Neer Garh Waterfall
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · nature walk
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry Fee₹30
Neer Garh Waterfall — also spelled Neer Gaddu — is the best-known waterfall near Rishikesh, a tiered cascade tucked into the forested foothills above Tapovan on the Rishikesh–Badrinath Highway. The trailhead lies roughly 3 km beyond Laxman Jhula (about 5 km from the Tapovan and Laxman Jhula bridges, and around 9 km from Rishikesh railway station), where a marked path leaves the highway and climbs gently alongside a Ganga-bound mountain stream. Fed by monsoon and snowmelt runoff draining the ridges above, the water arrives clear and cold, spilling over rock ledges into a sequence of natural pools shaded by sal and pine.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Tapovan traveller cafes (near Laxman Jhula) – Rishikesh is a strictly vegetarian town, so cafes here serve pure-veg thalis, dosas, fruit bowls and herbal teas; a relaxed satvik breakfast before the walk works well. Confirm current opening hours locally.
- ✦Little Buddha Café (Laxman Jhula) – long-running pure-vegetarian riverside cafe with Ganga views; reported popular but can be busy, so timings and menu may vary.
- ✦German Bakery outlets, Tapovan – pure-vegetarian bakery-cafes for coffee, cakes and light meals; several similarly named places exist, so check reviews for the specific outlet.
- ✦Organic satvik cafes and pure-veg kitchens in the Tapovan / Muni-Ki-Reti lanes - wholesome vegetarian bowls, salads and thalis (ask for eggless bakes); Rishikesh is entirely vegetarian, confirm hours locally.
About
Neer Garh Waterfall — also spelled Neer Gaddu — is the best-known waterfall near Rishikesh, a tiered cascade tucked into the forested foothills above Tapovan on the Rishikesh–Badrinath Highway.
- The trailhead lies roughly 3 km beyond Laxman Jhula (about 5 km from the Tapovan and Laxman Jhula bridges, and around 9 km from Rishikesh railway station), where a marked path leaves the highway and climbs gently alongside a Ganga-bound mountain stream.
- Fed by monsoon and snowmelt runoff draining the ridges above, the water arrives clear and cold, spilling over rock ledges into a sequence of natural pools shaded by sal and pine.
- The walk is short and family-friendly rather than a serious trek.
- A first, smaller fall with a shallow pool appears after only about 200 metres from the road — a quick reward for those short on time or energy.
- From there a further climb of roughly 1.2 km, over stepped paths, small wooden footbridges and a few rocky sections, reaches the larger main cascade, which drops in stages into a broad pool where visitors wade and cool off.
- Local operators and signboards typically describe it as a two- to three-tier fall; the exact drama of the flow depends entirely on the season.
- There is a small entry gate on the trail where a nominal fee is collected.
- The waterfall is dramatically different across the year.
- It runs fullest and loudest during and just after the monsoon (July to September), though slippery rocks and the risk of sudden stream surges make swimming unwise then — admire it from the bank.
- October to March offers clearer, gentler water and safe, pleasant pools, and is the most rewarding window for a leisurely visit.
- Go early in the day: the light through the canopy is lovely, the crowds thinner, and the return descent unhurried.
- Wear grippy shoes, carry water, and treat the rocks with respect, as they stay wet and mossy year-round.
- Rishikesh is a holy, strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free town, so the food angle is refreshingly simple — everything you will eat here is vegetarian.
- There is no reliable food at the falls themselves beyond the odd seasonal chai-and-maggi stall, so it is best to eat in Tapovan or Laxman Jhula before or after.
- Tapovan is thick with pure-vegetarian traveller cafes serving thalis, fresh fruit bowls, porridge, dosas and herbal teas, making it easy to pair the walk with a relaxed satvik breakfast or lunch.
- Carry your own water bottle and, importantly, carry your litter back out — the stream feeds the Ganga, and keeping the trail clean is part of visiting respectfully.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Neergarh Waterfall Road, off the Rishikesh–Badrinath Highway (NH-7), above Tapovan near Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249137
How to Reach: The trailhead is on the Rishikesh–Badrinath Highway about 3 km past Laxman Jhula, above Tapovan. From Tapovan or Laxman Jhula, a shared or private auto/taxi reaches the trail gate in 10–15 minutes (around ₹150–300 private one-way; confirm the fare first). Many visitors also walk or scooter up. From the gate it is a short marked climb — about 200 m to the first small fall and roughly a further 1.2 km to the main cascade. There is no railway or metro to the falls; Rishikesh railway station is about 9 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings and entry fee for Neer Garh Waterfall?
Neer Garh Waterfall is reported to be open roughly from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily (daylight hours), with a nominal entry fee of about ₹30 per person collected at a gate on the trail. Fees and hours can change and access may be restricted during heavy monsoon, so it is best to confirm locally before setting out — and go early in the day for the best light and thinner crowds.
How do I reach Neer Garh Waterfall from Laxman Jhula?
The trailhead is on the Rishikesh–Badrinath Highway about 3 km past Laxman Jhula, above Tapovan (roughly 5 km from the bridges). From Tapovan or Laxman Jhula an auto or taxi reaches the trail gate in 10–15 minutes; agree the fare first (around ₹150–300 private one-way). From the gate it is a short marked climb — about 200 m to the first small fall and a further 1.2 km or so to the main cascade.
Is the walk to Neer Garh Waterfall difficult?
No — it is an easy, family-friendly walk rather than a serious trek. A small first fall with a shallow pool appears after only about 200 metres, and the larger main cascade is roughly 1.2 km further along a stepped path with a few wooden footbridges and rocky sections. Wear grippy shoes and carry water; the rocks stay wet and mossy, so take your time on the descent.
Can you swim at Neer Garh Waterfall?
There are natural pools where visitors wade and cool off, and in the calmer months (October to March) the pools are pleasant and relatively safe. During and just after heavy monsoon (July to September), however, the water is fast and the rocks are slippery, with a risk of sudden stream surges — it is wiser to admire the falls from the bank then. Always judge conditions on the day and supervise children closely.
What is the best time of year to visit Neer Garh Waterfall?
October to March offers clear water, safe pools and comfortable weather, making it the most rewarding window. The waterfall runs fullest and most dramatic just after the monsoon (September), but that is also when the rocks are most slippery. Whatever the season, arrive early in the morning for soft light through the canopy and fewer people on the trail.
Is there vegetarian food near Neer Garh Waterfall?
Yes — and it is simple, because Rishikesh is a holy town that is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, so every eatery here is pure-veg. There is little reliable food at the falls beyond an occasional seasonal chai stall, so eat in Tapovan or Laxman Jhula before or after your walk, where traveller cafes serve thalis, dosas, fruit bowls and herbal teas. Carry your own water and take all litter back out, as the stream feeds the Ganga.
Categories