Waterfalls in Rishikesh attract tourists from all corners of the globe, offering various adventure activities and peace in the lap of nature. These waterfall hikes in the ‘yoga capital of India’ are the perfect holiday destination if you are planning to travel solo in search of spirituality or with family to spend quality time. Some of the best waterfalls in Rishikesh are Neel Garh, Garud Chatti, Patna Waterfall, Phool Chatti, and Himshail. The natural scene around these beautiful falls is filled with the melody of fast-flowing streams and diverse fauna.
These waterfalls are formed in several ways. Their streams usually originate from the Himalayan glacial rivers that cover great distances, eventually cascading down hilltops and flowing into valleys. Here, you can find several species of birds, aquatic plants, and insects, and activities like trekking swimming, rafting, canyoning, and rock climbing.
If you are traveling to see waterfalls with friends or family, it is important to understand their terrains and hiking routes to make the most out of your trip. This in-depth guide talks about five scenic waterfalls in Rishikesh to help you choose your next hiking destination.
Also Read: Easiest Trekking Destination in Uttarakhand for Beginners.
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List of Best Waterfalls in and around Rishikesh
There are many waterfalls in and around Rishikesh where you can experience the quiet and symphony of nature. However, Neer Garh Waterfall, Garud Chatti Waterfall, Phool Chatti Waterfall, Patna Falls, and Himshail Waterfall are among the most impressive cascades that you must add to your list. Let us discuss them in detail:
1. Neer Garh Waterfall
Neer waterfall, also known as Neer Gaddu is named after the Neer Garh Village of Rishikesh. This beautiful water stream falls from a height of around 25 ft forming two small pools on the hilly terrains. This multi-tiered limestone waterfall requires a little bit of hiking to reach (about 2 km) the two stream pools, from Neer Garh I to Neer Garh II.
How to Reach Neer Garh Waterfall
Neer Garh waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Rishikesh, that offers swimming and hiking activities with gradual ascent, ideal for family trips. The trekking route is accessible from Laxman Jhula and starts from about 5 km of the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. You can reach this famous waterfall by riding a scooter/bike or by cab for the first 3-4 km, but you will have to cover the last 1 km on foot. The 1-2 hr hike to the waterfall takes you along green forest trails, dotted with wildflowers surrounded by vibrant butterflies and bird species.
Best Time to Visit this Waterfall
Neergarh Waterfall Rishikesh is open to visitors throughout the year from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm and the best time to visit is during autumn and winter. These seasons are ideal for photography enthusiasts as the landscape becomes scenic and the stream flows with fuller volume. You must avoid visiting it during the monsoon due to the risk of landslides and flooding. The entry fee for the Neergarh waterfall is INR 30 for Indians and INR 50 for non-Indians.
2. Garud Chatti Waterfall
Garud Chatti waterfall is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Rishikesh, featuring a seven-tiered cascade that falls into a central pool. The name of Garud Chatti is derived from the Garud Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s divine mount, the Garuda bird. This ancient temple has religious significance with many local legends attached to it and is the starting point of the trekking route.
How to Reach Garud Chatti Waterfall
It’s a 3.5-4 km drive from Lakshman Jhula to Garud Chatti waterfall. You can cover the distance with a cab or bike to reach Neelkanth Bridge, from here an easy hike uphill of 1.5 km will take you to the main creek. The multi-step cascading streams and limestone caves on the dense forest trails make it a picture-perfect tourist destination for nature lovers and adventurers. This beginner-friendly hike to the Garuda Chatti waterfall is ideal for swimming, camping, and picnics with friends and family.
Best Time to Visit this Waterfall
The trails to Garud Chatti are open year-round for visitors without any entry fees. However, if you want to see water pouring from all seven tiers, the best time to visit is during the monsoon season. The months from July to September receive ample rainfall to fill this small waterfall, enhancing the surrounding scenic beauty.
3. Phool Chatti Waterfall
Third on the list of best waterfalls in Rishikesh is Phool Chatti waterfall, named after the colourful flora lining its forest trails. This beautiful punchbowl waterfall cascades from a height of 10 meters creating an enchanting scenery amidst the dense woods. Tourists usually plan a one-day trip to the three waterfalls–Neer Garh, Garuda Chatti, and Phool Chatti as their routes lie nearby.
How to Reach Phool Chatti Waterfall
Phool Chatti waterfall is located about 7 km from Lakshman Jhula and is accessible via Neelkanth Mahadev Temple road. It lies just 3.7 km ahead of Garuda Chatti Temple, which can be covered on foot. The hiking trails are slippery with boulders, increasing the difficulty level of the climb. However, the serenity you feel upon reaching the main spot makes the effort worth it and leaves you feeling rejuvenated.
Best Time to Visit this Waterfall
Spring, summer, and post-monsoon are the ideal seasons to visit Phool Chatti waterfall to experience this beautiful place in full bloom and greenery. April to July and October are best if you want to travel during comfortable weather. However, do check the weather forecast to avoid extreme rainy days that may cause landslides and slippage.
4. Patna Waterfall
Patna waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Rishikesh, taking you through the green and rugged trails of Rajaji National Park. The history behind the name “Patna Waterfall” is the location of a small village with the same name right above it. The Patna Village is famous for several limestone caves, where you may find a small Lord Vishnu Temple on further exploration.
How to Reach Patna Waterfall
Falling from a height of around 40 ft it is a cascading waterfall, located 6.5 km from the famous Lakshman Jhula bridge. To reach here, you can continue the hike ahead from Garud Chatti Falls via Neelkath Temple road and take the track opposite Sidh Bali Temple. This beginner-friendly easy waterfall hike covers a to-and-fro distance of 3 km, which takes around 2 hrs to complete. The high fall of water mimics the beauty of rainfall and the cool mist instantly removes any tiredness.
