Beyond Lakshman Jhula: 6 offbeat places to explore in Rishikesh

1. Phool Chatti Ashram

Tucked away a few kilometres upstream, Phool Chatti Ashram is the perfect destination to get the taste of a simplistic ashram stay, where visitors meditate, do yoga, and wash their own dishes! Surrounded by forested hills and the soothing rhythms of the river, it’s an ideal spot for travellers seeking silence and reflection. Even a short visit allows you to experience the quieter rhythm of ashram life. The place also offers comprehensive programs, such as 7-day retreats.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Phool Chatti Yoga Ashram (@phoolchattiashram)

2. Patna Waterfall

A short trek from the main road leads to Patna Waterfall, a seasonal beauty hidden within the dense greenery of Uttarakhand. The trail itself is part of the experience, passing through shaded forest paths and rocky terrain. Visit after the monsoon to see the waterfall at its most vibrant.

Patna waterfall is known for its limestone caves, refreshing natural pool, and peaceful forest setting (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

3. Neer Garh Waterfall (Second Tier)

While Neer Garh’s lower pools attract a large crowd, the upper tier is relatively unexplored and peaceful. As the travellers keep hiking to upper levels, the water gets clearer, the number of people is fewer, and the views of the surrounding hills are uninterrupted. However, as the altitude increases, the trail becomes narrower, making it more suitable for young travellers.

4. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) – Inner Trails

Most visitors stick to the main structures of the Beatles Ashram, unaware that the quieter inner trails have plenty of abandoned meditation cells, forest clearings, and art-covered ruins slowly being reclaimed by nature. If you are someone who loves to explore beyond conventional itineraries and the same old selfie points, explore deeper inside the trails of this beautiful ashram.

The Beatles studied transcendental meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the Beatles Ashram in 1968 (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

5. Kunjapuri Forest Trails

Away from the popular sunrise viewpoint, the forest trails near Kunjapuri offer immersive walks through oak and rhododendron forests. These paths are ideal for mindful hikes, birdwatching, and soaking in panoramic views without the crowds.

6. Vashishta Gufa

Located about 25 km from Rishikesh, Vashishta Gufa is an ancient cave ashram perched beside the Ganga. With minimal footfall and a deeply meditative atmosphere, it’s a place where silence feels natural. The river here flows more slowly, mirroring the unhurried pace of the space.