Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Rishikesh: Distance, Route and Timings

Facts checked November 2026.

Families doing a Haridwar–Rishikesh yatra, or finishing a Char Dham or Kedarnath yatra, often keep half a day for this darshan in the forest. This guide explains the legend, the road and foot routes, timings, the Kanwar season, and how to plan with elders.

This page is part of our 10 Famous Temples in Haridwar guide. Planning the yatra? See our North India yatra packages.

What is the story of Neelkanth Mahadev?

During the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean by the devas and asuras, a deadly poison (halahal) came up before the amrit. To save the worlds, Lord Shiva drank it and held it in his throat, which turned blue. This gave him the name Neelkanth, “the blue-throated one”. The Pauri district administration describes the temple as connected to this event.

The temple sits among three valleys, Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot and Manikoot, at the meeting point of the Madhumati and Pankaja streams, according to the district’s tourism page.

How far is Neelkanth Mahadev from Rishikesh and how do you reach it?

There are two road routes and one traditional footpath. The distances below are from the Pauri district website.

By rail and air: Incredible India lists Rishikesh railway station as the nearest station and Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, as the nearest airport. From either, take a taxi to Rishikesh and then to the temple.

The road climbs through forest with many bends. Leave Rishikesh in the morning, and plan to be back before dark. If you are staying on the Tapovan side, check which Ganga bridges are open; our Rishikesh temples guide explains the crossings.

What are Neelkanth Mahadev temple timings?

The temple does not publish official darshan or aarti timings online, and hours can change during Shravan and on Mahashivratri, when the administration manages crowds. Plan your darshan in daylight, start early, and confirm the day’s timing with your hotel or driver in Rishikesh before leaving.

When is the Kanwar yatra rush at Neelkanth?

In the month of Shravan (Sawan, usually July–August), large numbers of Kanwariyas come to offer holy water (jalabhishek) to Neelkanth Mahadev. ANI photo reports published by Republic in July 2026 showed devotees walking from Rishikesh via Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula and the Ganga banks, some doing full prostrations along the way. Check for traffic diversions around Rishikesh before you set out in this season, and expect a packed road and footpath.

Can you walk to Neelkanth Mahadev?

Yes. The district website mentions a trekkable path of about 12 km through dense forest. Start early, carry water and a torch, wear good walking shoes, and walk in a group. The forest is wild country, so do not walk it after dark.

Where can you stay near Neelkanth?

The Pauri district website mentions accommodation at the Irrigation and Forest rest houses near the temple. Most yatris stay in Rishikesh or Haridwar and visit Neelkanth as a half-day or day outing, which keeps the plan simple.

Is Neelkanth Mahadev suitable for senior citizens?

By road, yes. The jeep or car journey of about 22 to 32 km is winding, so give motion-sickness tablets to those who need them, and travel on a weekday outside Shravan. Expect some walking from the parking to the temple, and queues on busy days. The 12 km footpath is not suitable for elders.

What can you combine with Neelkanth darshan?

• Rishikesh: Triveni Ghat aarti, Bharat Mandir, Parmarth Niketan and Kunjapuri; see our Rishikesh temples guide.
• Haridwar: Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi; see our Haridwar temples guide.
• After Kedarnath or Char Dham: many yatris end with Neelkanth on the way down; read Kedarnath yatra from Rishikesh.

Our Haridwar–Rishikesh Ganga darshan yatra can add Neelkanth on Day 3 at extra cost, and road Char Dham yatras from Haridwar can add it on the first or last day. Call or WhatsApp +91 78178 98687 to plan.

Related guides: Also read the Kunjapuri Devi temple guide.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Neelkanth Mahadev from Rishikesh?

About 32 km by road via the Barrage, or about 22 km via Ram Jhula and Swargashram, according to the Pauri district website. A forest footpath of about 12 km also leads to the temple.

How far is Neelkanth Mahadev from Haridwar?

Go to Rishikesh first, then add the 22 to 32 km to the temple. Most families do it as a day outing from Haridwar.

What is the height of Neelkanth Mahadev temple?

The Pauri district website gives the height as about 926 metres.

Why is it called Neelkanth Mahadev?

Because Lord Shiva held the halahal poison from the Samudra Manthan in his throat, which turned blue (neel). The temple is linked with this event.

What are the Neelkanth temple timings?

Official timings are not published online, and they can change during Shravan and Mahashivratri. Go in daylight and confirm the day’s timing locally before leaving Rishikesh.

Can we trek to Neelkanth Mahadev?

Yes, there is a forest path of about 12 km. Walk in a group, start early, and finish before dark.

When is the best time to visit Neelkanth Mahadev?

For a calm family darshan, a weekday between October and March. Shravan (Kanwar season) and Mahashivratri bring very heavy crowds.

Planning where to base yourself for Neelkanth? Read this guide on where to stay in Rishikesh.