Patna Waterfall Rishikesh is a small limestone waterfall located near the small village of Patna. Here is the complete guide to hiking to Patna Waterfall from Rishikesh.
Looking for a short hike to check out some waterfalls near Rishikesh? Patna waterfall is a great option for those looking to head out from town and explore the serenity of the Rajaji Forest on the banks of the Ganges.
In this guide, I’ll outline how to get to Patna Waterfall from Rishikesh, as well as what you might expect on the hike and at the falls.
Looking for ideas for your trip to India? You might also want to check out this comprehensive India Packing List to find out what you should bring and what you shouldn’t! Also, I’ve written a very comprehensive 1 Month India Itinerary that covers an epic, fast-paced travel route as well as a bunch of information and tips that will prove useful in planning your trip!
How to get to Patna Waterfall Rishikesh
Patna Waterfall is located approximately 5 KM from the Laxman Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh in the quaint neighboring village of Patna.
To get here, you can either rent a motorbike from one of the many shops in the Tapovan area or walk for just over an hour on Neelkanth Temple Road, on the south side of the Ganges River.
The waterfall track is found just off this main road, a bit after Garud Chatti falls. At the trailhead, you’ll also find a few stalls selling snacks and chai. There are no signs indicating the start of the Patna Waterfall hike, but you’ll see it just opposite the “Sidh Bali Temple. Neelkanth temple” as pinned on Google Maps.
There is no fee required to visit Patna Waterfall.
I’ve pinned the exact location of the waterfall on the map below to help you locate it.
More: Essential India Travel Resources
Find Cheap Flights
The best and easiest way to find cheap flights is to use an airfare search engine like Skyscanner. This compares all of the best fares across all airlines.
TIP: If you’re flexible on dates, search for “Whole Month” to see a calendar result with the cheapest days to fly.
Finding the Best Deals on Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels, hotels, guest houses, or resorts, between Booking.com and Agoda, you’ll always get the best deals in India.
TIP: To find the best hostels, I usually compare reviews on Hostelworld, then check other booking sites to further compare prices and deals.
Good Deals on Tours and Transport
You already know that I prefer independent travel. In saying that, sometimes the best and cheapest way to get things done is to just book a tour or package. For India, I always use Klook and Viator.
By far, the cheapest way to get from place to place in India is to take long-distance, overnight buses. A reliable bus network is Redbus.in, which also has a downloadable app. You could also consider BookAway to compare cheap buses and land transport options in India.
Don’t Forget Adventure Travel Insurance
If you’re reading this blog then you’re more likely to be seeking adventures over poolside sips. My two favorite options for adventure travel are SafetyWing and World Nomads. Click here to read the comparison between the two.
Trekking to Patna Waterfall
Once you’ve arrived at the trailhead beside the stalls on Neelkanth Temple Road, you can expect a short but scenic 1.5KM walking track through the Rajaji Forest to Patna Falls.
This track is a little steep but shouldn’t be too difficult at all for most people with a reasonable level of fitness.
After a short climb on a wide, obvious track through the scenic forest, you’ll reach Patna Waterfall, a tall, limestone feature embedded in the jungle.
Tip: Consider this full-day sightseeing tour of Rishikesh for under $35!
What to Expect
The waterfall is quite tall, but offers little in terms of a solid flow. However, the gentle trickle of freshwater down the limestone face makes for quite a scenic spot to relax.
There is a small, shallow pool just below the waterfall where you can enjoy a natural shower on a warm day.
I’ve been told that during the summer months, Patna waterfall can completely dry up. Conversely, during the monsoon season, this waterfall spills over onto the track making access muddy and difficult.
Patna Waterfall is by no means the most impressive waterfall in Rishikesh. However, I still ranked this as one of the best short hikes and trips from Rishikesh.
There are also some small, limestone caves nearby that you can explore.
RELATED: Neer Garh Waterfall Rishikesh
Where to Stay in Rishikesh
After spending a few weeks in Rishikesh relaxing and exploring the nearby hikes and waterfalls, I ended up staying at a few different hostels. The main thing to look out for is location. Many backpackers including myself recommend staying in the Tapovan area, which has the most things going on and is also the main backpacker area. 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 and movie nights. There is also free morning yoga on the rooftop. Beds are also incredibly cheap, at less than $4 a night! However, when I booked, it was cheaper on Booking.com than on Hostelworld for this hostel for some reason.
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.
More Waterfalls and Things to do in Rishikesh
Did you enjoy Patna Waterfall Rishikesh and looking for more quick guides and travel inspiration for hikes and waterfalls nearby? Take your pick from the list below. Otherwise, a good place to start for more ideas in Rishikesh is this guide to the Best Things to do in Rishikesh.
Also, if you have any questions or updates for other travelers, make sure to help out by leaving a comment below!
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2 comments
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