Goa Beach
About
Rishikesh is known for its several tourist attractions, and Goa beach is one of them. Peacefully located on the banks of the River Ganges, this spot mainly attracts youngsters as well as visitors seeking tranquillity. Throughout the day, the site remains lively with people who are clicking pictures, shooting video and praising the beauty of the Ganges. Overall, if you are looking for a quiet and serene place away from the chaos of Rishikesh, visiting Goa Beach is an ideal choice.
Goa Beach Rishikesh Location
Goa Beach in Rishikesh is located close to Laxman Jhula and can be easily accessed. From Laxman Jhula, Goa Beach lies just 1 km away. Surrounded by lush green hills, the beach produces a scenic view of the surrounding landscape. Sitting on the shore, enjoying the cool breeze and watching the sunset is truly a majestic experience. Although the beach is not very wide, it has everything that you are looking for. For safety reasons, bathing is not allowed here; however, you can still offer prayers to Goddess Ganga from a distance.
Goa Beach Timings
The Goa beach doesn't have any specific timings. However, it is advisable to visit during the daytime, as the beach is located close to a jungle area. During summer, visiting before 10 am or after 4 pm will make great sense to avoid excessive heat. In winter, the beach can be visited at any time, as the sand temperature is ideal and will not cause any issues. On the other hand, visiting during the monsoon season is not recommended to anyone, as the water level of the river may rise suddenly.
Things to Know
Getting to the Goa beach from the main road is itself an adventure, as the path is narrow and not connected properly. Proper navigation is required, as only one person at a time can pass the route. Wearing comfortable footwear is important, as the short trail involves descent. Leaving the beach before dusk will be an ideal choice, since it is located near a jungle area. After enjoying the site, do not forget to enjoy Maggi and roasted corn, as these items will surely make your day.
It usually takes around 1 to 2 hours to explore the beach completely. After this, you can also attend the evening Ganga Aarti at the Parmarth Niketan Ghat to end your day on a spiritual note.
Accommodation
The site doesn't offer any accommodation facilities. If you wish to stay overnight, you can visit the Parmarth area, where you will get several homestays, hotels and other lodging options.
Food Guide
Apart from a couple of tea and Maggi stalls, the site doesn't offer much for the visitors. At these stalls, you can enjoy tea, corn, and Maggi. For more choices, head towards the Parmarth Niketan Road.
Important Tips for Visitors
- The beach is located nearly 400 metres away from the main road, which you have to descend carefully.
- Dedicated parking is not available, so park your vehicle carefully along the road.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the stretch leading to the beach is uneven and not well-paved.
- Avoid wearing mesh shoes, as sand can easily seep into them.
- Bathing near the beach is not allowed, so avoid entering the river.
- Stay alert, as the water level can rise suddenly, especially during the monsoon season.
Major Nearby Attractions
After exploring the Goa Beach in Rishikesh, you can also visit other nearby popular places, such as:
How to Reach
By Road: From the Rishikesh bus stand, the Goa Beach is approximately 6 km away via Janki Setu and 11 km via the Garud Chatti Bridge. The Janki Setu route is mainly suitable for two-wheelers, as four-wheelers are not allowed on the bridge. The site is easily accessible using taxi and two-wheeler rental services that are available across the city.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Yog Nagri Rishikesh Railway Station, approximately 14 km from the site. You can hire a taxi from the station to reach the site.
By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, approximately 29 km away. Hiring a taxi to reach the location will be a convenient choice.
Best Time to Visit
September to May are the ideal months for visiting Goa Beach.
Height from Sea Level
Goa Beach in Rishikesh is situated at an elevation of 340 metres (1,220 feet) above sea level.