Treks by
February to April and July to September are considered the best times due to pleasant weather and spiritual significance. These periods also coincide with major festivals like Maha Shivratri and the Shravan month.
By Road: The temple is approximately 32 km from Rishikesh. Regular taxis and jeeps operate on the scenic Neelkanth Road, passing through dense forests and hills. By Trek: Pilgrims often opt for a 12–14 km forest trek starting from Ram Jhula, offering a serene spiritual journey. Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (32 km) Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 49 km)
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1330 meters
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, located approximately 32 kilometers from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, India, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perched at an altitude of about 1,330 meters above sea level, the temple is enveloped by dense forests and nestled amidst the Nar-Narayan mountain ranges, offering a serene and spiritual ambiance .
According to Hindu mythology, this sacred site marks the location where Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison (Halahala) that emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) by the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) in their quest for the nectar of immortality. To protect the universe from the poison's destructive power, Lord Shiva held it in his throat, which turned blue, earning him the epithet "Neelkanth," meaning "the blue-throated one" .
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be the exact site where Lord Shiva consumed the deadly Halahala poison that emerged during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) by gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras). To save the universe, Shiva held the poison in his throat, which turned blue—hence the name Neelkanth (नीलकंठ) meaning “blue-throated.” The temple stands as a tribute to this self-sacrificing act, and the site has been a sacred pilgrimage destination for centuries.