Neer Garh Waterfall is a multi-tiered limestone waterfall near Rishikesh, flowing down the Uttarakhand foothills and into the Ganges River– here’s how to find it.
Rishikesh might be better known as the world’s Yoga capital. However, being positioned beside the holy Ganges River and underneath the foothills of the Himalayas means that there are also epic waterfalls to be found.
In this quick guide, I’ll explain how to get to Neer Garh Waterfall from Rishikesh (Neergarh). I’ve also included a short section on what to expect and some pictures for finding the best waterfall tier.
Where is Neer Garh Waterfall?
The Neer Garh Waterfall is located approximately 4 km or 40-minute walk from the Laxman Jhula Bridge in the main Tapovan Area of Rishikesh.
I've pinned the exact location below to make it easy to navigate, but basically, you will need to follow Highway 7 (Karprayag-Haridwar Rd) east until you see signs for Neer Garh Waterfall.
Of course, you could rent a motorbike or scooter to make for a quicker trip to Neer Garh Waterfall from Rishikesh. However, the walk along the highway has adequate room for safe foot traffic and is quite scenic as it follows and climbs the steep banks of the Ganges.
Make sure to keep an eye out for a steep winding road that diverts left from the highway. This is Neergarh Waterfall Road and is just opposite the Neer Buddha Hotel.
Walk up this steep road until you reach a ticket stand where you will need to pay the entry fee. From here, continue walking up the road, with the option of a few shortcut trails through the forest until you reach the waterfalls.
Tip: You can rent a scooter or small motorbike in Rishikesh for around 500 rupees for the day. This is how we explored the area and I highly recommend it if you are confident on a bike.
Entrance Ticket Price
The cost to get to Neer Garh falls is 50 Rupees for foreigners and 30 Rupees for locals. There is a ticket desk on Neergarh Waterfall Road just before entry to the walking track.
Hiking to the Neer Garh Waterfall Tiers
Neer Garh Waterfall is made up of several tiers as the flow cascades down the mountain slopes. There is a walking track to each tier, which is a combination of dirt, concrete, and, small foot bridges.
Neer Garh waterfall hike takes approximately 20-30 minutes from the ticket stand to the upper level of the falls. However, you can probably expect to spend at least a few hours relaxing and swimming at the falls. Overall, the hike is not too steep and fairly easy. There were more than a few older ladies walking up to the upper levels when I visited.
There are also a few cafes and restaurants that have been built up around the waterfalls. Personally, I prefer more secluded and natural waterfalls, therefore I'll recommend my favorite tier below, which is somewhat hidden from view.
Most Secluded Waterfall Tier
Many people tend to skip this level of Neer Garh Falls, heading straight for the concrete track leading to the upper tiers. If you'd prefer a more secluded waterfall away from cafes and crowds, I'd recommend stopping by the lower level.
You'll find this just out of sight, below the top bend of Neer Garh Road, near the waterfall car park (GPS coordinates below).
This level has a few smaller tiers and shallow, turquoise swimming holes. This section of the waterfall is quite steep but makes for an amazing view as you bask in the fresh Himalayan waters as you look out over the mountainscape ahead.
GPS Coordinates: 30°08'39.9"N 78°20'24.6"E
Upper Neer Garh Falls
Here are some photos of the main, upper levels of the Neer Garh Waterfalls. Notice that these levels are typically much more crowded and the banks of the pools are built up with concrete blocks to maintain swimming depth.
Keep Hiking to the Shiva Temple
Once you reach the tallest tier of Neer Garh Falls, there is an option to continue hiking up the dirt track. This track follows the stream to the hills above Neer Garh, passing a small structure devoted to Lord Shiva on the way.
This track leads to a secluded yoga retreat named Uddibaba, which is a quaint and scenic off-the-beaten-path camp nestled between the green hills above Rishikesh.
This same track leads all the way up to the small communities of Dangoo. We decided to follow the stream track to the hill just above the yoga retreat. From here, we were rewarded with great views of the distant mountains and the valleys below.
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.
For more waterfalls and ideas for things to do in Rishikesh, take a pick from the list below.
- 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)
saurabh
Friday 5th of April 2024
its very great and awesome to chill adn realxing water fall in rishikesh..