Top 5 Best Day Trips from Rishikesh for Adventure and Spirituality
If we talk about adventure-filled places near Delhi, then Rishikesh is on top in the list of 5 Best Day Trips from Rishikesh. Here, one can enjoy various activities like trekking, Hiking , Zip Lining and vista of the Himalayas etc. These places are just a few hours away from Rishikesh.
If you want to spend your two-day holiday peacefully and don’t want to spend too much money, then you can also consider these places located near Rishikesh;
Quick Look at 5 Best Day Trips from Rishikesh
- Devprayag: ( Confluence of Bhagirathi & Alaknanda )
- Chandrabadni Temple ( Shaktipeeth )
- Mussoorie: Queens of Hills near Dehradun
- Haridwar ( The Kumbh City )
- Dhanaulti Hill Station in Uttarakhand
1, Devprayag: ( Confluence of Bhagirathi & Alaknanda )
Located 70 km from Rishikesh, the town of Devprayag has not lost its ancient glory even in the modern age. The ancient Raghunath Temple is situated in this town. The temple, built 1700 to 2000 years ago, stands 80 feet tall on a platform made of large stones without cement at the upper part of the city.
It is said that Shankar, the guru of King Shyampal (722-782 AD) of the Panwar dynasty of Dharanagari, made the temple spire from wood.
The time of Guru Shankar and Adi Shankaracharya is the 8th century. Due to changes in the temple spire at that time, there is folklore that the temple was built by Shankaracharya.
The Skanda Purana mentions that in the Treta Yuga, to free himself of the sin of Brahmahatya, Lord Shri Ram did penance at Devprayag and established the Vishweshwar Shivling.
Hence, the Raghunath Temple was established here. Here, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Shri Ram.
2, Chandrabadni Temple ( Shaktipeeth )
On Tehri road, on Chandrakoot mountain, situated at about eight thousand feet height, is located the Siddhapeeth Maa Chandrabadni temple. At a distance of 33 km from Devprayag, this Siddhapeeth is located.
In religious, historical and cultural view, Chandrabadni is important among the Shaktipeeths of Uttarakhand.
In Skanda Purana, Devi Bhagwat and Mahabharata, the detailed description of this Siddhapeeth has happened. In ancient texts, by the name Bhuvaneshwari Siddhapeeth its mention is there.
According to mythological legend, to end the attachment of Lord Shankar towards the dead body of Sati, Lord Vishnu cut the mortal body of Sati into many parts with Sudarshan Chakra.
Chandrakoot mountain
The waist part of Sati fell on Chandrakoot mountain, from which here the Bhuvaneshwari Siddhapeeth was established. Later in time, Lord Shankar came to this place. Distressed from separation of Sati, Lord Shiva here remembering Sati became unconscious of mind.
On this, Maha Maya Sati here with her moon-like cool face manifested. Seeing this, the sorrow and attachment of Lord Shankar got removed and he became pleased in heart. The devas and gandharvas, seeing the form of Mahashakti, praised. From then this pilgrimage became famous by name of Chandrabadni.
According to one story of Mahabharata, on Chandrakoot mountain, Ashwatthama was thrown. Chiranjeevi Ashwatthama still wandering in Himalaya.
In the sanctum sanctorum, on the ground, Bhuvaneshwari Yantra is established. Whereas the Yantra situated upward remains always covered. Only Brahmins of Pujari village have been doing worship and ritual in the temple.
3, Mussoorie: Queens of Hills
In India there is no shortage of places to roam. In summers the number of people roaming in mountains increases. Whenever there is talk of hill stations then first either Shimla’s name is taken or then Mussoorie’s.
If only Mussoorie is spoken of then hills surrounded by clouds, cold air, beautiful valleys and peaceful atmosphere make this place special.
Maybe because of this it is lovingly called ‘Queen of Hills’ i.e. queen of mountains. In Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, settled Mussoorie remains center of attraction for tourists. This is one such place which gives peace to heart, where everyone wants to go again and again.
Since the time of British Raj, Mussoorie has been people’s favorite place. The greenery here, high mountains, old markets and lots of places to roam make it even more special.
