Shivpuri – Famous Camping and Rafting Destination

Situated amidst the lush green valleys, serene ambiance, and pure atmosphere of Uttarakhand, Shivpuri is delightful. It’s placed at a distance of 16 km from Rishikesh at the bank of River Gange. Shivpuri is one of Uttarakhand’s popular adventure tourist places, known for river rafting, camping, and other adventure activities. This town is named Shivpuri by the name of Lord Shiva temple, located near the bank of river Ganga. This mythological temple is also pointed in the “Mahabharat.” Local people believed a lot in this temple. Devotees arrive here for Pooja, Darshan, Jal Abhishek during the month of Sawan.

Shivpuri is no less than a paradise for tourists. It also offers a treasure trove of peace to peace-loving people with adventure lovers. River Rafting, Camping, Trekking, Hiking, Bungee Jumping, Zip Line, Reverse Bungee, Rappelling, Rock Climbing, Cliff Jumping, Kayaking, Mountain Bicycling, Yoga, Meditation activities are the main charm of Shivpuri, Which attracts many tourists worldwide.

It is very thrilling and memorizing to enjoy river rafting in the open sky, the gleaming sunshine, and dazzling white water. The high and low rapids that come during river rafting make your heart beat faster and experience this thrilling adventure while facing dangers, and one can be a witness of popular rafting rapids like –  Return to Sender, Roller Coaster, Tee Off, Golf Course, Clubhouse, Initiation, Body Surfing, Double Trouble, and Hilton.

Places to Visit Near Shivpuri

Shivpuri is a well-known tourist place of Uttarakhand offering an array of nearest sightseeing. If someone is planning to visit Shivpuri Rishikesh, don’t forget to point out these must visiting places nearby Shivpuri. All these places are mentioned below.

Parmarth Niketan

Located on the Ganges banks in the Himalayas’ lap, Parmarth Niketan is a yoga ashram. This holy Ashram was established in 1942 by Pujya Swami Sukhdevanandji Maharaj. The Ashram is lush-green and well maintained from inside, besides it also provides all modern facilities with 1000 rooms. Everyone who comes here gets free education in yoga and meditation. The practice of yoga is organized here from four in the morning. The Yoga Guru of the Ashram also arranges special yoga and meditation training programs. They also offer Ayurveda-based services like Panchakarma Kriya and many others.

The evening aarti of Ganga Ji in this ashram is famous worldwide, to see which a large number of devotees gather every year. A massive statue of Lord Shiva is also the main attraction of this ashram, built in the middle of the Ganges. The unique atmosphere that everyone is looking for to learn meditation and yoga is found in the nearby ashram.

Har ki Pauri – Famous Ganga Aarti Place

Har ki Pauri at Haridwar is a famous pilgrimage site. People from all over the world visit here to take a dip in the holy Ganges. It is believed that by this, sins can be washed away and attain salvation. Har Ki Pauri is also famous worldwide for the evening Ganga Aarti, in which a large number of people gather here to participate. If one goes to Haridwar, one can take a bath near Brahmakund in the evening. Evening Ganga Aarti is the most important event of Har ki Pauri. The sound of Bells, Chanting Mantras, and the reflecting lights from the water amazed everybody who participated in that event.

During the Ganga Aarti, devotees participate in the aarti in their way; a hymn is recited, the bell is rung, and the lighting lamps are immersed in the Ganges, which is a sight to behold. The exact time of Ganga Aarti is between 05:30 to 06:30 pm in the morning and between 06:00 and 07:00 Am in the evening. It is believed that this is where the river Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains. People also believe that the footprints of Lord Shri Hari were found on a stone at this place.

Laxman Jhula

Located at a distance of 5 km from Rishikesh, Laxman Jhula is a significant tourist attraction in Rishikesh. It is located on the foothills of the Himalayas. This pool is a part of Garhwal in the state of Uttarakhand. According to Hindu mythology, Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Shri Ram, crossed the river Ganges with the help of jute ropes at this place. For this reason, this bridge was named Laxman Jhula. There is also a temple of Lakshman Ji on the bridge’s western side.

 The 1939 AD newly built Laxman swing was made of solid iron ropes, angles, and sheets. It is situated 70 feet above the flow of the Ganges. One can also enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding from Laxman Jhula.

