Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Main God
Lord Shiva
Timings
6:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
Rishikesh
Type
MAJOR
Take a shared jeep or taxi from Rishikesh (32 km, 1.5 hours). The winding mountain road passes through the Rajaji National Park area with dense forests. Some pilgrims trek the route as a spiritual journey.
From the parking area, walk approximately 2 km uphill through a forested path to the temple. Small shops selling offerings and refreshments line the path.
Enter the colorful temple with its distinctive blue facade representing Shiva's blue throat. The main shrine is partially in a natural rock cave where the Shiva Lingam is bathed continuously by a natural water drip. Pour milk or Ganga water over the Lingam as an offering.
Visit the natural waterfall near the temple. Many pilgrims take a dip in the cold stream below the waterfall before or after darshan. The forest setting adds to the temple's mystical atmosphere.
Neelkanth, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 249137
By Bus
Shared jeeps from Rishikesh (Ram Jhula or Lakshman Jhula) to Neelkanth. Road is narrow and winding (32 km, 1.5 hours).
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (60 km).
By Rail
Rishikesh Railway Station (32 km) or Haridwar Junction (56 km).
Local Transport
Shared jeeps and taxis from Rishikesh. During peak season, shared tempo services operate. The last 2 km is a steep walk from the parking area to the temple.
