Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Shiva, top Hindu deity, ve is both creative and destructive, has one of his countless dwellings in Nil Kant.

You can get to the inescapable temple from Rishikesh in jeep-taxi, but there's nothing better than going on foot, by a different path. The path leaves from Lakshman Jhula, but there's no sign, so once you are at the bridge, ask for directions.

Except at the beginning, you can't miss the track. Gradually it leaves behind the town and goes into a lush forest. It goes up until you see Rishikesh and the Ganges. The road is really beautiful. Solitary, large trees inhabited by white-faced monkeys. Only here and there appear very humble places where you can have tea or buy a bottle of water.