Best Time to Visit this Waterfall
Patna waterfall dries up during the summer, while monsoon season witnesses completely soaked forest trails due to flooding. The best time to visit this misty fall is post-monsoon between mid-September and November. You can visit Patna Waterfall free of cost and try adventure activities like rappelling and rock climbing.
5. Himshail Waterfall
Himshail Falls is one of the most scenic cascade waterfalls in Rishikesh popular among yoga, meditation, and spirituality seekers. The name Himshail comes from two words: ‘Him,’ meaning Himalayas or snow, and ‘shail,’ meaning mountains. This indicates the waterfall’s origin in the Himalayan foothills, from where the water flows forming a stream pool after falling. Himshail is famous for the nearby Tat Baba Cave, which was once inhabited by several Hindu saints.
How to Reach Himshail Waterfall
Himashail Waterfall is 4 km away from the famous bridge of Lakshman Jhula and you can reach here by hiking on a gentle slope. If you are an adrenaline junkie you can take the challenging trails via Jhonk Village and Bhootnath Temple Road. Both the trekking routes offer amazing views of the temple town of Rishikesh blanketed with lush forest cover. This offbeat tourist destination in Rishikesh is perfect for taking a dip in the natural pool, picnic, and camping.
Best Time to Visit this Waterfall
The best time to visit Himshail Waterfall is from September to November. The weather during these months is nice for outdoor activities like trekking and exploring the area around the waterfall. The waterfall looks impressive after the monsoon, with strong water flow and lively flora. This time of year is less crowded and you can have a peaceful experience at Himshail Waterfall.
Also Read Dayara Bugyal Trek: Perfect Weekend Trek for Families with Young Children in Garhwal Himalayas.
How To Plan And Explore The Waterfalls in Rishikesh
If you want to explore the waterfalls in Rishikesh, the first step is to reach the city. It is an accessible town and a popular holiday destination for families, solo travelers, and adventurers. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your plan to explore the waterfalls of Rishikesh, hidden within the forests.
1. Reach the Yoga Capital of India: Rishikesh
The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 16 km. It has a railway station connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh. You can also reach here by bus from Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar. Buses from Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT or Dehradun’s ISBT are available to Rishikesh. You can also take a private or shared taxi to visit the main city.
2. Choose the Best Time to Visit Rishikesh to Explore Waterfalls
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal when the weather is cool and pleasant. The peak tourist season is during the summer (May to June) and Diwali holidays (October to November). If you prefer fewer crowds, plan your trip during the off-season.
3. Consider the Following Factors When Planning Waterfall Treks in Rishikesh
- Trekking Routes and Navigation: Use GPX files and Google location coordinates to follow the well-marked path to the falls. Research the trekking difficulty levels to plan your journey accordingly.
- Festivals: Several festivals are celebrated here, including Maha Shivratri (February/March) and Ganga Dussehra (June) which attract many visitors and pilgrims. You can plan your waterfall hikes around these festivals for an immersive experience of the spiritual town of Rishikesh. After a day of exploring waterfalls, you can visit the nearby bank of the Ganga River to attend Ganga Arti in the evening.
- Risk factors: Avoid trekking during heavy rains, from July to September, as hiking trails to the waterfalls in Rishikesh become muddy and slippery. Avoid whirlpools while bathing in the stream for your safety and take extra care when traveling with kids. Always check weather forecasts before planning your trip.
- Pack the essentials: Carry appropriate clothing and gear such as lightweight, quick-drying fabrics, suitable for swimming and rock climbing. Sturdy hiking shoes or sandals are a must. Carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
FAQs related to Waterfalls in Rishikesh
How far is Garuda Chatti Waterfall from Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh?
Garuda Chatti Waterfall is approximately 3.5 km from Lakshman Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh. You can reach the main waterfall via Neelkanth Temple Road by bike or a shared cab and cover a 1.5 km distance on foot further from Garud Temple.
What is the cost of a ticket for the Neer Garh waterfall in Rishikesh?
The entrance fee for visiting the Neer Garh Waterfall in Rishikesh is INR 30 for Indians and INR 50 for foreigners. You must carry the ticket throughout the hike as it can be checked at various checkpoints.
How long is the Neer Waterfall Trek?
Neer Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Rishikesh with well-maintained trails for visitors. The trekking route is accessible by road for the first 3-4 km, tourists are required to hike the remaining 1 km on foot. This easy hike takes around 1-2 hrs to-and-fro to complete, depending on your pace.
Which is the best waterfall in Rishikesh?
Garud Chatti waterfall is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Rishikesh which cascades from seven tiers forming a clear pool at its base. The nearby Garuda Temple adds to the serene and spiritual environment of the waterfall.
What is the height of the Patna waterfall in Rishikesh?
Patna Waterfall cascades from an impressive height of approximately 40 ft. If you want to see the water falling with full force, plan to go here post-monsoon (September-October).
Also read on spirituality with Gaumukh Tapovan Trek which is the best spiritual trekking destination in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.
Conclusion
From famous Neer Garh to offbeat hikes to Himshail and Patna waterfalls, these unique tourist attractions are tucked away from the city, offering peace to the visitors. This spiritual town displays various heights of waterfalls, from gentle flows for relaxation to strong cascades that leave you rejuvenated.
The waterfalls in Rishikesh are hidden in dense forests that might leave you stranded if you travel without any prior research. It is important to plan your visit with information about trekking routes, and the difficulty of terrains, and pack sturdy gear to make your visit safe and memorable. Plan your transformative journey to these stunning waterfalls in this spiritual city to experience the natural beauty of Uttarakhand.
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