Patna Waterfall
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · nature walk
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Patna Waterfall is a modest but genuinely lovely cascade — roughly 40 feet (about 12 metres) — that tumbles over weathered limestone in the wooded foothills above Patna village, on the eastern bank of the Ganga between Rishikesh and the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It takes its name from the small hamlet at the trailhead and sits about 6.5 km from Laxman Jhula and roughly 3 km beyond Garud Chatti along the winding Neelkanth road. What sets it apart from Rishikesh's better-known Neer Garh (Neergaddu) falls is its geology: the water has, over centuries, carved shallow limestone caves and hanging rock ledges around the plunge, so the setting feels more secluded and cavern-like than a simple open cascade.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Garud Chatti tea stalls (on the Neelkanth road, ~3 km before the trailhead) – simple pure-vegetarian chai, Maggi and snacks; timings informal, so confirm on the day.
- ✦Pure-vegetarian cafés around Tapovan / Laxman Jhula – widely reported satvik thalis, parathas, poha and South Indian breakfasts; Rishikesh is an alcohol-free, vegetarian town, so these are dependable stops before or after the trek.
- ✦Roadside dhabas toward Neelkanth – basic vegetarian rajma-chawal, dal and paratha for pilgrims heading to the temple; standards vary, so pick a busy, clean-looking counter.
- ✦Little Buddha Café / German Bakery-style vegetarian cafés in Laxman Jhula (reported pure-veg) – good for post-trek coffee and light vegetarian meals; verify the current menu locally.
About
Patna Waterfall is a modest but genuinely lovely cascade — roughly 40 feet (about 12 metres) — that tumbles over weathered limestone in the wooded foothills above Patna village, on the eastern bank of the Ganga between Rishikesh and the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
- It takes its name from the small hamlet at the trailhead and sits about 6.5 km from Laxman Jhula and roughly 3 km beyond Garud Chatti along the winding Neelkanth road.
- What sets it apart from Rishikesh's better-known Neer Garh (Neergaddu) falls is its geology: the water has, over centuries, carved shallow limestone caves and hanging rock ledges around the plunge, so the setting feels more secluded and cavern-like than a simple open cascade.
- Reaching it is part of the appeal.
- From the roadside near Patna village a marked forest path climbs gently through mixed sal and shrub — a 20–30 minute walk of roughly 1 km into the fringe of the Rajaji National Park landscape.
- The trail is uneven in places, with rock steps, tree roots and a stream crossing or two, so sturdy shoes with grip matter, especially when the stone is wet.
- Because the falls are rain-fed rather than glacier-fed, the flow varies enormously with the season: during and just after the monsoon (roughly July to September) the water is full, loud and framed by lush green, while by late winter and the dry pre-monsoon months it can thin to a trickle.
- Local guides sometimes advise against the trek at the height of very heavy rain, when the path turns slippery and the stream swells.
- The waterfall is a natural site with no formal ticket counter in the conventional sense, though villagers or forest staff occasionally collect a small nominal maintenance or parking charge at the trailhead — carry a little cash and confirm on the spot.
- There are no reliable eateries at the falls themselves, so it is best treated as a half-morning outing combined with the drive up toward Neelkanth or a stop on the way back to Tapovan and Laxman Jhula.
- Rishikesh is a holy, strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free town, and that character extends to the whole Neelkanth road: the tea stalls at Garud Chatti and the many pure-vegetarian cafés and dhabas around Tapovan and Laxman Jhula serve satvik thalis, parathas, poha, Maggi and chai, so you are never far from a wholesome vegetarian meal.
- Pack water, avoid single-use plastic in this forest-edge zone, and go early to enjoy the pools and cave ledges in quiet.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Above Patna village, ~3 km beyond Garud Chatti on the Neelkanth Temple road, Rajaji forest foothills, east bank of the Ganga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249302
How to Reach: From Laxman Jhula (~6.5 km) or Tapovan, take the Neelkanth Temple road along the Ganga's east bank; the trailhead is near Patna village, about 3 km past Garud Chatti. Shared jeeps and autos run up the Neelkanth road, or hire a taxi/two-wheeler from Tapovan (25–35 min drive), then walk the marked forest path ~1 km (20–30 min) to the falls. From Rishikesh Railway Station it is around 13 km. Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~20 km).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reach Patna Waterfall from Rishikesh?
Head to Laxman Jhula, then follow the Neelkanth Temple road along the east bank of the Ganga. The trailhead is near Patna village, about 3 km beyond Garud Chatti and roughly 6.5 km from Laxman Jhula. Take a shared jeep, auto or taxi up the Neelkanth road (25–35 minutes from Tapovan), then walk the marked forest path about 1 km — a 20–30 minute trek — to the falls. It is around 13 km from Rishikesh Railway Station and about 20 km from Jolly Grant Airport.
Is there an entry fee for Patna Waterfall?
There is no formal ticket counter at the falls. Villagers or forest staff at the trailhead sometimes collect a small nominal maintenance or parking charge, so carry a little cash and confirm on the spot. Treat any figure you see online as approximate and verify locally.
What is the best time to visit Patna Waterfall?
The monsoon and just after — roughly July to early October — is when the ~40 ft cascade is fullest and the forest is greenest. September to November gives a good balance of decent water flow with safer, less-slippery trails. In the dry pre-monsoon months the flow can thin to a trickle, so it is far less impressive then. Always go in daylight and avoid the trek during very heavy rain, when the path and stream crossings turn hazardous.
How long is the trek to Patna Waterfall and how difficult is it?
It is a short trek of about 1 km each way, taking 20–30 minutes uphill through mixed forest on the fringe of the Rajaji landscape. The path has rock steps, tree roots and a stream crossing or two, so it is easy-to-moderate rather than strenuous — but the stone gets slippery when wet. Wear sturdy shoes with grip, carry water, and allow around two hours total for the walk, the falls and the return.
Is Patna Waterfall suitable for families and children?
Yes, reasonably fit families with older children enjoy it, since the walk is short and scenic. However, the trail is uneven and can be slippery near the water and cave ledges, so young children need close supervision and the outing is not suited to strollers or anyone with mobility difficulties. Go early, keep to the marked path, and avoid deep or fast-flowing pools, especially in the monsoon.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Patna Waterfall?
There are no reliable eateries at the falls themselves, so eat before or after on the Neelkanth road. Garud Chatti has simple pure-vegetarian tea and snack stalls, and Tapovan and Laxman Jhula are full of pure-vegetarian cafés and dhabas serving satvik thalis, parathas, poha and South Indian breakfasts. Rishikesh is a holy, strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free town, so wholesome vegetarian food is easy to find — carry your own water for the trek itself.
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