Here where people like to come in groups, there the number of solo travelers also is not less. What is the reason of calling Queen of Hills?
For honeymoon and weekend gateway also this is a perfect destination. But have you ever thought why it is called Queen of Hills? If not then you must read our this article. We are going to tell you the reason behind its being called Queen of Hills. Come let us know in detail –
The distance from Dehradun is 38 kilometers
About 38 kilometers away from Dehradun, settled Mussoorie is a very beautiful hill station. The green mountains here, the different kinds of trees-plants and the peaceful environment make it special. From here on one side the scenery of snowy peaks of Himalaya is seen and on the other side far away spread Doon valley, Saharanpur, Haridwar and Roorkee also are seen.
Who did the discovery of Mussoorie?
Let us tell you that the discovery of Mussoorie in year 1827 was done by a British officer Captain Young. He liked the beauty of here so much that he decided to settle here. Today Mussoorie is not only a tourist spot, but this is also the path of the holy pilgrimage places Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Why it is called Queen of Hills?
It is called Queen of Hills because the weather here year after year is very pleasant. Here you will see only and only greenery all around. In this hill station situated in the mountains of Himalayas there is captivating beauty everywhere.
Seeing the scenery here only the English (Britishers) gave it the name Queen of Hills. Here in every season beauty is spread and at every turn a new freshness is found.
The liveliness is worth seeing
At the time of holidays this place becomes full of tourists. The liveliness here is worth seeing. People come here in search of fun and peace.
In Mussoorie the up-down climbing is not much, that’s why roaming here becomes easy. To roam here there are many beautiful places like Kempty Falls (about 11 km away), Bhatta Falls and Lal Tibba.
The highest point is Lal Tibba
Lal Tibba is Mussoorie’s highest point. From here the peaks of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Nanda Devi and Bandarpoonch are seen clearly. Camel’s Back Hill, which looks like the back of a camel, is very special.
From here the wonderful scenery of valley and mountains is seen. And when the weather here is completely clear then from here the Ganga and Yamuna are also seen.
How to reach Mussoorie?
By Airway – Here the nearest airport is Jollygrant Airport, which is situated in Dehradun. From here by taking a private vehicle you can reach Mussoorie.
By Train – 36 kilometers from Mussoorie, Dehradun’s railway station is the nearest railway station. For those traveling to Mussoorie this will be the best option.
By Roadway – By many private and government buses also you can reach Mussoorie.
4, Haridwar ( Kumbh City )
On the holy bank of the Ganga river is situated a religious city, Haridwar. This is one of the 7 main religious places of Hindus. On going to Haridwar, to Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi, Maya Devi, Bharat Mata Temple, Triveni Ghat, Sapta Sarovar, Shanti Kunj – such recognized places – one must definitely go.
n the country India having holy religious places, whenever devotees in search of salvation wander here and there, then to them the city of religion Haridwar comes to mind.
The literal meaning of ‘Haridwar’ is, ‘the gateway to reach Hari (God)’. Situated on the bank of holy Ganga river in Uttarakhand, Haridwar is one among the seven most holy pilgrimage places of India.
Apart from Haridwar this includes Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, Dwarka. This place since centuries has been attracting tourists and devotees.
Mythological History
Haridwar, settled in the lap of the Shivalik hills, is a famous ancient pilgrimage place of followers of Hindu religion. Here, coming out from the hills, Bhagirathi Ganga for the first time comes into the plain region. In Hindu scriptures Haridwar has been called by different names like Kapilsthan, Mayapuri, Gangadwar.
The ancient mythological name of Haridwar is ‘Maya’ or ‘Mayapuri’, which was counted among the seven cities giving salvation.
It is said that Chinese traveler Yuan Chwang during his India journey described this very word with the name ‘Mayur’. In Mahabharata this place is called ‘Gangadwar’. In this scripture this place has been mentioned along with famous pilgrimage places.