Rajaji National Park

Rajaji Park is another tourist attraction for those visiting Shivpuri Rishikesh. The Park located in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is a very spectacular protected forest area spread over the plains of the Shivalik mountain range of the Himalayas. The sacred Ganges river flowing through the heart of this national Park flows in an area of ​​about 24 km. This national Park is exceptionally dense in vegetation and a favorable natural habitat for wildlife. Rajaji National Park was declared a Tiger Reserve on 15 April 2015 under Project Tiger of India, and after that, Rajaji National Park is the second Tiger Reserve of Uttarakhand. Rajaji Tiger Reserve has 34 tigers and five cubs according to the tiger census of 2015-16; besides tigers, elephants are a major center of attraction in this tiger reserve.

Large pine trees in these national parks provide other beauty. Apart from pine trees, the vegetation near the river, extensive grasslands, and deciduous forest areas in this national park make a natural habitat for the wildlife living here. Apart from this, Rohini, Amaltas, Shisham, Sal, Palash, Arjun, Kachnar, Bamboo, Semal, Chamor, Ber, Chilla, Bel, Amla, etc., are found in the vegetation here.

In Rajaji National Park, two Entry gates are near Shivpuri, Rishikesh. Motichur Gate and Chill Gate. All enter permits can be booked online or from the entry gate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tourists can go inside the park in Morning and Evening timing. Registered open gypsy can be required to go inside the safari zones.

Chandi Devi Temple

Located in the Neel Parvat of Shivalik hills, Chandi Devi Temple is another major attraction of Shivpuri Rishikesh. The famous Temple is situated on the mountain, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of Hinduism, and is an ancient temple. This Temple is very famous among devotees. Devotees from far and wide come to the Temple of Maa Chandi Devi with their wishes. Situated amidst mountains and forests, this Temple is friendly to nature, due to which people also come here to enjoy the environment here.

Chandi Devi Temple was established in 1929 AD by King Suchet of Kashmir. But with this temple, it is also believed that Adi Acharya of 8th-century Hindu religion ‘Shankaracharya‘ had installed the idol of Mother Chandi Devi at this place.

Chandi Devi Temple is situated about 9500 feet above the ground. Whose walking distance is about 3 km, which takes about 1 hour. Chandi Devi Temple opens from 5 am to 8 pm. And here there is aarti twice in the morning and evening. After reaching the top of the temple complex, you can also see the fantastic view of the entire Haridwar and Maa Gange from there, which is very beautiful.

Patna Waterfall

Located around 7 km from Laxman Jhula near the Rishikesh, Patna waterfall is a fantastic attraction to explore here. Surrounded by greenery on all sides and the view of the waterfall flowing from the stream of milk in the middle is worth seeing. When tourists reach here while trekking, the stream falling from this natural waterfall spreads like a drop of dew in the air and refreshes the mind and body soul.

Neer Garh Waterfall

Neer Garh Waterfall is a stream of Ganges emanating from the lap of nature amidst lush green forests. After seeing which one feels fresh and like staying there for a few moments. To reach this waterfall, you will have to do jungle trekking of about 1 km, which will pass through the lush green terrains.

Garud Chatti Waterfall

Situated at around 5 km from Laxman Jhula, Garud Chatti waterfall is a magnificent attraction of Rishikesh. The waterfall falls down the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. This place is one of the perfect sightseeing for people who love trekking.

Vashistha Cave Temple

Vashistha Cave, located around 25 km from Rishikesh, is peaceful and holy. This cave belongs to the great sage Vashishta, one of the Saptarishis. Vashishtha Rishi was the Manas son of Lord Brahma and was the Guru of Lord Rama. It is believed that sage Vashishta used to do penance here. Considered to be a quiet place, it is excellent for yoga and meditation.

Near the cave is the Vashisht Ashram, which allures the tourists with its beauty and calm environment. This cave is located at a short distance from the banks of the river Ganges, where tourists can also enjoy bathing in the Ganges. Presently the Vashistha cave is maintained by Swami Purushottamananda Trust.

Things to do in Shivpuri

If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy lots of adventure and fun, your favorite place should be Shivpuri Rishikesh. This beautiful adventure place is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, very near to the metro cities Delhi, Noida, Dehradun, and Chandigarh. So don’t think much now; pack your bags and go out to your dream destination. Given below is a list of adventure activities to be done in Shivpuri.

