Garud Chatti Waterfall Rishikesh is a multi-tiered waterfall in the Rajaji Forest above the banks of the Ganges River– here’s how to visit.
Looking for a multi-tiered waterfall in Rishikesh that is a little off-the-beaten path? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this quick guide to visiting Garud Chatti Waterfall from the Laxman Jula Bridge in Rishikesh.
You can expect a short, yet scenic hike that leads to several waterfall tiers, each of which makes an excellent spot to swim and cool off. In this guide, help you hike and find the two waterfall tiers on the trail.
How to Get to Garud Chatti Waterfall Rishikesh
Garud Chatti Waterfall is located near Neelkanth Bridge in the forest on the southern banks of the Ganges River. You'll find the trailhead to Garud Chatti Falls just opposite the Garud Chatti Temple, which the waterfall gets its name from.
Getting to Garud Chatti Waterfall from Rishikesh involves an approximately 3.5 km, or 45-minute walk from the Laxman Jhula bridge in Tapovan. It's also possible to rent a motorbike in Tapovan from many of the shops or pay a rickshaw driver to take you to the Garud Chatti Temple.
The trailhead is a little conspicuous at first, but there are usually some stalls nearby as well as a small sign pointing the way to the waterfall. Just continue past the temple to the next bend, where you'll see the trailhead clearly.
Garud Chatti Waterfall Hike
- Hike Distance: 1.5 km
- Duration: 2 hours return with time at the waterfalls
- Difficulty: Easy
The track leading to Garud Chatti Waterfall is quite easy to navigate but a little steep in sections. My advice is just to follow the well-worn track leading to the waterfalls. It takes approximately 25-30 minutes to reach the main waterfall tier and only about 5-10 minutes upstream to the other tiers.
While it's very difficult to get lost, I've pinned the exact GPS locations of the two main tiers that I visited during my trip to Garud Chatti Waterfall from Rishikesh below.
I've also been told that wild elephants inhabit the forests around Rishikesh. I'm not sure how true this is, or if so, how often the elephants would cross these tracks. However, it's probably a safe bet to keep an eye out just in case.
My Experience at Garud Chatti Waterfall
Hiking to Garud Chatti Waterfall from Rishikesh was a great way to spend a day exploring the surrounding forests. Below I've written a little bit about what to expect at the two main waterfalls and the nearby limestone caves.
It's possible to continue hiking past the second tier to a total of 7 different waterfalls along the track. Although, the upper waterfalls are much less impressive. If you're enjoying the hike and want to continue, I'd recommend it. However, don't expect any better waterfalls upstream.
Tier 1: Lower Falls
Location: 30°07'21.9"N 78°21'09.4"E
The main waterfall tier at Garud Chatti Waterfall is a plunging waterfall tucked around a bend in the limestone cliff. There is a shallow, waist-deep freshwater pool here which is great for a quick dip.
This waterfall is approximately 6-7 m tall, with a solid turret stream bouncing out from the middle of the fall as the flow makes its way around the bend.
This tier for Garud Chatti Waterfall is usually the most visited, so if it's too crowded, I'd recommend continuing on the worn track to the left to the upper tiers.
Garud Chatti Limestone Caves
GPS Coordinates: 30°07'21.9"N 78°21'07.8"E
Just above the first waterfall is a section of wide, limestone caves that you can explore. These caves aren't exactly deep, but a nice pitstop to the hike nonetheless. There are some nice geological features here that make for fun photos as well. I didn't see any bats in the cave.
Tier 2: Upper Tier With Pool
GPS Coordinates: 30°07'21.8"N 78°21'06.8"E
The second level of Garud Chatti Waterfall is in my opinion, the best. I say this because it's usually secluded and gets more sunlight in the afternoon.
Although this tier is smaller than the main waterfall, it still has a similarly deep swimming hole at its base - perfect for a quick swim and a relaxing stop. We spent most of our time here and we had it all to ourselves for the most part. The pool was very refreshing and perfect for a quick dip!
Where to Stay in Rishikesh
After spending a few weeks relaxing and adventuring in Rishikesh, I ended up staying at a few different hotels and hostels. The main thing to look for in Rishikesh is the location.
Many backpackers including myself recommend staying in the Tapovan area. There are so many things to do in Tapovan since this is the main tourist area in Rishikesh. It doesn't matter too much whether you stay on the south side, or the north side, as everything is within walking distance.
- My favorite hostel in Rishikesh: Live Free Hostel - After checking out a few hostels, Live Free definitely had the best vibe. Complete with a courtyard and comfortable rooms, there is also a big downstairs hangout area where they have group cooking activities, rooftop yoga, and movie nights.
- Best budget private room: Hotel Yog - If you'd prefer to relax by yourself or as a couple, the Hotel Yog is one of the best budget hotels in the Tapovan area. Rooms are considered budget but are a little more expensive than the nearby hostels. However, at only around $20 a night for spacious rooms with mountain views, a continental breakfast and a rooftop terrace, you really can't go wrong.
- Best-rated yoga resort: Rudram Hotel Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat - Looking to do a whole bunch of yoga in Rishikesh but still want to stay within the Tapovan area? This place offers yoga courses and free yoga sessions by the Ganges. The rooms are super comfortable and come with AC and mountain views.
Enjoy this guide? Check out some links below for some more waterfall guides and helpful travel guides.
- Epic 1-month India Itinerary - the ultimate India travel itinerary covering the best places to go and things to see.
- Taj Mahal View Locations - best spots to see & photograph the Taj Mahal.
- Things to do in Rishikesh - explore the adventure & yoga capital of India in this travel guide.
- Training & HMI Darjeeling - my experience completing my Basic Mountaineering Course in Darjeeling.
- India Packing List - everything you need to bring on a trip to India (and what you should leave at home)
