Ultimate 6 Points for an Unforgettable Sunrise in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, is nestled in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas. Sunrise in Rishikesh famous for its spiritual aura and natural beauty. One of the most enchanting experiences that this sacred city offers is witnessing the sunrise.

The best sunrise point in Rishikesh is Kunjapuri Temple’s mountain top, the sight of the sun over the far horizon of the upper ranges of the Himalayas is breathtaking.

In this travel guide, we provide essential information on experiencing the magical sunrise in Rishikesh, along with a hidden gem – Kayarki Village, where you can embrace this breathtaking moment.

The sight of the sun rising over the Ganges River and the surrounding mountains is a spectacle that leaves travelers in awe.

Balkumari Temple Vs Kunjapuri Temple

Balkumari Temple, an elevated sunrise point in Rishikesh, with the area’s most popular sunrise spot, Kunjapuri Temple.

Feature Balkumari Temple (Bal Kunwari Mata Temple) Kunjapuri Temple
View Type Magnificent sunrise view from a mountaintop, scenic Ganges valley views, and surrounding landscapes. Awe-inspiring panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks (Banderpunch, Swarga Rohini, Gangotri, etc.), the Ganges River, and the sunrise.
Distance from Rishikesh Approx. 20 km from Rishikesh/Ram Jhula/Lakshman Jhula. Approx. 30 km from Rishikesh/Tapovan.
Altitude Approx. 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). Approx. 1,676 meters (5,500 feet).
Access/Trek Accessible by road (taxi/vehicle) followed by a final climb of approx. 400 steps. Accessible by road (taxi/vehicle) to the base, followed by a final climb of approx. 300 steep steps to the temple. (Longer treks also possible).
Popularity Less crowded, a hidden gem for a serene experience. Highly popular and widely regarded as the best sunrise spot in Rishikesh.
Best Time to Visit Early morning for sunrise. Pleasant weather from October to June. Early morning for sunrise (best time is October to March for clear views).
Vibe Spiritual, close-to-nature, suitable for yoga and meditation. Highly spiritual (one of the 52 Shakti Peeths), spectacular photography, a quintessential Rishikesh sunrise experience.

When to Visit Sunrise in Rishikesh:

The best time to witness the sunrise in Rishikesh is during the months of October to March. The weather is pleasant, and the sky is often clear, offering unobstructed views of the sunrise. During this period, the sunrise occurs between 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM, varying slightly throughout the season.

  • Balkumari Temple (Maa Balakumari Devi Mandir): Located about 23-25 km from Rishikesh (near Pipalkoti, on the Yamkeshwar road leading to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple), this hilltop temple is a great spot for sunrise. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
    • Note: The final approach involves a trek up about 300-400 stairs. The road to the base of the temple can be a little rough, and since sunrise viewing is not as frequently organized here as it is for Kunjapuri Temple, you may need to arrange private transport (taxi/bike) very early in the morning.
    • Alternative/More Famous Sunrise Spot: The most famous and easily accessible sunrise trek is to Kunjapuri Temple, which is also a mountaintop temple (about 30 km from Rishikesh) and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks (including Gangotri, Swargarohini, and Bandarpunch) and the Ganga River valley at dawn.

If you are looking for a less crowded, more offbeat sunrise experience, Balkumari Temple is an excellent choice. If you prefer the most highly-rated, well-organized, and famous sunrise view with a clearer view of the high Himalayas, consider the Kunjapuri Temple trek.

Kunjapuri Sunrise Trek Rishikesh
Kunjapuri Sunrise Trek Rishikesh

Best Sunrise Point in Rishikesh:

 

Sunrise Spot Location / Access Special Features
Triveni Ghat On the banks of the Ganges Beautiful sunrise view, morning prayers, tranquil river experience
Ram Jhula & Laxman Jhula Iconic suspension bridges in Rishikesh Cross the bridges early morning to see sunrise with these architectural marvels as backdrop
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Trek to temple atop a hill Elevated sunrise views, panoramic surroundings, spiritual trek experience
Kunjapuri Temple Hilltop temple; short trek from Rishikesh Offers awe-inspiring views of Himalayas, Ganges, and sunrise
Balkumari Temple ~23 km from Laxman Jhula via Yamkeshwar road Sunrise view from mountaintop, morning Yoga & meditation
Kyarki Village Sunrise Point ~30 min from Tapovan via Neer Waterfalls; accessible by trek or vehicle Sunrise & sunset point, scenic Ganges valley views
Sunrise in Rishikesh
Sunrise in Rishikesh

Visiting the Rishikesh sunrise point can add a special touch to your Rishikesh tour, offering a peaceful start to your day amidst nature’s beauty.

