08:00 AM – Hotel Pickup / Departure

Begin your temple and cave journey from Rishikesh with a scenic drive along the Ganges and through the zigzag roads of Rajaji National Park toward Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The road distance from Rishikesh is 25 km, and it normally takes about 1 hour to reach the area near Neelkanth Temple.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, located near Rishikesh, is renowned in India. In addition to this sacred shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, 25 kilometers from Rishikesh, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple has a history that dates back centuries.

According to the ancient Sanatan scriptures, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) joined forces to perform the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) in order to obtain Amrit, the nectar of immortality.

During the churning, the first substance that emerged, was the deadly poison known as Halahala (Garal). Its appearance created chaos across all three worlds. To save the universe, the gods prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. Accepting their prayers, Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat, which turned blue. From that moment, he became “the Blue-Throated One. known as Neelkanth.

Every year, thousands of devotees and spiritual seekers from across India and around the world visit this sacred temple to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.

Jhilmil Gufa

Be sure to visit Jhilmil Cave, one of the most peaceful and spiritually significant hidden caves near Rishikesh. From the Parvati Temple, visitors must hike approximately 3 km through a dense forest trail. The rugged path is quiet and serene, passing a few small villages where you may find a handful of local shops.

As you enter the cave, the peaceful atmosphere seems to melt away all the fatigue of the journey. It is widely believed that meditating on one’s chosen deity (Ishta Devata) inside the cave helps bring inner peace and resolve life’s difficulties.

Located about 30 km from Rishikesh, Jhilmil Cave is an ancient meditation cave with a rich spiritual history. Many revered sages and saints are believed to have performed intense meditation here, and according to local tradition, several deities have also manifested in this sacred place. Far from the crowds and noise of Rishikesh, Jhilmil Cave remains a tranquil destination for meditation, self-reflection, and spiritual seekers.

Mauni Baba Ashram

Relax with a tea break at the serene Mauni Baba Ashram surrounded by nature. Mouni Baba Cave is inside Rajaji National Park on the Paidal Marg of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, hosting yogis who are seeking solitude. The cave is now popular because it was lived by Mouni Baba, who discovered this cave to stay spiritual practice.

In the course of time, local residents and pilgrims’ yogis, seekers found this area quiet for meditation. Unlike other religious destinations in India, the cave is not become temple or any kind of center because it is a part of national park and nobody allow to run any commercial or spiritual activities inside.

So, everything is still unchanged, and still, it is an authentic site to go and mediate for few hours.

Return to Rishikesh

Complete the downhill trek and back to Rishikesh by the evening.