discovered. Located amidst beautiful multi-tiered cascades, this alluring waterfall is one of the most favoured spots among the locals as well as the tourists looking for a tranquil getaway. The waterfall is named after the Garud Chatti Temple found in proximity to this waterfall where the deity Garuda, the vahana or vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped. The journey to Garud Chatti Waterfall starts at the shrine and stretches for about 1.5 km within the forests, which takes about 30-45 minutes.
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Activities: Swimming, photography, and picnicking
8. Khurpatal
Photo: Chandergaur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Khurpatal is a tranquil lake located at an elevation of 1,635 m, this lake has deep green waters and is surrounded by verdant pine and cedar trees and a picturesque view of hills in the background. Filling up with rich aquatic life hence famous for anglers, Khurpatal welcomes many fishing and boating tourists every year, also known as the most beautiful lake in India. The peaceful environment and the scenic beauty enable the above-mentioned lake to be perfect for nature walks and lunch.
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Activities: Angling, boating, nature walks, and photography
9. Marine Drive – Aastha Path
Photo: Mauryavikram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Marine Drive is a scenic area along the Ganges in Rishikesh where peace and fun come together. This part of the sea is famous for its scenic beauty and, thus, it attracts many people both who come as tourists and those looking for some relief from the busy city life. The Aastha Path or the Marine Drive promenade also known as, is almost 5 Kilometers in distance and is ideal for sunset walks, enjoying views of the river and hills. When it comes to river rafting, Marine Drive acts as a commencing point and NIM Beach is its terminal point where about 26 kilometres of thrilling rapids called ‘Black Money’ and ‘Golf Course’ are negotiated.
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Activities: River rafting, walking along Aastha Path, and enjoying riverside cafes.
10. Jhilmil Cave
Photo: Ermell / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jhilmil Gufa or Jhilmil Cave is an old and timeless cave. Found in the greenery of the Manikoot Parvat area, this cave is famous for its rocks including many eye-catching stalagmites and stalactites. This cave was constructed for Baba Gorokhnath who was a follower of Lord Shiva, to meditate in. It is said that he was in great penance here. The holy shrine of ‘Jhilmil Gufa’ is situated a little less than 3 Kms away within an hour’s trekking distance from the Neelkanth Temple.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Activities: Meditation, exploring the cave
Venturing to these offbeat places Near Rishikesh provides vacationers with an opportunity to not only avoid the boring attractions within Rishikesh but also to be one with nature and its rich culture. Each place has its own set of experiences from the serene waterfalls and ancient caves to beautiful hill stations making them ideal escapes be it for calmness or thrill So get ready to leave the beaten track, plan your trip with TripXL and prepare to rejuvenate and do something worthwhile that is worth remembering forever.
Cover Photo: VK1983 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