River Rafting

River rafting is one of the most adventurous, thrilling activities in Rishikesh. It is done by sitting on a rubber boat called a raft. It is fun to face dangerous rapids with rising waves while river rafting. If someone wants to remove the fear inside him, then definitely do this activity. If anyone is visiting Rishikesh and wants to try something new, put river rafting on their bucket list of things to do in Shivpuri Rishikesh.

Famous Rafting Stretches from Shivpuri are

Marine Drive to Shivpuri 10Kms – It includes 6 Rapids including Body Surfing. It’s cost around INR 600/- Per person

Shivpuri to Rishikesh 16 Kms – It’s a hilarious rafting stretch. You can get 3+ grade rapids in this route. 10 Rapids come in the way, including body surfing and Cliff Jumping. Its charges are 800/- per person.

Brahmpuri to Rishikesh 8 Kms – This rafting distance is suitable for Kids. Total 4 rapids can hit your boat in this session. Its charges are 500/- per person.

Camping in Shivpuri

Everyone loves to spend quality time in a peaceful environment amidst the beautiful Mountain backdrop verdant surroundings. Camping in Shivpuri gives you a chance to fulfill your dream where you get the right amalgam of vintage and modern-day facilities in the form of campsites. In the camp, you will get a pleasant atmosphere and facilities like food, accommodation, indoor games, etc. Spending time in the pure atmosphere of the center refreshes the mind and body.

Famous Camping Places in Shivpuri : 

Camp Majestic, Wonders Camp, Hua Resort, Camp Stay Inn, Adventure Paradise, Paddler Zone, Camp Inn, Nature Vault are the most famous camps in Shivpuri Rishikesh.

Trekking

Near Shivpuri, you can get magnificent trekking routes. The trekking trail passes through beautiful forests, which offer lush green views of breathtaking valleys, lush green landscape, and natural waterfalls. Trekking in Rishikesh provides an opportunity for those exhausted from daily life and want to explore nature.

Famous trekking trails near Shivpuri : 

Kunjapuri Temple Trek, Neelkanth Temple Trek, Neer Waterfall Trek, Dashrath Ka Danda Trek, Malakhunti to Shivpuri Trek, Shivpuri to Bawani Trek, Shivpuri to Timli village Trek many others

Cliff Jump

Cliff jump is a part of the Rishikesh adventure activity. Under this action, a person has to jump from a high cliff into the Ganges river. After doing this action, all the fear inside gets removed. Do not forget that it is mandatory to wear a lifejacket while doing this activity to avoid the danger of drowning. The most famous place for cliff jumping is Brahmpuri.

Rock Climbing / Rappelling

Rock Climbing is one of the famous adventures of Rishikesh. Must do this adventure activity to check your physical ability and balance. Under climbing, the climbers are tied to one end of the rope, and the other connected to the rock, and you have to climb up. In contrast, you are making balance with the rope’s help and then descending like this. Shivpuri has many small and extensive mountain ranges, due to which this place is perfect for rock climbing.

Kayaking

Kayaking is another popular activity of Rishikesh. There is a particular type of boat for this activity called Kayak. Keeping the balance in the Kayak, it has to be flown in the river. Initially, it would be best if you learned kayaking from an expert trainer, then later, you can drive yourself. This is an enjoyable activity.

Best Time to Visit Shivpuri

Summer (March-May): The time of March to June is summertime break, due to which there is severe heat here at this time. The weather is fine here to go in the mid of April, but when the heat increases. Then the temperature goes above 40 degrees Celsius, which is not conducive to roaming here.

Monsoon (June – September): The monsoon season is from July-October, which brings a lot of humidity with heavy rainfall. It’s a great time to explore the greenery around some beautiful waterfalls. The monsoon stretch is prone to landslides and roadblocks during heavy rain. So it is wise to avoid traveling here at this time.

Winter (October – February): The winter season lasts from October – February. When it starts with mild winter and turns into a severe cold by the coming of February, you should carry some woolen clothes during this. The temperature drops to 20 to 4 °C. The weather becomes delightful. It’s the perfect time to visit Shivpuri.

How to Reach

By Road

Rishikesh is well connected with all the major cities of the Country. One can go by bus or hire a taxi to reach Rishikesh.

By Train

Rishikesh is the nearest railway head for Shivpuri, around 16 kilometers from there. All the major cities are well connected with this railway station. You can hire a cab or go by bus from Rishikesh to reach the destination.

By Air

Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, 34 kilometers away from Rishikesh. After reaching Dehradun one can take a taxi and bus from the airport.