This holy place is also the gateway of Char Dham. To the northern part of Ganga situated ‘Badrinarayan’, ‘Kedarnath’ – the famous pilgrimages of Lord Vishnu and Shiva – for them the path goes from this very place. Therefore it is called by both names ‘Haridwar’ as well as ‘Hardwar’.
In Indian Puranas there is such a belief that in Haridwar, the nectar obtained from churning of the ocean had fallen. Since then here every twelve years is organized the fair of Kumbh.
During Kumbh fair here a large crowd of devotees gathers. In various religious rituals also, in this city in the holy river Ganga, for taking dip and destroying one’s sins, throughout the year the coming and going of devotees remains here.
Important places to see – Har Ki Pauri
Among the most holy ghats of India, Har Ki Pauri is also known by the name Brahmakund. It is said that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari.
Every day in the evening here Maha Aarti is organized, on seeing which a different kind of experience happens.
Behind Har Ki Pauri, on the top of Bilwa mountain, the temple of Mansa Devi is built. Devotees going to Haridwar do not forget to see this temple. For reaching the temple there is a walking path.
Chandi Devi Temple
On the other side of the Ganga river, on the Neel mountain, Chandi Devi temple is built. It is said that Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century had established the original idol of Chandi Devi here. Later this temple was built by the king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 A.D. From Chandighat after 3 kilometers of trekking one can reach here.
Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi temple is considered among the main Shaktipeeths of India. It is said that the heart and navel of Shiv’s wife Sati had fallen here. This temple is situated at only some distance from Haridwar.
Saptrishi Ashram
The beauty of Saptrishi Ashram you can guess only from this fact that in front of it the Ganga river flows in seven streams, therefore this place is also called Sapta Sagar.
The belief behind this is that when Ganga river was flowing and coming here, at this place seven rishis were absorbed in deep meditation. Ganga did not interrupt their meditation and herself divided into seven parts changing her path.
Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata temple, in Sapta Sarovar Haridwar, near the Ashram, is a holy place of its own kind. This temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata. In the year 1983, then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi inaugurated this temple. This temple has eight floors and it is situated at a height of 180 feet.
Other places – Daksha Mahadev temple, Gurukul Kangri University, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary etc. After roaming the temples of Haridwar, if you want to do some shopping then Bara Bazaar and Moti Bazaar are main.
From here you can take things related to many religious rituals. From here utensils for worship, utensils of brass and bronze, glass bangles, artificial jewelry etc. can be bought.
How to reach Haridwar
By Air: To reach here the Jolly Grant airport situated in Dehradun is the nearest airport. The distance from airport to Haridwar is about 45 km. To reach there buses or taxi service can be taken.
Haridwar Railway Station is connected with most parts of India. From Delhi to Dehradun going Shatabdi Express is a suitable train for Haridwar.
5, Dhanaulti Hill Station
Today we will take you to the tour of such a place far from the city’s crowd, where going will make your weekend enjoyable and peaceful. Uttarakhand’s Dhanaulti is like heaven in every sense for the tourists who come here. The special thing about this place is that it has not been explored much yet, due to which this place is included among offbeat destinations.”
Trekking Experience
- Trekking in Dhanaulti takes one through mountains located at an altitude of about 10,000 feet (over 3,000 meters), passing through dense forests of deodar and chestnut.
- Trained escorts are available to assist trekkers throughout the journey, ensuring safety and guidance.
- Popular trekking destinations include Top Tibba and Surkanda Devi, offering beautiful views and spiritual vibes.
- The Surkanda Devi trek covers an elevation from 8,192 feet to 9,041 feet and is considered both challenging and rewarding.
Camping Experience
- For peace and relaxation, camping is the perfect way to stay close to nature, away from city crowds.
- Tourists enjoy pitching tents under the open sky and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
- Dhanaulti Adventure Park is recognized as a top destination for outdoor camping and offers a variety of adventure activities for groups and families.
- Most camping spots provide safe, comfortable tent accommodations along with food and organized activities like bonfires and zip lining.
