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Neer Garh Waterfalls

Jonk, India

3.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

1.53 miles

Elevation Gain

919 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Christian Murillo

Rishikesh might be known for being the yoga capital of the world, but a hike to the nearby Neer Garh Waterfalls offers a display of the real peacefulness of the region. 

About a mile and a half NE from the Laxman Julla Bridge in Rishikesh lies one of the best natural escapes around.  A series of three stunning waterfalls make up the Neer Garh falls.  Although Rishikesh is a city that is driven by a booming tourist economy, you will find that these waterfalls are more of a "off the beaten path" type of spot, where mostly locals go to take a dip in the cool pools beneath the falls.

You can get to the Neer Garh waterfalls by either walking, driving, or taking a taxi up to the first waterfall.  From the Topovan area of Rishikesh, you will travel along 7 highway (or Karprayag-Haridwar Rd.) for about a mile until you see signs for Neergarh Waterfall Rd. on the left.  You will follow the steep mountain road up to a parking lot just below the first waterfall.  Here, you can pay the small entrance fee of 30 Rs. (~$0.50).  

Once you are by the stream, there is a small pool at the bottom that you can dip your feet in or even sit at a table in and drink some chai.  From here you will follow the stairs up the mountain and along the stream to cross the first bridge.  The trail keeps going up and gets gradually steeper, but when you see the two lower tiers of waterfalls from the trail, you can veer off of the trail to get a closer look and also a more intimate photographic opportunity.  

Keep on climbing up the trail, resting on the many benches as needed.  Soon you will find the second bridge and the main Neer Garh Waterfall.  This is the tallest of the three falls, standing at roughly 25 feet.  This waterfall also feeds into the largest swimming hole and even a concrete platform to get in from.  The water here is pretty chilly year-round, but definitely refreshing.  

If you go to the waterfalls before about 9am or after 5pm, you will likely find yourself to be one of the only people enjoying these falls.  This can be one of the most relaxing experiences to be had in all of Rishikesh, despite the insane amounts of yoga that goes down in the city.  Sitting next to the rushing water after a chilly swim with a hot cup of chai in hand was by far the most peaceful thing I was able to do in my time in India.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Family Friendly
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Neer Garh Waterfalls Reviews

This was a fairly easy and fun hike. The trail is well-paved, has a gradual incline, which becomes steeper as you go, and leads to several waterfalls and natural pools. I highly recommend you wear water-friendly clothing and jump in. The locals are kind, the pools aren’t too crowded and there are plenty of vendors selling delicious, fresh masala chai tea to warm up after.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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