We spent a day exploring Rishikesh, visiting a serene waterfall and an ancient temple. The road drive to both destinations were absolutely unforgettable.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Rishikesh: Spirituality, Adventure, and Serenity
Neergarh Waterfall, located just 5-6 kilometers from Rishikesh surrounded by lush greenery. This spot attracts tourists, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.
Renting a bike is the best way to reach both places. The sun was out, yet not visible, making the day pleasantly warm.
There are several maggie points and tea shops along the way to the waterfall, offering tasty food, so there’s no need to carry snacks with you. It’s a great spot to relax, reconnect with nature, and recharge. However, it can get quite crowded, especially during summer holidays and weekends. If you’re visiting during these times, the ideal time to go is early morning or after noon – around 12:30 PM, when the crowd starts to thin out.
Also read: Chaurasi Kutiya Rishikesh, Beatles Ashram
As I approached, the sound of cascading water grew louder, and the first sight of the waterfall left me in awe. The water flowed gracefully down in tiers, creating natural pools that were impossible to resist. Taking a dip in the cool, refreshing water was pure bliss, surrounded by the serenity of the hills.
Neergarh waterfall

The water was icy cold, but I couldn’t resist taking a dip!


Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located around 32 kilometers from Rishikesh.
According to Hindu scriptures, this temple is linked to the story of the churning of the ocean, Samudra Manthan. In this story, the gods and demons churned the ocean to find the nectar of immortality. During this process, poison came out of the ocean, which could have destroyed the world.
To save the world, Lord Shiva drank the poison. As he did, his throat turned blue, and he became known as Neelkanth, which means the blue-throated one. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison. Devotees visiting Rishikesh surely make it a point to visit this place.
Important: The temple tends to be more crowded on Mondays and during Shivratri, so expect longer waiting times compared to regular days.
Cruising Along These Scenic Roads ❤️

Unplanned Stops Along the Way


Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

I hope you enjoyed reading this short blog! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments.