Sky Walk-Zip Line
Twin Tour, known as Sky Walk-Zip Line in Dhanaulti, is one of the most thrilling adventure activities offered in the area. During the Sky Walk, participants walk without support on a 360-foot long wire, suspended 120 feet above the ground—a true lifetime experience, made absolutely secure with harness and safety gear. Equally exciting is the Zip Line, allowing adventurers to glide across a 600-foot deep valley while safely harnessed.
Best Time to Visit
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The best time to visit and enjoy Dhanaulti’s adventure activities is from March to August. This period features pleasant weather and clear views, making outdoor experiences much more enjoyable.
These unique adventures, coupled with the region’s natural beauty, make Dhanaulti a must-visit destination for thrill seekers.
How to reach Dhanaulti
- Air route – Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport, which is 83 kilometers away from Dhanaulti. From the airport, one can reach Dhanaulti by taxi.
- Rail route – Rishikesh railway station, which is 83 kilometers away from Dhanaulti, is the nearest railway station here.
- Road route – Buses come to Dhanaulti in large numbers from Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Dehradun, and Delhi, or if desired, one can also reach Dhanaulti directly by private taxi through the road route.”
Suggested Read: Your Best Stay In Rishikesh: Om Homestay in Tapovan
Some Quick Day Trips from Rishikesh
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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Ensconced at an elevation of 1,330 meters and enshrouded by sylvan verdancy, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple—around 32 kilometers from Rishikesh—remains one of the most eminent sanctuaries. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it exudes profound mythic gravitas. As lore recounts, it was here that Shiva imbibed the halāhala during the samudra manthan, which indelibly stained his throat blue. The serpentine drive coupled with its spiritual magnitude makes this expedition a sublime and elevating experience. -
Rajaji National Park
For ardent votaries of wilderness, an excursion to Rajaji National Park is a veritable odyssey. Spanning a vast 820 square kilometers, the sanctuary teems with biodiverse grandeur—housing elephants, tigers, leopards, and innumerable avian species. Whether through exhilarating jeep safaris or contemplative nature ambulations, the park affords travelers the chance to behold the opulent flora and fauna in all its untamed majesty. -
Shivpuri
At a scant 16 kilometers from Rishikesh, Shivpuri manifests as an Eden for adventure aficionados. Celebrated for adrenaline-suffused white-water rafting along the Ganges, this quaint locale beckons thrill-seekers globally. In addition to rafting, Shivpuri bestows avenues for sylvan camping, rugged trekking, and intrepid kayaking. Its scenic tableau, replete with pristine landscapes and exhilarative diversions, makes it a premier adventure retreat. -
Kanatal
Situated some 80 kilometers from Rishikesh, Kanatal epitomizes bucolic serenity. Encircled by dense arboreal expanses while bestowing unobstructed views of Himalayan snow-capped sentinels, it is ideal for tranquil treks, meditative ambles, and nocturnal camping beneath astral skies. The unspoiled ambiance of Kanatal acts as a salutary balm for urban fatigue, engendering a restorative sojourn of rare tranquility. -
Chamba
Around 60 kilometers from Rishikesh, Chamba reveals itself as a picturesque Himalayan hamlet adorned with orchards redolent of apples and sanctified with vestigial temples. Nestled against the grandeur of the Bhagirathi River, it offers sublime panoramic perspectives. Renowned highlights include the Surkanda Devi Temple and the prodigious Tehri Dam. With its fusion of rustic charm and Himalayan mystique, Chamba is a painter’s reverie brought to life. -
Byasi
About 30 kilometers from Rishikesh, Byasi entices the valiant spirit. Famed for its white-water rafting rapids and rustic riverside campsites, it melds visceral thrill with sylvan placidity. The sandy riverbanks of the Ganges, interwoven with forested serenity, make Byasi a tableau where stillness and adventure coalesce in harmonious balance. -
Tehri Dam
At 85 kilometers from Rishikesh stands the monumental Tehri Dam, among the planet’s loftiest hydro-engineering marvels. Its colossal reservoir unfurls breathtaking panoramas and offers exhilarating aqua-adventures like boating, jet skiing, and kayaking. Marrying human ingenuity with elemental grandeur, Tehri Dam presents an incomparable amalgam of adventure, spectacle, and repose.
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