Kunjapuri Devi temple sits on a hilltop above Rishikesh. On a clear morning you watch the sun rise over the Ganga valley with the snow peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya on the horizon.
Getting there
The temple is roughly 25 km from Rishikesh by a winding hill road, about an hour by car. To be there for sunrise, leave Tapovan about 1.5 hours before sunrise; we can book a cab the evening before.
The climb
From the car park it’s a climb of a few hundred steps to the temple. Go slowly in the dark and carry a torch.
What you’ll see
On clear days, especially October to February, the view stretches to the high Himalayan peaks. In the monsoon the valley is often full of cloud, which can be beautiful in its own way.
Tips
- It’s cold before dawn, even in spring: bring a jacket.
- Tea stalls open early near the top.
- Combine it with Neelkanth Mahadev or a slow breakfast back at the hotel.
More ideas: three days in Rishikesh.
Frequently asked
How far is Kunjapuri from Rishikesh?
Roughly 25 km, about an hour by car on a hill road.
When is the best time for the Kunjapuri sunrise?
October to February usually gives the clearest views of the Himalayan peaks.
