Rishikesh is home to several beautiful waterfalls hidden within the forests surrounding the Ganga valley. Most of these waterfalls can be reached through short trekking trails, making them popular among families, beginners, nature lovers, and photographers looking for a peaceful escape from the busy town.
Located around the Tapovan and Neelkanth Road areas, these waterfalls offer refreshing natural pools, forest walks, and scenic surroundings. While some require only a short walk from the road, others involve moderately steep trekking through rocky forest trails.
Here are some of the most popular waterfalls in and around Rishikesh that can be explored on short treks.
Neer Garh Waterfall is one of the most visited waterfalls near Rishikesh because of its easy accessibility. Located around 3 km from Lakshman Jhula, the trail passes through small bridges, forest streams, and rocky pathways before reaching multiple cascading pools. Visitors often spend time relaxing beside the water or enjoying a refreshing dip during the summer months.
Trek Distance: Around 1 km from the parking area.
Difficulty: Easy.
Best Time: September to March, when the water flow is pleasant and the trail is safer.
Tip: Visit the waterfall just after the monsoon season when the water flow is at its best.Garud Chatti Waterfall is situated on the Neelkanth Mahadev Road, around 5 km from Lakshman Jhula. A short forest trail leads to this relatively less crowded waterfall, making it a good option for visitors looking for a quieter natural spot. During the monsoon and post-monsoon months, the waterfall becomes more impressive due to increased water flow.
Trek Distance: Around 1 km.
Difficulty: Easy.
Phool Chatti Waterfall lies further along the Neelkanth Road and is surrounded by dense vegetation. The trail is shorter but can become slippery during the rainy season, so proper trekking shoes are recommended. The waterfall remains relatively peaceful compared to the more popular Neer Garh Waterfall.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
Patna Waterfall is located near Mohan Chatti and requires a moderately steep forest trek to reach. The waterfall flows through a narrow rocky gorge and is surrounded by thick forest, making it popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors should wear trekking shoes, especially during or immediately after the monsoon season when the trail becomes slippery.
Trek Distance: Around 1.5 km.
Difficulty: Moderate.
The waterfalls remain active throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and trekking conditions are comfortable. During the peak monsoon season, some trails may become slippery, so visitors should exercise extra caution.