  1. Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat, another revered spot on the banks of the Ganges, offers a beautiful view of the sunrise. Participate in the morning prayers and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the river.
  2. Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula: Cross the iconic suspension bridges of Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula during the early hours to catch a glimpse of the sunrise with a backdrop of these architectural marvels.
  3. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Embark on a trek to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, perched atop a hill, to witness the sunrise from an elevated vantage point. The panoramic views of the surroundings add to the magic of the moment.
  4. Kunjapuri Temple:  Kunjapuri sunrise trek Rishikesh offers the best sunrise in Rishikesh. For a truly captivating sunrise experience, take a short trek to Kunjapuri Temple, situated on a hilltop. The temple offers awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas, the Ganges, and the sunrise.
  5. Balkumari Temple: Balkumari Temple is situated approximately 23 kilometers away from Lakshman Jhula, along the Yamkeshwar road, with a magnificent sunrise view from the mountaintop temple and morning Yoga & meditation.
  6. Kyarki Village Sunrise Point in Rishikesh: It is located  just 30 minutes away from Tapovan via Neer waterfalls, just above the waterfalls, you can reach there by trek or by vehicle, apert from sunrise point this place also popular for sunset point with Ganges valley views.
Kyarki Village Sunrise in Rishikesh
Kyarki Village Sunrise in Rishikesh

Discovering Kyarki Village:

If you’re looking for sunrise point in Rishikesh to witness the sunrise, consider visiting Kyarki Village, a hidden gem is located near Rishikesh. This quaint village offers a serene and offbeat experience.

Wake up early and go on a short trek to the hilltop near Kyarki Village, where you can bask in the beauty of the first rays of sunlight illuminating the landscape. The peaceful atmosphere and untouched surroundings make it a perfect spot for meditation and reflection.

Suggested Read-  Kunjapuri Temple – A Trek Route Guide for Solo Travellers 
Sunrise in Rishikesh at Kunjapuri
Sunrise in Rishikesh at Kunjapuri

Tips for the Sunrise Experience:

  1. Arrive Early: Ensure you arrive at the chosen spot well before sunrise time to secure a good spot and  to soak in the pre-dawn ambiance.
  2. Carry Warm Clothing: Mornings in Rishikesh, especially during the cooler months, can be chilly. Dress in layers and carry a shawl or jacket to stay comfortable.
  3. Respect the Environment: As you embrace the beauty of nature’s wonders, remember to keep the surroundings clean and avoid littering.
  4. Photography: Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the magical moments of the sunrise over the Ganges and the majestic Himalayas.
Suggested Read- A Guide to Know the Price of River Rafting in Rishikesh
Kunjapuri Trek Rishkesh
Kunjapuri Trek Rishkesh

Recommendation

The Kunjapuri sunrise point in Rishikesh, located 32 km from Rishikesh, is a must-visit for a mesmerizing sunrise experience. The scenic drive through the Himalayan peaks adds to the enchantment.

As the sun rises, the sky turns into a vibrant canvas of colors, leaving you awe-inspired. Witnessing the sunrise from Kunjapuri is a soul-stirring experience that leaves lasting memories.

Conclusion

Witnessing the sunrise in Rishikesh, whether at well-known ghats or the hidden gem of Kayarki Village, is a soul-stirring experience that allows you to connect with nature’s beauty and the spiritual essence of this sacred city. Plan your visit to Rishikesh and explore these remarkable spots, where the Sunrise in Rishikesh paints the sky with colors of tranquility and enchantment.

Sunrise in Rishikesh Sunrise in Rishikesh Sunrise in Rishikesh Sunrise in Rishikesh  

Author

Namaste! I am Om. I am a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I’m originally from Varanasi. Now, I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel more. Hari Om

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