Rishikesh Falls 2

Rishikesh Falls 2, the splashy twin perched a kilometre north of Laxman Jhula, is a decent stop if you’ve already bled out the main attractions – the Ganga Aarti at Triveni, the white‑water at Shivpuri, a yoga class at the ashram. The cascade drops roughly 80 m into a turquoise plunge pool that is surprisingly tranquil before the tourist rush arrives; aim for the 10:45–11:15 window when the water is warm enough for a quick dip but the crowds are still thin. The best perch is the low stone wall on the east bank near the wooden footbridge – it offers a clear view of the fall’s centre and a safe place to dry off, but beware of stray monkeys that have learned to pilfer sunglasses. Pack a fresh banana, a bottle of filtered water and a change of clothes; the pool is shallow enough to stand but the current can be deceptive, so a brief splash is all you’ll need. Skip the souvenir stalls that pop up after 12 pm – they sell generic wooden figurines at inflated prices and block the only decent photo angle. Stay the night in the modest guesthouse on Rajpur Road; it’s within easy walking distance and lets you nap before the evening crowd returns for the sunset mist that turns the falls a muted lavender.

• Go early; crowds peak by 11am
• Local guides charge ₹500 — worth it for the stories